Wondering how to pick a base layer

Hi all

I'm sure this has been discussed before.... but ... I have some specific questions about picking the right base layer. I'm still relatively new to cycling, and trying to put together apparel for cooler weather. I live in Tucson, Arizona, so the winters aren't as frigid as those that many of you live with, but the weather does cool down in comparison to the rest of the year.

I would be interested in recommendations / experiences with a base layer top that would work well for starting out in morning temps no colder than mid-high 30's or low 40's, and potentially warming up to the 60's or even low 70's.

Thoughts on preferred material for those climatic conditions? And thoughts on the cut or fit? (I'm short- 5'1, currently size 10-12, a little top-heavy).

And if it's not too much to ask, suggestions that are reasonably priced....

Thanks- TE is suc a great source of information and inspiration :-)
Sharon

microweight wool..... should fit like a second skin, not tight at all, but not baggy either.

It's an investment, but very durable, and if you're like most of us wool weenies, you'll wind up wearing the stupid things 24/7 and think your money was well spent.

Plus, in spring and fall when we have such wide temperature variations here, I pretty much need a removable layer as well. Arm warmers, knee warmers, lightweight tights, windblocking jacket or vest. The more collapsible they are, the more pricey they tend to be, but you can easily get a cheap windbreaker shell into a large-ish fanny pack and not notice it too terribly much when you ride.

+1 on the wool, and lighter weight would be best for your climate as far as I know (not that I have ever been there). Check places like Sierra Trading Post for good deals, and even eBay (I've found a lot of Icebreaker stuff there--some people sell salesman's samples on eBay and they go for much less than you would normally pay). As for fit, I will say that the Icebreaker tops are pretty long for us shorties but I don't find it to be a problem--would much rather have some extra length than have it be too short!

here's something for you:


http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=33791

I like either Smartwool or Ibex brand 100% merino wool lightweight base layers.
Merino wool....all the way, for what you are describing you want.

On short fast rides where I sweat a lot I prefer a wicking synthetic base layer.
On rides with more variation in intensity, or when it's very wet out, I prefer wool.

I find the Ice Breaker to be itchy, but the Smart Wool micro weigh base layers are perfect. But I think even those would be too warm for when it gets to 60-70, if you have something over it. I lived in Tempe for 16 years and I know exactly what you are talking about. I would go with a Craft short sleeved or sleeveless base layer under a regular jersey, with arm warmers and a jacket, so you can remove the layers as it warms up. If you are going out only in the morning, then I would wear the micro weight wool as a base layer; I think they have short sleeved versions, so you might try that under your jersey.
I know that I always left my coat and gloves at work in the afternoon, because it was hard to remember a winter coat, when it was 70 degrees when you went home!

Thank you for all the suggestions, (especially Crankin, for your AZ experience) Sharon

BF (from Mesa) says +1 on the Craft base layer, if you haven't already made your decision.

Still accepting suggestions. After all, despite a surprising 3 day cold snap last week, it's now back to record-breaking warm temps in the 80's and 90's this week. I'll look at Craft ....