Sokaing back, freezing face

Kieran_Burns

On the colder nights I find I have a cold face, so I use my buff to cover my neck and lower face (wrap arounds sort the eyes). the problem is that at the same time I'm wringing wet in my nightvision and all I wear underneath is a base layer.

Am I missing something here?

I also wear baggies, tights and shorts : so am I over-doing the layers a bit?

I need to use my overshoes all the time at the moment (poor circulation in my extremities when cold).

I know we've had the threads about WHAT to wear but I've not seen anything about HOW to use them (if that makes sense....)

Any advice on this commuting topic in the commuting forum welcomed

artaxerxes

Have you tried leaving the side pockets open on your jacket to increase air flow to your back?

Kieran_Burns

Doing that now, and it seems to make just my chest colder :roll:

I think the nightvision might be a bit heavyweight for anything but the coldest night.....

biondino

So are you saying on cold rides you're finding you get too hot/sweat too much?

The lower half seems a bit excessive - even in freezing temperatures one pair of fleece-lined big tights does me fine (feels a bit chilly for the first minute or so, then toasty). If you don't have fleecy trousers of whatever type then I guess you might still be a bit cold as lycra doesn't keep much heat in.

Everyone seems to agree that they sweat a lot in the Nightvision. What might be better on cold rides is a couple of base layers and a lighter, more breathable, water resistant (but not waterproof) top jacket. Unless it's pouring you probably won't get a soaked torso, and you should end up with less retained sweat too.

What seems to work for me:
0-5 degrees: fleecy bib tights, short sleeve base layer, long sleeve base layer, windproof light jacket, overshoes, winter gloves
5-8 degrees: as above minus overshoes and short sleeve base layer
9-12 degrees: as above with short rather than long sleeve base layer and lighter gloves; lycra shorts rather than bib tights at warmer end
13 degrees plus: lycra shorts, short or long sleeve base layer/tee shirt/jersey, fingerless mitts.

simple_salmon

Are there two types of Nightvision?

I have the yellow jacket with a windproof front and fleecy back. With a pair of bib shorts on and just the jacket I find I can get fairly comfortable for a couple of hours ride down to about 4 degrees. I just use the front zip to cool down if needed but beyond that it's been a great purchase IMHO.

wgwarburton

Hi,
Experiment. There are lots of variables (circulation, speed, hills, latitude), so the value of specific advice is limited.

Sounds like your jacket is way too warm- is it lined?

My commute is a sprint (it's under 5 miles and I'm usually late for the train), so I tend to get pretty hot. Even when going steadily, though, I almost never wear anything "warm".

I find that all I need to do until the temperature gets well below freezing is to keep the wind off. I usually commute in a T-shirt and a lightweight shell- zipped up according to the temperature. I have a pair of lightweight trekking/travelling trousers that are windproof and they work well for my legs. Leather gloves, beard and sometimes a hat cover the rest.
Try keeping the gloves, overshoes & buff but losing the layers from your core. If your circulation really is poor then maybe your body isn't dumping the heat that you're building up very well, so your core is overheating! Don't know if that makes sense physiologically, though... not my field!

Cheers,
W.

downfader

I have ridden in winter in a hellyhanson mid-thermal layer, winter jersey on top, dayglo bib and either trackies or the waterproof trousers. When it got REALLY cold I would add my nightvision and some walking "tights" lol.

You do need to play around and find what suits you though imo. And tbh I'm still playing after all these years.

Kieran_Burns

Thanks folks - it looks like I might be over-doing the layers a bit then.

A pair of fleece tights would be a good move and I'll checks the vents. See how that goes.

I think it IS going to be a matter of trying different ideas until i find one that works for me