Cycling Thermals

Cycling Thermals - What to Wear When Riding Your Bike

• Base Layer:
  
  The layer closest to your skin is probably the most important one for keeping you warm, dry and comfortable. You don't want to choose a cotton T-shirt, as cotton will simply absorb and hold your sweat which will make you feel instantly chilly if the slightest draught gets to it.
  
  Modern synthetic fabrics such as Coolmax will take the moisture away from the skin, which is a big advantage. There's no need to buy a vast array of different clothes, as you can wear the same item in Summer as a jersey, and in Winter as a vest.
  
  On the other hand, if you prefer natural fabrics, you should consider merino wool. This doesn't retain odours as much as synthetic fabrics, although of course you still need to wash it every once in a while. Lots of people are deterred from buying wool garments because they think that they are difficult to wash, however this is a misconception as most modern wool garments are in fact perfectly capable of standing up to normal 40-degree washes.
  
  
• Mid Layer:
  
  The mid layer of your clothing is intended to keep you warm. On very cold days a fleece is a good choice provided it's not too bulky, but when it's not so chilly, you'll want something like a long-sleeved jersey in Coolmax. Whatever you choose, you'll select a breathable fabric, and make sure that the cut is generous enough that your wrists and the bottom of your back won't be exposed when you are stretched out on your bike.
  
  One thing to bear in mind is that it's easy to get both cold (from the wind) and hot (from physical exertion) while cycling, even during a short cycle trip. Many thin layers are better than one thick layer, because you can add or remove them at will. Zips are however even better, as you can open or close them to instantly control that amount of ventilation that you're getting.
  
  
• Outer Layer:
  
  The purpose of your outer layer is mainly to keep the weather out. That includes both the rain and wind.
  
  For your outer layer you want to wear a jacket, preferably one designed specifically for cycling. As with the mid layer, you'll want to choose jacket that doesn't expose your wrists or back when cycling. Additionally, avoid jackets which are stretched too tightly across your shoulders (because they will restrict your movement and soon become uncomfortable), or which sag forward when in the cycling position (because the wind will get in underneath in this case).
  
  Other considerations when choosing a jacket are pockets (for your wallet, keys and so forth) and safety. In terms of safety, a lighter color will help you be seen, but if your jacket has reflective features (or you're prepared to add your own reflective strips), then even better. Avoid out for jackets with hoods (most cycling jackets don't have them anyway), as they restrict your vision, especially when turning your head.

• Cycling Jackets

Surveyor Vests w/Pockets Plastex   Zipper front closure 2 flap pockets with velcro closure Vertical and horizontal patterns front & back Product Description: Large mesh top panels (front & back) for ventilation with solid sturdy polyester bottoms. COLORS: Orange or Lime. Not ANSI approved

Assos Men's Element Zero Cycling Vest - Blue - 190.0520.2 Assos Apparel   ElementZero is the logical extension of your short or long sleeve jersey or of the elementOne jacket ASSOS Advanced Ergonomic Pattern Design, ventilation system, collar protection ASSOS X-Zero water-repellent active breathable textile on sides, upper and lower back Product Description: A new ASSOS product - the sleeveless jacket. Featuring ASSOS Advanced Ergonomic Pattern Design, ventilation system, collar protection, zippered safety pocket, easy-entry zipper system, elastic armpit contoured pattern design, ASSOS airBlock 799 on front and - newly developed - ASSOS X-Zero water-repellent active breathable textile on sides, upper and lower back. A very interesting feature is the extensible back - when you are on the bike elementZero contours and protects your buttock (dirt or water coming off the rear wheel). Thanks to its rear �flip-up� construction you only use the back extension when needed; giving the jacket more wearing possibilities (not only bike). Furthermore, elementZero is light, compact and stylish. ElementZero is the logical extension of your short or long sleeve jersey or of the elementOne jacket. It functions as an insulator and protects from penetrating winds on descends or during chilly days. ElementZero is a must; the ideal, low-volume companion for every ride with elevation changes.

Pearl Izumi Zephrr Cycling Vest Pearl Izumi Released: 2008-04-22 Sports   The Pearl Izumi Zephrr Vest provides lightweight core protection from wind and rain for biking Comfortable moisture wicking, micromesh lines the inside collar for insulation Lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship Product Description: Wind-resistant, water-repellant and breathable Zephrr fabric creates a vest that protects you from the elements when you need it and stows in a pocket when you dont. Soft, UltraSensor collar ensures comfortable warmth. Reflective piping and logos keep you visible in low light conditions. Rear stow pockets and internal key pocket for stashing the essentials.

Gore Bike Wear Xenon II Jacket - Men's Gore Apparel List Price: $189.95 (As of 10:10 Pacific 24 Jul 2008 More Info) Click Here Product Description: WindStopper Active material, a tight aerodynamic fit, and 360-degree Reflex reflective printingthe Gore Bike Wear Men's Xenon II Jacket doesn't mess around. Demanding road cyclists and elite mountain bikers will appreciate this lightweight and packable jacket's moisture-wicking mesh-lined sleeves and versatile WindStopper fabric, which blocks all gusts yet remains highly breathable. The Xenon II Jacket's high collar, ergonomic 3D fit, extra-long back, and pre-shaped elbows ensure you're comfortable in the riding position. Stuff this Gore Bike Wear jacket into the included small storage sack when the sun comes out and the wind dies down. Product Features Material: WindStopper Active shell Waterproof Rating: Water-resistant Breathable Rating: Guaranteed Core Venting: No Pockets: None, stuff sack included Hood: No Recommended Use: Road biking, mountain bike racing Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime

TAIGA Fleece Jacket-300 - Women's Polartec®-300 Fleece Jacket, Black, MADE IN CANADA TAIGA Apparel List Price: $76.95 (As of 10:10 Pacific 24 Jul 2008 More Info) Click Here Unmatched comfort for the cool seasons! Available with high-cut or low-cut collar. Doubles as zip-in liner for several Taiga® Gore-Tex® parkas. Color: Cherry; DESIGNED AND MADE IN CANADA Product Description: Dedicated to making the best outdoor equipment possible, TAIGA WORKS® is a model of excellence in innovation, quality and price. Well-known across Canada and distinguished on numerous expeditions around the globe, the name TAIGA® has come to mean Canada's Best Gear to many.

TAIGA Fleece Jacket-300 - Women's Polartec®-300 Fleece Jacket, Charcoal, MADE IN CANADA TAIGA Apparel List Price: $76.95 (As of 10:10 Pacific 24 Jul 2008 More Info) Click Here Unmatched comfort for the cool seasons! Available with high-cut or low-cut collar. Doubles as zip-in liner for several Taiga® Gore-Tex® parkas. Color: Charcoal; DESIGNED AND MADE IN CANADA Product Description: Dedicated to making the best outdoor equipment possible, TAIGA WORKS® is a model of excellence in innovation, quality and price. Well-known across Canada and distinguished on numerous expeditions around the globe, the name TAIGA® has come to mean Canada's Best Gear to many.

Mesh Safety Vest Plastex   Heavy duty mesh safety vest Velcro front closure COLORS: Orange, Lime, Black, Blue, Red, Navy, White Product Description: Mesh Safety Vest. Velcro front fastener and elastic side panels. This style does NOT have reflective striping

TAIGA Thermal-Pro® Jacket - Women's Wind-resistant, Highly Breathable, Water-repellent Fleece Jacket, Cherry, MADE IN CANADA TAIGA Apparel List Price: $76.95 (As of 10:10 Pacific 24 Jul 2008 More Info) Click Here Shearling-like Polartec® THERMAL-PRO® fleece is warmer than regular Polartec® fleece. 3 zippered pockets, plus 2 inner pouches. Low-cut stretch collar, 'soft-taped' shoulder seams, Power-Stretch® cuffs, centre-elasticized hem drawstring. Color: Cherry; Weight: 350g; DESIGNED AND MADE IN CANADA Product Description: Dedicated to making the best outdoor equipment possible, TAIGA WORKS® is a model of excellence in innovation, quality and price. Well-known across Canada and distinguished on numerous expeditions around the globe, the name TAIGA® has come to mean Canada's Best Gear to many.

Pearl Izumi Vagabond II Bike Jacket - Men's Pearl Izumi Apparel List Price: $99.95 (As of 10:10 Pacific 24 Jul 2008 More Info) Click Here Product Description: You're out on a chilly, misty morning bike ride. Then it gets downright humid. Ballz. Wait, the sleeves on the Pearl Izumi Men's Vagabond II Bike Jacket zip off, so you can keep part of your torso covered by wind- and water-resistant fabric without sweating profusely. A large back pocket on the Vagabond II Jacket stores the sleeves, while front pockets hold keys and energy gel. Hidden zips on the sleeves give this lightweight Pearl Izumi jacket a clean look, while the semi-fitted cut allows for a thin base layer underneath. Product Features Material: Zephrr (100% polyester) Core Venting: Zip-off sleeves Pockets: 2 Front, 1 large back for sleeves Hood: No Recommended Use: Biking, road biking Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime

CapoForma Prima Track Jacket - Men's CapoForma Apparel List Price: $68.95 (As of 10:10 Pacific 24 Jul 2008 More Info) Click Here Product Description: Don the CapoForma Men's Prima Track Jacket and arrive at your next club ride looking like you just turned pro. The Prima Jacket is essential wear for dedicated pedalers and downtown fixed-gear speed freaks on their days off, with a high collar that zips up against the wind. The classic black and white track jacket styling looks as good with a pair of jeans as it does topping off your pre-race warm-ups, and the embroidered CapoForma logo shows you're all business when the wheels start spinning. Product Features Material: 80% cotton, 20% polyester Insulation: None Length: Waist Pockets: 2 Front Hood: No Recommended Use: Warming up, casual wear