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Generally mountain biking in the autumn / winter I use an Under Armour cold gear long sleeved base layer which comes up nicely round my neck. Later over that a Fox tech tee then a Royal Racing Matrix jacket on the top (essentially a water proof / wind proof shell with no insulation). Generally that’s more than enough for most riding, but last night by about 8.30pm it was down to 1 degree and getting a bit chilly!
I’m good with the base and top layer I’m using but wondering what to replace the t shirt later with for some more warmth but which is still breathable.
Any ideas? Can’t be too bulky to fit underneath the Matrix jacket as it’s fairly fitted around the bottom hem. I’ve seen some zip up style road insulated tops - would this work well or is there something better? The zip seems a good idea if I start to overheat.
A road style insulated top could also crossover to my road bike for chilly but dry rides too I guess.
Cheap thin fleece is what I use.
You could try a fleece or primaloft gilet?
Also, if your body is cold, make sure you have buff on head, one around neck, and that your legs and wrists are warm.
Also, if your body is cold, make sure you have buff on head, one around neck, and that your legs and wrists are warm.
Good advice.
I'd go fleece or merino before I got an insulated mid-layer myself, but then I tend to just max use two layers (of varying thickness) year-round anyway.
I use a thin zip up fleece as my mid layer (between a wicking base layer and a wind/water proof jacket)
Id consider a merino mid too if it was the same warmth as the fleece since they are usually less bulky than fleeces.
Wondering if merino smells less after a ride too? All these man made fibres absolutely ming
I bought a Marks and Spencers ‘fine knit’ merino jumper from a charity shop a few years ago for 3/4 quid. Not cycling specific but though it might work.
Have used it every winter since 😁👍
I probably overdress compared to most but better to be prepared for a stop in the middle of the night! Merino LS, Craft windstopper T, Mavic H2O thin jacket on top. Windproof buff and Endura waterproof skull cap on the bonce. If it is bitterly cold or really chucking it down I'll pop one of them thar new fangled thinner windproof/ mostly waterproof LS softshells under the Mavic outer. Summer socks and Endura neoprene booties for the feet, neoprene gloves for keeping hands toasty (albeit sweaty).
So short answer is probably to get something merino on you and something on your head and neck. None of that is pricey
I have one of these;
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-ski-base-layer-top-500-1-2-zip/_/R-p-328350
I really like it as an extra layer if more than a T shirt and rain coat is needed (pretty much every ride this time of year!)
They also do this;
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-ski-base-layer-top-900/_/R-p-306092
Which is the next 'tier' up
I rarely need mid layers for MTB, but I live in the mild mild West.
When I do need a mid layer it's nearly always merino.
I've got a couple of short sleeve bamboo base layers from Aldi that seem to work. They are big around the neck, but I like that as I get quite hot whilst climbing.
The tips around making sure your legs and wrists are warm are spot on. Ankles and wrists are where blood is very near the surface, so keeping them insulated is a big win. I've recently got some cheapo part merino, longish socks. They don't look great, but my feet are much warmer for having most of my calves insulated.
Slightly OT, but if you cast your mind back to the England rugby player Josh Lewsey. He, like lots of players, strapped his wrists for a bit of support but he also said it helped stop his hands getting cold.
I think my wrists are good as the base layer has pretty long sleeves that over lap with my gloves. Legs I’m currently wearing shorts with knee pads but have some new thermal bike socks and I’ve got a out of endura trousers which I’m need to take up the legs on slightly before using. Need to get this done ASAP for the cold night rides!
I’ll have a look through all the mid layer options suggested - thanks 🙏
I don't like mid layers, I just wear a t-shirt of varying thickness, from super thin to thick ski thermal and then a lightly insulated jacket over the top eg Gore Phantom etc.
For rides around zero degrees I'd wear something quite warm eg https://arcteryx.com/gb/en/shop/mens/rho-ar-zip-neck
And then a windproof and lightly insulated jacket over the top eg https://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-wear-phantom-gore-tex-infinium-jacket
pretty much any synthetic midlayers from the outdoor kit brands will suit your purpose - from traditional fleece to the more 'technical' waffle grid synthetics. no need to go for cycle specific brands - often more expensive and not as good . pick one that you like the look of and within budget. if it's going under a windbreak layer it'll work fine. i'd go synthetic rather than merino as typically cheaper, dry quicker and can often breath a little better, but they can get a little wiffy if not washed regularly. personally for when it's cold, i don't think you can beat the patagonia R1 pullover, superb bits of kit. however cost a fortune and i only use mine for biking as i already had them from my climbing and walking days
I try and avoid a mid-layer when biking as I feel too constricted. Something like a Helly Hansen Warm Ice crew or the Arc'teryx Rho suggested above are ideal. Zip base layer is good to dump heat if you get too hot as well. When it's touching zero I'm fine in a warm base layer with shell jacket and a buff.
If I was considering a mid-layer it would be a gilet/vest to keep my core warm.
When it gets cold you use your core to regulate your temperature whilst keeping your arms (and legs) warm. This generally means more "fixed" insulation on your limbs whilst venting/adding/removing items on your core. What you want to avoid is getting too hot and sweating thus making your insulation damp which will only cool you down.
So something like a long sleeved base layer plus arm warmers then a wind/shower/waterproof jacket on top. Get to the bottom of a climb and you unzip the jacket so you don't overheat, zipping it up again as soon as you reach the top to retain all that heat you've generated. Augment with buffs around neck and/or on head to further micro manage your temperature.
Finally something warm to throw over the top of everything for when you stop, synthetic puffy jacket or similar, again no point in wasting heat.
I'm using a Paramo Cambia ls base layer..... Its the best base layer I've had.... Wear it on way for warmth or turn it inside out for breathability. I was sceptical when purchased but it really does as it says on the tin. I ride all year round in it apart from summer with either a waterproof of windcheater.
Just pedal harder, surely? Carry an insulated layer for stops.
Sorry. 😋
I tend to run hot unless I'm riding with the kids then I tend to layer up with merino. Merino base and a sportswool mid with a windproof top.
Have a look at the Torm website for great quality clothing that would be an investment as it'd last you for years.
Just bought a montane protium hoodie for this purpose, light and breathable but doesn’t make me too hot
That Paramo Cambia looks like good value. Think I'll get one for walking/camping/lounging.