Winter sweat - what's a girl to do?

[li10up]

I second the UnderArmor suggestion. Works great for me for moving the moisture away from my body.

[KathiCville]

Consider swapping out your poly running shirt for a wool base layer. I made the switch recently, after reading about the virtues of wool here on TE. I'm thrilled with the results.

For temps in the 30s, I've been putting on just a light or mid-weight merino piece (Smartwool or Ibex crew or zip-up top) under a seriously windproof jacket. (Your PI Gavia sounds like the ticket.) Plus SmartWool socks. Plus good Gore windstopper gloves. And an Ibex hat, if needed, tucked under my helmet.

Even if I work up a noticeable sweat on uphills, I haven't been getting chilled on the downhills----even if the wind is kicking up a fuss. I'm absolutely amazed by how comfortable I am, even though I can tell I'm damp. When I used to wear cotton or poly pieces for either hiking or biking in cold weather, more often than not I would freeze if I got the least bit damp or just stopped for more than a minute or two.

The two or three times so far that I've ridden when it's in the 20s, I've added another merino piece (like an Ibex Switchback) between the base layer and the jacket. One time I also put on lightweight Smartwool leggings under a pair of tights---possibly more than I really needed, but no big deal either way.

My boyfriend cycles much more than I do---in all kinds of weather---and says that he often runs into fellow riders who are overdressed for winter riding. I would no doubt do the same (I'm a wuss about cold weather), but he gave me a pretty good rule of thumb to follow: dress so that I'll be a little bit chilled (not miserable, just chilled) for the first couple of miles. After that point I should be warmed up enough. Then I can regulate my comfort the rest of the ride using the jacket zipper. (Taking my hat on and off would probably also work, but seems like too much trouble.) So far, between becoming a wool weenie and following BF's advice, I'm cozy behind the handlebars.....

[Geonz]

I can't wear wool and breathe... generally I give up the base layer for lost and if it's going to be as cold on the trip home as in, I pack an extra. I have *some* wicky stuff and lots of long-sleeved T-shirts... yes, "cotton is rotten" but it ain't that bad (and doesn't make me sick )
How cold are you talking about? 40 F? 20? (60?)

[OakLeaf]

Wool, and an outer layer that's windproof in the front for the descents, but vented in back.

[lph]

I dress the same way I do xc skiing - as little as possible, poly next to skin if I'm working hard and moving fast, windproof but vented as much as possible on the outside. For lower intensity, og if I have to stop at times I wear thin wool next to skin, also if it's really cold because then the consequences of getting wet and cold are just a bit too dangerous. Wool keeps me warmer, but I don't like really working up a sweat inside wool. Wool is great as a midlayer too, though.

Today it's going to be -6 C (about 20F) and I'll be wearing bike shorts, extra layer of poly boxer shorts (against the Numb Butt Syndrome ) Amfib tights, mediumweight wool socks, winter shoes, sports bra, turtleneck poly shirt, Gore Phantom jacket, lobster gloves, Buff and skull cap for the hour-long ride to work. I'll feel a bit cold for the first few km.

[onimity]

Agree with those that say that you are probably over-layered of you are toasty leaving the house.

I usually spend the first mile telling myself that I will put another layer on when I get to the two mile mark, the second wondering if I need to, and the remaining 8 miles (up & down) increasingly glad that I didn't. I have an outer jacket that vents well, very good for the last bits, even when it is very cold. I think the key is to regulating how much you sweat in the first place, i.e., don't let yourself get overly warm at the start.

Anne

[sassyc]

Wool is absolutely the way to go. Smartwool is less expensive, but Ibex is the creme de la creme of wool clothing. They have several different thicknesses, but I LOVE riding with the wooly sleeveless top under the wooly 1/4 zip (for ventilation) and then a light wind layer on top. WOOL!!!

Plus? It doesn't stink like synthetics do