Show me your winter underwear

[nick crisp]

[quote author=RikkiWilliams link=topic=23815.msg276155#msg276155 date=1519893138]
I got a pair of thermals from primary £10 each for top and trousers. Then just put my normal clothes and gear over the top. Have you tried the handlebar covers the work well for keeping your fingers warm. 

The thing I worry about is when the word "Thermal" is used in clothes but I have no idea what is rated a proper thermal over a normal fluffy t shirt, what give manufactures the right to call something thermal its not like CE armer that has to pass tests --- is it ?
I just can not bring myself to attach muffs im afraid.
[/quote]


M&S thermal underwear I have always found to be pretty good, but you do need a wind-proof layer in there somewhere for anything like that to have a chance of working properly. Unfortunately, with not wanting handlebar muffs, you have probably just ruled out the most effective way of keeping hands warm. I don't blame you though, I've never liked the things, but then, I don't ride much when it's freezing. Lots of folk swear that summer gloves are all that's needed under them though, and combined with heated grips, you'll never experience cold hands again. I do miss my heated grips I had on the last bike, had never tried them before that.

[darrsi]

[quote author=fazersharp link=topic=23815.msg276158#msg276158 date=1519898171]
[quote author=RikkiWilliams link=topic=23815.msg276155#msg276155 date=1519893138]
I got a pair of thermals from primary £10 each for top and trousers. Then just put my normal clothes and gear over the top. Have you tried the handlebar covers the work well for keeping your fingers warm. 

The thing I worry about is when the word "Thermal" is used in clothes but I have no idea what is rated a proper thermal over a normal fluffy t shirt, what give manufactures the right to call something thermal its not like CE armer that has to pass tests --- is it ?
I just can not bring myself to attach muffs im afraid.
[/quote]


M&S thermal underwear I have always found to be pretty good, but you do need a wind-proof layer in there somewhere for anything like that to have a chance of working properly. Unfortunately, with not wanting handlebar muffs, you have probably just ruled out the most effective way of keeping hands warm. I don't blame you though, I've never liked the things, but then, I don't ride much when it's freezing. Lots of folk swear that summer gloves are all that's needed under them though, and combined with heated grips, you'll never experience cold hands again. I do miss my heated grips I had on the last bike, had never tried them before that.
[/quote]


I'm not saying heated grips are the complete solution, but they are most certainly better to have than to not.
The idea of handlebar muffs have never appealed to me either, although if i did daily motorway runs then i'm sure i would reconsider the option.
I've always wanted just a simple hand guard to take the wind off the gloves, which would work really well i reckon, but there's just not enough room on my bike without them hitting the fairing.

[fazersharp]

I've always wanted just a simple hand guard to take the wind off the gloves, which would work really well i reckon, but there's just not enough room on my bike without them hitting the fairing.

Yep I agree and every winter I look into it but they just dont fit

[fazersharp]

M&S thermal underwear I have always found to be pretty good, but you do need a wind-proof layer in there somewhere for anything like that to have a chance of working properly.

I have just ordered this http://road.cc/content/review/177735-bon...-baselayer for wind block. You will see from my picture that my leather has a generous crossover that tucks under the zip and yet I still get a draft so an extra layer of proper wind block may help.

That first one on the top left is supposed to be a thermal but it was cheap from Aldi so I doubt its thermal properties

My 15 layer system works but its a bit stupid so less but more efficient layers would be good.
Also the wind block would actually be good under my summer jacket that has so many perforations its actually too cold and draughty if I am out and back late when the temp gos down or I put it on too early in the season.

[nick crisp]

I have just ordered this http://road.cc/content/review/177735-bon...-baselayer for wind block. You will see from my picture that my leather has a generous crossover that tucks under the zip and yet I still get a draft so an extra layer of proper wind block may help.

That looks ok, but I suspect it'll still feel a bit draughty as it only has parts that are windproof. As you mentioned before, we don't have to work hard like a cyclist on our bikes, and we're going much faster, so the wind tends to seek out every gap and we're not keeping ourselves warm. But better than no windproof layer at all. Merino wool is also another good material for under layers; as mentioned in your link, it still keeps you warm if it gets wet, so if your biking top layers have seen better days and leak a bit, you can still be comfortable, and it doesn't need to be bulky to work.

[fazersharp]

[quote author=fazersharp link=topic=23815.msg276170#msg276170 date=1519906687]

I have just ordered this http://road.cc/content/review/177735-bon...-baselayer for wind block. You will see from my picture that my leather has a generous crossover that tucks under the zip and yet I still get a draft so an extra layer of proper wind block may help.

That looks ok, but I suspect it'll still feel a bit draughty as it only has parts that are windproof. As you mentioned before, we don't have to work hard like a cyclist on our bikes, and we're going much faster, so the wind tends to seek out every gap and we're not keeping ourselves warm. But better than no windproof layer at all. Merino wool is also another good material for under layers; as mentioned in your link, it still keeps you warm if it gets wet, so if your biking top layers have seen better days and leak a bit, you can still be comfortable, and it doesn't need to be bulky to work.
[/quote]
i actually only paid £20 for it as I don't really know what I am buying and wouldn't risk £60. But that merino wool sounds a safe spend. 

[HarryHornby]

:eek :lol

I've seen that view a few times when following you on a LOFO day out!  :rollin

[steve 10562cc]

Belstaff used to make a wax cotton water proof over mitten worn over winter gloves used to keep my hands warm in the cold weather.

[fazersharp]

Belstaff used to make a wax cotton water proof over mitten worn over winter gloves used to keep my hands warm in the cold weather.

I remember those and used to have some with sheepskin mits underneath - not a lot of feel and tricky grabbing the brake, wouldn't do it now but back then on a 125 it was ok.
I laso had Derry Boots - remember those. they were very warm but U used to put a hole in the top toe from changing up so I stretched a section of a wheel barrow inner tube over my foot.   

[darrsi]

Wondering if there's a glove that would have like a layer of something covering the back of the fingers, but maybe only attached to the forefinger and little finger, so finger movement isn't restricted but it stops direct contact of the wind onto the fingers?
I know what i mean, but have usually seen this design being worn by people in Canada or in extreme snow situations, and i doubt that they would've been leather. 

[fazersharp]

Wondering if there's a glove that would have like a layer of something covering the back of the fingers, but maybe only attached to the forefinger and little finger, so finger movement isn't restricted but it stops direct contact of the wind onto the fingers?
I know what i mean, but have usually seen this design being worn by people in Canada or in extreme snow situations, and i doubt that they would've been leather. 

Good one.
I have actually thought the exact same thing, sort of a hand guard that is attached to your hand that would keep the wind blast off the backs of your fingers and thought about making something out of those silicone oven mitts - just the back part as they are soft and pliable and yet holds its shape 

[nick crisp]

[quote author=darrsi link=topic=23815.msg276183#msg276183 date=1519916499]
Wondering if there's a glove that would have like a layer of something covering the back of the fingers, but maybe only attached to the forefinger and little finger, so finger movement isn't restricted but it stops direct contact of the wind onto the fingers?
I know what i mean, but have usually seen this design being worn by people in Canada or in extreme snow situations, and i doubt that they would've been leather. 

I have actually thought the exact same thing, sort of a hand guard that is attached to your hand that would keep the wind blast off the backs of your fingers and thought about making something out of those silicone oven mitts - just the back part as they are soft and pliable and yet holds its shape
[/quote]


Army N.I. gloves! Had padding on the backs of the fingers and knuckles, so you didn't scrape them on walls if patrolling in bandit country towns  :lol
Not very warm though. Not very waterproof either. In fact, no foccin use at all  :lol

[nick crisp]

[quote author=dazza link=topic=23815.msg276151#msg276151 date=1519863323]
:eek :lol

I've seen that view a few times when following you on a LOFO day out!  :rollin
[/quote]


Perhaps if you upgraded to a thou, you wouldn't be stuck behind him all the time    :b

[robbo]

This is only my first winter using Gerbing heated gloves, but think they're brilliant. Took a few goes to get used to plugging myself in, but they keep the whole hand warm as opposed to just the palms when using heated grips. Waterproof, reasonable feel and speaking to long time users, seem to stand the test of time. Personally I think if your hands are not cold, then the rest of your body seems to cope a lot better with adverse conditions.

[VNA]

I don't ride all year round, and right now it's impossible.  Managed to get to work the last couple of days thanks to my trusty 4WD Yeti.
But I do like hill walking, including in winter if the weather is reasonable. 

My choice of base layer is pure merino wool, either Icebreaker or Smartwool, 260 weight for winter.  Not cheap, but you'll find the winter stuff going cheap in the spring.
Look after it and it'll last many years.  It's not the best at wicking but it stays warm when moist.  It's very nice against your skin (I generally hate wool).  But it can be worn for days on end without getting particulary smelly. 

[fazersharp]

My choice of base layer is pure merino wool, either Icebreaker or Smartwool, 260 weight for winter.  It's not the best at wicking but it stays warm when moist. 

merino it is then and don't think I need to worry about its wicking properties unless I piss myself

[Grahamm]

For my top half I use a base-layer top which I got from Mountain Warehouse to go skiing.  Over this is a shirt and sweatshirt, then an "Anti Freeze" mid-layer jacket, followed by my regular textile bike jacket.

For the bottom half it's Heat Holder socks, base-layer pants, jeans and textile pants, plus my boots.

I have a set of Gerbing Heated Gloves which I will never stop singing the praises of, because they warm down the back of the hands and fingers, rather than heating the palms which lets your fingertips and backs of the hands get cold.

I also have a windproof balaclava for under my helmet if it's really cold :thumbup

[fazersharp]

For my top half I use a base-layer top which I got from Mountain Warehouse to go skiing.  Over this is a shirt and sweatshirt, then an "Anti Freeze" mid-layer jacket, followed by my regular textile bike jacket.

For the bottom half it's Heat Holder socks, base-layer pants, jeans and textile pants, plus my boots.

I have a set of Gerbing Heated Gloves which I will never stop singing the praises of, because they warm down the back of the hands and fingers, rather than heating the palms which lets your fingertips and backs of the hands get cold.

I also have a windproof balaclava for under my helmet if it's really cold :thumbup

Those gloves sound perfect - back of the hands and fingers

[HarryHornby]

[quote author=HarryHornby link=topic=23815.msg276179#msg276179 date=1519915073]
[quote author=dazza link=topic=23815.msg276151#msg276151 date=1519863323]
:eek :lol

I've seen that view a few times when following you on a LOFO day out!  :rollin
[/quote]


Perhaps if you upgraded to a thou, you wouldn't be stuck behind him all the time    :b
[/quote]


Naaaaaah, I'd still be captian slow, just on a faster bike!  LOL

[fazersharp]

Update, yesterday was the first time I had a chance to try out my new "proper" baselayer a Brontrager B2 windshell. I had a 95 mile blat. It is very thin and light and the wind sections sound sort of plasticky crinkly. Although it was about 11 degrees this time when before it was only 4 I only had the baselayer and my short sleeve rash vest under my leather and high vis and was nice and warm. I could not feel any wind blast getting through.