Baselayers(Running)

[Becky]

Yep, someone told me that the first Winter I was running and it's really true. I'm still trying to get a handle on how to dress for different biking conditions, though. It seems a lot harder to get it right. I so often feel too warm or too cold, lately.

IME, the 20 degree rule becomes more like 10 degrees on the road bike. On the mountain bike, 20 degrees warmer is about right.

This time of year is the hardest to dress for.....it's not cold enough to need the really heavy stuff, but it's windy and chilly enough that arm and knee warmers don't quite cut it.

[OakLeaf]

IMO, the most important thing on the bike is wind protection for my hands, feet and neck. Plus, on the bike, there's a lot more variability - I'll get really warm climbing the hills and really cold descending, so I need wind protection that's both stout and zippered.

The most important thing running is fabric that wicks and breathes so that I don't get waterlogged.

The difference is less about temperature, for me, than it is about protection strategy.


Also, keep notes in your training log of temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and humidity; what you wore; and how your clothing choices worked. Then you can go back to those notes when deciding what to wear in the future.

[zoom-zoom]

Also, keep notes in your training log of temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, and humidity; what you wore; and how your clothing choices worked. Then you can go back to those notes when deciding what to wear in the future.

That's really a good piece of advice--for running or biking (or any other outdoor sport).

[surgtech1956]

Thanks everyone. I like that 'dress as if its 20 degrees warmer out'. Is polyprolyene still a good layer to start with?

[zoom-zoom]

Thanks everyone. I like that 'dress as if its 20 degrees warmer out'. Is polyprolyene still a good layer to start with?

Yep! I have a variety of baselayer tops...polypro, polyester, blends, wool...all are good. Just no cotton.

[SadieKate]

Thanks everyone. I like that 'dress as if its 20 degrees warmer out'. Is polyprolyene still a good layer to start with?

Well, IMHO, if you own polypropylene, it's fine. If you don't, YUCK! It's smelly.

I know it wicks well, but if you have to buy anything pick other microfibers or wool - or run by yourself.

[surgtech1956]

I always thought that I just bought 'cheap' polypropylene. That explains the stinkiness. LOL

[zoom-zoom]

I have a couple of polypro tops...mine don't stink. But I have random polyester tops that stink. I still can't figure out why one 100% poly top will stink, but not another, even in the same brand.