Winter Layers

[lette]

39 degrees this morning, so I layered up with my wiking bra, wiking long sleeve jersey, fleece jacket, and then put over the PI yellow windbreaker, shorts and tights.

47 miles, 3.5hours later, I arrive home, and I'm soaked on every layer. Is this because of the fleece layer? (Even shorts were damp under tights)

I would have been frozen if had to hangout somewhere in my clothes after cooling down.

Is this normal with layering and winter?
Thanks, Lette

[Veronica]

I would suspect the windbreaker trapped the moisture inside rather than the fleece.

My favorite thing for cold weather riding is a jacket I got from Patagonia last year. It has a windblocker front and the rest is fleece, so it breathes pretty well. I wore it through a rain storm and while it soaked through, it still kept me warm.

V.

[Velobambina]

39 degrees here, too, when I started out for my ride. Yes, I'd lose the fleece layer if I were you and wear a short sleeved jersey on top of your base layer. Depending on the humidity level, I can be warm enough with a workout bra & longsleeved Craft base layer under a short sleeve regular jersey and a Gore jacket. If I put a bolero on for three layers in the arms, it can get a bit steamy since the temps are climbing after sunrise. I'd hold off on the fleece layer until you get below freezing. Also, one layer on the legs ought to do you OK, unless you get below 30 degrees. You could always do leg warmers w/shorts if you don't have tights w/chamois.

Finding what keeps you comfortable takes some trial and error.

[SadieKate]

I have to be careful with windproof layers. Windproof in the front is great but you need to have some good ventilation out the back. I found some PI jackets last year that were windproof on the chest and arms and just kodiak fleece on the back. Over a snug heavy underlayer they were great. Sometimes, I'll put a windvest under a winter jersey so it doesn't flap around.

I've just found that I have to be really careful about wrapping myself up in too much windproof stuff even at 39 degrees. I also find that I just get sweat inside all of that stuff - it's part of the deal. This isn't a problem unless I have to stop somewhere - so I don't. Winter rides at those temps are git 'er done affairs.

[doc]

It is 33 degrees out right now. I am meeting a bunch of people in an hour for a 50 miler. God I hope it is at least 39 when we start (it is supposed to be). I tend to be cold more than sweaty. I'll let you know how it went when I get back.

Plan: long sleeve jersey, long sleeve fleece, thin windbreaker-said to breath but not open in back. Tights and shorts. Oh, and booties. My feet are cold no matter what!

[Squirrel 2]

I would say you were seriously overdressed. No, you should not be drenched when layering for winter riding. But you didn't layer effectively, you put 3 outer-wear pieces on top of each other. The secret to layering is snug-fitting inner layers (snug so they lay up against your skin & transport moisture away from you) with one outer piece. It it's windy, a 2nd outer piece in the form of a shell, which you should plan on removing part way into your ride after you've warmed up (so it better be small & packable). You should look into some base layers for wearing next to your skin. I use polyester down to the upper-30's, and wool for mid-30's & below. Craft & SmartWool make excellent base layers. If it's below freezing, possibly a mid-layer next. You can tell if it's a jersey for outer wear, or a mid-layer for layering, a real mid layer won't have pockets. And there is a difference in how these pieces work in terms of breathability & moisture transport. Otherwise, your jacket comes next. SadieKate's got it right there--warm with windstopper in the front, breathable in the back. That's perfect. And a wind shell, only if necessary, and only for warm-up, or long descents.

Lose the fleece jacket for serious riding. If it's not cycling-specific, it's cut way too roomy. In winter, you don't want roomy, that just means lots of air pockets for cold air to get into. Light-weight, thin so you can still move easily without feeling like a wrapped mummy, and close-fitting. That's the secret.

[doc]

I'm not sure if Squirrel was talking to me or you Lette, but I was dressed Perfectly
By fleece, I sure don't mean a jacket. It is a thin fleece biking wear item. I was never hot, never sweaty, and almost never cold. Even when we took quick breaks to gobble a snack, I didn't get that cold sweaty feeling.
When I got in my car, that was the first and only time I felt a little sweaty (only on my back)
Most importantly my booties were great. First ride ever in cool weather with warm feet!