windproof jacket

Miles said:

It is not quite cold here, but it can be windy. The other day I wore
a sweatshirt and I was OK. But today it seemed not quite windproof.

What fabrics should I look for? I would like the jacket to be warm,
windproof; waterproof is not that important.

Any of the nylon windbreakers you'd find in a bike shop should do the trick.
They're cut slimmer for cycling too, so you're not flapping in the breeze, or
suffering from the parachute effect on descents..

Matt O.

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Any of the nylon windbreakers you'd find in a bike shop should do the
trick. They're cut slimmer for cycling too, so you're not flapping in the
breeze, or suffering from the parachute effect on descents..

Some are cut slimmer than others. I've found the basic Pearl Izumi
windbreakers to be pretty baggy compared to some other brands.

Miles says...

Quoted message said:

Hello Group,

It is not quite cold here, but it can be windy. The other day I wore
a sweatshirt and I was OK. But today it seemed not quite windproof.

What fabrics should I look for? I would like the jacket to be warm,
windproof; waterproof is not that important.

Thanks.

Miles

I find windbreakers to be very sweaty if it isn't really cold, like below
40º, even my bike specific one with air flaps in the back and holes in
the underarms. I think I saw a Pearl Izumi windbreaker that was really
thin, but since it was $100, I passed. I got the Cannondale one with the
flaps and lots of zippers and reflective material for $50 after 50% off,
so that wasn't so bad, but it isn't nearly as thin. I got an ordinary
windbreaker at the Reebok factory outlet for $20 that was pretty thin. I
think a long sleeve jersey with a base layer would be better than a
jacket for what you describe. Sometimes letting a little air in isn't a
bad thing. I think the Under Armour stuff looks great for base layers,
although I just bought some (again) Reebok knock-offs for less than half
the price at Kohl's.

Super Slinky <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Miles says...

Quoted message said:

Hello Group,

It is not quite cold here, but it can be windy. The other day I wore
a sweatshirt and I was OK. But today it seemed not quite windproof.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Miles

I find windbreakers to be very sweaty if it isn't really cold, like below
40º,

I have yet to figure out how to dress to ride. I start out with too
much clothing when it is cold and end up hot as hell. I can't seem to
find something to wear that will be comfortable when I start and
comfortable after a few miles. I find myself layering clothes so I
can take something off halfway through the ride. It is a pain in the
neck. Saturday I had a fleece sweatsuit on and I was freezing when I
started.......then I thought I was going to die from the heat. I
can't win. I tried a windbreaker but it was not comfortable. Maybe I
need to invest in something from the LBS. I can't figure it out when I
shop on my own. I have work out clothes in every type of
fabric...nothing seems to be JUST RIGHT for the entire ride. I am not
ready to ride around town in a bicycle Jersey..and spandex....I'd feel
like an idiot.

Maggie wrote:
:: Super Slinky <[email hidden]> wrote in message
:: news:<[email hidden]>...
::: Miles says...
:::
:::: Hello Group,
::::
:::: It is not quite cold here, but it can be windy. The other day I
:::: wore a sweatshirt and I was OK. But today it seemed not quite
:::: windproof.
::
:::: Miles
:::
::: I find windbreakers to be very sweaty if it isn't really cold, like
::: below 40º,
::
::
:: I have yet to figure out how to dress to ride. I start out with too
:: much clothing when it is cold and end up hot as hell. I can't seem to
:: find something to wear that will be comfortable when I start and
:: comfortable after a few miles. I find myself layering clothes so I
:: can take something off halfway through the ride. It is a pain in the
:: neck. Saturday I had a fleece sweatsuit on and I was freezing when I
:: started.......then I thought I was going to die from the heat. I
:: can't win. I tried a windbreaker but it was not comfortable. Maybe I
:: need to invest in something from the LBS. I can't figure it out when
:: I
:: shop on my own. I have work out clothes in every type of
:: fabric...nothing seems to be JUST RIGHT for the entire ride. I am not
:: ready to ride around town in a bicycle Jersey..and spandex....I'd
:: feel
:: like an idiot.

Consider getting a handlebar bag and peel as needed. There is nothing you
can do about it being colder in the AM and warming up as the day goes on, so
you can't really expect to be "just right" for the entire ride. You do have
the option of waiting until later in the day when the temp is relatively
stable and you can dress for that, but if you start in the am or the late
afternoon, you can expect some fairly significant temperture swings this
time of year.

: Hello Group,
:
: It is not quite cold here, but it can be windy. The other day I wore
: a sweatshirt and I was OK. But today it seemed not quite windproof.
:
: What fabrics should I look for? I would like the jacket to be warm,
: windproof; waterproof is not that important.
:
: Thanks.
:
: Miles

Miles, go to the websites of the different manufacturers of bicycle clothing
and see what they have to offer. All will have windproof fabrics, and all of
them will call it something different. You can do a lot to research this
problem on the Internet.
Like this one: http://tinyurl.com/585qa
http://tinyurl.com/4oury

"Maggie" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I have yet to figure out how to dress to ride. I start out with too
much clothing when it is cold and end up hot as hell. I can't seem to
find something to wear that will be comfortable when I start and
comfortable after a few miles. I find myself layering clothes so I
can take something off halfway through the ride. It is a pain in the
neck. Saturday I had a fleece sweatsuit on and I was freezing when I
started.......then I thought I was going to die from the heat. I
can't win. I tried a windbreaker but it was not comfortable. Maybe I
need to invest in something from the LBS.

There is no such thing as clothing that's perfect for the entire ride. If
you ride a lot in cold weather you get very good at fine tuning, but that
means either removing some clothes after you warm up or just resigning
yourself to be a bit chilly at the beginning.

For long rides, where the weather might change, or circumstances might
force you to stop (flat tire, etc.), it's better to have an extra layer.
You can store this in either a small backpack, front pack, or rear carrier,
which one is a matter of personal preference.

Thin jackets work pretty well as the optional layer. They fold small, some
even come with a stuff pocket and waist strap. Many have a DWR (durable
water repellant) surface treatment (or you can buy the stuff & DIY), which
can make a big difference if you get caught in a shower. I don't like these
shells for all riding though, they tend to trap sweat when you ride hard,
making you much colder when you stop. I like stretch fleece tights and top
with a mesh-back, polyester wind vest, it breathes much better than a full
jacket, and you can control the degree of wind blocking with the zipper.

Maggie said:

Super Slinky <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Miles says...

Quoted message said:

Hello Group,

It is not quite cold here, but it can be windy. The other day I
wore a sweatshirt and I was OK. But today it seemed not quite
windproof.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Miles

I find windbreakers to be very sweaty if it isn't really cold, like
below 40º,

I have yet to figure out how to dress to ride. I start out with too
much clothing when it is cold and end up hot as hell. I can't seem to
find something to wear that will be comfortable when I start and
comfortable after a few miles. I find myself layering clothes so I
can take something off halfway through the ride. It is a pain in the
neck. Saturday I had a fleece sweatsuit on and I was freezing when I
started.......then I thought I was going to die from the heat.

Well, no wonder! Even when it's in the 30s I never wear more than one or two
layers of normal jerseys and undershirts, with a windbreaker or vest over it. I
wear normal long tights unless it's below freezing, when I switch to windfronts.

When it's really cold the challenge is keeping hands and feet warm, but the rest
of the body doesn't need much clothing when it's putting out so much energy.

Quoted message said:

can't win. I tried a windbreaker but it was not comfortable. Maybe I
need to invest in something from the LBS. I can't figure it out when I
shop on my own. I have work out clothes in every type of
fabric...nothing seems to be JUST RIGHT for the entire ride. I am not
ready to ride around town in a bicycle Jersey..and spandex....I'd feel
like an idiot.

It's what everyone else does, so join the club.

If you have an aversion to Spandex, try some lightweight, slim-fitting nylon
pants, and a light sweater with a t-shirt underneath. Most cycling and outdoor
clothing companies sell loose fitting tights that are looser than Spandex but
slimmer than normal sweats. These would be a good bet. Lightweight wool
sweaters are terrific for cycling. Before modern fabrics, all serious cycling
clothes were wool.

Matt O.

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Maggie said:

Super Slinky <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Miles says...

> Hello Group,
>
> It is not quite cold here, but it can be windy. The other day I
> wore a sweatshirt and I was OK. But today it seemed not quite
> windproof.

Quoted message said:

> Miles

I find windbreakers to be very sweaty if it isn't really cold, like
below 40º,

I have yet to figure out how to dress to ride. I start out with too
much clothing when it is cold and end up hot as hell. I can't seem to
find something to wear that will be comfortable when I start and
comfortable after a few miles. I find myself layering clothes so I
can take something off halfway through the ride. It is a pain in the
neck. Saturday I had a fleece sweatsuit on and I was freezing when I
started.......then I thought I was going to die from the heat.

Well, no wonder! Even when it's in the 30s I never wear more than one or

two

Quoted message said:

layers of normal jerseys and undershirts, with a windbreaker or vest over

it. I

Quoted message said:

wear normal long tights unless it's below freezing, when I switch to

windfronts.

Quoted message said:

When it's really cold the challenge is keeping hands and feet warm, but

the rest

Quoted message said:

of the body doesn't need much clothing when it's putting out so much

energy.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

can't win. I tried a windbreaker but it was not comfortable. Maybe I
need to invest in something from the LBS. I can't figure it out when I
shop on my own. I have work out clothes in every type of
fabric...nothing seems to be JUST RIGHT for the entire ride. I am not
ready to ride around town in a bicycle Jersey..and spandex....I'd feel
like an idiot.

It's what everyone else does, so join the club.

If you have an aversion to Spandex, try some lightweight, slim-fitting

nylon

Quoted message said:

pants, and a light sweater with a t-shirt underneath. Most cycling and

outdoor

Quoted message said:

clothing companies sell loose fitting tights that are looser than Spandex

but

Quoted message said:

slimmer than normal sweats. These would be a good bet. Lightweight wool
sweaters are terrific for cycling. Before modern fabrics, all serious

cycling

Quoted message said:

clothes were wool.

Matt O.

Back in the '60's we used to wear these corduroy knickers with long woolen
socks. I have not seen the knickers in many, many years... hope I never do
again. The modern stuff is so much better!

One bone-cracking cold February morning we were riding down the Long Island
Expressway when a truck ran through a deep icy puddle. We were deluged with
an icy tidal wave. I guess that is when cotton bike clothing lost its appeal
for me. If that moment didn't do it, the next 15 miles home sure did...

Bruce

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
<snip>

Quoted message said:

If you have an aversion to Spandex, try some lightweight, slim-fitting

nylon

Quoted message said:

pants, and a light sweater with a t-shirt underneath. Most cycling and

outdoor

Quoted message said:

clothing companies sell loose fitting tights that are looser than Spandex

but

Quoted message said:

slimmer than normal sweats. These would be a good bet. Lightweight wool
sweaters are terrific for cycling. Before modern fabrics, all serious

cycling

Quoted message said:

clothes were wool.

Matt O.

One thought on the T shirt. No cotton, go for wicking synthetic. Something
like DeFeet UnD Shurts
http://www.defeet.com/apparel.php?catid=30

One of those purchases that exceeds expectations. I have two that are
several years old and get used almost anytime the temperature starts to
fall. Use in conjunction with light shells/wind breakers, vests, arm
warmers, long and short sleeve jerseys and you can adapt to almost any
weather. You want to feel a little under dressed when you start. If you hit
it right you will be comfortable in about ten minutes. In the 38 to 60
degree range I frequently start with a wind jacket and a light vest in my
jersey pocket. As the day gets a little warmer the vest comes out of the
pocket and the jacket goes in. If it's going to be cool all day I'll wear a
long sleeve jersey. If it's supposed to warm up then it's arm warmers and
the vest.

If you are in Minnesota then your going to need an extra layer or two but it
is still all about layers. A [censored] pack can be useful if there will be a
large temperature shift and you will need a place to store a little more
stuff.
http://www.wunderground.com/ is a great place of reliable predictions.
Bill Brannon

Bruce Gilbert said:

Back in the '60's we used to wear these corduroy knickers with long
woolen socks. I have not seen the knickers in many, many years...
hope I never do again. The modern stuff is so much better!

Actually, I think knickers made of modern fabrics could be very useful for both
cycling and skiing. Tall alpine and telemark boots can be a problem with long
pants.

However, such knickers would stand out in a crowd even more than lycra. With
lycra people at least realize you're a cyclist. With knickers they'd just think
you were a weirdo.

In the last few years I've seen some "messenger pants" in the mid-calf, urban
street fashion style. They actually make a lot of sense for cycling.

Matt O.

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Bruce Gilbert said:

Back in the '60's we used to wear these corduroy knickers with long
woolen socks. I have not seen the knickers in many, many years...
hope I never do again. The modern stuff is so much better!

Actually, I think knickers made of modern fabrics could be very useful

for both

Quoted message said:

cycling and skiing. Tall alpine and telemark boots can be a problem with

long

Quoted message said:

pants.

However, such knickers would stand out in a crowd even more than lycra.

With

Quoted message said:

lycra people at least realize you're a cyclist. With knickers they'd

just think

Quoted message said:

you were a weirdo.

In the last few years I've seen some "messenger pants" in the mid-calf,

urban

Quoted message said:

street fashion style. They actually make a lot of sense for cycling.

Knicker-length bike shorts are actually pretty common. Because I'm so tall,
I can use standard length tights as knickers. I chopped one pair of rain
suit pants to above the knee to make "rain shorts", but graduated to a
second pair that I just wear knicker-length. A little goofy looking, but
they work well:
http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg

Or get essentially the same sort of thing for considerably less money but
without the trendy label:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7109778&memberId=12500226o

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7109793&memberId=12500226

or at other locations.

--
Mike Murray

"Bill" <[email hidden]> wrote:
" One thought on the T shirt. No cotton, go for wicking synthetic. Something
like DeFeet UnD Shurts http://www.defeet.com/apparel.php?catid=30"

On Mon, 29 Nov 2004 20:41:34 GMT, Bruce Gilbert <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

"Matt O'Toole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Maggie said:

Super Slinky <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
> Miles says...
>
>> Hello Group,
>>
>> It is not quite cold here, but it can be windy. The other day I
>> wore a sweatshirt and I was OK. But today it seemed not quite
>> windproof.

>> Miles
>
> I find windbreakers to be very sweaty if it isn't really cold, like
> below 40º,

I have yet to figure out how to dress to ride. I start out with too
much clothing when it is cold and end up hot as hell. I can't seem to
find something to wear that will be comfortable when I start and
comfortable after a few miles. I find myself layering clothes so I
can take something off halfway through the ride. It is a pain in the
neck. Saturday I had a fleece sweatsuit on and I was freezing when I
started.......then I thought I was going to die from the heat.

Well, no wonder! Even when it's in the 30s I never wear more than one
or

two

Quoted message said:

layers of normal jerseys and undershirts, with a windbreaker or vest
over

it. I

Quoted message said:

wear normal long tights unless it's below freezing, when I switch to

windfronts.

Quoted message said:

When it's really cold the challenge is keeping hands and feet warm, but

the rest

Quoted message said:

of the body doesn't need much clothing when it's putting out so much

energy.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

can't win. I tried a windbreaker but it was not comfortable. Maybe I
need to invest in something from the LBS. I can't figure it out when I
shop on my own. I have work out clothes in every type of
fabric...nothing seems to be JUST RIGHT for the entire ride. I am not
ready to ride around town in a bicycle Jersey..and spandex....I'd feel
like an idiot.

It's what everyone else does, so join the club.

If you have an aversion to Spandex, try some lightweight, slim-fitting

nylon

Quoted message said:

pants, and a light sweater with a t-shirt underneath. Most cycling and

outdoor

Quoted message said:

clothing companies sell loose fitting tights that are looser than
Spandex

but

Quoted message said:

slimmer than normal sweats. These would be a good bet. Lightweight
wool
sweaters are terrific for cycling. Before modern fabrics, all serious

cycling

Quoted message said:

clothes were wool.

Matt O.

Back in the '60's we used to wear these corduroy knickers with long
woolen
socks. I have not seen the knickers in many, many years... hope I never
do
again. The modern stuff is so much better!

One bone-cracking cold February morning we were riding down the Long
Island
Expressway when a truck ran through a deep icy puddle. We were deluged
with
an icy tidal wave. I guess that is when cotton bike clothing lost its
appeal
for me. If that moment didn't do it, the next 15 miles home sure did...

Bruce

I find it only sane to start a bit overdressed and carry a back pack. I
would not go out underdressed with the thought that I will be warm
when I get there. When it is under 55 for the whole day I start with
a t-shirt, two layers of sweats, and a real jacket. After about 4 miles
of light weight warming up riding (12 MPH) I need to stop and stuff the
jacket into the back pack. Now I can ride a little faster, like about 15
or 16 MPH for about 3 miles more, the stop and stuff one, maybe 2 of my
sweat tops into the backpack, and after that I can ride at 16 to 18 for
hours. Going faster just gets me sweaty and that is not what I want to
do, especially for my excursion rides that take me 30 miles or more from
home base.
Take a hint from the Eskimo's way off life. Never, ever get sweaty in your
clothing because when you stop the exercise you will freeze because water
conducts cold a little too well.
One final note, for the hands I take 3 pairs of gloves, one suitable for a
snowball fight, one light leather for medium cold, and one set of light
cloth gloves for those days when there is just a little chill. I hate
having
cold hands if I have to stop and do any wrenching or eating or....anything.

--
Bill (?) Baka

"Mike Murray" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:gnNqd.119181$5K2.114046@attbi_s03...

Quoted message said:

Or get essentially the same sort of thing for considerably less money but
without the trendy label:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7109778&memberId=12500226o

Quoted message said:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7109793&memberId=12500226

Quoted message said:

or at other locations.

--
Mike Murray

"Bill" <[email hidden]> wrote:
" One thought on the T shirt. No cotton, go for wicking synthetic.

Something

Quoted message said:

like DeFeet UnD Shurts http://www.defeet.com/apparel.php?catid=30"

I agree completely. Now point me to the sleeveless version which is perfect
for cycling.
bill

In article <[email hidden]>,

Bill said:

Quoted message said:

like DeFeet UnD Shurts http://www.defeet.com/apparel.php?catid=30"

I agree completely. Now point me to the sleeveless version which is perfect
for cycling.

DeFeet undershirts come in sleeveless, short sleeve, and long sleeve
versions. I use the various versions in various weather conditions.
In freezing conditions, I use something thicker like UnderArmor thermal
underwear.

Bill said:

One thought on the T shirt. No cotton, go for wicking synthetic.

In general I agree, but for short rides to the store, etc., cotton is fine.

You can get great deals on the synthetic stuff at Sierra Trading Post -- order
from the website, and they'll send you a new catalog every week. Kinda cheesy
and availability is spotty, but you can't argue with their prices.

Wool is great because no matter how damp you get, it still keeps you warm. It
sheds light moisture pretty well too.

Matt O.

Peter Cole said:

Knicker-length bike shorts are actually pretty common. Because I'm so
tall, I can use standard length tights as knickers.

Actually I wear lycra knickers more often than anything else, longer or shorter.
They're perfect for 50-70F, the bulk of my riding in recent years.

Quoted message said:

I chopped one
pair of rain suit pants to above the knee to make "rain shorts", but
graduated to a second pair that I just wear knicker-length. A little
goofy looking, but they work well:
http://home.comcast.net/%7Epeter_cole/ice5.jpg

Good idea.

Matt O.

Bill Baka said:

I find it only sane to start a bit overdressed and carry a back pack.
I would not go out underdressed with the thought that I will be warm
when I get there.

I do the opposite -- home is uphill!

Matt O.