[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
> Some one else pointed out the folly of "waterproof and > breathable." I agree. In my experience, that concept is just pure > fantsay. When it comes to riding hard in the suffering zone, you can > be wet and cold, or wet and warm, but not dry and warm. > > -- > John Speare > Spokane, WA USAhttp://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com/ This is so true!!! In my experience rain gear only delays the inevitability of a damp jersey. http://wheelsofchance.org/2009/07/29/rapha-stowaway-jacket-review/ Rapha has a new rain jacket out this winter and if it's as nice as the Stowaway and the lightweight softshell that I use it will be very good indeed. http://www.rapha.cc/rain-jacket --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
On Mon, Oct 5, 2009 at 10:51 AM, John McMurry wrote: > > The Ibex Hybrid Dash jacket with a merino wool base layer (Icebreaker, > Ibex, or Woolywarm, or Bicycle Fixation's Ninja Jersey) keeps me more > comfortable, in the widest range of conditions, than any other > combination I've tried. As an added bonus, it looks a heck of a lot > better than some of the outfits I've been caught wearing too: > http://tinyurl.com/ycls729 > I've been trying to stay out of this one because I'm pretty fantical about the Ibex Dash Hybrid. I ride year 'round in Spokane, WA. Spokane is eastern Washington state, where you get 4 distinctly beautiful seasons. Winter is lots of snow and pretty cold, with a couple weeks of zero to sub-zero weather. The Dash Hybrid jacket is the best jacket by far that I've ever tried. Like, John, I layer Icebreaker or Ibex under it. Smartwool too, but that's a long third. And I don't have much Woolywarm left. Right now, it's about 40F on my commute to work. For that, I'll go with a short sleeve micro weight wool + the Dash Hybrid. At 35, I'll add a mid-weight wool. Under freezing, I'll add another micro. which keeps me happy down to about zero. Ibex no longer makes the Dash Hybrid. Their new version is called the Vim Hybrid and it's thinner/lighter-weight and not bike specific. It's a fine jacket and more versitile across a range of activities, but it's more suited, I think to more temprate winters and will require more layering for my climate than the Dash Hybrid does. (Full disclosure: Ibex sent me a Vim Hybrid to review for a local out door monthly magazine). The Dash Hybrid is the only jacket that has really held up for me in the "suffering zone," which is just above freezing and raining, aka: "cold and wet." Some one else pointed out the folly of "waterproof and breathable." I agree. In my experience, that concept is just pure fantsay. When it comes to riding hard in the suffering zone, you can be wet and cold, or wet and warm, but not dry and warm. -- John Speare Spokane, WA USA http://cyclingspokane.blogspot.com/ --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
The Ibex Hybrid Dash jacket with a merino wool base layer (Icebreaker, Ibex, or Woolywarm, or Bicycle Fixation's Ninja Jersey) keeps me more comfortable, in the widest range of conditions, than any other combination I've tried. As an added bonus, it looks a heck of a lot better than some of the outfits I've been caught wearing too: http://tinyurl.com/ycls729 John McMurry Burlington, VT --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
I would second Mojo's recommendation of Sporthill XC pants. The fabric is a very good compromise of wicking, wind resistance, and breathability. I have an over 10 year old pair that has been heavily used and hasn't worn out yet. An approach for blocking windchill without excessive condensation is using base or insulating layers with a windblock fabric on the front only. Craft makes base layer tops and bottoms this way. Shops that have cross country gear are good places to look for winter gear and often, in northern Wisconsin where I live as well as UP Michigan, these are also bike shops. For wool loving traditionalists, I have recently discovered Kühl, who make technical blends of wool and fleece and an acrylic/polyester blend top that I have that looks very much like boiled wool. -Pete --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
IMHO a combination of Smartwool base layers and Rapha on top works really well www.rapha.cc --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
I love my showers pass rain jacket but I live in the N.W. where it rains and the temps are not too cold in winter. I stop riding when it gets to around 30 degrees. I ride with cotton sweat pants or my Riv MUSA pants when it gets cold. I also ride in my regular $10.00 Walmart jeans for rides up to about ten miles. For the colder days I also have a pair of MUSA wool "tights" but only used them once last winter. I ride in my Teva sandals down to about 32 degrees with two pairs of wool socks one being a artic style Carhartt thick boot sock. I suppose if I rode in colder temps and for longer than maybe 10 miles I'd pay more attention to clothing. I'm trying to make my bike clothing the same as my regular clothing so I've been experimenting and so far most of my regular stuff is fine for cycling as long as the distance isn't over 10 or 15 miles. I've also been slowing down my efforts and attempting to sweat less and this seems to help my comfort level. I found that for the measly extra 1-2 mph I have to put out quite a bit more energy without much gain in my fitness or commute times. On Oct 3, 1:30 pm, geezer wrote: > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
Me, too, though I now have more need for sun shields than cold armor. I have lived and ridden when and where it was so cold my thighs turned turned to molasses. Much depends on whether you have traffic or an open road, but I have always enjoyed Dachstein boiled wool mittens in the very cold. Light liner gloves inside are good for moments of dexterity. Good grip. Wet makes everything difficult when it freezes up, so I'd consider some chemical water repellent nowadays, or maybe try adding a tiny bit more lanolin from the tube I bought from RBW to the Kookaburra Wool Wash I bought there and hand "wash" (squeeze and soak and squeeze and dry). Two pair aren't out of the question, one to wear, one to dry, when it's wet. I've never shopped at the link, but these are the mittens I mean: http://www.climbers-shop.com/7696/products/Dachstein_Mitts.aspx On Sun, Oct 4, 2009 at 9:34 AM, geezer wrote: > > Hi again, > > Thank you all for your reponses. I'm a little overwhelmed by the > kindly involvement of the members of this group! Last night was fun - > as the replies came in, I was following links and Googling > manufacturers and I learned a great deal about just what I was looking > for. Thanks again! > > I had never heard of Showers Pass or Foxwear before - great input. > Mojo, thanks for the time you spent putting your note with all the > links together - all good stuff. Tim, "osmotes" cracked me up - shood > be part of the cycling lexicon! > > I am a dyed-in-the-wool (ha ha) wool guy and will contiue to layer > wool under some sort of outerwear. > > I'm especially interested in the Sporthill XC pants - a plus with them > is that it looks like I can buy them from Peter White, one of my > favorite curmudgeons in the bicycle world. I bought my Ram from > Peter. > > The thin nylon windbreaker/wool jacket or shirt combo sounds popular, > or perhaps the windshirts that combine the two would be best for upper > bodywear. I've got some more research to do, and, as Garth pointed > out, everyone's different - there'll be some trial and error here. > > In previous winters, I dressed much as Thomas described - varying > layers of wool. There is a slop factor here in the rideable part of > winter that seems to keep wool garments damp and grungy with salt and > mud all the time, hence the thought of something "plastic" as > outerwear. Not to worry, though - most of my riding wardrobe is Riv- > type stuff! > > This has been a very practical, informative thread, at least for me. > Once again, thanks for the thoughtful input. No reason to not keep it > going for awhile longer! > > Mike > > > > > > -- Bill Gibson Tempe, Arizona, USA --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
Hi again, Thank you all for your reponses. I'm a little overwhelmed by the kindly involvement of the members of this group! Last night was fun - as the replies came in, I was following links and Googling manufacturers and I learned a great deal about just what I was looking for. Thanks again! I had never heard of Showers Pass or Foxwear before - great input. Mojo, thanks for the time you spent putting your note with all the links together - all good stuff. Tim, "osmotes" cracked me up - shood be part of the cycling lexicon! I am a dyed-in-the-wool (ha ha) wool guy and will contiue to layer wool under some sort of outerwear. I'm especially interested in the Sporthill XC pants - a plus with them is that it looks like I can buy them from Peter White, one of my favorite curmudgeons in the bicycle world. I bought my Ram from Peter. The thin nylon windbreaker/wool jacket or shirt combo sounds popular, or perhaps the windshirts that combine the two would be best for upper bodywear. I've got some more research to do, and, as Garth pointed out, everyone's different - there'll be some trial and error here. In previous winters, I dressed much as Thomas described - varying layers of wool. There is a slop factor here in the rideable part of winter that seems to keep wool garments damp and grungy with salt and mud all the time, hence the thought of something "plastic" as outerwear. Not to worry, though - most of my riding wardrobe is Riv- type stuff! This has been a very practical, informative thread, at least for me. Once again, thanks for the thoughtful input. No reason to not keep it going for awhile longer! Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
Exactly, Eric. I live in northern Vt and generally ride down to 15 or so. I own a pair of Ibex wool jackets of different weight. A light weight wool jacket over a wool base & wool shirt and then topped off with the Showers pass rain jacket is what I use for temps below freezing. The showers pass jacket is very well thought out and made. The cuffs work well with gloves, even lobster claws; it has pit zips for ventilation, and a rear and breast pockets. The zippers are extremely tight and I treated mine with silicon to ease them up. I usually unzip the bottom zipper as I head out, so I can lift it up on the move when I need to. I still have to stop to operate the pit zips. Ibex & Showers Pass make a great winter riding combo. The Ibex jackets are of course nice enough to wear just about anywhere. Michael Westford, Vt Michael On Oct 3, 4:37 pm, Eric Norris wrote: > I suggest a Showers Pass rain jacket with some wool layers > underneath. Their jackets are well ventilated if you want them to be, > but they'll also keep all the wind out and get quite warm inside if > you want that. The wool layers will help keep you dry in case you > sweat inside the jacket. > > --Eric > campyonly...@me.comwww.campyonly.comwww.wheelsnorth.org > > On Oct 3, 2009, at 1:30 PM, geezer wrote: > > > > > > > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > > glacial. > > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > > worked for you. > > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > > Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
Mike In my opinion . it's all trial and error and you have to know your body to make informed decisions. For instance ... I would not be caught dead in a so-called "waterproof- breathable" jacket for cycling. because in truth they are not very breathable at all, leading to excessive perspiration. I perspire in any weather and in the cold I struggle finding the balance between too much and too little air flow. For the most part though . my favorite jacket is a Pearl Izumi Vagabond, as the sleeves remove when I get warmed up. I routinely ride in the 20's with a short sleeve baselayer,arm warmers, a heavyweight jersey, and the Vagabond jacket. Once warmed up I remove the sleeves, or else I overheat from lack of breathability. Vests, in my opinion are the greatest innovation for a cyclist. For pants . nothing more than lighweight long underwear with some lycra for stretch, and a ultra lightweight pair of nylon pants. This is very warm. You don't have to spend much at all. and spending more doesn't get you any better performance. For the most part . today's name brand fabrics are a whole lot of marketing and overly complicated weaves,coatings and laminates. This comes from trying them. The key is finding what works for you, with your body response to cold and wind. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
Okay, I'll agree with the Marmot. Although I sweat like the dickens wearing it even in really cold weather. REI Outlet sometimes has them in stock. (Where I got mine). And will also state that REI bicycle rain pants have been known to cover my legs over wool not-so-tights. Especially if it is windy. Again, though I sweat a lot and that makes other issues. Especially in more seriously cold temps. As for the helmet, I stick with a Bell Metro in winter and use the winterization kit. With the Rivendell wool beanie or a wool cap underneath. Or in the coldest, a Smartwool balaclava. Lastly gloves, choppers work great for most folks. In milder weather Descente riding gloves work for me but colder usually means the Specialized Sub Zero lobster gloves or a set of Icebike winter mittens. Those last are the best, and most expensive. And, unfortunately no longer made. (Thanks to whomever on the list turned me on to those a couple of years ago.) Eric Platt St. Paul, MN On Oct 3, 8:40�pm, Mojo wrote: > OK I am going to swim against the current here and say plastics are > great outdoor clothing. This statement is coming from a 53 yr old > retrogrouch who has played in the mountains and deserts his entire > life. I love my wool sweaters and socks and undershirts. But when it > gets seriously hot or cold, I go plastic (you know...synthetics like > poly-pro). My main fitness activity in the winter is cross country > skiing at above 10,000 ft here in western Colorado. �When it is below > say 20 degrees and the wind is blowing, I may have wool next to the > skin, but synthetics on the outside. > > Kent Peterson from the Seattle area knows more than > me:http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2006/06/good-gear-for-bad-times.html > > So on a cold windy day in the snow, here is what I will typically have > on: > On top I like a plastic fishnet undershirt > �http://www.reliableracing.com/detail.cfm?edp=10133932 > with a thin wool (Smartwool, Ibex, Icebreaker) layer on top of that, > then either an XCSporthill top or if its really cold but still dry the > very versatil Marmot > Windshirthttp://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Marmot-Original-DriClime-Winds... > > The Showers Pass rain jacket is very nice, but is heavy, bulky, very > expensive and hot in mild weather. A nice inexpensive alternative is > the O2 jacket �http://www.touringcyclist.com/clothing/model_13378.html > > On bottom, the XCSporthill pant has an incredible comfort > rangehttp://www.milemarkersports.com/product.php?TypeID=2100&gender=m > Add thin wool underwear underneath for very cold conditions, a thin > nylon shell over the top for cool & very wet conditions or the > Rainlegs that Kent recommends (and don't forget a nylon lined > underwear to protect the boyz). > > For my head while cycling, I use the rain cover for my Bell Metro > helmethttp://tinyurl.com/yba24rpalong with Earbagshttp://www.earbags.com/ > and a wool balaclava for the really cold days. For skiing I am in a > wool hat with either earbags or a balaclava underneath. > > Gloves/Mitts are very individual. Wool socks keep my feet happy; not > to tight. > > On Oct 3, 2:30�pm, geezer wrote: > > > > > Hi all. �I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. �I'm > > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. �I live in northern > > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > > glacial. > > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. �I understand layering > > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > > worked for you. > > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > > Mike- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
That looks like a good site, with good product and big sizes. Jim D. Massachusetts --- On Sat, 10/3/09, LyleBogart wrote: From: LyleBogart Subject: [RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing To: "RBW Owners Bunch" Date: Saturday, October 3, 2009, 11:59 PM Hi Mike, Wool...and for when it gets nasty, a jacket from these folks: http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Waterproof-Breathable-Rain-Jackets.html I've got one and like it so much I even use it as my primary rain jacket when I'm not riding. Good Luck! lyle f bogart dpt tacoma, wa On Oct 3, 1:30 pm, geezer wrote: > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
Hi Mike, Wool...and for when it gets nasty, a jacket from these folks: http://www.bicycleclothing.com/Waterproof-Breathable-Rain-Jackets.html I've got one and like it so much I even use it as my primary rain jacket when I'm not riding. Good Luck! lyle f bogart dpt tacoma, wa On Oct 3, 1:30 pm, geezer wrote: > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
Layers of wool, thin ones, for me, too. Two are good down to 40, add an Ibex wool/syntho blend vest down to freezing, add another layer of wool under the vest down to about 20 or a bit below, if it isn't too windy. Legs: wool knickers with double cloth in front, and Rick's socks, down to about freezing, then my ancient and still very wearable heavy Hind windfront tights, one of my best garment purchases ever. Head: Target mostly-wool imitation Peru hat with flaps that tie under the chin down to about freezing; below that, add a thin balaclava underneath. Hands: wool glove liners down to about 40, lighter padded mitts down to freezing, then some heavy duty padded mitts with, if needed, the wool liners, down to just below 20. Outdoor Research nylon sheaths over heavy boiled wool mittens are also good, but the nylon makes it very awkward to do anything except grab the handlebar. --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
I would like to add, the XCSporthill pants are expensive at $105. But once you own a pair, and after years of use they begin to wear and thin, you will gladly pay it again to replace them. They are indespensible active winter weather gear for me for the last 13 years. I am on pair number 2 (older and thinner) and 3 (newer and more robust). On Oct 3, 7:40 pm, Mojo wrote: > OK I am going to swim against the current here and say plastics are > great outdoor clothing. This statement is coming from a 53 yr old > retrogrouch who has played in the mountains and deserts his entire > life. I love my wool sweaters and socks and undershirts. But when it > gets seriously hot or cold, I go plastic (you know...synthetics like > poly-pro). My main fitness activity in the winter is cross country > skiing at above 10,000 ft here in western Colorado. When it is below > say 20 degrees and the wind is blowing, I may have wool next to the > skin, but synthetics on the outside. > > Kent Peterson from the Seattle area knows more than > me:http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2006/06/good-gear-for-bad-times.html > > So on a cold windy day in the snow, here is what I will typically have > on: > On top I like a plastic fishnet undershirt > http://www.reliableracing.com/detail.cfm?edp=10133932 > with a thin wool (Smartwool, Ibex, Icebreaker) layer on top of that, > then either an XCSporthill top or if its really cold but still dry the > very versatil Marmot > Windshirthttp://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Marmot-Original-DriClime-Winds... > > The Showers Pass rain jacket is very nice, but is heavy, bulky, very > expensive and hot in mild weather. A nice inexpensive alternative is > the O2 jacket http://www.touringcyclist.com/clothing/model_13378.html > > On bottom, the XCSporthill pant has an incredible comfort > rangehttp://www.milemarkersports.com/product.php?TypeID=2100&gender=m > Add thin wool underwear underneath for very cold conditions, a thin > nylon shell over the top for cool & very wet conditions or the > Rainlegs that Kent recommends (and don't forget a nylon lined > underwear to protect the boyz). > > For my head while cycling, I use the rain cover for my Bell Metro > helmethttp://tinyurl.com/yba24rpalong with Earbagshttp://www.earbags.com/ > and a wool balaclava for the really cold days. For skiing I am in a > wool hat with either earbags or a balaclava underneath. > > Gloves/Mitts are very individual. Wool socks keep my feet happy; not > to tight. > > On Oct 3, 2:30 pm, geezer wrote: > > > > > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > > glacial. > > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > > worked for you. > > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > > Mike- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
OK I am going to swim against the current here and say plastics are great outdoor clothing. This statement is coming from a 53 yr old retrogrouch who has played in the mountains and deserts his entire life. I love my wool sweaters and socks and undershirts. But when it gets seriously hot or cold, I go plastic (you know...synthetics like poly-pro). My main fitness activity in the winter is cross country skiing at above 10,000 ft here in western Colorado. When it is below say 20 degrees and the wind is blowing, I may have wool next to the skin, but synthetics on the outside. Kent Peterson from the Seattle area knows more than me: http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/2006/06/good-gear-for-bad-times.html So on a cold windy day in the snow, here is what I will typically have on: On top I like a plastic fishnet undershirt http://www.reliableracing.com/detail.cfm?edp=10133932 with a thin wool (Smartwool, Ibex, Icebreaker) layer on top of that, then either an XCSporthill top or if its really cold but still dry the very versatil Marmot Windshirt http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Marmot-Original-DriClime-Windshirt-Mens/MAR0657M.html The Showers Pass rain jacket is very nice, but is heavy, bulky, very expensive and hot in mild weather. A nice inexpensive alternative is the O2 jacket http://www.touringcyclist.com/clothing/model_13378.html On bottom, the XCSporthill pant has an incredible comfort range http://www.milemarkersports.com/product.php?TypeID=2100&gender=m Add thin wool underwear underneath for very cold conditions, a thin nylon shell over the top for cool & very wet conditions or the Rainlegs that Kent recommends (and don't forget a nylon lined underwear to protect the boyz). For my head while cycling, I use the rain cover for my Bell Metro helmet http://tinyurl.com/yba24rp along with Earbags http://www.earbags.com/ and a wool balaclava for the really cold days. For skiing I am in a wool hat with either earbags or a balaclava underneath. Gloves/Mitts are very individual. Wool socks keep my feet happy; not to tight. On Oct 3, 2:30 pm, geezer wrote: > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
I want to second the Foxwear recommendation. Lou's stuff can't be beat for the outer layer. He also sells some fleece type stuff but I haven't tried that. He will work with you until he gets you exactly what you want. George Strickler New Orleans On Oct 3, 8:27 pm, Dan Abelson wrote: > I usually use a smartwool long sleeve shirt with a Showers Pass Touring > jacket. This is good down to temps of about zero Fahrenheit on my five mile > commute. On my head I can't say enough good things about my Walz wool cap > with earflaps. Under my helmet no problems done to zero. > Dan Abelson > St. Paul, MN > > > > On Sat, Oct 3, 2009 at 3:30 PM, geezer wrote: > > > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > > glacial. > > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > > worked for you. > > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > > Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
I usually use a smartwool long sleeve shirt with a Showers Pass Touring jacket. This is good down to temps of about zero Fahrenheit on my five mile commute. On my head I can't say enough good things about my Walz wool cap with earflaps. Under my helmet no problems done to zero. Dan Abelson St. Paul, MN On Sat, Oct 3, 2009 at 3:30 PM, geezer wrote: > > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > Mike > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
Another one who usually uses layers of wool. But have been known to throw on a Woolrich chamois shirt or Filson Alaska Guide shirt for wind blockage. Might try some Showers Pass stuff this winter. My local shop is going to carry them. For pants, anything from Swobo knickers and long wool socks to RBW wool not so tights under MUSA pants. I would recommend the icebike website (http://www.icebike.com/) for lots of good practical information. For me, fashion takes a back seat to comfort. Especially in winter. BTW, Getz Department Store in Marquette, MI is listed as a Filson flagship dealer. With some luck they might still have US made shirts available. Never been to the store. It's listed in the latest Filson catalog. Eric Platt St. Paul, MN On Oct 3, 3:30�pm, geezer wrote: > Hi all. �I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. �I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. �I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. �I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
On Oct 3, 1:30 pm, geezer wrote: > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year... I recently replaced my 11-year-old Burley Rapid Rider with a Showers Pass Touring Jacket. So far I am pretty happy with it; lots of ventilation if you want, or close everything up and stay pretty warm. (Not a concern for most on this list but this model comes in Womens' Specific sizing, which made it easier for me to invest the money and be assured of a decent fit.) Underneath I layer everything from a Pendleton shirt to heavy wool sweater. For really cold-weather riding I'll use a Wooly Warm wool tee as a base layer and go from there. Beth --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
I looked a long time for winter tights that were warm, not too tight, and not too baggy. And that also fit my long and skinny frame. So, basically impossible to find. Lots of people on bikeforums.net like Foxwear: it's basically a one man shop out of Idaho that will sew you up custom clothing, for prices comparable to the mid range stuff from the big catalogs. I ended up getting a jacket, pants, and hat for about $200. I'm really happy with it, it keeps me warm for as cold as I'm willing to ride (down to the teens for mountain biking) with minimal layering. But since it's custom, you can easily go heavier or thinner if you desire. My only complaint was my pants came out a bit long, but I had told him to err on the side of length based on my measurements--I hate pants that ride up. I'm sure Lou (the Foxwear guy) would hem them up if I were to send them back, but it's not so bad it's worth the hassle. http://www.foxwear.net/ Eric D Dublin, OH On Sat, Oct 3, 2009 at 4:30 PM, geezer wrote: > > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > Mike > > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
I rode all last winter with nothing more than wool layers (1 to 4, depending on the temp), MUSA long pants, the heavy cotton long-sleeve RBW T shirt and a light REI "soft-shell" jacket (presumably made in China). The T-shirt was just under the jacket to help it block wind. Wouldn't need that with a more "wind-shirt" type thing (Marmot sells something literally called a windshirt, I think). RBW and REI supply all you need. If the sizes are too small, Justin Charles sells *huge* wool stuff (their 3XL is substantially bigger than RBW's "Jumbo"). Political note; Justin Charles's clothing (and presumably many things from REI) are made in China. Layered wool is the way to go for warmth *and* comfort. Head, hands, trunk, legs, feet. The socks RBW now sells are *fantastic*; last year's were phenomenal to wear but only lasted about 5-6 wearings before the heel became a hole; the new ones are still a close second to those in comfort and show little wear after a dozen or more wearings. I no longer wear any other socks, no matter what time of year. The 80/20 striped shorties are fantastic! I live in the Chicago area; I commuted every work day throughout the winter. Let not Old Man Winter stop you! On Oct 3, 3:37 pm, Eric Norris wrote: > I suggest a Showers Pass rain jacket with some wool layers > underneath. Their jackets are well ventilated if you want them to be, > but they'll also keep all the wind out and get quite warm inside if > you want that. The wool layers will help keep you dry in case you > sweat inside the jacket. > > --Eric > campyonly...@me.comwww.campyonly.comwww.wheelsnorth.org > > On Oct 3, 2009, at 1:30 PM, geezer wrote: > > > > > > > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > > glacial. > > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > > worked for you. > > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > > Mike --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
On Oct 3, 2009, at 3:30 PM, geezer wrote: > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, Are you looking for a shell type layer or something more, well, wooly? For jacket type things, I have a Showers Pass Elite rain jacket which is also a very good shell layer for dry cold weather thanks to its excellent ventilation. And I have a very light weight nylon jacket which appeared to be aimed at cross-country skiing (scratch and dent sale at REI, so the original tags were missing). This works surprisingly well with just a wool jersey into the mid to low 40s and with a long sleeve wool jersey into the mid to upper 30s. LIttle ventilation but it "breathes" fairly well (I dislike using the term "breathes" for an inanimate object, but if I try something like "osmotes" that isn't any better and has to be explained anyway). Tomorrow morning the missus and I are going the "Gandhi Dancer" ride on the Gandy Dancer trail in Wisconsin, celebrating Gandhi's birthday. Starting temps should be around 35F or so. Sheesh. So I'll get to try out my layers earlier than usual. Too bad the Mahatma wasn't born in August... --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
[RBW] Re: Winter Riding Clothing
I suggest a Showers Pass rain jacket with some wool layers underneath. Their jackets are well ventilated if you want them to be, but they'll also keep all the wind out and get quite warm inside if you want that. The wool layers will help keep you dry in case you sweat inside the jacket. --Eric campyonly...@me.com www.campyonly.com www.wheelsnorth.org On Oct 3, 2009, at 1:30 PM, geezer wrote: > > Hi all. I'm looking to improve my winter wardrobe this year. I'm > specifically looking for a jacket and pants that work well for riding > - somewhat trim, zippers for ventilation etc. I live in northern > Michigan (the home of miserable winters) so, realistically, I'll park > the bike when it hits around 20 degrees and/or the snow and ice become > glacial. > > I'm willing to spend some bucks on this stuff. I understand layering > - I'm mostly interested in outerwear. > > I'll do the research - just point me in a direction for stuff that has > worked for you. > > Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions, > > Mike > > --~--~-~--~~~---~--~~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~--~~~~--~~--~--~---
