Chill factor - Wear the right gear folks

[nerrrd]

ATGMOTT

[Motu]

It's more than being windproof. My old Spidi is no longer waterproof, or windproof - I've been using either an inner or outer depending on weather, but am completely over having to guess the weather with something else to put on. So I've taken the not so travelled path, and gone for oilskin - completely waterproof and windproof. But it doesn't keep out the cold, it's just the waxed cotton and the cotton lining, the cold goes right through. The Spidi may have been letting the wind through, but it's layers upon layers, and that helps more than a thin windproof layer. I'll be getting the wool liner for the jacket soon, but layers under are the way to go - merino, cotton, cotton, cotton, wool, that seems to work.

[Erelyes]

It's more than being windproof. My old Spidi is no longer waterproof, or windproof - I've been using either an inner or outer depending on weather, but am completely over having to guess the weather with something else to put on. So I've taken the not so travelled path, and gone for oilskin - completely waterproof and windproof. But it doesn't keep out the cold, it's just the waxed cotton and the cotton lining, the cold goes right through. The Spidi may have been letting the wind through, but it's layers upon layers, and that helps more than a thin windproof layer. I'll be getting the wool liner for the jacket soon, but layers under are the way to go - merino, cotton, cotton, cotton, wool, that seems to work.

Nar. Thin windproof layer means the insulation can actually do its job, e.g. trap air.

My usual winter garb.
Work shirt, merino jumper, 1tonne jacket with thermal/wind liners. Scarf.
Work pants, 1tonne pants (no thermal liner).

Ditch the scarf and bike pants/jacket when I get to work. Merino jumper can come off once the office has warmed up.

No time for umpteen layers for me.

[Tricia1000]

Yep, I sure was.. I would love to be back on my bike, but I had major surgery on my femur in February and I am still unable to enough flex ion in my knee to ride..I have a queue of people waiting to do Cbta, and can't get to any of them..
Most devoted bikers would have proper gear..

Tricia1000
RoADA (Dip)
Consultant to NZTA

Aaah wait just a fucking minute. Here you are in you CAR, while he's out there on his bike in the pissing rain. And you're questioning giving HIM the title of "biker"? Because you didnt like what he was wearing?

What an asshole.

[Ulsterkiwi]

....getting the wool liner for the jacket soon, but layers under are the way to go - merino, cotton, cotton, cotton, wool, that seems to work.

I scuba dive, I wear thermal items under a wetsuit and in winter under a drysuit. We have a saying, COTTON KILLS. Cotton, when wet, will act as a heat conduit AWAY from the body. Avoid cotton at all costs in the winter, at some point you will get wet and then the fun begins...not. Merino is by far the best, any wool is good, but there are numerous synthetics which act as terrific thermal garments, polyprops etc.

An additional anecdote to support Moms assertions.
Monday past was a very very nice day here. My wife and I went for a ride on trusty TNAB Black Magic. My wife suffers terribly from the cold. The ride out was just tolerable for her. On the way back she pulled on a cheap but waterproof jacket I keep in the tank bag over her Alpinestars jacket, it made a world of difference and she enjoyed the trip home again all the more for it.

[nzspokes]

Aaah wait just a fucking minute. Here you are in you CAR, while he's out there on his bike in the pissing rain. And you're questioning giving HIM the title of "biker"? Because you didnt like what he was wearing?

What an asshole.

[OddDuck]

I'm lucky enough to have a choice of full textile or full leather - the modern textiles win hands down in cold / rain conditions.

[Maha]

I was pilot on the day and was warm enough, though I did have the right gear on from the get go. I even changed to my summer gloves at Te Kuiti for the rest of trip. Hand guards are great. At least the clouds weren't on the ground over the saddle from Taumaranui/Kuratau Junction like last time.

[Tazz]

I scuba dive, I wear thermal items under a wetsuit and in winter under a drysuit. We have a saying, COTTON KILLS. Cotton, when wet, will act as a heat conduit AWAY from the body. Avoid cotton at all costs in the winter, at some point you will get wet and then the fun begins...not. Merino is by far the best, any wool is good, but there are numerous synthetics which act as terrific thermal garments, polyprops etc.

Yeah Motu has been riding a long time and not to tell anyone how to suck eggs, but the same thing instantly crossed my mind. Granted it's more physical than most riders get but a lot of trampers have almost died, or outright died, because of cotton and a combination of 2 or more of the weather factors mentioned earlier.

If I know it's going to rain or I'm on a multi day trip I avoid it like the plague and replace cotton with polyester (old sports tops). Like polyprop and merino it keeps you warm even when wet and also dries quickly.

[Mom]

I still maintain wind chill the biggest problem riding in winter. I had the option and "forgot" to put the wind proof liner in my jacket. Senior moment. Oil skins. Used to ride with one of them too back in the day

[Maha]

Oil Skins for the win, needs the fluffy bit on the inside though, and cheaper than any over priced made for winter riding jacket.

[nzspokes]

I still maintain wind chill the biggest problem riding in winter. I had the option and "forgot" to put the wind proof liner in my jacket. Senior moment. Oil skins. Used to ride with one of them too back in the day

Which is why I said rubbish sack. One ride I was on a rider was freezing, rubbish sack under her jacket which was not wind proof made a huge improvement and got her home. Good for a laugh to.

I reckon an oil skin would work well.

[Grubber]

Hi Mom!

I ride all year round in ChCh, I wear my leathers, thermals, jersey etc...but the best piece of kit I have...is a thermal one piece wet weather suit that goes over top

WTF is a thermal wet weather suit??...its a nice light weight one piece suit that has this really thin 3M insulate lining...it looks like thin black material with lots of tiny holes in it (mesh type..ish)
I shit you not...that 3M liner is simply amazing!!!
On the coldest of days, when I see car drivers shivering and leaning into there heaters...I am sitting beside them with the heated grips on full, and feeling nice an warm and cosy al over...and having a water proof/windbreaker exterior, it even holds the body heat in at highway speeds!

...unfortunately, my suit has no labels except for the 3M thinsulate badge on the inside (Got it off trade me from a bike shop clearance sale...$80!) so I can't say what brand it is (its black gold and silver??)

But have a hunt around and find a one piece wet weather suit that has that thinsulate lining...cheap option and they make winter just super comfy (Ohh...and my heated grips...cos Im soft!)

I have a revit one similar and i swear by it.
I have chucked it over my leather 2 piece on a freezing night and all of sudden it's very cosy. Brilliant gear.

[Motu]

Cotton, when wet,

I am well aware of that - you don't get cotton wet, just a little tip. Just stepped in the door from riding home in that down pour - oilskin jacket and pants, cotton between wool inside and out - I am totally dry and warm. Oh, and Rainoff's, my hands are dry, I ride a BMW, so my workboots are dry.

[Moi]

OK, question time...

Have used polyprop for a number of years - put it on next-to-the-skin and feel warm immediately.

Bought some merino - was told it's better than polyprop - and did the same.... Brrrr! felt cold and couldn't get warm. So merino has been consigned to the storage trunk and polyprop is used.

OK, what did I do wrong? Expected merino to warmer than polyprop...

Look forward to the usual selection of really helpful and well-considered answers and suggestions...