base layer for winter

jaybo1973

Hi all

I don't get to ride much anymore or visit forums, my toddlers are to blame . I do have to commute 3 days a week now though so will be facing the winter early in the morning. Its only a 3 mile ride so nothing major.

I usually just add extra layers to my summer gear. I have endura 3/4 trousers and I add leg warmers in winter.

Thinking of doing the same on top, arm warmers and short sleeve base layer to go under my regular cycling jersey. There are endless to chooses from, can anyone recommend one? I was told about craft pro warm, these are long sleeve though. Think id be better as said with short sleeve and arm warmers.

Thanks

singlespeedexplosif

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Endura-Merino-Jersey-Layer-Black/dp/B00456BXV0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1288297065&sr=8-5

jaybo1973

I had seen the long sleeve version of this. I keep hearing good things about merino

jaybo1973

Hang on. Is merino wool? It makes me itch really bad

dr.teeth

singlespeedexplosif wrote:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Endura-Merino-Jersey-Layer-Black/dp/B00456BXV0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1288297065&sr=8-5

That seems like a good deal for a merino wool base layer. I recently got a DHB long sleeve one from Wiggle along with a long sleeve jersey- works brilliantly. Keeps the sweat off my skin, keeps me warm.

singlespeedexplosif

merino is non-itchy!

jaybo1973

singlespeedexplosif wrote:

merino is non-itchy!

Really? I dont know if wool just makes me itch or if I am allergic to it.

singlespeedexplosif

yup I've got tonnes of the stuff including 3 of those tops. Very soft, very warm.

jaybo1973

I think ill give it a go then

is this the same one? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=26757

I have a voucher for CRC

tomilinski1

I can recommend the howies merino ones - good as a base layer for cycling and also can be worn as normal clothing!

nferrar

Merino isn't non-itchy, it's just much less so than normal wool. Personally though I still find it a bit itchy (mostly just putting it on but also occasionally whilst out on the bike (I've tried various manufacturers as well so it's not down to quality). That said if you don't find merino itchy then it's very good as a winter baselayer, it doesn't wick a well as man-made stuff but stays warm even when damp.

For this winter I've swapped to Craft baselayers, mostly long sleeve thermal versions. I do have a short sleeve one with a windproof front panel that might work for the OP. Personally I think winter mornings are too cold to just make do with summer kit + arm/leg warmers and a baselayer but each to their own and I guess it's only 3 miles. If it were me I'd get a something like a Gore Phantom windproof softshell jacket and stick with just an s/s top underneath (or a baselayer on it's own).

I'd also get some decent winter gloves and overshoes if you haven't already...

torgey33

try underarmour cold gear, i`ve run it in near zero deg c with only a medium weight jersey over the top and it is perfect. long or short sleeve, round neck or mock neck.
i`ve got long sleeve mock keeps neck nice and warm....

jaybo1973

Thanks guys

Think I need a rethink now. I still when I get the chance, get out on the trails. Did 40 miles last Sunday. If it was freezing cold.....

I am also off walking in north yorkshire in December, sleeping in a bunk house. The base layer will be used then too

holiver

Uniqlo are doing some base layer type things at the moment. Obviously not cycling specific, but are good value. Worth checking out if you've one near you.

ollie_lucas1985

I got this puppy and its really warm!!

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Craft ... 360039499/

I sweat like a pig.. and I really do, this dries really quickley and dosnt hold the sweat which is ace!!

jaybo1973

Anyone tried baa baa arm warmers? Hard to get hold of

paul.skibum

Try Kapsta tops from Decathlon - dirt cheap and good down to 0 degrees in theory - I wore mine for the first time the other day with a t shirt over it and it was too hot walking around Riga where it was about 2 degrees, certainly wouldn't have wanted to be riding too far in it.

hoochylala

jaybo1973 wrote:

Anyone tried baa baa arm warmers? Hard to get hold of

why not just go for a long sleave base layer for winter? DHB from wiggle do some good one, been using mine since last Xmas and has been great - I will find a link

hoochylala

In typical fashion it would appear they have discontinued the base layer I have but this appears to be the replacement model;

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_C ... 360050985/

looks really good value to me - alternatively, I have one of these HH base layers too that are good - don't have the zip neck feature that I like though;

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Helly ... 360041390/

slowslowslow

+1 for Helly Hanson. They are simple but have always found they do a good job. Had a number over the years.

Berghaus and Spreyway also do a very good job, been through many of them....

Briggo

ollie_lucas1985 wrote:

I got this puppy and its really warm!!

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Craft ... 360039499/

I sweat like a pig.. and I really do, this dries really quickley and dosnt hold the sweat which is ace!!

I got one of these but in the L/S version and have to agree they are bloody awesome and so snug and warm, yet still allows your skin to breathe nicely.