Race clothing quandry
Alex99
Posts: 1,436
Hi all,
after getting cold in a race at the weekend, I'm thinking about what my best clothing options are .
It was about 12-13 degrees and rained constantly. Racing just short of two hours. I did the whole race in a normal jersey + ss base layer + arm warmer. Normal shorts. I thought about starting the race wearing more, but thought I'd be to hot. Wet through within 10 minutes. I was OK for the first half of the race, but by the end was borderline shivvering.
I see my main options as:
1) Add translucent gilet (so my numbers are still visible)
2) Get something like a Gabba (wear for the whole race with numbers on that)
Interested to see what people think the best option is and pros/cons.
Cheers
after getting cold in a race at the weekend, I'm thinking about what my best clothing options are .
It was about 12-13 degrees and rained constantly. Racing just short of two hours. I did the whole race in a normal jersey + ss base layer + arm warmer. Normal shorts. I thought about starting the race wearing more, but thought I'd be to hot. Wet through within 10 minutes. I was OK for the first half of the race, but by the end was borderline shivvering.
I see my main options as:
1) Add translucent gilet (so my numbers are still visible)
2) Get something like a Gabba (wear for the whole race with numbers on that)
Interested to see what people think the best option is and pros/cons.
Cheers
0
Posts
One problem is that 12 degrees doesn't always feel the same. If the sun is out and not much wind then 12 degrees can be quite warm, but if it's drizzling or raining and there's a northern wind, then 12 degrees can be pretty cold.
I suspect that both options would make a big difference in repeat conditions - but how often do you race in those conditions? Maybe you want to try to think which one would give you more flexibility for different conditions.
How often in those conditions? Not too often tbh. Gilet is going to be the most flexible option. But the disadvantages that I can think of are: 1) they tend to be flappy in the wind, 2) race numbers still may not be very visible. Are these serious issues? Not sure.
Good point. The majority were in normal jerseys. A few in Gilets, at least one in a full jacket.
Gore also do windstopper base layers which may be worth considering as well.
I have an Exetondo jersey as well which is like the Gabba but a bit cheaper, its my go to bit of kit when the weather looks changeable, I really rate mine and will probably buy another one before the winter as I have used it so much in all conditions.
After the first run I dumped the gilet and I was warm by then, no problems with getting cold from there. And I feel the cold being a skinny streak of wee.
Today was misty moisty and yukky so wore Perfetto, bib shorts and 3/4 lengths (Roubaix lined) and was too warm on the communt so would have boiled if I was racin'.
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honour
I had vasoline on my knees and thighs. Also, Kask Infinity helmet which I rode with the vent fully shut for the whole race. I was very glad to have this.
I have just got a Fawesome, but didn't wear it because it would have covered my race numbers. I agree, it is a nice item of clothing. I suppose I could have put the numbers on the Fawesome.
I've got a selection of 'see through' gilets on order to try on. I hope one of them is a really nice fit.
Deinitely another option. I've also considered wearing a light gilet inbetween a base layer and race jersey, which I guess would give a similar overall effect.
Also think about your extremities. Maybe toe covers on the shoes or even full overshoes ? Aero benefit and keeping you warmer. Same with gloves too. Keep warmth in but easy enough to take off as you go.
I noticed the elite triathletes at Leeds mostly had toe covers on for their race - I'd not bother but they have zero fat.
The gilet would be on for the duration. Essentially just adding a windproof front under the jersey.
I'm probably over-thinking this :roll:
Thanks for the advice and discussion all. I have now got a Castelli Sottlie gilet (which is very transparent, very snug fit and very discounted 8) ), and some nanoflex arm warmers which I'll save for wet race days. Should see me good for a while.
That is a very attractive option - I have a short sleeve Sottile as I figure if it rains the sleeves will stop water running inside like it might with a gilet. Got it for next to no money. Funny thing is though that every time I have taken it out, I end up not needing it and it comes back in the pocket at the end of the ride. So thats a good thing, but means that I havent really tested it yet. This may be in part because if rain is really likely, I will take my fawesome or some other waterproof option - I only take it on days when its 'just in case'.
Interesting, I was looking for the short sleever version which seems like a nice idea (functionally a pocketable Gabba), but I think they are discontinued. I'm not sure I'll wear the Sottile gilet outside of racing as I have either of my Fawesome, or a full jacket.