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

Pearl Izumi Men's Elite Barrier Vest Pearl iZUMi None Apparel List Price: $79.95* *(As of 11:07 Pacific 5 Feb 2012 More Info) Click Here The elite barrier vest delivers comfortable, breathable, lightweight and packable protection for a wide range of weather conditions One back hook and loop pocket Product Description: Don't knock a vest. The tough dudes wore vest: The Warriors, Hell's Angels, Bruce Springsteen... And they called him "The Boss." Strap on the Barrier Vest and bring out in your inner tough guy while out for a ride. Whether it's another rider or cars coming up on you on a steep mountain pass, ain't no one gonna step to a dude in a vest. Why would you? You don't know what that guy's thinking? He could snap at any second. Now you can BE that guy. Full length internal draft flap with zipper garage seals in warmth Direct Vent panels provide superior ventilation One back pocket Direct Vent panels provide superior ventilation

Louis Garneau Vent 2 Vest - Men's Louis Garneau List Price: $49.99* *(As of 11:07 Pacific 5 Feb 2012 More Info) Click Here Includes two back pockets for packing the essentials Safety features include front and back reflective logos and piping Light weight construction but sufficient for cool plus temperatures Product Description: Put an end to bone-chilling headwinds with Louis Garneau's Vent 2 Vest. The Vent 2 features ripstop construction and tear-resistant fabric for excellent durability. Highly visible reflective piping makes the Vent 2 ready to tackle your dawn commute or late-evening training ride. The windproof front blocks cold air, while the mesh back allows moisture to escape so you stay warm without overheating. Product Features Material: [front], Diamond Air (100% polyester); [side panels], Mesh Air Dry (100% polyester); [back], Micromesh (100% polyester) Fabric Waterproof Rating: Fabric Breathability Rating: Hood: Fit: regular Center Back Length: Venting: Pockets: 2 rear Weight: Recommended Use: road biking Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year

GORE BIKE WEAR Men's Countdown As Vest Gore Apparel List Price: $99.99* *(As of 11:07 Pacific 5 Feb 2012 More Info) Click Here Shell 100 percent nylon windstopper membrane mesh, 100 percent nylon lining, 100 percent polyester. Zip with semi-lock slider, 2 compartment patch pockets on back, 2 side openings in back for easy access to jersey pockets. Made in China. Product Description: Classic: You will be warm and protected on your next downhill thanks to the windproof front of this slim fit vest.

Pearl iZUMi Zephrr Cycling Vest Pearl iZUMi * Apparel List Price: $0.00* *(As of 11:07 Pacific 5 Feb 2012 More Info) Click Here 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: A perennial favorite, the Zephrr? is updated with a softer, more wind and water resistantfabric and complimentary new design lines. Center rear pocket. 360? reflectivity. Mesh back for added ventilation.

Giordana Twister Wind Cycling Vest - Neon Yellow - GI08-VEST-TWIS-YELL Giordana Misc. List Price: $39.99* *(As of 11:07 Pacific 5 Feb 2012 More Info) Click Here In-Vent wind resistant fabric and are lightweight and easily stowed Key seams have reflective piping for additional visibility Tall collars keep wind from entering at the neck Product Description: The Twister Jacket and Vest are constructed with In-Vent wind resistant fabric and are lightweight and easily stowed. They are perfect for those rides that have a big change in temperature. Key seams have reflective piping for additional visibility and both have rear cargo pockets for additional storage. Tall collars keep wind from entering at the neck and the high-visibility yellow color helps keep you visible during less than optimal riding conditions. Vest has Black mesh Back.

Descente Men's Velom Vest Descente Apparel   Stretch Velom Fabric and Fleece Lined Collar Machine Wash Cold With Like Colors. Tumble Dry Low. Do Not Dryclean. Made in China Product Description: Velom fabric. Fleece-lined collar. Three open back pockets. Elasticized arm holes. Reflective logos on front and back.

Pearl Izumi Men's Pro Aero Vest Pearl iZUMi Sports List Price: $0.00* *(As of 11:07 Pacific 5 Feb 2012 More Info) Click Here P.R.O. soft shell lite fabric provides optimal wind and water protection 360 degree reflectivity, 110-Grams for size medium ? P.R.O. Softshell Lite fabric provides optimal wind and water protection ? Full length internal draft flap with zipper garage seals in warmth ? 360 degree reflectivity ? Collar tapers from front to back for on- bike ergonomics ? 110 grams [size medium] Product Description: Leave your extremities to fend for themselves but keep your core warm with the help of the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Aero Vest. The P.R.O. Softshell Lite fabric in the Aero Vest offers protection from wind and water without the annoying wind-flapping you might experience with other vests. Since nobody will be able to hear you coming now, 360-degree reflectivity serves to help alert people to your presence. Pearl Izumi gave this vest a slim, streamlined fit as well as a collar that tapers from front to back for better ergonomics when you're in the riding position. Product Features Material: polyester Fabric Waterproof Rating: water-resistant Fabric Breathability Rating: Hood: no Fit: slim Center Back Length: Venting: Pockets: Weight: 110 g Recommended Use: cycling Manufacturer Warranty: lifetime

Castelli Ganna Cycling Vest - Men's Castelli   Product Description: You won't find the Castelli Ganna Cycling Vest at your local shop, or anywhere else for that matter. The Castelli Ganna Cycling Vest is only available here on Realcylist.com and part of our exclusive Podium Collection. Designed to be extremely lightweight and compactable so it stuffs easily into your jersey pocket, the Ganna Vest is constructed using breathable WindShear fabric for optimal wind and water protection. Not to let functionality end there, the Ganna also allows access to back jersey pockets via two zipper side openings, ideal when it's raining and the dry set of gloves in your back pocket is all you can think about. Product Features Material: WindShear, polyester blend Fabric Waterproof Rating: Fabric Breathability Rating: Hood: no Fit: Center Back Length: Venting: no Pockets: no Weight: Recommended Use: cold weather cycling Manufacturer Warranty:

Pearl iZUMi Men's Elite Thermal Barrier Vest Pearl iZUMi Apparel List Price: $0.00* *(As of 11:07 Pacific 5 Feb 2012 More Info) Click Here ELITE Thermal Fleece fabric interior and Elite Barrier outer shell front panels Elasticized hem Reflective elements for low light visibility Product Description: This vest features strategically placed Barrier Fabric over the Thermal Fleece body to resist wind and water, while still allowing breathability where you need it.

Pearl iZUMi Women's Elite Barrier Cycling Vest Pearl iZUMi * Apparel List Price: $0.00* *(As of 11:07 Pacific 5 Feb 2012 More Info) Click Here Elite barrier fabric provides superior wind protection and water resistance Direct vent panels provide superior ventilation Elasticized hem Product Description: Windproof and water resistant, the comfortable and highly breathable W’s ELITE Barrier Vest provides lightweight, packable core protection.