Cold weather gear

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden]__org says...

Quoted message said:

Happy New Year 🙂 2004 has greeted me with considerably lower temperatures, but I still hope to
commute some days by bicycle.

I had a question relating to thermal underwear / long johns. A friend of mine tipped me off about
how cotton is pretty much useless as an insulator even if it gets slightly moist. Does this mean
I'm pretty much better off with any kind of synthetic layer? I have one set of LIFA gear and it's
very warm but since it's expensive I don't plan on getting several sets.

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate better than cotton, but that
won't cost an arm and a leg?

For non-biking applications, my personal preference is for the wool/polypropylene blend stuff
you can find at ski shops (it doesn't stretch enough for cycling). For cycling, any of the
polyster/lycra "performance underwear" like Underarmor Cold Gear and its competitors works
great for me.

--
Dave Kerber Fight spam: remove the ns_ from the return address before replying!

REAL programmers write self-modifying code.

Jem Berkes __org said:

Happy New Year 🙂 2004 has greeted me with considerably lower temperatures, but I still hope to
commute some days by bicycle.

I had a question relating to thermal underwear / long johns. A friend of mine tipped me off about
how cotton is pretty much useless as an insulator even if it gets slightly moist. Does this mean
I'm pretty much better off with any kind of synthetic layer? I have one set of LIFA gear and it's
very warm but since it's expensive I don't plan on getting several sets.

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate better than cotton, but that
won't cost an arm and a leg?

I don't remember the exact name, but this product looks similar-

sierratradingpost.comproduct.htmOpen ↗

I have used the lightweight stuff down to 20 F or so without a problem when moving. For commuting it
is fine. For serious backwoods below freezing, probably not the best. They make different weights.
Very stretchy.

When I do go inside I don't start sweating like crazy from the weight of this type. Cheap enough to
get a few pairs. When really cold I guess you could wear two pair at once.

So check out a hiking or hunting store to see if they have something similar.

Jem Berkes <[email hidden]__org> wrote in
:"]news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate better than cotton, but that
won't cost an arm and a leg?

Cycling tights come in varying warmth levels. The type with built-in wind protection is warmest
(for sub-freezing rides). In really cold weather, you can wear leg warmers or knee warmers under
your tights.

"Jem Berkes" <[email hidden]__org> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Happy New Year 🙂 2004 has greeted me with considerably lower

temperatures,

Quoted message said:

but I still hope to commute some days by bicycle.

I had a question relating to thermal underwear / long johns. A friend of mine tipped me off about
how cotton is pretty much useless as an insulator even if it gets slightly moist. Does this mean
I'm pretty much better off with any kind of synthetic layer? I have one set of LIFA gear and it's

very

Quoted message said:

warm but since it's expensive I don't plan on getting several sets.

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate

better

Quoted message said:

than cotton, but that won't cost an arm and a leg?

You are correct about cotton.

Check out the ICEBIKE site at users.rcn.comicebikeOpen ↗ . They have lots of info on cold weather
clothing for cycling.

Regards, Mish

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate better than cotton, but that
won't cost an arm and a leg?

For non-biking applications, my personal preference is for the wool/polypropylene blend stuff
you can find at ski shops (it doesn't stretch enough for cycling). For cycling, any of the
polyster/lycra "performance underwear" like Underarmor Cold Gear and its competitors works
great for me.

Hmm, those Underarmor's seem to be around $50. Probably worth it though, though I wish I could get a
few sets of something less expensive.

Dan Daniel said:

Jem Berkes __org said:

Happy New Year 🙂 2004 has greeted me with considerably lower temperatures, but I still hope to
commute some days by bicycle.

I had a question relating to thermal underwear / long johns. A friend of mine tipped me off about
how cotton is pretty much useless as an insulator even if it gets slightly moist. Does this mean
I'm pretty much better off with any kind of synthetic layer? I have one set of LIFA gear and it's
very warm but since it's expensive I don't plan on getting several sets.

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate better than cotton, but that
won't cost an arm and a leg?

I don't remember the exact name, but this product looks similar-

sierratradingpost.comproduct.htmOpen ↗

I have used the lightweight stuff down to 20 F or so without a problem when moving. For commuting
it is fine. For serious backwoods below freezing, probably not the best. They make different
weights. Very stretchy.

When I do go inside I don't start sweating like crazy from the weight of this type. Cheap enough to
get a few pairs. When really cold I guess you could wear two pair at once.

So check out a hiking or hunting store to see if they have something similar.

Wow, great deal.

Also always check out:

o REI o Campmor o Cabelas and the various sportman's catalogs.

Campmor is particularly good.

Check Backpacker's magazine for reviews, they often have one.

-B

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden]__org says...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate better than cotton, but
that won't cost an arm and a leg?

For non-biking applications, my personal preference is for the wool/polypropylene blend stuff
you can find at ski shops (it doesn't stretch enough for cycling). For cycling, any of the
polyster/lycra "performance underwear" like Underarmor Cold Gear and its competitors works great
for me.

Hmm, those Underarmor's seem to be around $50. Probably worth it though, though I wish I could get
a few sets of something less expensive.

IIRC, I didn't pay that much for mine. I think the shirt was about $40, but I don't remember what
the tights were. That's why I only have one set of them, though.

--
Dave Kerber Fight spam: remove the ns_ from the return address before replying!

REAL programmers write self-modifying code.

Jem Berkes __org said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate better than cotton, but
that won't cost an arm and a leg?

For non-biking applications, my personal preference is for the wool/polypropylene blend stuff you
can find at ski shops (it doesn't stretch enough for cycling). For cycling, any of the
polyster/lycra "performance underwear" like Underarmor Cold Gear and its competitors works great
for me.

Hmm, those Underarmor's seem to be around $50. Probably worth it though, though I wish I could get
a few sets of something less expensive.

Check out Sport Hill brand zipper-legged tights. They are Polyester, Acrylic, Rayon, Lycra blend and
work great. They are more 'outerwear', but are similar weight to expedition weight long underwear.
They were $28 bucks at the local Athletic shop.

Hind brand also makes a nice pair like this, slightly better quality, but they're $60 bucks. I got
'em for $20 at an after-Christmas sale. They're the 'W. Munich Tights'.

Check out TJMaxx if you have such a store in your area. They typically get brand name stuff marked
down to 1/2 since they stock 'remnants'.

Last be sure and go by the second hand shops in your area. Great deals, but go often and early, the
ladies have already scoped out that they have super deals if you look hard and get lucky.

HTH,

-B

My wife and I both are passionate about riding out bikes no matter what the weather. We got advice from our LBS to use polypropylene underwear for the wicking properties. My wife also spouted some old-time comment about wear cotton and die when you are in cold weather.

We experimented and found we could ride in the rain in just above freezing weather in relative comfort by using polypropylene long johns under long cycling pants and wearing a cycling windbreaker. I found leather gloves helped keep my fingers warm as well.

What I found was I could ride even in a steady rain without being uncomfortable. The legs muscles generate heat while pedaling so just the long cycling pants were sufficient most days.

The layering is important, though. It was only a couple of minutes after I went indoors that I was overheating. I found the cycling windbreaker was handy because it has removeable arms. Depending on my effort and how windy/rainy it was I either had the arms on or off. I could open the zipper of the windbreaker and my cycling shirt to fine tune my comfort level.

I am a firm believer in dressing properly for the environment. Being relatively new to bicycling I relied on the LBS for advice and am convinced that I can dress comfortably and bicyle in any weather short of icy roads.

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden]__org says...

Quoted message said:

Happy New Year 🙂 2004 has greeted me with considerably lower temperatures, but I still hope to
commute some days by bicycle.

I had a question relating to thermal underwear / long johns. A friend of mine tipped me off about
how cotton is pretty much useless as an insulator even if it gets slightly moist.

Your friend is correct.

Quoted message said:

Does this mean I'm pretty much better off with any kind of synthetic layer?

Yes. Wool also works well. Doesn't hold odors too.

Quoted message said:

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate better than cotton, but that
won't cost an arm and a leg?

Any of the many polyesther materials, like coolmax and thermax, work well. I usually go to
www.sierratradingpost.com or www.campmor.com and see what is on sale. Usually the bright colors,
yellow or orange, are on sale cheap. Since I wear this under other clothes, color is not
important to me.
---------------
Alex

Someone has to dissent from your premise about cotton, and I guess I'll be the one. I'm in my eighth
consecutive winter of commuting by bike i the Milwaukee area, and I mainly rely on cotton and wool.
Cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts, blue-jeans and socks, and wool sweaters, mittens and socks. The
mittens have a leather "chopper" over them.

Wear enough layers and cotton is warm enough, and it's dramatically more comfortable - for me at any
rate - than any synthetic material. I think the "case" against cotton consists of nine parts snob
appeal and hype for every part of reality.

"Jem Berkes" <[email hidden]__org> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Happy New Year 🙂 2004 has greeted me with considerably lower

temperatures,

Quoted message said:

but I still hope to commute some days by bicycle.

I had a question relating to thermal underwear / long johns. A friend of mine tipped me off about
how cotton is pretty much useless as an insulator even if it gets slightly moist. Does this mean
I'm pretty much better off with any kind of synthetic layer? I have one set of LIFA gear and it's

very

Quoted message said:

warm but since it's expensive I don't plan on getting several sets.

Can anyone recommend some kind of thermal legwear that will insulate

better

Quoted message said:

than cotton, but that won't cost an arm and a leg?

Quoted message said:

So check out a hiking or hunting store to see if they have something similar.

Thanks for the advice!

I asked a friend of mine that worked at an S.I.R. (outdoor/hunting) store here in Canada and he said
that they sell Stansfield (I believe this is a Canadian brand) all synthetic long underwear for only
about $12 cad, which sounds pretty good. I'll give this a shot, and other similar lower price
thermals I can find in town.

Quoted message said:

Check out the ICEBIKE site at users.rcn.comicebikeOpen ↗ . They have lots of info on cold
weather clothing for cycling.

Thanks for all the help and tips everyone.

I'll definitely check out this web site. By the way, it's -35 C right now (-45 C or -49 F
with windchill) so it's obviously WAY too cold to bike right now. That's what I get for
living in Winnipeg.

Sure, my body can handle it but I don't think the bike can 😉

--
Jem Berkes sysdesign.casysdesign.caOpen ↗

Ron Wallenfang <[email hidden]> wrote:
: I think the "case" against cotton consists of nine parts snob appeal and hype for every part of
: reality.

funny, when i lived in milwaukee it rained. if you think it's 9 parts snob appeal you've never
ridden with cotton in 35F rain. wool avails itself in this weather. anyhow i sure wouldn't wear
cotton as a base layer in an environment where you may sweat or otherwise get wet in the cold.
--
david reuteler [email hidden]

Quoted message said:

I'll definitely check out this web site. By the way, it's -35 C right now (-45 C or -49 F with
windchill) so it's obviously WAY too cold to

Sorry, that °F conversion isn't right (I think?) I know celcius only.

"Jem Berkes" <[email hidden]__org> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

So check out a hiking or hunting store to see if they have

something

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

similar.

Thanks for the advice!

I asked a friend of mine that worked at an S.I.R.

(outdoor/hunting) store

Quoted message said:

here in Canada and he said that they sell Stansfield (I believe

this is a

Quoted message said:

Canadian brand) all synthetic long underwear for only about $12

cad, which

Quoted message said:

sounds pretty good. I'll give this a shot, and other similar

lower price

Quoted message said:

thermals I can find in town.

Didn't know you're in Winnipeg or I would have recommended

mec.camec.caOpen ↗ men's clothing/underwear mid and expedition weight

Don't get them too tight. They are light, warm and very comfy.

or their store at 303 Portage 204-943-4202

But at -35 I'd be wearing a light wind jacket (blocks wind from the front on the body, arms and
upper back), a summer long sleeve jersey, an expedition weight and another, or a mid weight. On the
bottom I'd be wearing their Venturi tights and a couple layers of midweight.

In total this would far exceed an order of magnitude more than the $12 but it would do the job.

Doug For email, a sense of wonder.

Jem Berkes said:

Quoted message said:

I'll definitely check out this web site. By the way, it's -35 C right now (-45 C or -49 F with
windchill) so it's obviously WAY too cold to

Dang

Quoted message said:

Sorry, that °F conversion isn't right (I think?) I know celcius only.

Close enough. Remember that -40 is the same on both scales. Damn cold in any scale.

--

David L. Johnson

__o | You will say Christ saith this and the apostles say this; but _`\(,_ | what canst thou say?
-- George Fox. (_)/ (_) |

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Someone has to dissent from your premise about cotton, and I guess I'll be the one. I'm in my
eighth consecutive winter of commuting by bike i the Milwaukee area, and I mainly rely on cotton
and wool. Cotton t-shirts, sweatshirts, blue-jeans and socks, and wool sweaters, mittens and
socks. The mittens have a leather "chopper" over them.

Wear enough layers and cotton is warm enough, and it's dramatically more comfortable - for me at
any rate - than any synthetic material. I think the "case" against cotton consists of nine parts
snob appeal and hype for every part of reality.

Cotton is fine until it gets wet.

....

--
Dave Kerber Fight spam: remove the ns_ from the return address before replying!

REAL programmers write self-modifying code.

"Insight Driver" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I am a firm believer in dressing properly for the environment. Being relatively new to bicycling I
relied on the LBS for advice and am convinced that I can dress comfortably and bicyle in any
weather short of icy roads.

Anybody who'll ride in 35 degree rain shouldn't let a little ice stop them, check out Nokian studded
tires, www.icebike.com.