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 Zephrr Cycling Vest Pearl iZUMi Apparel List Price: $69.95* *(As of 01:00 Pacific 10 Mar 2010 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: The weather on your morning bike ride starts out foggy and moves to slightly windy, then sunny. Luckily, the fabric in the Pearl Izumi Men's Zephrr Vest is water- and wind-resistant, breathable, and packable. The Zephrr's form fit doesn't leave baggy fabric blowing in the breeze, and reflective piping and logos increase your visibility on low-light rides. Pack the Zephrr Vest into its inside pocket when the sun comes out. Product Features Material: 100% Polyester Core Venting: No arms Pockets: Back stow pockets Hood: No Recommended Use: Road biking Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime Country of Origin: China

Gore Bike Wear Helium Cycling Vest - Men's Gore Apparel List Price: $89.95* *(As of 01:00 Pacific 10 Mar 2010 More Info) Click Here Product Description: If you add one piece to your cycling kit this winter, let it be the GORE Bike Wear Helium Vest. Extolled by Cycling Magazine as a Best Buy, the Helium Vest features WindStopper Active Shell in the front and a breathable mesh back panel, for breeze-blocking warmth without the greenhouse effect. Two zip hand pockets hold your keys, cell, and cash, while reflective piping keeps you 360-degree visible after dusk. Product Features Material: GORE WindStopper Active Shell, mesh Windproof: Yes Pockets: 2 Front Recommended Use: Cycling Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime Country of Origin: Algeria

Castelli Velo Vest - Men's Castelli Apparel List Price: $59.95* *(As of 01:00 Pacific 10 Mar 2010 More Info) Click Here Product Description: Wear the Castelli Men's Velo Cycling Vest when you need a little protection from the weather. This vest's Forcefield fabric resists wind and light water, but breathes to keep you comfortable when you're climbing up a steep canyon road. Zip the Velo Vest over a long-sleeve bike jersey for foul weather rides. If conditions improve, you can fold this vest into its own rear pocket. Product Features Material: Forcefield Pockets: None Zip: Full Recommended Use: Road cycling Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year Country of Origin: China

Pearl Izumi Men's P.R.O. Barrier Lite Cycling Vest Pearl iZUMi Apparel   lightweight, windproof barrier fabric with stretch for optimized fit Highly packable with an interior mesh stuff pocket for compact storage Product Description: Ultra lightweight and highly packable, our wind and water resistant vest is an essential piece when the weather is questionable. P.R.O. Barrier Lite is extremely lightweight, windproof barrier fabric with stretch for optimized fit. Full length zipper with zipper garage for comfort. Reflective details provide low-light visibility.

Pearl Izumi Optik Cycling Vest - Women's Pearl iZUMi Apparel List Price: $54.95* *(As of 01:00 Pacific 10 Mar 2010 More Info) Click Here Product Description: Don't believe the barometer? The Pearl Izumi Women's Optik Cycling Vest provides crucial weather protection that stuffs easily into a rear jersey pocket. In the mountains, even summer weather can shift from beautiful to brutal in a matter of minutes. The Optik Vest is ready with windproof, waterproof WxB panels to keep your core warm and dry, and it's so compact it'll ride almost anywhere. Whether you use the Optik as a warm-up layer or as an insurance policy, you'll be glad you have it when the forecast is fifty-fifty. Product Features Material: Polyester, nylon laminate Core Venting: It's a vest Pockets: 1 Interior mesh Hood: No Recommended Use: Road cycling and mountain biking Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime Country of Origin: China

Adidas Sport CP Wind Cycling Vest Satellite adidas Apparel   ClimaProof Full zipper Product Description: The Men's Adidas Sport CP Wind Cycling Vest delivers more than just snazzy looks with Adidas' ClimaProof material effectively keeping you dry and comfy in cool and windy conditions. The reflective details keep you safe.

FuelBelt High Visibility Vest FuelBelt Released: 2009-08-08 Sports   Side elastic provides a form fit to ensure your hands do not get caught in the vest while running Product Description: You may not be on the red carpet, but you'l get attention wearing this vest! It's form fitting with a full length zipper, two pockets, and can be seen from more than a mile away.

Gore Bike Wear Men's Countdown Vest Gore Apparel List Price: $99.95* *(As of 01:00 Pacific 10 Mar 2010 More Info) Click Here WINDSTOPPER Active Shell Machine wash cold. Permanent press cycle. Do not bleach. Do not tumble dry. Dry or steam iron low. Wash with similar colors. Wash inside out. Drycleaning not recommended. Product Description: Classic: You will be warm and protected on your next downhill thanks to the windproof front of this vest.

Descente Men's Velom Vest Descente Apparel   Velom fabric is incredibly lightweight, compactable, water resistant, wind resistant, Open-mesh back Custom ergonomic Descente zipper pull Product Description: Fleeced collar interior, Less than 3.0 ounces for the entire vest

Descente Women's Cycling Velom Vest Descente Apparel List Price: $59.95* *(As of 01:00 Pacific 10 Mar 2010 More Info) Click Here Descente Velom fabric is super-lightweight, compactable, quiet, water resistant, wind-resistant and very breathable Feminine fit Elasticized arm holes, Reflective Spirit logo on front Product Description: Full zip with custom Descente pull, Improved zipper function