what best gear for under jacket/trousers and socks?

GS Bloke

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Hi
Mrs K is struggling on what to get me for Xmas so I suggested some warm bike under gear.
HG do some 'wind stopper' tops and long johns (or pants!).
So what do you use, can you recommend any good makes, or any that should be avoided?
I don't want heated gear as too much messin about with cables etc.

Thanks and happy xmas to all......:101
 
M & S

do good thermal kit.
 
I wear a combination of things underneath. I don't like the michelin man feel of lots of layers so I a wear BMW phase change suit, its really brilliant, makes so much difference. Its really thin but really warm. I only need a tee shirt on underneath it. On really cold days though, when temps get down to near zero I wear a base layer - merino wool top and bottoms underneath it, they're really fine wool so really thin, then the phase change over that, then my textile jacket and trousers. Its really toasty yet I'm only wearing 2 thin layers under my textiles.

Recently I fitted a pair of muffs, Urban Tocano. They are totally amazing. They're fur lined, so heated grips on, summer gloves only and I'm really really toasty. What surprised me was that its not only warm hands but I feel warmer all over, I suppose the heat isn't being drained via the hands any more.

I ride all winter and I HATE being cold or wet. These are my solutions. And they work really well.
 
Berghaus Ignite

The best bit of kit I have bought bar none - I was recomended this by Julie Saunders ( Of Guiness book of records fame for fastest non stop N-S America ride ) This is a jacket (Quite smart) that is as thick as a microfleece, a quarter of the weight and has the thermal qualities of a puffa jacket.

Love it , really comfortable IIRC is about £100 :roll

Check it out
 
EDZ Innershell Jacket

Packs up very small, truly pocket sized.

Excellent bit of kit.

edz_innershell.jpg


innershell.jpg
 
I wear EDZ long johns, which are designed to wick sweat away from your skin as well as keep you warm. They were great on the last couple of summer trips, helping to minimise the sweat rash I've had in the past.

A friend who skis, swears by the merino wool mentioned above. He used to use man-made fabric but has used merino for the last few seasons.

I've also got a pair or M&S cotton long johns. These are fine in winter but wouldn't have the wicking properties for summer use. They are a lot bulkier than the EDZ item too.
 
Icebreaker Merino wool base layers:thumb they do different weights. My legs don't get that cold so have 200 for those and a 260 top. And, they can be worn for days on end if needed without getting smelly.

I think the record is 196 days by some guy in the same pants:eek:


Toes, any good suggestions for these without going down the heated insoles route? I was thinking of getting some over covers? My boots are waterproof but thought an extra outer layer might help for hard core cold weather.

Not convinced the windproof socks will be better than marino wool socks, its conduction not wind thats taking the heat.
 
squid said:
Toes, any good suggestions for these without going down the heated insoles route? I was thinking of getting some over covers? My boots are waterproof but thought an extra outer layer might help for hard core cold weather.

Not convinced the windproof socks will be better than marino wool socks, its conduction not wind thats taking the heat.
Click to expand...

Do as the couriers do.

Buy winter boots half a size too big. The air gap warms up.

Job done.
 
Wapping said:
Do as the couriers do.

Buy winter boots half a size too big. The air gap warms up.

Job done.
Click to expand...

A practical solution agreed but at £180 for an extra pair of Altbergs not a cheap one.

My other thought was a pair of mountain bike over shoes which are made from neoprene. Down side - I reckon the under strap would wear through after while from metal foot pegs.
 
squid said:
A practical solution agreed but at £180 for an extra pair of Altbergs not a cheap one.
Click to expand...

Altbergs have a Skywalk sole and unless I'm dreaming, there used to Skywalk specific Berghaus Yeti gaiters. I borrowed a pair of Yetis but not the Skywalk ones, a number of years ago when I was into riding in the ice 'n' snow, to try on my Altberg Clubman Classics. Unfortunately, they weren't quite big enough but I think they could probably be made to work.
 
squid said:
Toes, any good suggestions for these without going down the heated insoles route? I was thinking of getting some over covers? My boots are waterproof but thought an extra outer layer might help for hard core cold weather.
Click to expand...

Get the heavier weight merino long johns. This will ensure the blood reaching your toes is warmer. Keep your core temperature up, using a heated waistcoat if necessary, so that your body does not start restricting blood supply to your extremities.

The outer layer would provide an additional air gap which provides good insulation. I prefer to have a winter boot in a size larger than for summer. This way I can have the extra layers on the inside if needed.
 
Socks

Sealskin socks that I wear when I am cycling keep my feet warm and dry when out on the motorbike.
 
Must second sealskinz socks. Dry feet even if boots leak.

I made a mistake by getting an all in one base layer, very effective winter, summer and no draughts BUT very awkward for 'comfort' breaks. Got the same in two piece {HG} and no difference in warmth or cooling but much more practical.

On previous bikes I always had muffs on for the winter and they are very comfortable and efficient. Not bothered with them yet on the GS but Im on a strict budget from Mrs G:tears
 
cold

I use helly hension base layers and Northface thermal fleeces best stuff ive tried:thumb
and not look bad off the bike as well:thumb
 
I use Icebreaker merino stuff,both on the bike and at work,outside in all weathers all winter. Nice warm fabrics,longer than average zip-up necks and thumb loops. Good stuff.
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com have loads of it in their sale at the moment.:)
Happy Christmas to one and all.
 
Tw@ Features said:
I use Icebreaker merino stuff,both on the bike and at work,outside in all weathers all winter.
Click to expand...

If weight of numbers makes a difference, I'll corroborate the recommendation for Icebreaker, although I'm told that Chocolate Fish is better than Icebreaker these days.....

http://www.chocolatefishmerino.co.uk/

I'm sitting here typing this wearing just an Icebreaker base layer on my top half. It's not cheap though.....

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/mens-cl...asis-crewe-mens-base-layer-top/COREOMMFIBE158

I bought a few for SWMBO and me in a sale in Portland, Oregon last year for $16.00 each.....:D
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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