Wool Cycling Gear

Hey Everyone!

Although I live in Arizona, it gets pretty chilly at night (30-40 degrees), and when we get the tandem moving, yiks it's cold!

We just ordered the Ibex wool Pingo jackets. My problem is I sweat heavily when riding and get even colder. I know that part of the problem is that I have been using a very old Bellweather jacket, the reason for the Ibex purchase.

What do you gals use for a long underwear top? I have purchased smartwool, patagonia. I have not tried the Pro Zero Craft tops and hear they are great. Also, anyone able to find nice full length wool tights (ibex only has a knicker)?

Thanks for your help!

Lisa :)
Bacchetta Aero 24
ICE X2 tandem

You might check out this thread, too. :)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=11808

if you don't have an itch problem with wool, any fine wool sweater is great underwear when it's cold. you can get old cashmere sweaters at goodwill and other second hand stores. they're usually not perfect to look at, but i don't know what can beat them for underwear.

[QUOTE=itself;272415]Also, anyone able to find nice full length wool tights (ibex only has a knicker)?

Welcome New Lisa! ;)

We wool fans have our own thread where we endlessly discuss all the details of wool athletic clothing. You might want to post there concerning wool apparel:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...=11808&page=46

Ibex does have some very nice long wool tights here:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Product...t=Energy-Tight

Itself, you are referring to a Bellweather jacket. Are you wearing a full wind jacket? Front, back, sleeves, everthing? This may be what's causing you to sweat. I've found that windfront is best and breathable out the back.

And be sure to dress for the 15 degree (or 25 or whatever works for you) rule. Dress appropriately for the warmth your body will be creating 15-20 mins into the ride. If you start with too many layers, you'll sweat and then wet clothing won't keep you warm -- even if it's wool.

Are you on a recumbent tandem? You may need to concentrate on windfront tights. Aren't your legs more exposed in some ways? I'm assuming that recumbents place different parts of the body out in the wind that a DF frame would. And a non-breathable jacket back might be even worse for sweating. Just guessing . . .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SadieKate

Itself, you are referring to a Bellweather jacket. Are you wearing a full wind jacket? Front, back, sleeves, everthing? This may be what's causing you to sweat. I've found that windfront is best and breathable out the back.

And be sure to dress for the 15 degree (or 25 or whatever works for you) rule. Dress appropriately for the warmth your body will be creating 15-20 mins into the ride. If you start with too many layers, you'll sweat and then wet clothing won't keep you warm -- even if it's wool.

Are you on a recumbent tandem? You may need to concentrate on windfront tights. Aren't your legs more exposed in some ways? I'm assuming that recumbents place different parts of the body out in the wind that a DF frame would. And a non-breathable jacket back might be even worse for sweating. Just guessing . . .

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Yes, I believe you are right about the Bellweather jacket, it is fleece on the inside and a cotton windbreaker material on the outside (ah, ok, it's about 20 years old).

My legs are as exposed on a recumbent as I suppose an upright. But it's my upper body that I am now clear on that I am over-dressing. I like that rule you pointed out...never knew about that.

Thanks so much for all of your help!

Lisa :)

[QUOTE=Lisa S.H.;272430]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by itself

Also, anyone able to find nice full length wool tights (ibex only has a knicker)?

Welcome New Lisa! ;)

We wool fans have our own thread where we endlessly discuss all the details of wool athletic clothing. You might want to post there concerning wool apparel:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...=11808&page=46

Ibex does have some very nice long wool tights here:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Product...t=Energy-Tight

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That full length tight on the Ibex website is under "what to wear in the middle" so I thought it was possibly long underwear????

Lisa :)

I have a couple of pieces of Icebreaker. I am really enjoying this product.

http://www.icebreaker.com/site/catal...&range=Bodyfit

[QUOTE=itself;272458]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

That full length tight on the Ibex website is under "what to wear in the middle" so I thought it was possibly long underwear????

Lisa :)

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No, they are heavy wool tights. You *can* wear them under pants like long johns, or you actually wear them like leggings, alone.
The Ibex "Woolies" bottoms are thinner merino wool and are more suitable for use as long underwear.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bike4ever

I have a couple of pieces of Icebreaker. I am really enjoying this product.

http://www.icebreaker.com/site/catal...&range=Bodyfit

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So for the 30-50 degree range, which icebreaker piece would be most appropriate?

Lisa :)