Clothing - Base layers and lightweight jacket/windproof

[Slaav]

So mileage slowly improving and out for a 30 mile ride in the morning. SHould be 'fresh' but not cold.

I don't yet have enough kit to know what to go for immediately so need to buy a lightweight jacket - preferably windproof I guess and then just a base layer underneath.

Obviously as it gets a little warmer, then will go for very lightweight base with cycling jersey rather than jacket.

Any ideas? On base layers and jackets? I think the Altura Pro Evo (or whatever) will be getting too warm now but around that sort of price would do for now as Imagine I will get sucked in further and buy more kit over the coming weeks.

At the moment, lightweight jacket I use is a goretex Musto sailing over (single layer) jacket which has actually been brilliant - but will be too warm very soon, if not already now.

Any ideas? Or combos? Makes to avoid? Makes to go for?

(Currently using some Nike running gear as base layers and tights - working very well)

Thanks as always for any suggestions or ideas...

[Jimbo.]

Lightweight short-sleeve Merino wool baselayer:

http://www.rapha.cc/merino-base-layers (Expensive, but oh-so nice!)
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

+

Merino wool arm warmers:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...

= Perfect. The arm warmers make a surprising amount of difference despite cold air cutting through their woollen construction: you'll be removing them earlier than you'd think. This combo plus your usual short-sleeve jersey will be all you need from now until summer "proper".

Edited by Jimbo. on Sunday 27th March 09:01

[Slaav]

Thanks for suggestions. Think one or two of those Merino base layers sound great.

My big goal is a 200 mile trip in Ireland so will need a jacket (lightweight) of some sort I imagine?

Found a cheap and cheerful water and wind resistant on with removable arms that looked 'value' - doesnt need to last for years! I guess those base layers and decent top with packable jacket should do everything.

As above, have a waterproof lightweight jacket that I can use in torrential weather.

Is there such a thing as a merino base with half or quarter zip? I sweat for Britain! (Have looked quite long and hard)

Ta

[Jimbo.]

Can't recall a specific product, but there could well be in amongst the Orca range listed on Wiggle. That said, I can't actually imagine one with a zip: you want them close-fitting, and a zip would get right yer' tits, almost literally! The wool itself is very, very thin and lightweight, beautiful to behold, so forget the typical wool traits of being thick and heavy.

You'd be surprised at just how well they (a good baselayer, esp. Merino) work, so don't worry about sweating. As well as insulating, they also remove ("wick") away moisture, so you rarely - if ever - get all sweaty 'n' 'orrible.

re. jackets: anything waterproof/water resistant will never be particularly breathable, which is what you really want to avoid the sweaty, "boil in the bag" effect so don't get too hung up on it. By all means source a lightweight rain jacket that you can tuck away in a pocket/saddlebag or something (i.e. use only when raining, removing ASAP), but leave the warmth to the baselayers, arm warmers etc.

Edited by Jimbo. on Sunday 27th March 15:20

[Slaav]

Jimbo. said:

Can't recall a specific product, but there could well be in amongst the Orca range listed on Wiggle. That said, I can't actually imagine one with a zip: you want them close-fitting, and a zip would get right yer' tits, almost literally! The wool itself is very, very thin and lightweight, beautiful to behold, so forget the typical wool traits of being thick and heavy.

You'd be surprised at just how well they (a good baselayer, esp. Merino) work, so don't worry about sweating. As well as insulating, they also remove ("wick") away moisture, so you rarely - if ever - get all sweaty 'n' 'orrible.

re. jackets: anything waterproof/water resistant will never be particularly breathable, which is what you really want to avoid the sweaty, "boil in the bag" effect so don't get too hung up on it. By all means source a lightweight rain jacket that you can tuck away in a pocket/saddlebag or something (i.e. use only when raining, removing ASAP), but leave the warmth to the baselayers, arm warmers etc.

Edited by Jimbo. on Sunday 27th March 15:20

Thanks Jim.

Will grab a couple of those suggestions and a lightweight packable 'summer' jacket that I can wear in a bag/strapped to bike for when required.

ps - I should have said - halp zip layer! Not base layer as nothing worse - I agree - than a zip or angry seam rubbing... I used to row and know all about that!

[anonymous-user]

base layers can be quite personal because it is largely dependant upon whether you want to remove moisture or retain warmth, very few do both as well as each other and most perform one taks better than the other. i use the helly hansen lifa stuff for everything and havent found a reason to change, if it wasnt for the expense I would probably have a few bits of the merino stuff as its a bit warmer and better quality.