Jerseys... youd think itd be simple

[shouldbworking]

I need some sort of additional warmth provider, with the weather getting colder one of them virtually transparent t-shirts (im male before you get excited), and shorts is getting a bit chilly. I looked at the options in the local bike shop, which are nice, but all ~£45 and quite err nasty to look at.

With the magic of the interweb it seems that you can get well reviewed jerseys for less than £20, but im wondering if this is something actually quite different just listed under the jersey category. The ones I saw in the shop seem to be what I want in terms of being a light, maybe 3 or so mm thick but warm and comfortable material, but if i get if I can get the same sort of thing at half the price id rather get that.

Ideally id like something which could be used for other outdoory things too like keeping warm when out climbing / camping rather than a super cycling focused thing.

I'll go back to the bike shop tomorrow and get the name of the jerseys they have there and see if i can find them online for comparison. The cheap ones I saw online were http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

[snotrag]

For winter riding, your best bet is a good base layer (such as a snug fitting Howies Merino)

Covered by a decent jacket, breathable, pit zips, drop tail and long arms.

[pdV6]

shouldbworking said:

Ideally id like something which could be used for other outdoory things too like keeping warm when out climbing / camping rather than a super cycling focused thing.

Any technical base layer will see you fine. The cycling-specific ones might have a slightly better cut for bike use, but the idea's the same.

Personally I use a sleeveless fleece over a long-sleeved top until the rain kicks in and then go for a waterproof jacket over a top.
When winter really bites, I'll add an old Helley base layer.

[Rico]

Also recommend a decent base layer. I've got a bunch of Helly long sleeve tops which are ace. Like THIS ONE

Then either a sleeveless jacket if its dry or a lightweight waterproof over the top if its wet.

I personally think there are a lot of ripoff jackets out there for stupid money. Much easier going with a tried and tested base layer + cheaper jacket.

[shouldbworking]

So jersey on cycling websites is actually 'light jacket' in the real world?

hows about this?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

[Rico]

shouldbworking said:

So jersey on cycling websites is actually 'light jacket' in the real world?

Depends. Jersey can mean just a top, so not waterproof, just a t-shirt type material but made for riding.

Generally, if they're waterproof/windproof etc they're referred to as a jacket.

shouldbworking said:

hows about this?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

Looks like a good base layer to me??

Ring Chain Reaction - they're pretty good on the phones

[Parrot of Doom]

snotrag said:

For winter riding, your best bet is a good base layer (such as a snug fitting Howies Merino)

Covered by a decent jacket, breathable, pit zips, drop tail and long arms.

^this^ * a million.

When at college and using my road bike, during winter, I'd dress in the following:

Bib leggings (the thick ones not thin lycra)
socks
thermal vest
Overjacket with long sleeves (important that it isn't zip all the way up the front)
Full gloves
Shoe covers
Big elastic scarf to go around your forehead

Also if you're going to be riding in the wet, make sure you buy clothing thats waterproof - wet feet in winter is not nice.

[andydavis]

Icebreaker http://www.icebreaker.com/site/home.html?id=ifIBre...

I used to work in a ski shop and we sold this alongside other synthetic fabrics.

I would never wear synthetics again

It is honestly the best bit of technical clothing I have ever used - really warm and even though its wool you can wear it against the skin with out it being itchy. Its thin and lightweight whilst still being warm and it doesn't get cold when wet. It is naturally anti bacterial as well so it doesn't smell!

Sounds like a sales pitch i know but I don't work for them! Its just that it is so good for the sports I do that i am happy to reccomend it to others!

[mk1fan]

shouldbworking said:

Ideally id like something which could be used for other outdoory things too like keeping warm when out climbing / camping rather than a super cycling focused thing.

The advantages of cycling specific clothing is that it is cut to fit you correctly when you're riding. If you don't buy a cycling specific jacket check the one you do get still covers your lower back and doesn't gather too much round waist at the front when you're on the bike.

Although, it's always easier to use the right tool in the first place.

As for 'cheap' cycling gear try Gill, Altura, DHP or Endura. The material quality reflects the price and it won't last long but it is cheaper.

[pdV6]

If you have an Aldi near you, they do cheap as chips cycling gear that's reasonable quality.

[190Evoluzione]

Nike Pro Vent base layer + Windstopper fleece = comfy. Pay about £40 per layer, happy days.
Or if you're feeling flash, go to the Rapha website...

[Barreti]

I was out in the dark last night so it was cold. I was wearing a Nike ACG dri-fit long sleeved top, a gillet with mesh layer and an adidas windproof top and carrying a rucksack. By the time I got home I was wringing wet and although I was hot from the effort I was freezing. Its a strange feeling being red hot yet freezing to the touch.
Would a merino base layer improve this or is it a consequence of wearing an older rucksack which doesn't have an air system

thanks chaps
Ian

[pdV6]

It's not that cold yet (at least in the South West), so I reckon you probably had at least 1 layer too many on.
And yes, a close-fitting rucksack with no ventilation will give you a wet back.

[Barreti]

Thanks PDV6
I've now swapped the gilet and rainproof jacket for a single bike jacket from Decathlon.
This

I wore it out last night and was much more comfortable. Although I was sweaty I didn't realise until I took my jacket off.

Now I'm after shoes

[Barreti]

Are these OK for winter too ?

MTB Five Ten Impact Low
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Reviews.aspx?Mo...

Ta

Edited by Barreti on Thursday 15th November 23:20

[SCOOTERMAN]

Barreti said:

Are these OK for winter too ?

MTB Five Ten Impact Low
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Reviews.aspx?Mo...

Ta

Edited by Barreti on Thursday 15th November 23:20

They're not waterproof at all: a few splashes through muddy puddles t' other day and my feet were wet. However, I'd imagine a pair of SealSkinz (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=4702 f' instance) would sort that, even if nigh-on £20 for a pair of socks does knock the wind out of you!
Aside from that, they're ace shoes. Couple them with a pair of grippy pedals and your feet simply don't budge.

[shouldbworking]

Whilst this thread is alive again.. What I bought to try out was this

http://www.bicycle-line.com/uk/detail.asp?cat=1&am...

I suspect I look every bit as much of a tt in it as the model does

Its.... well. it fits nicely. but its a bit rubbish other than that - no windproofing is just no good at all. Im sure itll make a nice item during march or so but right now, its barely adequate for evening riding with that and a base layer tee.

[mk1fan]

It does say on the page that it's for use between 10 and 23 degrees C.

[dhutch]

pdV6 said:

It's not that cold yet (at least in the South West), so I reckon you probably had at least 1 layer too many on.
And yes, a close-fitting rucksack with no ventilation will give you a wet back.

I was thinking that.
- Ive never riden in the cold till this winter and am just geting into thie clothing lark.
- I always used to just ware a bog standard shortsleaved tee, with bogstd over knee shorts.

However about a month ago i started going riding for an hour or so after work each friday, we finsh at one, and bike from about 2till3.30 ish before it goes dark. Just for a quick run out with people from work. (i then often go for 3-4hours on a sat or sun ontop of that).

Bought a £7.50 Exertec longsleaved wickable tee, which was absolutly spot on. Cheap, warmer than a normal shortsleaved tee, and not clingy or sweaty.

Its still fine for during the day (sat/sun) but last friday it was 2degrees (according to the car) and i was bloody cold.
- Has a quick shufty round the bike shop as i was first there, but bought nothing, and ended up wearing my peterstorm ruddy flease that i had in the car to protect the seat.
- I really stuggled, first climb i had the sweatest back ive ever had (camelbak not helping) and by the time where half way round i was feeling very rough, sweating, shaking, and couldnt feel my fingers and felt like vomiting. Nice.

I like the highwick tee thing, but clearly need another (lightish) layer over the top?
- I also dont really want to look like im wearing 'gay-boy' cycaling clothes, and dont want tight fitting?
- Also i was looking at something warmer on the legs that shortish loose shorts. The woman in the bikeshop said i should try wearing some cycaling shorts (closefitting) underneather, and maybe some 3/4 length shorts. Or cycaling shorts with (closefitting?) liners. Such as the endra stuff they stock.
- However. All is £50 a punt, £25 just for the blood cycaling shorts (boxers) which inst a cheap way to make a mistake. And im a student. And im trying to save for a seven!!!


Daniel

[pdV6]

"Proper" cycling shorts are essential I'd say. As the shop says, either a standalone pair under normal shorts or (better) an integrated pair of shorts with padded lycra liners (even better if the liners are removable).

A half decent set of Endura shorts will probably set you back around the £50 mark but they'll improve the comfort of your ride no end.

Personally, my legs don't seem to feel the cold all that much, so I tend to ride in shorts for most of the year. I do have a set of lycra tights to go under my shorts when it gets down to freezing point. I sometimes wear them if it's seriously muddy as it makes it easier to peel the worst of the crud off on entering the house rather than dropping it all over the carpets.