[Closed] Sweaty cyclist roll call...

The latter, that's me. I do find that it's best to try and find a decent middle ground where I'm sweating and drying in equal amounts.
I tend to wear multiple thin layers in winter but accept the outer one will get wet with water which is fine because that'll cool me down better.

I've just bought a lidl winter jacket. It's tight fitting, lets enough air in to keep mne cool but is warm enough to stop me shivering on these early morning commutes. Brilliant!

eVent fabric.

Every other fabric has a plastic membrane that absorbs water vapour on the inside and transmits it to the outside. This works better when it's very cold and dry outside, and very poorly when it's warm and humid outside (ie in the UK).

eVent fabric actually has lots of tiny holes which means it continues to work in any conditions.

Montane or Endura are the people you want to ask. But not all their jackets are made form eVent.

But yes to close fitting layers, and also yes to pit zips on your jacket.

This probably sounds a silly suggestion but how about a softshell? Not 100% waterproof as seams don't tend to be taped but at least you may avoid the 'boil in the bag' effect.

Cheers.

Problem is, my pits don't really sweat. My back, chest, shoulders, even arms, all have sweating down to a fine art. I'll do some eVent research then.

C_G not a silly suggestion.. own a Canondale soft shell which had good reviews. Okay for Scotland in the middle of winter but just too warm at any other time, any other place.

Any suggestions on a lighter weight softshell that has some waterproof properties?

I really try to avoid wearing a waterproof unless it's really heavy. To be fair, my Gore softshell has withstood torrential downpours and I prefer wearing that to my Gore Paclite.

Are you not able to ditch a backpack or use a smaller one?

Edit: I have just bought another Gore softshell (I had the first-generation one from around 7 years ago). Think it's called Lady Fusion. Very different, much lighter weight with less dense fleece lining. Only just got it so not tested yet.

Are you not able to ditch a backpack or use a smaller one?

Another good suggestion.... if I didn't need a massive pack to put the jacket in that I've taken off 5 mins into a ride 😀

Pit zips aren't to ventilate your pits. You open the front zip a bit and then the pit zips, it allows air to flow down your front, around your torso and out of the zips - very effective indeed, and you can fine tune it with the front zip.

Soft shells would kill me. As well as being water resistant and all they tend to be ferociously warm, which would probably not be good for a person who generates a lot of heat 🙂

Ahh.. I knew you'd have thought about it molgrips 😉
... and you find eVent works?

Embrace the sweatiness, TSY!

I too am a sweater, and I've found nothing that helps, so you just gotta go with it. The fact that I'm soaking wet after 10 minutes in every ride just means that I don't mind those sudden downpours as much as everyone else!

Mate, i reckon i could out do you on the sweat front! I usually just throw a couple of thin layers on in winter unless it's really bad.

Ignore the Cosmo and Tool as they are extremely bulky. Also ignore the Men's Fusion as it has a much higher price and more features than the Ladies version.

http://www.tgstore.net/mens-cycling-jackets-c-256_264_267_269.html?currency=GBP

fadda I do embrace, fancy a sweaty cuddle?

Problem is when you have to stop, and nobody fancies a spot of spooning to keep warm whilst punctures get fixed, I literally start to freeze.

OK, another suggestion. Gosh, I'm full of them tonight ... in the Bike Forum as well. 🙂

Sorry but it's Gore again! Their Windstopper gilet with a meshed back has some waterproof properties. Pack a Gore Paclite (as name implies, minimal) in your backpack for mechanicals.

Next!

C_G you are on form! Just a quick question though... do you work for Gore? 😆

Gore windstopper is uber warm, plus a gilet's not gonna do much to keep the rain off.

Paclite is just thin Goretex, and as such is not what you want because of its lack of breathability in typical UK conditions.

TSY - recently posted in the Bike Forum (girlie bike question) and said I have had 9 frames ... 😳

I am a 'riding' (mincing) advert for Gore! Wear their gloves, arm and leg warmers too. Technically good, decent quality and lasts for evermore.

No complaints. 8)

I've got an eVent walking jacket that has yet to have a proper outing. I only use a waterproof when it's really wanging it down cold water and I've got to go on a long road ride. If it's just showery then I pack windproof.

What kind of base layer are you wearing?

molgrips - can I disagree with you? My Windstopper gilet does repel light rain and my body stays warm. Or do you mean Welsh rain? 😉

I pretty much ride in a short sleeved T shirt throughout the winter too but I find I sweat far far more if I wear a helmet or gloves, so often don't wear either. there's a noticable difference in heat/sweat if I'm on my roadbike too (no camelback)

C_G - you bike hoard!

molgrips I've been toying with the idea of a gillet for a while. One that can deal with a bit of a shower but wicks sweat should leave me drier than just wearing a base layer in a downpour...

I switch between ss helly hansen or ls merino wool (tend to roll the sleeves up pretty sharpish tbh)

Yeah I'm not talking about gentle rain, who cares about that? 🙂

I'm talking about 4 hours in cold lashing rain on the road.

So how does your eVent jacket perform in rain like that? MTB jacket that can keep me dry from the elements in those sort of conditions, and keep me dry from myself at the same time would be wort its weight in gold.

Merino doesn't wick all that well and it's also really warm, which isn't what you want. There are many base layers out there, you need to find the right one. Some of my faves for mtbing are North Face ones which are almost like silk but a little stretchier and synthetic. Very light and very un-warm too. Dunno if they make them any more, I got them as samples from a factory shop.

I'd say a gilet is better as a windproof shell to keep the wind off your torso - I've got a pertex one which works really well like this. Won't keep you dry tho in big rain, obviously.

TSY - I'm down to four and a half now!!

Like I say I've not taken the eVent jacket out yet in heavy exercise conditions.

The riding jacket I use in those conditions is an older Goretex XCR one. My clothes underneath end up quite damp but still warm and much more comfortable than being lashed with cold water from the sky. I'm getting rid of it, going to get myself an eVent riding jacket this year.

I'm just taking a look at them too. The endura one I've found says it has 'relaxed British styling' sounds too baggy to be effective.... I'll keep searching.

Think a gillet could make a lot of sense for much of the winter though.

Endura have road and MTB jackets. The road ones are better cut.

The jacket you are searching for by the way is the Montane Stormrider 🙂

Btw your shell doens't need to be close fitting for moisture transport purposes. Although of course it helps for comfort when road riding not to be baggy.

As the current world sweating champion, I wear as little as possible
( Icebreaker merino t-shirt and a short sleeved jersey even in sub-zero temperatures). I carry a gilet in the backpach for when I stop. On road rides, I don't stop. When it pisses down, I either dont go out, or wear my 10 year old Gill jacket. It's as good as any of the hundreds of other so-called breathable garments I've tried.
The best thing I have ever bought is the seat-sucker headband thingy from XC racer. No more sweat on the old Oakleys. Brilliant.
I have actually had riders alongside and behind me (in road races) ask if it's raining. I shit you not. Imagine Lee Evans on a bike.

Ah, sweat on the Oakleys. I have that problem. Small droplets from my eyebrows sprinkle onto the lens and are to small to run down, even with hydrophobic lenses.

Don't know how close I want to get to that action, chris. But I think it could be time for 'sweat off'.

I'll not give up my title easily, sounds like there could be a few contenders... coming last might not be such a bad thing.

Sounds like C_G has got the female title sewn up!

There have been many pretenders to the crown, but no one has yet come close to taking the title.
The biggest mistake I ever made was about 15 years ago, when I bought a Buffalo cycle shirt. The one with the fleece lining and all the venting zips. On a ride around the high peak area, it turned out to be warmer than we thought it would be, and my mates were treated to the unseemly sight of a constant stream of sweat running out of the flap at the back of my new jacket. When I took the hideous thing off after a 6 hour day, it must have weighed 10lb. Not used it since.

I did the Ruthin CRC event and foolishly started with my waterproof jacket on. I didnt want to stop to take it off and sweated for several hours non stop.
I didnt weigh myself but I suspect I lost several lb's

Ladies and Gentleman we have a new challenger....

Surfer - what jacket not to buy then? 🙂

I run quite hot and sweaty and riding with no camelbak makes a big difference, but its just not practical without one for me.

Base layer, jersey and a gilet usually does the job for me, as soon as I put on a long sleeved windproof/waterproof.....instant boil in the bag.

prone to a bit of 'glow' myself. Can't seem to get it right, always too hot. When it's raining I'm wet from the inside out and the outside in. Probably need to work on my fitness 🙂
<taking careful notes from C_G's suggestions, thanks>

Is it OK to ask a bimbo question? Why wear merino when you run hot?

Certainly a Helly base layer should be fine, depending on which particular one. I personally find that the outdoor brands are better for wicking compared to cycling-specific ones.

But, of course, I glow. 😀

Divagirl - It's got nothing to do with fitness, I'd say I'm pretty damn fit, sweating hasn't changed (might've got worse if anything?!).

Some people are just hot! We're the lucky ones.

C_G I bought it for a xmas biking trip to Scotland, I appreciated it when it was -4 deg.

I was up at the 7Stanes a week or so ago and with the sleeves rolled up it seemed ok, seemed to do a good job of wicking aswell. mind you it is bloody tight so sweat hasn't really got anywhere to go but out.

Yes, I can imagine it was great for Scotland but in the South? My Icebreaker is brilliant but does get damp at zero degrees, beneath my softshell.

Check out Lowe Alpine, North Face, Berghaus etc. I find having a zipped high neck really useful and much prefer the outdoor brands for wicking.

C_G - I'm sure I've read you complaining about the uselessness (is that a word?) of many of the bike specific jerseys in the past. I used to wear sombrio etc, but as soon as you go from casual pootle to pushing yourself you might as well just be in a cotton T.

Think I'm coming to the conclusion that for serious riding you need serious clothing.

<goes and looks at getting lycra shorts instead of baggies 😯 >

The trouble with excessive sweating, & I'm also a major sufferer is (lowers voice to a hush) body odour (there I said it) & I personally find that the man made base layers take on a stench in no time at all whereas merino resists it for a much greater period. Also there are different 'weights' of merino garments and I find a thin one as good if not better than man made for temperature. I'll also add my vote for a Gore gilet with the mesh back having recently purchased one, the only trouble being it creeping up my back under a camelbak.

Lol.. Buffalos.. 🙂

My mum bought me one when I was 17 and I went on my first week long tour in North Wales in October. She was (as always) paranoid about me being cold. The thing was so bloody warm I had to unzip the sides all the way, unclip the crotch strap and clip it over my shoulder leaving my midriff bare in the 12 degree Welsh drizzle. I was still terribly uncomfortable.

I reserved use of that thing to the very coldest weather. I think the last time I used it was in 1994 or 95, one sub-zero but brilliant winters day. Temperature was -2 or so, but I thought I'd be too hot in my Buffalo so I wore shorts to compensate. My leg hairs were thick with fine hoar frost by the time I finished 🙂 That was the ride where IanB's eye started to freeze over.

Re odour, I don't find I smell a lot - perhaps not as much as other men judging by the amount of bloody deodorant they use in the showers at work *cough* *gag*

Sometimes the synthetic base layers smell a bit but I like to use Assos washing liquid to sort that - brilliant stuff.

Yeah, I don't really smell either. My gym kit is starting to suffer spending most of its time drenched in sweat and stuffed in a bag, but that's a different story.

The Southern Yeti - Member
Divagirl - It's got nothing to do with fitness, I'd say I'm pretty damn fit, sweating hasn't changed (might've got worse if anything?!).

Some people are just hot! We're the lucky ones.

Glad you said about the fitness, I run and do military training, can't understand why I'm so hot!! probably need to shift a couple of pounds. I quite like the smell of fresh CLEAN sweat.

About yer gym kit - a spoon of napisan added to usual detergent seems to do the trick, brings my kit back to life.

The fitter you are, the more work you can do. The more work you do, the more heat you generate.. perhaps?

I've been told that sweating is good, because it means your body's good at controlling it's temperature.

Personally I find I perform very well in hot weather, and I love a good baking hot day for a bike ride. Loads of other people complain about hot weather.

What about the other sweaters on here?

I am a sweaty monster and have tried numerous wonder fabrics over the years. My path to wicking but warm lead me to a short sleeved polartec Powerdry Tee shirt, its absolutely the best performer of all my sporty type tops and is my go to base layer for boarding, riding and running.

Hmm I am afflicted by this too, currently I am just wearing a nike cotton vest type thing and my Charge Surface lightweight jacket/windcheater. Pretty much spot on in the current weather, may have to add a cycling top to the mix once it gets colder.

Id be screwed in the Arctic or somewhere where you have to be careful not to work up too much of a sweat.

Divagirl - wouldn't even think that carrying a bit of excess is the cause.

The fitter you are, the more work you can do. The more work you do, the more heat you generate..

There is certainly some truth in that.... Specifically for things like spinning classes where the only thing determining how hard I push yourself is you. I reckon I could fill a cup with sweat after one of those.

Can't say I mind riding in the heat. Keeping hydrated is the main issue!

I could fill a pint glass with sweat I reckon after a hard indoor session.

My road bike has corrosion on the stem from all the sweat dripping on it from turbo sessions.

However more impressively my XC frame has corrosion on the cable mounts on the top tube due to sweat and that's only from racing out in the open air!

Also, I hardly ever have to stop on a ride for a wee - all spare moisture is sweated out 🙂

I have tried nearly all versions of base layer, and the Icebreaker one is no warmer than my HH ones, it just stinks less. I have merinos in all available weights (I ski as well) and the lightest is the one I use for cycling. I do use UnderArmour vests in the summer, but in winter they are very chilly when wet (which they are after 8-10 minutes).
Re. fitness/bodyweight. I find that is irrelevant in my case. I sweat just as much when in racing snake order as I do when carrying bit of timber.
A session on the lash the night before a ride certainly increases the flow.
Although I do drink fair bit when riding ( 1-2 litres on a 3-4 hr ride), I can manage without if I forget a bottle.
Also, I have never suffered from cramp, even in hot weather.
I have ridden up Mt. Tidy in Tenerife in 35 degrees, with the sweat literally squirting out of the vent holes in my shoes, and running down my arms. Ran out of water halfway up, and although I was pretty far from OK, I didn't cramp up.

Oh and whilst we're on the subject of hydration, my best ever semi-useless skill is being able to time drinking exactly right - so I finish my camelback within 5 mins of the end of a ride 🙂

Re merinos, they are often warm but lately they have started making really light weight ones. I have a tshirt in the thinnest ice-breaker weight, which is lovely. Especially as pyjamas 🙂

I have tried nearly all versions of base layer

I bet you haven't! There are hundreds on the market.