A bit confused about cycling "tops"

[ColinJ]

A Gilet with a mesh back and impervious front is a big help for your problem. There are a lot on the market that are either windproof all around, or not windproof at all so careful shopping means I now have 4 in different colours and all be different manufacturers!

I'm a big fan of gilets. I have a heavy duty one with some padding for extra warmth, and a very light one which can be scrunched up into a bag the size of a medium sized apple.

I can't see the point of a gilet which is not windproof!

 

[tallliman]

I echo the gilet comments. Got the highest number (9 I think) from Decathlon last year and it's the one item that I have that really makes the difference for me. Enough to keep me warm from the wind without boiling me whole.

@graham bowers, I might have even worn it when we rode together last month!

 

[alicat]

Never been but Mercian on the south side of Derby have a good touring reputation.

 

[Bollo]

+Decathlon.

If you fancy splashing a few bob (or someone else is buying) and aren't too stout, take a look at the Castelli Gabba jacket. The price is eye-watering but it's the best, most flexible bit of clothing I own - solidly windproof, will handle a shower and works well from just above freezing to mid-to-high teens without getting clammy. You can find them in boutiquey bike shops at RRP, but Wiggle et all often have them with a discount. Go up about 2 sizes from your normal fit (i.e. I'm usually a medium but an XL in Castelli tops).

 

[Ajax Bay]

A Gilet with a mesh back and impervious front is a big help for your problem.

I have been using 'Funkier' (brand) gilets for many thousand km: translucent and 'windproof' front, orange coloured fine mesh back with reflective bits and a good central pocket - circa £35. I can wear it comfortably in a wide temperature range and it folds up small when the weather smiles.

 

[mjr]

I've been using hillwalking base layers, both long and short sleeved, and long sleeved thin fleeces. Trouble is they're not really windproof, so after layering up, I've tended to resort to a budget, non breathable, cycling boil-in-the-bag waterproof. And boiling in the bag.

As a tourer, I keep with the general active/walking bases, tops and fleeces and just put a cycling-specific jacket over the top. The main benefit of cycling-specific tops if not leaning forwards aggressively is that they have pockets on the back where the contents don't bobble around so much as you pedal.

I can't see the point of a gilet which is not windproof!

Because it's warm and lovely without the colder touch of a windproof one. Ideal for wearing off the bike IMO.