wool baselayers

[FarmerBEN]

I'm looking for a wool baselayer to wear under my jersey while riding, I am leaning smartwool just because I love their socks. But they are pretty steep in price, can anyone recomend a similar more reasonable product?

[Paul Swenson]

I've been eyeing wool as well. Patagonia makes wool base layers but I don't think they're any cheaper

[Nickel]

If you surf enough Goodwill's, you will find what you are looking for.

[Danimal]

Whatever happened to good old sweatshirts as base layers? When did bike riding get so trendy where we all needed to have "wool" and "jerseys"? Throw in arm warmers, backlavas, etc. and you are spending a ton of dough.

What did we wear when we were kids out riding all day all season? Can we still go with that?

[THUMP!]

I'm getting old, give me the good stuff!

[funky-funky-chicken]

I'm looking for a wool baselayer to wear under my jersey while riding, I am leaning smartwool just because I love their socks. But they are pretty steep in price, can anyone recomend a similar more reasonable product?

It is not cheap, but look at Ibex. www.ibex.com (http://www.ibex.com) The baselayers are made overseas to come in at a price point. I tried finding them locally, but had no luck. If you are looking at the Smartwool, you can find them at REI and Midwest Mountaineering.

If you want something warmer, I would strongly recommend the Ibex Shak. Heavyweight merino wool, made in USA, EXTREMELY comfortable. No pockets, can get away with wearing it pretty much anywhere. I can wear it for almost two weeks, wearing it daily to and from work without the need to wash.

[FarmerBEN]

Whatever happened to good old sweatshirts as base layers? When did bike riding get so trendy where we all needed to have "wool" and "jerseys"? Throw in arm warmers, backlavas, etc. and you are spending a ton of dough.

What did we wear when we were kids out riding all day all season? Can we still go with that?


if it makes you feel any better I have been just using cotton long-john shirts under my jersey, although as my car gets colder and colder post ride I want something that won't give me the shivers. I do agree that cycling can become so materialistic and trendy.

[Konaboy]

If you're looking not to drop a huge chunk of change try Target. I can't remember if it was the past week's ad or not, but Target had Merino sweaters on sale for around $20. I know a couple of people have posted up in past years using those for a base or mid layer.

[jeffgude]

Not as hip as wool, but in terms of cost Duofold long underwear is a pretty good alternative. $9.99


http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39302395&memberId=12500226

http://www.campmor.com/images/cloth/79691.jpg

[FarmerBEN]

"Thermals two-layer construction combines the next-to-skin softness of cotton with durability and performance of polyester. The bi-ply construction helps to create a thermal barrier by trapping air next to the body. Ideal for wear around home or office or at any low level of aerobic activity."

Probably didn't come across as they intended but that sounds hot as crap, I want something that will breath well while I ride but still keep me warm for that post ride beer. While we are on the topic, how bad a fashion faux pas is it to wear longjohn/thermal/baselayer under shorts. I do it for night rides but have yet to brave the light of the day in public that way.

[tedsti]

Wool is really nice and keeps you warm even when damp. Polypro is a good cheaper alternative. I have picked up some nice Helly Hanson base layers at TJ Max.

As far as cotton goes, avoid it like the plaque. Once you start to sweat, you will not stay warm in cotton.

As for wearing long underwear under shorts, Bob has been doing it for years.

[Nickel]

Everyone who sees you will be in awe of seeing a winter biker and will pay no attention to your thermals.

[MisterClaw]

I'm looking for a wool baselayer to wear under my jersey while riding, I am leaning smartwool just because I love their socks. But they are pretty steep in price, can anyone recomend a similar more reasonable product?

better yet, Trek is doing a clearance of all their wool jerseys. The LBSs have some for $50. Well worth it. I got 2 of them.

[Don Youngdahl]

................ topic, how bad a fashion faux pas is it to wear longjohn/thermal/baselayer under shorts. ................

It's only a faux pas to folks that are more concerned about appearances and peer pressure than they are about common sense and practicality.

[curt c]

It's all about staying dry,warm, and comfortable. So that means no cotton.
You need to get the moisture away from your body, so for me anything that is moisture wicking.

[JayPee]

Q carries the Ibex stuff so get friendly with a local shop. If you don't mind polypro, go to Fleet Farm, that place is a goldmine.

[jjrsds]

If your only concern is staying warm after the ride bring along a down or fleece vest and a heavy winter coat, hat and mittens. I carry a winter weight army jacket (has the removable insulation liner and always in my car) that is mid-thigh length for myself or somebody else. No matter what you wear as a baselayer/outlayer once you stop you will be cold (assuming you are only wearing enough clothes to stay warm while riding). Once the ride is done I put on a down vest and another jacket over that, change shoes (winter boots) and/or socks, put a different hat and mittens or gloves on. I try to trap some of the heat escaping to warm that stuff up.

Wool, polypro, cotton (I tend to avoid cotton for myself but it works great for some people) can all work just a matter of figuring out what works best for you. If your getting to the ride via car a fleece blanket or sleeping bag can help fight off the cold while chatting after the ride. Changing all or most of the clothes right after the ride would be ideal. Good luck and just find what works for you.

[RiverRat]

I picked up some smartwool on a decent discount from the rei website a few month back (go to the outlet section and search for smartwool). I know they still have some socks and such, but I don't remember if they still have any base layers.

[Lezgo Cycling]

not woll but wqhat a deal, I got my duodry wicking baselayer at target, mock turtle neck 15.00, glove liners 7.00, works great. check the mens section in the fitness wear...champion gear I think it is. works wonders. otherwsie I am a fan of a long john shirt and sweatshirt. If you are brave enough to bare the cold and ride winter, then people arent looking at what your wearing, they are just wondering why your out there in teh first place :D try cheap then go fancy, if you feel you must. in all I think I spent 125 total and this is what I have... PI tights, C9 shirt(target) glove liners(target) Sugoi headcover, and smartwool socks. top it all off with a jersey light weight coat, and shorts or 3/4 pants over the tights and your set. not alot of gear but totally warm...

[kiano]

I have been using Columbia's thermal tops made of Polyester with very good results under a second layer of fleece and top it all off with a wind resistent outer layer.

[At the Gates 2121]

I'm looking for a wool baselayer to wear under my jersey while riding, I am leaning smartwool just because I love their socks. But they are pretty steep in price, can anyone recomend a similar more reasonable product?


CHECK THESE GUYS OUT WELL WORTH THE COST http://www.craft-usa.com/

[iceskier]

Cost not an issue?

www.icebreaker.com (http://www.icebreaker.com)

I have gotten a couple of items at great discount on Steap and Cheap and they are fantastic!!!!

[gopherhockey]

I have been using Columbia's thermal tops made of Polyester with very good results under a second layer of fleece and top it all off with a wind resistent outer layer.

This is the route I go. I can't imagine putting wool next to the skin when there are these types of materials available. I like wool for an outer layer tho. (when it doesn't smell that is....)

[bike>>rider]

Sorry for the plug but I have two new Craft base layers available for sale in the For Sale forum if anyone is interested.

[FarmerBEN]

updated, I got a pearl izuma synthetic and a smartwool baselayer as gifts and I would say there is a significant comfort advantage to the wool, but that is just my opinion.

[wildkona]

I never rode synthetics til this year and I have never worn wool. I didn't want to spend the money, which I didn't have. I rode with cotton base layers, very bad...considering I sweat a TON!!! For my birthday this year though, Katharine got me Pearl Izumi base layer tights and Noah got me some leg warmers. I can not belive how well these keep you warm while wisking the swaet away (or not allowing it to pool up) I hope to get some more wool in my clothing collection to, I have some wool socks and they have been awesome, the Wigwams:D

[dave t]

Cheapest place I've found stuff that works great is Kohl's clearance racks. I just get thick fleece shirts and stack on a couple looser jerseys over the top and maybe another jacket or something. They probably even have Hawiian outer layers.:D

I picked up some that work great for $5 each in the "young punk" section a while ago. They have all the sizes there just lots of dragons and flaming skullz on them and the pants will fall halfway off your a$$.:D

[syntaxjunkie]

I got Craft wool base layers (top and bottom) for Christmas. They're super-comfortable, seem to breathe well and are quite warm. That said, I've also had pretty good experiences using synthetic stuff like UnderArmour as a base layer beneath a wool jersey. Honestly, as long as you're wearing a base layer that wicks, a middle layer that insulates, and an outer layer that blocks the wind, I'm not sure that materials or the order than you arrange them are a huge deal.

[Lezgo Cycling]

Honestly, as long as you're wearing a base layer that wicks, a middle layer that insulates, and an outer layer that blocks the wind, I'm not sure that materials or the order than you arrange them are a huge deal.

makes sense to me ...wick away and keep warm however you can..all my stuff is cheap but works well

[Paul Swenson]

I got Craft wool base layers (top and bottom) for Christmas. They're super-comfortable, seem to breathe well and are quite warm. That said, I've also had pretty good experiences using synthetic stuff like UnderArmour as a base layer beneath a wool jersey. Honestly, as long as you're wearing a base layer that wicks, a middle layer that insulates, and an outer layer that blocks the wind, I'm not sure that materials or the order than you arrange them are a huge deal.

Less Stink Factor. That's the advantage of wool.

Honestly I don't mind the way I smell, but some of my friends do. I wear it for them.

[syntaxjunkie]

Less Stink Factor. That's the advantage of wool.

That's nice in theory. But I'm pretty sure I can make anything stink.

[RiverRat]

That's nice in theory. But I'm pretty sure I can make anything stink.

He didn't say no stink factor. Just less. I can get by wearing wool long johns for multiple rides/excursions/etc. with just a minor nuisance aroma building, but with synthetics, after one use they are pretty close to unbearably odoriffic.