Keeping warm in the south? [Archive]

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Winston001

17th May 2009, 13:32

FJRider

17th May 2009, 13:41

I wear Dri-Rider stuff... no issues with cold. My gloves do need replacing (also Dri-Rider)

tri boy

17th May 2009, 14:00

Different folks have different theories on staying warm.
Core body temp in the torso, and skull area are what I try to protect without bulking the clothing too much.
Wind chill via poor outer layer choice is also a factor. my personal clothing choice is:
Good wool socks,(if need be plastic shopping bags can be put over them in foul weather).
Gortex boots, that also receive bees wax treatment especially around the stitching.
Long johns that are light, and good quality.
I have switched from textile pants, to a pair of Quasimoto jean cut leather pants that also get bees wax treated.

Polyprop long sleeve under shirt, (i find these warmer than marino 2nd skin, and sweating isn't a problem on wet/cold rides.
A woolen shearers singlet over the poly prop. This gives great torso temp protection and leaves my arms less bulky.
A Hunting/Fishing micro fibre skivvy to top the torso off. Light and warm, and not bulky.
I stillprefer a textile jacket as they feel warmer, and upper body movement seems easier than a leather jacket.
Good balaclava to retain head warmth.

Good gloves also treated with bees wax. (can't recommend this stuff enough).

If the weather becomes extremely wet, I have an old Bianchi storm suit, (1 piece), that very rarely lets a trickle of rain in. Also is great wind cheating properties.
Two days ago, I spend two 8 hour days riding in wet/coldish/windy/misty rain. Ham-Masterton-Ham rtn of about 1000km. Fingers stayed dry n warm. Boots didn't let any water in, and crotch had a slight dampness. (think this was more sweat/moisture from sitting for so long.

Rode between logging trucks in foul rain with spray pouring off them for 1/2 hour. Still dry.

Avoid bulky clothes that restrict movement, and use bees wax, (available from boot repairers, and farm supply stores. MHO
Hope this helps.:msn-wink:

Guzza

17th May 2009, 14:33

I'm a die hard leather and woollen jersy man myself but due to the cut of my new Qmoto jacket, I have ditched the woollen jersy for a light weight down jacket, wich works a treat! This time around I bought an oilskin vest to go over the leather jacket. It adds a wind/waterproof layer that is enough for light rain, also gives me somewhere to put rally badges without turning my jacket into a pin cusion.

Alas, leather just doesnt cut it in the wet so I carry a cordura seam sealed jacket of the brightest hi-vis yellow, resplendent with reflective stripes. Bugger this looking cool buisness when it's pissing down, I'd rather bee seen! Wind chill has a huge effect on riders and wearing a wind/water proof layer over your leathers can make a huge difference. I have a set of Rain-Off over mittens and although they are a bit fussy to get on, they are totally water proof and do keep your fingers Way warmer than gloves alone. Thinking seriously about heated grips for myself tho...

As mnetioned by tri boy, a thermal base layer is recommended I use a mix of polipro and wool, cause thats what I have. A micro fleece mid layer then the down jacket. I wear a polipro hat or balaclava under my lid, depending on the temp. I dont own the latest super-duper winter gloves so I wear a thin polipro liner inside the gloves and Rain-Offs over top of the gloves when needed.

Guzza

shafty

17th May 2009, 16:04

My two tips would be:

http://www.swazi.co.nz/Online-Shop/Outdoors-and-Leisure:-High-Country/

www.rain-off.com

Good luck!

Shafty

martybabe

17th May 2009, 17:19

Buffalo gear.

Here's a link

http://www.upandunder.co.uk/eshop/catalogue/manufacturer.asp?Activity_ID=9&Description_ID=66

If you can be arsed, read about the mountain shirt, buy one and wear it under your jacket.

In simple terms: you will never be cold, wet or sweaty ever again.

This stuff is absolutely fuggin brilliant and then some. any one that does long distance winter rides or attends them winter rallies, this is the answer to your prayers. I don't work for them and I don't sell their stuff, I'm just telling you that the manufacturers bullshit is all true, infact it doesn't go far enough. This is the best stuff made anywhere by anybody at any price. :niceone:

I have mountaineered in it, swam icy rivers in it, skied in it, in fact if you can still get the sleeping bags, you can go to sleep with all your wet gear inside even wet towels and it will all be bone dry in the morning. I have woken up in a tent on top of a mountain at -20 degrees and found my tent full of steam as the shirt dries it self out form a drenching the night before, incredible stuff.

Ixion

17th May 2009, 17:41

Do they no longer have newspapers down souff ?

BMWST?

17th May 2009, 17:42

i would think that everything else being equal there is no difference between a leather jacket and a textile.The advantage of a textile is that if it rains it is better than a leather jacket.There is no secret about staying warm,and you wont beleive the difference the heated grips will make.A small fairing which takes the wind away from the torso is also good.Then just layer,with wool,polyprop,icebreaker,whatever.I would say the reason your textile mates are warmer than you is they have better liners in their jackets than you have in your leather jacket.If i knew i was doing lots of wet winter road trips i would find some over boot type things to go over normal leather boots.Keeps the water off but lets the leather breathe a bit

200BUSA

17th May 2009, 18:03

I can do a good deal for you if you want new Cordura jacket, or pants. Very warm. Same as all other cordura gear. zip out liner, 600denier corcdura. PM me if interested.

Winston001

18th May 2009, 08:52

Core body temp in the torso, and skull area are what I try to protect without bulking the clothing too much.
Wind chill via poor outer layer choice is also a factor. my personal clothing choice is:
Good wool socks,(if need be plastic shopping bags can be put over them in foul weather).
Gortex boots, that also receive bees wax treatment especially around the stitching.
Long johns that are light, and good quality.
I have switched from textile pants, to a pair of Quasimoto jean cut leather pants that also get bees wax treated.

Polyprop long sleeve under shirt, (i find these warmer than marino 2nd skin, and sweating isn't a problem on wet/cold rides.
A woollen shearers singlet over the poly prop. This gives great torso temp protection and leaves my arms less bulky.
A Hunting/Fishing micro fibre skivvy to top the torso off. Light and warm, and not bulky.
I still prefer a textile jacket as they feel warmer, and upper body movement seems easier than a leather jacket.
Good balaclava to retain head warmth.

Good gloves also treated with bees wax. (can't recommend this stuff enough).

If the weather becomes extremely wet, I have an old Bianchi storm suit, (1 piece), that very rarely lets a trickle of rain in. Also is great wind cheating properties.....

Excellent description and advice. I think you are using one more layer than I do which makes the difference.

I'm a die hard leather and woollen jersy man myself but due to the cut of my new Qmoto jacket, I have ditched the woollen jersy for a light weight down jacket, which works a treat! This time around I bought an oilskin vest to go over the leather jacket. It adds a wind/waterproof layer that is enough for light rain, also gives me somewhere to put rally badges without turning my jacket into a pin cusion.

Alas, leather just doesnt cut it in the wet so I carry a cordura seam sealed jacket of the brightest hi-vis yellow, resplendent with reflective stripes. Bugger this looking cool business when it's pissing down, I'd rather be seen! Wind chill has a huge effect on riders and wearing a wind/water proof layer over your leathers can make a huge difference. I have a set of Rain-Off over mittens and although they are a bit fussy to get on, they are totally water proof and do keep your fingers Way warmer than gloves alone. Thinking seriously about heated grips for myself tho...

As mnetioned by tri boy, a thermal base layer is recommended I use a mix of polipro and wool, cause thats what I have. A micro fleece mid layer then the down jacket. I wear a polypro hat or balaclava under my lid, depending on the temp. I dont own the latest super-duper winter gloves so I wear a thin polypro liner inside the gloves and Rain-Offs over top of the gloves when needed.

Guzza

More good advice - thanks. :niceone:

Do they no longer have newspapers down souff ?

Cheeky bugger. :bleh: As a matter of fact, I arrived home with a crumpled copy of the Marlborough Express under my jacket. :niceone:

I can do a good deal for you if you want new Cordura jacket, or pants. Very warm. Same as all other cordura gear. zip out liner, 600denier cordura. PM me if interested.

Cheers, pm sent.

MaxB

18th May 2009, 21:14

Come on admit it - you really want a heated vest.

Widder, Gerbing and Tourmaster are good brands if you do.

Winston001

18th May 2009, 23:31

Come on admit it - you really want a heated vest.

Widder, Gerbing and Tourmaster are good brands if you do.

Heated vests pah! ...but will just check them out for curiosity..

But I do like Triboy's shearers singlet idea. :niceone: Southern Man stuff.

Incidentally, Buffalo gear is now available on TM http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=1469660 This jacket in particular looks too good to be true.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Jackets/auction-218689368.htm Edit - not sure if its the same and the Pertex shirts are not listed.

I must say that I'm a bit over the basic black (and blue) and prefer something with a bit of colour.

None of which really solves my basic question - quality leather with a rainsuit or cordura - and I expect I'd still have to carry a rainsuit anyway.

Enjoying the input team, much appreciated, more suggestions/sarcasm welcomed...:eek:

skidMark

18th May 2009, 23:35

Down south i just used heated grips and 3 layers up top... long johns and jeans over the top, was fine in -10 celsius

NighthawkNZ

19th May 2009, 00:03

Chill Out GEar is suppose to be real good... me a Xaria will looking at getting some soon...
http://www.roadguide.co.nz/searchresults.aspx?terms=chill+out

Winston001

19th May 2009, 01:14

Chill Out GEar is suppose to be real good... me a Xaria will looking at getting some soon...
http://www.roadguide.co.nz/searchresults.aspx?terms=chill+out

I have a White windstop top just like the Oxford, which is slightly cheaper and very good. In fact despite this thread, this last trip is the first time I've felt really cold wearing the windstop top.

The Icebreaker gear is very good and I just found an American outdoors review where it was second top. Locally Glowing Skies (Stewart Island) make similar and cheaper merino gear. Got some old merino underwear so will give it a whirl for the Brass Monkey. I think Skidmark has it right - wear more than one base layer.

Winston001

19th May 2009, 01:27

Just to be clear - here is what I wore on the trip:

Thickish acrylic balaclava - worked very well.

Katmandu Altica thermals top and bottom - fine

Wool socks - remained dry.

Cotton quality t-shirt

White windstopper top

Newspaper spread over my chest.

Nylon shower proof shell (thin)

Neckwarmer priests style with long drape front and back. Neck kept warm.

Good quality leather jacket - dry but felt cool despite not getting wet.

Yellow PVC jacket and leggings - remained dry at all times.

Sidi high boots - remained dry.

Winter gloves inside handlebar mitts - completely dry.

In hindsight two thermal layers would have been wise, plus a proper longsleeved shirt/skivvy under the top - but I'd been almost too warm going up to the rally which included the length of the South Island.

Go figure....:bleh:

BMWST?

19th May 2009, 08:08

I dont like wearing plastic stuff cos you feel "damp" all the time.That would be a query for me with codura gear on a long cold day.Leather breathes, does Codura?.Honestly wait till you have your grips..they make a huge difference,esp if you have a bit of wind protection for the hands.A thermal layer directly next to your skin also makes a huge difference

Coldrider

19th May 2009, 08:51

A polartec polyprop such as made by Earth & sky with a zipper chinese collar, and a good quality woolen jersey, then textile jacket with winter insert.
Make sure no air goes down your back colar. Polyprop balaclava.

Do not wear cotton tshirt or shirt because the sweat created by the polartec singlet will capture the moisture & you will get cold.

It is the same principle when in a sleeping bag, less is best.

Remember your metabolism creates the body warmth, your clothing tries to retain the losses.

CookMySock

19th May 2009, 08:59

Get the heated grips, but they are not a solution for long cold rides.

Thick singlet + polypropylene layer or two + heated liner + long dririder jacket. End of problem, you will never be cold on a bike again. Ever.

Steve

NighthawkNZ

19th May 2009, 09:14

In hindsight two thermal layers would have been wise, plus a proper longsleeved shirt/skivvy under the top - but I'd been almost too warm going up to the rally which included the length of the South Island.

Go figure....:bleh:

nay yah just getting old...

get a heated vest, leggings and socks...

Winston001

19th May 2009, 11:44

Good gloves also treated with bees wax. (can't recommend this stuff enough).

I use Snowseal (beeswax) on all my leathers and totally agree with you. :niceone:

1tonne

19th May 2009, 18:39

Having enjoyed/endured a 13 hour trip in the current arctic conditions from Picton to Invercargill, I'm pondering more gear. Nothing I wore or did could keep me warm.

The first step is heated grips - being done.

I wear a leather jacket 100% of the time. Mates with textile jackets say they are warmer in the winter, plus waterproof (up to a point).

So.....do I get a cordura jacket, like the 1tonne http://www.1tonne.co.nz/index.php?page=listingDetails&prodid=22&sco=&categoryid=2 which is a bargain at $135 compared with a good Motoline, Neo, or Dry Rider?

I already use Neo cordura trou all the time. Excellent, can't fault them.

Or follow the advice here and ante up for a good set of two piece leathers, say Quasi or 1tonne. $700. Or just good leather trou and add an 8inch zip to my current jacket.

I'm figuring that whatever I get, wet weather gear will still need to be carried.

Hi Winston.
If you purchase 1 of our cordura jackets I am sure you will be toasty and warm in the winter months. Just last Thursday I done a 500km trip and I was riding in the rain up until 8:30pm(Dark). My body was warm and had no problems with rain. Feel fre to check out other peoples comments on http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=67394&highlight=1tonne
If you are interested in a 2 peice suit, our Black Hawk suit is a great sports/touring suit. It would be great for a trackday and also normal all year round riding. (Only problem is it is only as waterproof as any other leather jacket).
The GP Tech2 suits are great for racing but not that great for all weather riding as they have perferated leather. (These are great suits though) This is what Shaun Harris had to say about them "I would have happily raced in your leathers if I was going to carry on racing mate, the quality that you showed me of your product on boxing day was very good I thought.
I am not a leather design man, but have worn all brands from Kushitani to Daianese + some more, and what you showed me impressed me"
Cheers

Gixxer peter

19th May 2009, 18:51

Silk shirt and long johns
merino shirt
merino jersey
homebuilt leather heated vest
Dryrider outers
heated socks
heated bars, good gloves and rain-offs (my wife has heated gloves)
chillout neckcover
lots of thin comfy layers, sometimes i get a bit hot even on the way to the brass, cold is not an issue
some say that it is a bit wimpy to use this gear but we can talk about that at the brass if you are brave enough to go because we will be there.(and be warm)

Winston001

19th May 2009, 20:28

budda

19th May 2009, 20:34

Heated vests pah! ...but will just check them out for curiosity..

But I do like Triboy's shearers singlet idea. :niceone: Southern Man stuff.

Incidentally, Buffalo gear is now available on TM http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=1469660 This jacket in particular looks too good to be true.. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Helmets-clothing-footwear/Jackets/auction-218689368.htm Edit - not sure if its the same and the Pertex shirts are not listed.

I must say that I'm a bit over the basic black (and blue) and prefer something with a bit of colour.

None of which really solves my basic question - quality leather with a rainsuit or cordura - and I expect I'd still have to carry a rainsuit anyway.

Enjoying the input team, much appreciated, more suggestions/sarcasm welcomed...:eek:

As I told you when you were looking around for a DooClattery Winston, Leather is windproof and waterproof ONLY when its on a cows arse !
Put a man-sized hole in it, and it WILL leak - the others have given you some good ideas and advice - all i would add is to try some of your local shops too.
You know the ones, where the guy behind the counter rides himself .......

Winston001

19th May 2009, 20:59

As I told you when you were looking around for a DooClattery Winston, Leather is windproof and waterproof ONLY when its on a cows arse !
Put a man-sized hole in it, and it WILL leak - the others have given you some good ideas and advice - all i would add is to try some of your local shops too.
You know the ones, where the guy behind the counter rides himself .......

LOL all for supporting the local bike shops and I do. :niceone: Learned some interesting stuff here, in particular the Buffalo pertex shirts, and the Oringi range which never heard of.

martybabe

19th May 2009, 21:56

:niceone: Learned some interesting stuff here, in particular the Buffalo pertex shirts, .

I was gonna do the Cold duck rally but biffed it because the weather looked to shity to be stood round in all day. It wasn't till I read this thread that I remembered the old Buffalos, they would have been ideal. They didn't spring to mind because quite frankly the weather hasn't been anywhere near bad enough to wear them since I came over from the UK, well not in the north island anyway.

Shame you live so far away, you could have borrowed one, never mind.

Oh and that 1 tonne stuff is pretty good I reckon, I'm happy with mine. :niceone:

chanceyy

19th May 2009, 22:01

I was gonna do the Cold duck rally but biffed it because the weather looked to shity to be stood round in all day.

and it was dry all weekend there :laugh: :bleh:

martybabe

19th May 2009, 22:08

and it was dry all weekend there :laugh: :bleh:

:doh: as long as the bar wasn't dry all weekend eh, maybe next year :msn-wink:

chanceyy

19th May 2009, 22:49

:doh: as long as the bar wasn't dry all weekend eh, maybe next year :msn-wink:

:nono: plenty going around all weekend ..

c u next yr definite :hug:

babysteps

23rd May 2009, 13:39

This is the worst start to a winter I have experienced in my 10 years in Christchurch. I have to say though, my cheap ass 1Tonne jacket from Trade me is doing its job very well! Normally have a neck warmer and a thin Merino slinglet underneath and a long sleeve T, tosty warm and dry so far :wari:

and no I dont have anything to do with 1Tonne........however, fell free to send me some waterproof gloves for the plug Mr 1Tonne :bleh: