Staying warm without getting bulky?

[Mike.Gayner]

As a soft fair-weather rider looking to lengthen my riding season, I'm seeking ways to stave off the cold. I don't want to buy big bulky touring gear, and I won't be riding in extreme cold or wet.

Presently I ride in my jeans and a summer jacket that has a thermal liner. That's not quite enough now so I'm adding thermal base layers top and bottom and a balaclava, but I'm still getting a bit cold. Is there anything else I can do without replacing my gear with heavy stuff? Does anyone recommend any particular thermal base layers? I'm presently using polyprop and have some cheap wool stuff that doesn't quite fit me right.

[Erelyes]

As a soft fair-weather rider looking to lengthen my riding season, I'm seeking ways to stave off the cold. I don't want to buy big bulky touring gear, and I won't be riding in extreme cold or wet.

Presently I ride in my jeans and a summer jacket that has a thermal liner. That's not quite enough now so I'm adding thermal base layers top and bottom and a balaclava, but I'm still getting a bit cold. Is there anything else I can do without replacing my gear with heavy stuff? Does anyone recommend any particular thermal base layers? I'm presently using polyprop and have some cheap wool stuff that doesn't quite fit me right.

Polyprop is shit. You wanna go merino man, trust me. Same or better thermal performance, except they won't stink after wearing them for two hours. Infact they won't stink after wearing em for two days

I got some merino thermals from the Warehouse, they do the trick. If you have the money I would recommend investing in Icebreaker though. Expensive but very good.

Beyond that, you also need something to block the wind. Some rainsuits will do a good job of this. Jeans won't!

[haydes55]

Get a new set of textile pants. Wind gets through denim/kevlar, it won't get through decent textiles.

[Ulsterkiwi]

what he said. try the outdoorsy places for deals on merino, icebreaker is heinous. Keeping the wind off is important. You could try for windproof thermals to wear under the jeans. Heated grips? warm hands make a hell of a difference.

[jellywrestler]

As a soft fair-weather rider looking to lengthen my riding season, I'm seeking ways to stave off the cold. I don't want to buy big bulky touring gear, and I won't be riding in extreme cold or wet.

Presently I ride in my jeans and a summer jacket that has a thermal liner. That's not quite enough now so I'm adding thermal base layers top and bottom and a balaclava, but I'm still getting a bit cold. Is there anything else I can do without replacing my gear with heavy stuff? Does anyone recommend any particular thermal base layers? I'm presently using polyprop and have some cheap wool stuff that doesn't quite fit me right.

quite simple, a heated jacket, wear the same shit as in summer and the jacket does the rest

[Stirts]

The Oxford Chill Out stuff is a pretty good wind blocker (not rear end wind of course) ...expensive but good quality and works.



I believe Bayride have this stuff in stock.

[Hitcher]

People with 3XL heads can't wear balaclavas or neck warmers. Even a helmet that size only has enough room for a head. Neck warmers seal up the gap around the bottom of the helmet, exacerbating visor and eyeware fogging.

Even if you have textile riding pants (or leather for that matter) a decent pair of rain-proof overtrou will help keep your legs and nethers warm. I recommend the stuff that Macpac sells. It packs up nice and small and fits well over baggy biker gear. Ditto for Macpac's jackets, although the collars containing a parka hood can be a bit snug between shoulders and helmet.

[Mike.Gayner]

I have the benefit of a small head being a short-ass. I just bought this top from the local Suzi dealer: http://www.rst-moto.com/rst-thermal-...er-long-sleeve
It has a really nice fit and feel - if it's as good on the road as I hope then I will get the pants too.

[Gremlin]

No way will jeans keep you warm, even Draggin jeans keep you warmer, but none will match textile gear.

For keeping it lightweight, drop the thermals from the textiles. They're more bulky and not as good as proper thermals (as referenced above).

If that doesn't work, heated garments, although I tend to keep that for riding around zero degrees.

[iYRe]

++ merino.

As a cyclist and a motorcyclist I prefer it. I can cycle one hour into work, stink like a pigsty on a hot summers day, then at the end of the day put them back on with no stink.

I was given a cashmere sweater by a guy at work... works a bit like merino, but its warm.. and thin.. very warm, and very thin. Its also slightly water repellent, should any get inside your jacket.

also ++textiles

[AllanB]

What the heck does a XXXL head look like!

The Oxford stuff is good at blocking wind.

[nzspokes]

I read somewhere that Kevlar jeans dont work when wet. This could be BS but wherever I read it they sounding convincing.

But textiles are the go. They work well.

Worst comes to the worst, cut 3 holes in a rubbish bag and wear that.

[kevfromcoro]

Worst comes to the worst, cut 3 holes in a rubbish bag and wear that.[/QUOTE]

Done that before,,,

Also newspaper stuffed down your jacket.

Keeps the wind out.

2 million park drunks cant be wrong...

[gjm]

Several thin layers.
Look at the clothing worn by serious cyclists.

[AllanB]

Look at the clothing worn by serious cyclists.

He wants to be warm - not GAY