Exertion vs layering

[Kevoffthetee]

Evening folks, need some of your xperiences to help plan purchases. It's my first winter of riding

This week the temperatures have dropped noticeably and I'm planning on buying gear on payday, but I'm having trouble decided what based on differences of opinion in the club.

My problem is do I layer up or buy more expensive gear (Gabba etc) in the view that they do the same job as several layers. Do you have to be exerting more energy in order to keep warm to get the best out of the more expensive jerseys, rather than cycling at a moderate 14-15 mph as I do in our intermediate group

Will a merino LS base layer, SS jersey and windproof lite jacket do the same job? I also have under armour coldgear base layers from rugby which I'm not sure if they'll cook me alive on a bike

 

[Milkfloat]

Everybody is different, so it is tricky to answer. I am in the camp of layering, ideally with layers that fit in pockets. I would rather be too cold for the first 5 miles, than too hot for the last 55.

 

[Dave 123]

Layers, arm warmers, leg warmers, a buff, a flimsy little wind proof that will go in the jersey pocket, over shoes.

I drooled over a gabba the other day in Grafham cycles, and the price tag got me over heated!

You could get a Lorry load of dhb kit from Wiggle for the price of a Gabba!

 

[Debade]

I layer and in Northern USA. Key to me, as Milkfloat suggested, dress to be cold for the first few miles. If you are warm coming out of the door, you will get hot during the ride. Feet and hands are the keys. My Walmart gloves, with thinsulate lining, out performed the expensive store bought ones so I decided not to make that mistake again.

 

[buggi]

Yes your suggestions will do the job.

I suggest a good base layer, long sleeve jersey and windproof or fleece top layer. If you use a waterproof then you might want to lose a layer as they can be boil in the bag. I rarely use waterproof as I find sweating worse than getting wet, and layers keep me warm in wet weather. Get some thermal tights, neoprene overshoes and heavy duty gloves (with liner glove) and also a buff or skull cap to keep your head and ears warm. You'll be snug as bug