Wool for winter riding in Oregon??

Rob said:

HI All,

I am in my second month of a new job in Portland Oregon. Commuting
miles are ~150/week, throw in 15-20 more for errands.

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season....

A coat soaked in the blood of Nessus for the next thief?

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
A Real Cyclist [TM] keeps at least one bicycle in the bedroom.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

Rob said:

HI All,

I am in my second month of a new job in Portland Oregon. Commuting
miles are ~150/week, throw in 15-20 more for errands.

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season. First thought
was a stretch wind-blocker fleece jacket (Castelli Espresso) with
light weight synthetic undie top, but should I consider:

wool base layer
wool trainer (the Woolistic offerings at Vintage Velos seem
particularly nice).
lightweight shell

Many fall and winter days in this part of Oregon include rain; but not
always a steady or heavy rain. We do tend to have a handful or two of
really miserable (mid-upper 30's and raining hard) days. The commute
is ~1 hour each way and fairly hilly. I usually stay fairly warm and
sweat a fair bit. Hiking jacket or other outdoor clothing could be
pressed into service if need be.

What do you think? Wool or no wool?

Wool is very nice when dry, and insulates when wet, but in my limited
experience, it absorbs a LOT of water. Contrast fleece, which also
insulates when wet, but most of the water wicks downward and out. It's
astonishing how little water fleece retains.

I sweat a LOT, and so I've tended to avoid wool for rain rides (great
for other rides if I won't be sweating too much, but once I put on a
windproof shell, I'm soggy inside and out). Clearly YMMV.

Heavy wool socks work well for me in rain, but I don't think my feet
sweat that much compared to the rest of me. Also, wool is "stiff"
enough that the socks retain some insulating thickness even with the
pressure under my soles. I think fleece would be a poor choice /there/.

Granted, I have limited experience with wool garments in the rain
(except socks). Wool is the fabric of choice for the retro crowd, so
listen to other opinions too.

Mark (Salem, OR) J.

In article <[email hidden]>,

Rob said:

HI All,

I am in my second month of a new job in Portland Oregon. Commuting
miles are ~150/week, throw in 15-20 more for errands.

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season. First thought
was a stretch wind-blocker fleece jacket (Castelli Espresso) with
light weight synthetic undie top, but should I consider:

wool base layer wool trainer (the Woolistic offerings at Vintage
Velos seem particularly nice). lightweight shell

Many fall and winter days in this part of Oregon include rain; but
not always a steady or heavy rain. We do tend to have a handful or
two of really miserable (mid-upper 30's and raining hard) days. The
commute is ~1 hour each way and fairly hilly. I usually stay fairly
warm and sweat a fair bit. Hiking jacket or other outdoor clothing
could be pressed into service if need be.

What do you think? Wool or no wool?

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Well, I like wool for cycling clothing. The one downside is that it
doesn't dry rapidly, so if you turn up for work in the morning with wet
wool you'll be putting wet wool back on to ride home. You'll still be
warm, but the wool won't dry out at work unless you can do something to
help it along. And your office will smell like wet sheep.

As for a jacket, I have been very pleased with the Showers Pass Elite.
With that and a single layer I find I am comfortable to surprisingly low
temps. The jacket is well vented and I stay drier inside it than any
other jacket I have used.

As mentioned, wool can absorb a lot of water and get heavy. Some people
can't wear wool. It's expensive.

Other than that, wool is my favorite! Nearly all my socks are wool (too
bad D-Feet quit making the Wool-E-Ator!), and I have a pair of jerseys
(one heavy and one light) that are great!

My wool shorts from the 70s are gone, but I hated them (mostly chamois
issues).

Rob said:

HI All,

I am in my second month of a new job in Portland Oregon. Commuting
miles are ~150/week, throw in 15-20 more for errands.

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season. First thought
was a stretch wind-blocker fleece jacket (Castelli Espresso) with
light weight synthetic undie top, but should I consider:

wool base layer
wool trainer (the Woolistic offerings at Vintage Velos seem
particularly nice).
lightweight shell

Many fall and winter days in this part of Oregon include rain; but not
always a steady or heavy rain. We do tend to have a handful or two of
really miserable (mid-upper 30's and raining hard) days. The commute
is ~1 hour each way and fairly hilly. I usually stay fairly warm and
sweat a fair bit. Hiking jacket or other outdoor clothing could be
pressed into service if need be.

What do you think? Wool or no wool?

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,

Rob
Portland, OR
USA

Rob said:

HI All,

I am in my second month of a new job in Portland Oregon. Commuting
miles are ~150/week, throw in 15-20 more for errands.

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season. First thought
was a stretch wind-blocker fleece jacket (Castelli Espresso) with
light weight synthetic undie top, but should I consider:

wool base layer
wool trainer (the Woolistic offerings at Vintage Velos seem
particularly nice).
lightweight shell

Many fall and winter days in this part of Oregon include rain; but not
always a steady or heavy rain. We do tend to have a handful or two of
really miserable (mid-upper 30's and raining hard) days. The commute
is ~1 hour each way and fairly hilly. I usually stay fairly warm and
sweat a fair bit. Hiking jacket or other outdoor clothing could be
pressed into service if need be.

What do you think? Wool or no wool?

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,

Rob
Portland, OR
USA

This-
http://www.rei.com/product/666124

With Wool jersey underneath..we sell 'em and they really work well.
(also REI)

wool is for sheep and feet: polypro is neat

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=77262&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=19313&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=40000000226&storeId=226&categoryId=61304&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=61294

'red ledge' had a "Backpacker" recommended light parka. I bought one
only wearing it briefly indoors where yes immediately the fabric
breathes and is hiker light.

An inexpensive Campmor jacket should last a Portland winter.

Try a Polartec crew with zipper for under jacket, add the poly
underwear for below 30 degrees. Seattle fabrics has W/P/B material
for DIY Gore Tex socks worn over Wigwam acrylics or polypro liners
available from campmor. 3 layer W/P/B Gore sox should be just the
ticket. Clean boots insides first.

search "Backpacker" for information

if you buy a hiking parka, consider adding silicone rip stop nylon to
the back lower hem. The cycling position shortens the hiker design
allowing dripping onto your butt

home depot carries day glo road wrokers mesh vests

"Rob" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

HI All,

I am in my second month of a new job in Portland Oregon. Commuting
miles are ~150/week, throw in 15-20 more for errands.

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season. First thought
was a stretch wind-blocker fleece jacket (Castelli Espresso) with
light weight synthetic undie top, but should I consider:

wool base layer
wool trainer (the Woolistic offerings at Vintage Velos seem
particularly nice).
lightweight shell

Many fall and winter days in this part of Oregon include rain; but not
always a steady or heavy rain. We do tend to have a handful or two of
really miserable (mid-upper 30's and raining hard) days. The commute
is ~1 hour each way and fairly hilly. I usually stay fairly warm and
sweat a fair bit. Hiking jacket or other outdoor clothing could be
pressed into service if need be.

What do you think? Wool or no wool?
Your advice would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,
Rob
Portland, OR
USA

I commute year round, 16 miles daily in Chicago. I do not think wool is
well-suited for your commute, for the reasons others have mentioned.

My winter weather strategy is pretty simple. The layer next to the skin
needs to wick. The middle layer needs to insulate, so there is a lot of
flexibility here. Mostly personal preference. The outer layer needs to wind
block, and hopefully will let some of the humidity pass through to the
outside air. My choice is gore-tex, head to toe, including gaiters (commonly
overlooked by bike commuters).

Why are you thinking of changing from gore-tex? Just because of the cost? I
don't think that is a good reason for changing your system. If gore-tex
worked well for you before the theft, just buy another gore-tex shell, and
reconsider your coffee shop security strategy.

Nice stuff (unattended) is a theft risk - J.

Rob said:

HI All,

I am in my second month of a new job in Portland Oregon. Commuting
miles are ~150/week, throw in 15-20 more for errands.

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season. First thought
was a stretch wind-blocker fleece jacket (Castelli Espresso) with
light weight synthetic undie top, but should I consider:

wool base layer
wool trainer (the Woolistic offerings at Vintage Velos seem
particularly nice).
lightweight shell

Many fall and winter days in this part of Oregon include rain; but not
always a steady or heavy rain. We do tend to have a handful or two of
really miserable (mid-upper 30's and raining hard) days. The commute
is ~1 hour each way and fairly hilly. I usually stay fairly warm and
sweat a fair bit. Hiking jacket or other outdoor clothing could be
pressed into service if need be.

What do you think? Wool or no wool?

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Your commute is tough to dress for because you have climbing and
descending -- and depending on your route, some pretty good climbing.
Anyway, I prefer synthetic because it dries faster, which makes the
ride home a lot more enjoyable. Moreover, it does not hang on you
when it gets wet, and it is warmer by weight -- which will matter
during winter, but not so much now. Synthetic is also cheaper and
easier to wash. Nonetheless, I own wool jerseys and like them for
many things.

I have been commuting in PDX year-round for 20+ years but have a much
shorter commute. When I know that I am going for some miles before or
after work, (or when I am riding on the weekend), I typically wear
synthetic layers and a breathable, "water proof" shell. I have a Gill
Event jacket with pit zips that I like. I will wear a wool jersey on
occaision, particularly in the early fall or late spring when I want
less insulation under my jacket or expect it to warm up for the ride
home. During the winter, I wear a fleecy synthetic jersey under my
jacket because for insulation. Also, this jersey is open-weave, and
it breathes when I unzip my jacket when climbing. On light rain days
in the fall or spring, I wear a Sugoi Inverter and switch up the
synthetic base layer depending on how cold it is.

I don't know if you are from around here, but assuming you are new,
here are my favorite tips: (1) get the best, most water-proof shoe
covers you can afford, (2) by a shoe drier from Costco, (3) get
fenders (I assume you have these), (4) buy a good slick tire with lots
of grip. I have yet to find the Holy Grail of high-grip tires (I do
like some of the Michelins), but I do know that some of the new
commuter tires (like my current rear, the Bontragger "Hard Case"😉 are
way too hard and slippery. Pick the wrong tire, and you will find
yourself surfing out of the West Hills. And (5) get some KoolStop
salmon pads for best wet braking.

Enjoy your commute! -- Jay Beattie.

Rob, i can't think of a single thing that wool does better than modern
synthetics other than use petrochemicals in its production (although
sheep farming isn't all that green either).

More comfortable in terms of the fabric and other factors, (generally)
more economical, dries quicker, wicks better, more durable, easier to
clean, etc. etc. etc. etc.

base layer, insulating layer (varioust types and weights as needed),
shell with good breathing and some water repelency, everything having
ample zippers.

Use what you're used to and can afford, adjust as conditions and
experience teach you... but why use wool?

Camilo said:

Rob, i can't think of a single thing that wool does better than modern
synthetics other than use petrochemicals in its production (although
sheep farming isn't all that green either).

More comfortable in terms of the fabric and other factors, (generally)
more economical, dries quicker, wicks better, more durable, easier to
clean, etc. etc. etc. etc.

base layer, insulating layer (varioust types and weights as needed),
shell with good breathing and some water repelency, everything having
ample zippers.

Use what you're used to and can afford, adjust as conditions and
experience teach you... but why use wool?

of course I meant "not use petrochemicals in its production".

In article <[email hidden]>, richard

Quoted message said:

As mentioned, wool can absorb a lot of water and get heavy. Some people
can't wear wool. It's expensive.

Not necessarily. My closet is full of shetland, merino, and lambswool
pullovers/vests. Without exception all were acquired for $5 - $10 each
at local used clothes/thrift shops around town; these outlets are also
flush with fleece (synthetic) insulating layers as well, but high
quality shells are very rare there.

From the standpoint of performance there is *no* difference between
these budget (wool) alternatives and the very expensive retro/hip
counterparts by Icebreaker et al. While some of the goods are
excessively worn and threadbare, I find there's no shortage of
indistinguishable from new offerings. Check it out!

In article <[email hidden]>, Jay

Beattie said:

Your commute is tough to dress for because you have climbing and
descending -- and depending on your route, some pretty good climbing.
Anyway, I prefer synthetic because it dries faster, which makes the
ride home a lot more enjoyable. Moreover, it does not hang on you
when it gets wet, and it is warmer by weight -- which will matter
during winter, but not so much now. Synthetic is also cheaper and
easier to wash. Nonetheless, I own wool jerseys and like them for
many things.

One advantage of wool is that, unlike synthetics - at least those not
treated for the purpose - it's naturally antimicrobial. Sweat and
synthetics equals mucho stench!

Rob said:

HI All,

I am in my second month of a new job in Portland Oregon. Commuting
miles are ~150/week, throw in 15-20 more for errands.

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season. First thought
was a stretch wind-blocker fleece jacket (Castelli Espresso) with
light weight synthetic undie top, but should I consider:

wool base layer
wool trainer (the Woolistic offerings at Vintage Velos seem
particularly nice).
lightweight shell

Many fall and winter days in this part of Oregon include rain; but not
always a steady or heavy rain. We do tend to have a handful or two of
really miserable (mid-upper 30's and raining hard) days. The commute
is ~1 hour each way and fairly hilly. I usually stay fairly warm and
sweat a fair bit. Hiking jacket or other outdoor clothing could be
pressed into service if need be.

What do you think? Wool or no wool?

Your advice would be much appreciated.

Best Regards,

Rob
Portland, OR
USA

Have a look at the very nice stuff from GroundEffect - http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/
Online from New Zealand, the land where there's a sheep in every man's
bed.

Donga

foloowing th e two,post i made here: a long sleeve polyester crew subs
for the polypro long underwear and Polartec 100 on warmer but chilly
days. Campmor is out of mens but there are woman's
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39297296&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

my use of synthetics does not give them "smell", not other experience.
Wash in diluted hand soap eg palmolive anti bacterial or the baby butt
wash hand soap whose name escapes me then dry flat on a towl or screen
with hot air if possible. Roll up in a towel to squeeze dry after
handwashing. A lot of these fabrics are hydrophilic, drying slowly.
The fabrics absorbs water evenly, the dispersal then routed to the
outer side from body heat and STP functions.

Braking is mentioned. Buy a can of Rubber Belt Conditioner. Spray the
stuff on rim sides, let dry. stops ona squirrel and saves the Kool
Stops.

Poly coated W/P/B are adequate for commuting at $40. You'll be pleased
combining the poly or urethane and a correct base layer.

"Rob" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

My gore-tex riding jacket was stolen from a coffee shop a while ago
and I need to purchase something for the rainy season. >
Best Regards,
Rob
Portland, OR

Just curious, how does a gore-tex riding jacket get stolen from a
coffee shop? Unless it was left behind unattended.
-tom

Quoted message said:

-tom

a flock of sheep numbering 162 enturd the front door, flocked thru to
the kitchen and left thru the rear door.
the jacket was lost during the ensuing maylay

"datakoll" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Just curious, how does a gore-tex riding jacket get stolen from a
coffee shop? Unless it was left behind unattended.
-tom

a flock of sheep numbering 162 enturd the front door, flocked thru to
the kitchen and left thru the rear door.
the jacket was lost during the ensuing maylay

Yea right, but not before ordering 162 cappuccino mocha decaf's
with a twist of lemon....................to go. ;-)
-tom