Calling all hardcore FAST commuters - gear question

It's getting to that time of year again. That time when you need to bust out the softshell or something similar to ward off the chill, especially on those upcoming subzero days. I ride pretty fast, or at least fast enough to sweat a fair amount on both my ride to and from work. I struggled all last year trying to find some layering combo that wouldn't have me arriving to work feeling like I'd been marinating in my own juices for the last 11 miles.

I'll spare you all the permutations of my layering attempts and the garments (mostly failures), that I purchased last year. So what's your favorite cycling-specific garment that allows you to stay warm and yet is also highly breathable. I've been leaning towards softshell jackets, but the Nashbar brand one I bought last year for about $60 just doesn't cut it - the thing needs to be hung inside out for a few hours to dry before I can put it back on.

I guess choices don't have to be cycling specific if you know of a non-cycling softshell or similar jacket that is able to stand up to heavy sweating and keeping you warm at the same time. It'd be totally awesome too if any of you were able to suggest something that would cost less than $100. Oh yeah, and please don't say, "ride slower". I'm already taking between 40 and 50 minutes to get to work on the super-windy LFP, so the less time I spend out there when it's booger-freezin' cold, the better, which means riding fast, or at least about 14 mph average, which is fast for me, riding a 40+ pound touring bike.

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Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on October 8, 2012 at 4:32pm

I don't like soft-shells at all. I have the same problem with them that you do - I marinate from the inside.

YMMV, but I've been extremely successful with just a thrift store wool sweater which is pretty thin and a Chrome windbreaker/hardshell. It's worked out really well for me.

Permalink Reply by Jordan Koss (#440) on October 8, 2012 at 5:49pm
I have a Gore Bike Wear jacket from Performance that is really amazing. It blocks the wind, yet does a good job venting sweat. I just looked on the jacket, but couldn't find a version name or number. I think it retailed for $150 or so, but you can get a discount with the ride cards from Performance. I break out the jacket when it gets below 40. Because of it, I prefer when it is 35 degrees than 45 degrees.
Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on October 8, 2012 at 6:05pm

I ended up getting a really thin Sims Snowboarding jacket...it's got some vents on it and it works good...I'm considering adding another two under the chest pockets with waterproof zippers.

It's rain repellent and keeps the snow off me. Layers are thin and peeled if needed.

Permalink Reply by Jenny on October 9, 2012 at 12:45am

I do thin layers, too.

I wear a Marmot Minimalist rainjacket ($200) that has big armpit vents.  Under it, a very thin performance fleece that breathes well.  When it's below 20 degrees, I add a thin non-cotton long-sleeved t-shirt under that.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on October 9, 2012 at 12:59am

Ride faster!

Wear less clothing. 

Permalink Reply by Gopher Biker on October 9, 2012 at 1:21am

I use a Cannondale L.E. Jacket, keeps me comfortable down to about 10 degrees with a couple of thin layers underneath - not inexpensive however. It is too warm for anything over 40-45 degrees (for me anyway).

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on October 9, 2012 at 1:42am

ITT, thus far : pit vents. They're awesome. 

I totally forgot that both outer layers I use have them. That does help a lot.

Permalink Reply by spencewine on October 9, 2012 at 1:58am

I don't commute fast, but I run and cross-country ski in the winter and do a lot of hiking in cold places and have spent hours-upon-hours trying to figure out what is the best cold weather combo. What I've learned is that synthetics dry quickest and the less you wear while active, the better. Although I want quick drying clothing, in my opinion, it's really about sweating less. I ran the marathon on Sunday wearing a pair of shorts and a short sleave synthetic shirt and didn't break a sweat the entire run, my fiance was wearing t runner tights and a long-sleeze shirt and was drenched by the end. I  packed a long-sleeze shirt, wind breaker, and base layer pants at the gear check so when I finished I just put those on and was fine. I plan on applying the same principles to winter biking this year...wear the exact amount of clothing that will keep me from sweating but not freezing and wear the warm clothes when I get off the bike.

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 9, 2012 at 2:28am

I was going to suggest the same thing. It sounds like you're a heavy sweater. I'd avoid any sort of shell, hard or soft, and use something as permeable as possible - like a sweater + synthetic or silk baselayer.

Also, I  suggest having an additional  set of gear for your return commute if it's not drying out while you're at work.

Jim S said:

I don't like soft-shells at all. I have the same problem with them that you do - I marinate from the inside.

YMMV, but I've been extremely successful with just a thrift store wool sweater which is pretty thin and a Chrome windbreaker/hardshell. It's worked out really well for me.

Permalink Reply by koala on October 9, 2012 at 2:41am

I like stuff that has a windblock front and much more breathable fabric on the back and under arms.  For several years I used an E Vap Lite jacket from Foxwear (picked my own fabrics and colors!), but I slimmed down some since buying it, and bought a Novara Headwind Bike Jacket from REI last year.  I wore the Headwind jacket yesterday morning with a long sleeve thermal jersey underneath and was fine.  When it gets colder, I'll add a Smartwool base layer under the jersey.  I'm saving the old Foxwear jacket for when I have to put on a fleece and need the extra layering room.  Any of these options allow me to zip up and keep the cold air out, or unzip a bit and dump heat and moisture out through the back panels.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on October 9, 2012 at 3:59am

I don't like coats at all since I sweat with no ventilation.  Layering one or two long sleeve t shirts under a heavy wool sweater is plenty for warmth and wind for anything down to zero if you are moving.  For legs which are moving plenty I've got a few pairs of soccer socks with the usual cargo shorts.  down below freezing maybe some light outdoors pants from REI over the usual shorts and socks provide some extra warmth but my legs aren't cold once moving.

For the head since I still have hair the helmet works well enough along with a pair of 180s for my ears.  Maybe a bandana under the helmet to hold in additional heat, but I haven't tried it yet.  Since I wear glasses nothing really will go over my face that won't cause serious fogging issues.  Plus my nose will drip in the cold and that needs to run free.  Being outside for only 45 minutes on my commute the face-freeze hasn't been a problem yet.

The biggest issue for me are toes and fingers.  An extra pair of socks and gloves or mittens are needed and I haven't found the perfect combination for myself, yet.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on October 9, 2012 at 4:05am

When I was a year-round motorcyclist I learned to employ zen breathing to avoid fogging both my glasses and my face-shield in my full-faced helmet. 

I have very few problems with a good balaclava and my glasses while winter riding in Chicago.   My nose runs worse when my face isn't covered, and my  lungs have issues sometimes when I'm breathing hard in cold temperatures without filtering the cold air through some fabric.   But I think that maybe everyone is different when it comes to this and we all need to find out what works for us on the road. 



Tricolor said:

 Since I wear glasses nothing really will go over my face that won't cause serious fogging issues.  Plus my nose will drip in the cold and that needs to run free.  Being outside for only 45 minutes on my commute the face-freeze hasn't been a problem yet.

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