Clothing confusion - top half help

essjaydee

Loads of threads on 'what jacket etc etc', but I'm a bit confused still :oops:

I commute wearing some Roubaix bib tights, karrimor T-shirt and long sleeve, and an Altura night vision jacket and overshoes. Commute is a 24 mile round trip and I wear the above now whatever the weather, rain or shine. Works fine for me.

Just got a road bike and looking at joining a club for some longer weekend rides, and this is where I need some advice. I think the bib tights and overshoes will be fine for longer road runs and I have an Altura pocket rocket jacket for when I get caught in the rain, but what to wear underneath :?:

I guess something windproof and long sleeved, and maybe a gillet too :?:

Appreciate some advice and guidance

nferrar

I try and stick with two layers whatever the weather (+ packable jacket if I get caught in a shower). There's no right answer though on what combo to wear.
If it's mild enough to go short-sleeve but still a bit chilly I'll use a craft windproof baselayer + summer jersey (maybe arm warmers to if it's cold to start but should warm up later).
If it's mild but cold enough I know I'm going to want long sleeves most/all of the ride I'll switch to using a non-windproof baselayer + windproof softshell jacket (like a Gore Phantom - you can even take the arms off if it's get unexpectedly hot later). It's very easy jsut to open zips and cool down after hills with this combo.
If it's cold (but not wet) then usually just a thermal non-windproof long sleeve baselayer + windproof softshell. If there's a good chance of heavy rain then I'll take a packable waterproof to but otherwise the windproof jacket should cope.
If it's extremely cold I'll either switch to an Endura Stealth softshell or use a middle layer (summer jersey) with the windproof softshell, the Stealth wins out if it's likely to rain as well (as it's waterproof). It does need to be very cold out though otherwise you'll roast.

essjaydee

Thanks for reply

Am going to get a L/S baselayer and L/S jersey, and along with the thin waterproof I've already got, this should see me ok for now (as it's getting colder now).

Any reccomendations on a good, reasonably priced jersey :?:

essjaydee

Just ordered a Lusso L/S base layer and a DHB core S jersey

Who said cycling was a cheap form of transport :roll:

cougie

Yes DHB and Lusso are both good value. And get on the Planet X mailing list too - they have cracking offers from time to time.

parsons1927

A gillet is always useful to have for the colder days and not raining. For club runs at this time of year I usually go with 3 layers, baselayer (ss/ls depending on the weather), long sleeve jersey and gillet if it's dry, montane featherlite velo if it's raining. Arm warmers/leg warmers come out for the cold weather.
It's a personal thing though but there's nothing worse than being too hot/cold on a long ride.

cougie

And its almost impossible to get it spot on for all of your ride at this time of year.

You really need to feel a bit chilly for the first couple of miles as you build up warmth. If you're hot right from the go, then you'll overheat later on.

I'm almost looking forward to the lower temperatures - the weather seems to be bouncing around too much at the moment. Hard to work out what you need !

essjaydee

Thanks for the replies

Really helpful advice 8)

on-yer-bike

Roughly speaking:
10 -15 degrees arm and knee warmers, sportwool jersey and merino base layer.
8- 10 degrees stowable close fitting wind proof jacket over above and roubaix bib knicks
0 - 8 degrees softshell, windproof jacket with merino long sleeve baselayer and roubaix tights. No jersey.
No massive yellow bin liners

essjaydee

Thanks onyerbike

Great service from both Ribble and Wiggle 8) Ordered Tuesday lunchtime, arrived first thing this morning.

I'm 6ft2" and 16 Stone, and the DHB jersey (size XXL) fits a treat but shows off my belly :oops:

Great quality garment though

APIII

Do you have the softshell version of the night vision jacket? I use it quite a bit, but my preference is a good gilet over s/s jersey, base layer and armwarmers or gilet+l/s jersey+l/s base layer. I often overheat in a jacket, so gilets are a superb invention as far as I'm concerned!

essjaydee

I've got both :!:

I'm not greedy but bought the waterproof one for commuting, but it would be too 'boil in the bag' for longer rides on the road bike. Got the pocket rocket with magazine subscription, so will have to see how I get on with this.

A gillet is definately on my shopping list though

essjaydee

First ride today in my new gear and went really well

+10 today but very windy and I'm right on the coast.
Wore full length bibtights, l/s baselayer and l/s jersey, fingerless gloves. I was just right. Bit cold to start off with and warmed up nicely when I got going, but not too warm.

Shows (to me) that it's worth paying for good specific clothing 8)