Lookin' for that perfect jersey

[sundial]

I have a nice selection of road bike winter wear but when it comes to mtb'ing in the dead of winter, I hate to resort to using the $$$ stuff. If I wear regular outdoor clothing then I'm missing my pockets. Sigh......

Any suggestion on inexpensive mtb stuff to wear in the mud, sticks and twigs?

[Zen]

Check PricePoint (http://www.pricepoint.com/thumb/1-Clothing-2-Cool-Weather-Gear-False.htm)
I don't know how cold it gets down there.
i got this jersey (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15133-585_FOXBS6-1-Clothing-23-Womens-Clothing/Fox-Women%27s-Base-Jersey-%2706.htm) from PP and it's one of my favorites

[Miranda]

Check PricePoint (http://www.pricepoint.com/thumb/1-Clothing-2-Cool-Weather-Gear-False.htm)
I don't know how cold it gets down there.
i got this jersey (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15133-585_FOXBS6-1-Clothing-23-Womens-Clothing/Fox-Women%27s-Base-Jersey-%2706.htm) from PP and it's one of my favorites


Zen... that is my favorite jersery for mtb! It is my favorite solely because of the fabric. I just sent part of an order back that I hoped was this fabric of other mtb jerserys, but kept this one. I had seen it before in a shop, but not my size. The trails I ride always have some overgrowth with young trees and briar bushes. This material seems to be the least snag proof. I wish they made it in a full length sleeve version. I think it comes in a 3/4 maybe? Saw it on Fox's web site. But, all sold out for this year.

sundial... there are a couple good old threads on here I was geeking out last year about the clothes. Some ladies had ideas, but I don't recall that there was a total resolve.

I know what you mean. I do not want to wear my $100 PI AmFib tights through the briar bushes, rocks, mud holes etc. The briars tore up some of my lycra already that was less expensive. I am not going to put my pricier winter pieces from the road through that.

I have considered wearing them maybe with a cheap protective cover. Like some Walmart exercise tights that are knit. But, I don't know how they would wick the sweat then.

PI does make a winter mtb shoe cover. It's pretty tough, but doesn't fit ladies shoes so great I think. The PI AmFib lobster mitts are tough enough to take briars. But, they are a bit cumbersome with the amount of quick shifting that takes place on the trail, vs the road.

One shop guy told me Salsa makes a nice winter mtb glove. Not sure which one though atm.

I have also considered wearing mens hunting gear from the sporting goods department over some warmer lycra. Doesn't look so sexaaay, but potentially functional. I think mtb folks are more practical than roadies on looks though:rolleyes:.

EDIT: One last thought... what about some cheap wool? Unfortunately, I am allergic. I even tried an order of Ibex from TE praying it would work since it is said to be softer. Still gave me hives. Had to return. But, even with that said... I would not want to wear my $100+ pretty Ibex pieces as outterwear on the trail. I have even gone shopping in the local charity store of Goodwill on half price Saturday for stuff. Maybe there would be something that would work? If the trail tears it up, not as big a deal if it was really cheap. The wool is suppose to be warm and wick.

[sundial]

Well, here's what I've tried.

--Under Armour long sleeve tee, wicking wool tank, and a Polartec vest, old PI tights

--Terry polar fleece top, newer PI tights, wool undergarments

--silk top and bottom, running tights and top, and jacket

--hiking boots, waterproof jacket, extra cozy tights, and gloves

I would like to wear Lands End polar fleece half zip top (for $25) but then I'd have to bring the trunk on my bike and sometimes I just wanna ride without sitting on my luggage. :D

[GumbyGirl]

Hey Sundial,

Comin' at ya all the way from Sydney, Australia.

Not sure how cheap is cheap, but I can recommend the gear at Ground Effect (http://www.groundeffect.co.nz) in New Zealand. They do wicked stuff and women's specific with a good "true" fit. With your strong dollar you can get some great stuff, for what we would consider really cheap!!! Our dollar having crashed is not so great at the moment.:(

For example their Ice Queen jersey is a windproof fleece and really warm (my hubbie has the men's version), but our version of warm might not meet your requirements (we don't get much below 7-8 degrees celsius in the dead of winter :)). This jersey with the current exchange rate will set you back about $75 USD. You could always throw a base layer on underneath for added warmth.

Hope this helps!

[crazycanuck]

Sundial-i'm happy to send you some of my Ground Effect winter stuff for you to try out. I have a medium pair of witches britches that i no longer want. If they fit you, they're yours.

You've got me details, let me know.

Hey GumbyGirl-we'll be out your way in a week or so. I'll wave! No biking though :(

[sundial]

CC and Gumbygirl, thanks so much for your help. I'm a little hesitant to try euro sized stuff because they traditionally run a little smaller than US stuff. I can't exactly order up a size, if you know what I mean. ;) Gotta have room for my air bags and such. :p

I think I know what I'll do. I'll put out my windblock PI jersey and give it a whirl. It seems with the windblock it's a stronger fabric and may withstand my abuse. I figure if it tears up, I'll replace it if I can't sew it back together. We only live once, right?