First Layer Synthetic or Cotton For A Sweaty Clyde
11-13-14, 11:34 AM
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First Layer Synthetic or Cotton For A Sweaty Clyde
So when layering up what is the best application of the first layer of clothing. Seems like a simple question, but I'm having a hard time with it because my work history never really allowed me to wear micro fibers, spandex, or really any synthetics next to my skin due to fire hazard...
Also, I just wear regular clothes for my outer most layer like jeans and a thick hoodie with a thin nylon windbreaker...
Here in central Texas 40 degrees is very cold, but all you have to do is wait a day or two at most and then it's up in the 50-60s again...
Also, I just wear regular clothes for my outer most layer like jeans and a thick hoodie with a thin nylon windbreaker...
Here in central Texas 40 degrees is very cold, but all you have to do is wait a day or two at most and then it's up in the 50-60s again...
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11-13-14, 11:49 AM
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First layer you want something that wicks moisture away. Cotton does not do that for the most part. Cotton absorbs moisture.
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Sir Mark, Knight of Sufferlandria
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11-13-14, 11:53 AM
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I grow and trade cotton. I love cotton. Cotton pays for my bikes. But my base layer is wicking poly or merino wool if I'm going to be sweating.
That said, I am VERY happy with Underarmour's Charged Cotton. I wear their Charged Cotton underwear and T shirts in the summer for hiking or running around. But on the bike, it's poly or merino.
BB
That said, I am VERY happy with Underarmour's Charged Cotton. I wear their Charged Cotton underwear and T shirts in the summer for hiking or running around. But on the bike, it's poly or merino.
BB
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11-13-14, 11:59 AM
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Agree with the sentiments here. Merino wool if you can afford it. Polyester i you can't. I'm the latter category and wear Target's $12 Champion long sleeve compression shirts as my first layer. They work pretty good for the money.
11-13-14, 12:28 PM
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My son started wearing these as a base layer when he mountain bikes.
11-13-14, 02:05 PM
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Depends on temperature and duration. 45-50 degrees, 30-45 minutes or so, unzip outer layers to keep from dripping sweat, and you're OK even with cotton. The longer or colder you ride, the more you'll appreciate poly or wool.
11-14-14, 12:00 PM
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11-14-14, 12:18 PM
#9
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+1 to the merino wool. The price can cause sticker shock. But I have two lightweight merino wool shirts that I wear a lot. They are my only shirt in warm weather and my base when I need to layer up. I think they are about five years old now, so I feel better that the price is a decent value.
