Winter Clothing

[PamNY]

Interesting. I'm definitely going to try a few wool pieces. The thrift shops here are good so I can get some things cheap (I may look ridiculous, but that's okay). Thanks.

Pam

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Interesting. I'm definitely going to try a few wool pieces. The thrift shops here are good so I can get some things cheap (I may look ridiculous, but that's okay). Thanks.

Pam

One other thing- in recent years, companies like SmartWool, Ibex, Icebreaker, Patagonia, etc, have been making wool apparel in 100% merino wool (from merino sheep) that is made in such a way as to be machine washable and dryable (in mild temperature settings of course). These new (and fairly pricey) merino duds won't shrink like the older wool socks and sweaters we typically find in thrift shops. I machine wash and dry most of my good merino stuff all the time, on low/gentle settings, and they don't seem to suffer from it or shrink noticeably. The other advantage of the new merino wear is that it is substantially less itchy than the old familiar wool stuff of our childhoods. It's soft.
Something to consider when you are buying stuff.

[PamNY]

I'm going to try a wool baselayer shirt from Icebreaker or similar. Can't decide if short or long sleeves would be more useful.

I have zero experience with specialized bike clothing but I've read about arm warmers. So...do your arms get especially cold biking? Is the usual warm-the-trunk philosophy different for biking?

I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Pam

[lph]

um... if your arms aren't getting cold, you don't need to look for "winter biking clothing"

No, in general keeping your trunk warm will get you to a certain temp, but once you feel the need to put on a jacket, arm-warmers and legwarmers can be a handy way to keep your arms and legs warm but still adapt quickly if the day gets warmer. Plus they take little room in a jersey pocket, and are cheaper than buying a full jacket and tights. Downside - you have to have grippy bands of elastic+silicone around your upper arm/thigh. I prefer a longsleeved jersey unless I'm really pressed for carrying space.

[SouthernBelle]

I've never had any trouble keeping my core warm on the bike, even riding in the 20s. But my extremities do get cold. Your arms aren't really doing a lot on the bike and really catch the wind. Fingers and toes can be just miserable.

On cold days I've been known to wear arm warmers under a long sleeved jersey.

[PamNY]

I've never had any trouble keeping my core warm on the bike, even riding in the 20s. But my extremities do get cold. Your arms aren't really doing a lot on the bike and really catch the wind.

Makes sense. I ordered a long sleeved baselayer top by Icebreaker. I'm skeptical (by nature) about wool's wicking abilities, but the enthusiasm for wool in this group convinced me to give it a try.

Pam

[Triskeliongirl]

Lisa, I got the shebeest windpro tight from TE (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSB_2725.html) for the very same reason you stated, to layer over shorts or a regular shebeest tech tight (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSB_2905.html) on those super cold days. It works beautifully for that purpose, and the cut is definitely loose enough to layer (I have both the inner and outer tights in small). It has a nice fleecy lining, is windproof, looks great and feels great especially paired with my shebeest windpro jacket!