Winter bibs

spannerdude
spannerdude Posts: 56
edited February 2018 in Road general
Hi

I have always struggled to get winter layers correct, always worried about being cold.
And I would end up with a cold back, so Sunday I went out in my endura winter bibs, normal short sleeve top and alpha jacket, it was about 3-5 degrees throughout the ride, arms , chest were perfect, did not need to unzip and zip up the jacket, but my back still got a bit cold at time but not too uncomfortable. I think it is the back part of my bibs, does anyone else suffer with this, or could someone recommend a pair of winter bibs, that are not so clammy?

Cheers

Comments

  • trivial_poursuivant
    trivial_poursuivant Posts: 1,136
    Do you wear a decent base layer? I generally wear an under armour shirt or a merino wool north face depending on how cold it is. If it’s just your back and the rest of you is reasonably comfortable it could be just this you need to consider
  • lakesluddite
    lakesluddite Posts: 1,337
    Yes, a merino BL may get sweaty, but will generally hold the heat better than a poly BL. I very rarely have the bibs next to my skin, as I tend to wear a BL even in summer, unless it's blisteringly hot (and I live in Cumbria, so that'll be one day per year if that!).
    If the bibs on the tights are too thick, then what about thermal bib-shorts with leg warmers? You might be able to get a pair of thermal bib shorts with not so much material around the back. Personally I haven't worn bib-tights in winter for years, always go for the thermal shorts/warmers option. Some say that you don't get the warmth with this option, but essentially you are wearing the same thing, just in two parts - plus you have a double layer on the thighs/hamstrings.
  • davebradswmb
    davebradswmb Posts: 548
    I think that quality poly BLs are just as good at holding the heat as merino, and they wick sweat better so they get less clammy. I wear merino for the commute because it is only half and hour and I don't get too sweaty, and merino doesn't get smelly like polyester which is an advantage for work where there isn't a shower. For longer rides I will always use a poly base layer.
  • spannerdude
    spannerdude Posts: 56
    Hi I have tried a few different base layers.
    I have a Madison merino, tried a DHB and a poly Specialized,

    Normally I wear the base layer next to my skin. It just were the bibs are it gets too warm, then the cold back , hence trying the bibs with a normal short sleeved top, it was the best so far,

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