i am 5...

[madscot13]

... and i need my mommy to dress me (or I look like the image to the left).

I am new to biking and am enjoying it a lot. becuase of a lot of time commitments I am limited to biking in only half hour chunks, and then it is only to get to places. But I do this a few times a week and it is good enough to begin and avoid burning out. It is getting cold out and in january I will need to go on these half our bike rides more then. BUT I want to keep my body intact.

So the secret is out and I can't dress myself. i need help!

I don't think these legs should be really seen all around town, so I am willing to wear tights UNDER something. um what kind of tights should be used for the winter? I think I am good for the tops but I will take advice on that too. Do you guys wear headwear/baclavas. I am interested in a gore tex one- but I am worried about overheating.

i am also interesting in skiing downhill and cross country. Is there any cross dressing possible? (insert laugh)

[KnottedYet]

Here:
http://www.ibexwear.com/F06/View_Product.php?GarmentID=600&thePhoto=../Photos/F06/2184_8990.jpg&Category=1047&CategoryLine=

Wind-front, good for skiing and biking. (wear shorts under them for biking)

Polartec/manmade fiber versions of the same thing would be cheaper. http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=22564

[madscot13]

Susan, where ever you be, can you put the waste measurements for the carft tights into real pant sizes like 4,5,6?

[roguedog]

Here:
http://www.ibexwear.com/F06/View_Product.php?GarmentID=600&thePhoto=../Photos/F06/2184_8990.jpg&Category=1047&CategoryLine=

Wind-front, good for skiing and biking. (wear shorts under them for biking)

Polartec/manmade fiber versions of the same thing would be cheaper. http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=22564


knot - what do you do bout rain.. tho i know you don't get that much up there ;) how come the tights you recommend aren't at leat water resistant?

[roguedog]

um.. nm. i just read the descript..

[mimitabby]

when it's really really bad, (rain) we just wear rainpants. they aren't pretty and
form fitting, but with nice tights underneath, you stay warm and dry.

caution:
if you really work up a sweat, these things backfire because they don't breathe.
Wear rainpants when you have to slog and you aren't going to be doing any warming hills.


ps, why would you measure the waste? can't you just flush it?

[momof4greatkids]

... and i need my mommy to dress me (or I look like the image to the left).

)


Your post was very funny, made me chuckle!

First congratulations on your decision to work biking into your busy life! Way to go!

Unfortunately I don't have any great wisdom to add to the what's already been said. For 1/2 hours rides you probably can get away with a baselayer, something that is NOT made of cotton, and a sweatshirt over top with a regular parka or winter jacket.

Overheating is usually not my problem. A balaclava (sp?)(not the Greek pastry, the headgear) is great for weather below freezing. There is something called a Buff that is awesome. But I just use aa earband, since I'm trying to stay on budget.

Do you already own skiing or cross-country gear? You can spend a lot of money, or a little, and chances are you already have what you need in your closet. Just layer it!

Right now when it's cold, I wear my regular bike shorts underneath a pair of loose-fitting running tights. Has served me well so far to temps as low as the mid-20's. I splurged on a pair of knee warmers, but really so far it hasn't been cold enough to really need them.

Happy riding!

Colleen

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan, where ever you be, can you put the waste measurements for the carft tights into real pant sizes like 4,5,6?

No, not really. We purposely use inch measurements, not dress sizes. Size 4 or 6 has no intrinsic meaning (not anymore, anyway). Manufacturer's definitions of sizes vary so much. I'm a 12 in some things and a 16 (gasp!) in others. But a 26 inch waist is a 26 inch waist, so we feel customers will get a more accurate fit if they measure their bodies and then use the sizing charts we provide for each brand as a guide.

I hope this helps.

Susan

[aicabsolut]

Susan, I really appreciate it that you use real measurements, and that you also measure some things yourself instead of relying on factory charts which can be inaccurate.

I'd love it if you'd also do some torso length measurements (front and/or back) for the jerseys and other tops (shoulder to hem). Or at least group them into a height range (like I think voler does on its custom/semi-custom size charts) or a "tall" or "petite" estimate like you do for tights. :D

[madscot13]

Yes I understand that a 28 is a 28, but today I don't [I]feel[I] like a 28. I feel like 30 inch squared.

i am pretty petite and real slim but the craft measurements put me at like a medium and i have never been a medium. More often an extra small/small

i was just wondering... But I think I will go ahead with the small and see how it fits.

[Susan Otcenas]

madscot,

Call in on Monday morning and one of the customer service staff can take some measurements for you. (I'd do it myself right now, but I'm on my way out the door to have dinner with friends. Friday nights are the only night I seem to get out of here before 7pm!)

I don't find that Craft runs small, except in one piece - the Pro Cool Tanks. Otherwise I actually think they run a tad large (in base layers, at least, which is pretty much all I personally own from Craft). I haven't checked the size charts on Craft lately, though.

They also typically run long in the torso (except for that Pro Cool Tank, which is not long at all.) We often recommend them for taller folks.

Have a nice weekend, gals!

Susan

[Bikingmomof3]

Madscot13,
I have found TE to be very helpful in finding items that fit. They are wonderful and very patient and will take measurements, etc. I do not have a place near me to try clothing on and TE has never let me down. :) They recently saw me through my "need a sport bra that will not allow bounce, but I do not need to dislocate a shoulder to wear". BTW, I highly recommend the CW-X sport bra. :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

They recently saw me through my "need a sport bra that will not allow bounce, but I do not need to dislocate a shoulder to wear". :D

That reminds me of the Marx Brothers movie, where Groucho and Margaret DuMont are hugging and kissing. She says "Closer! Closer!" and he replies "If I get any closer I'll be behind you!"
2195

[Bikingmomof3]

LOL! Great photo! Awesome quote. :D

[KnottedYet]

Madscot - here! Look! On sale!
http://www.ibexwear.com/F06/View_Product.php?GarmentID=377&thePhoto=../Photos/F05/0451B_9200.jpg&Category=&CategoryLine=

No windfront, but heavy wool and ON SALE!!! My Ibex bike knickers don't have a windfront, and I wear them in the rain and cold with no trouble at all. (In fact, I kinda wonder if a windfront would be overkill for me, since I sweat so profusely when I ride anyway.) It sounds like these tights are a similar weight fabric.

[madscot13]

Knottedyet you got me excited. I want them. I semi- need them. I need them in smaller size.

[KnottedYet]

28 inch waist is a medium in their chart. I found the "Loose Tights" to run small (I usually wear a L) so if I order these I'll go for XL.

Medium might work for you, especially if you are thinking of wearing it over your bike shorts. Call them on Monday and ask what they think, they are very nice over the phone about helping with fit.

My heart sank when I saw they only had M, L, and XL left; but there is still hope!

[madscot13]

bike shorts? who wear's bike shorts?

No you guys are serioulsy overestimating how much I bike. Besides I do have some dignity left, and my fashion conscientous house would blast me for showing off so much leg and padded butt space in their plain view.

But wait maybe that is something I need for Christmas...