Clothing based on temperature

CleeRider

I wear different kit (base layers, shorts, leg warmers etc) based on the forecast temperature, e.g. Short sleeve jersey worn at 15 degrees or more. I recorded these figures as Summer went to Autumn and then to Winter last year when I started cycling.

However I'm now wondering if I should be looking at the 'feels like' temperature which includes wind chill etc.
E.g. Today is 19, feels like 13 so do I wear the short sleeve jersey for the first time this year?

This is my first Spring season in cycling so still learning.

dodgy

Think about what wind chill is, it's essentially the cooling of an item so that it reaches ambient temperature quicker. The main factor in wind chill is the strength of the wind. When you're cycling, you're effectively creating your own wind hill.

My advice is to go out with the most versatile clothing you have until you gain experience. For instance, arm warmers (can be stowed if you get too warm), gilets (again, easily stowable).

sungod

^^^this

a superlight windproof gilet is one of the most versatile bits of clothing to get

ditto for a mesh baselayer, keeps you warm, wicks well, air gaps avoid contact chilling

now that we're finally into the low teens, it's summer shorts+jersey together with arm and leg or knee warmers, with a gilet and baselayer

the gilet and warmers are easy to add/remove while out according to how you're feeling

goonz

+1 for everythig above. Went out yesterday with this set up minus the gilet and was fine. Although the jersey was sportwool and not poly. May have helped moderate temps better.

canny_lad

Went out this morning in SS jersey, arm warmers, rain jacket, short bibs & overshoes. Was fine but a mesh SS baselayer is next on my list to wick the sweat away. That was the strongest wind I've cycled in yet, got lairy a few times.

davep1

It's difficult because when you start you naturally feel colder but after 10 mins, you've warmed up and usually you want to peel layers off. I'm still stuck between wearing shorts and leggings or just shorts. Tops with zips are brill because you can undo them to your chest and get instant cooling. I also still can't settle between full finger gloves or mitts just now.

My feet are still damn cold though! Two layers of thermal socks are not enough.

Tom_UK

I couldnt believe the amount of people with jackets and tights on today.. it was almost 20 deg!! I had full summer kit on and was getting pretty warm

Gazspurs

I went for a SS jersey & my skins base layer today. Although you pay a lot for them the skins defiantly do what they say!

Felt perfect to ride in as didn't overheat but kept the wind out, if you do get hot they are great to take off & put in your back pocket! Also wore the shorts today for the 1st time & legs felt fine!

Had a nice post-ride shower & have panda eyes from the sunglasses! So the tan has begun already! 8)

Bordersroadie

DaveP1 wrote:

I also still can't settle between full finger gloves or mitts just now.

In weather like today (10 degrees, very windy, light rain) I wear fingerless mitts with thin fleece (long finger) gloves over the top. If it warms up, the fleece gloves come off and pack very small. If it rains, they dry out very quickly. They're good enough at windblocking to keep off the chill. Also they don't get sweaty like my various winter-dedicated gloves. And they grip the bartape well and they're dead cheap.

drlodge

sungod wrote:

^^^this

a superlight windproof gilet is one of the most versatile bits of clothing to get

ditto for a mesh baselayer, keeps you warm, wicks well, air gaps avoid contact chilling

now that we're finally into the low teens, it's summer shorts+jersey together with arm and leg or knee warmers, with a gilet and baselayer

the gilet and warmers are easy to add/remove while out according to how you're feeling

+1 on the mesh base layer. I had l/s jersey and thickish l/s base layer on yesterday - plus a mesh vest since it helps the wicking. I nearly always wear this mesh vest whether the weather be hot, or wheather the weather be not.