BobbyG

The long sleeve hi-viz T arrived and I've worn it twice. It is exactly the same weight and material as the dark long-sleeve shirt it replaces. On yesterday's ride home it was warm enough that I wore my long pants, wicking short T, new long T and new wind breaker. It felt the same as the previous set-up. The previous ride I had substituted a long-sleeve turtleneck for the Magic Liz shirt and it was not quite warm enough in the morning and just a little too warm in the afternoon.

Sunday, I rode a slightly longer 8-mile ride to brunch in street clothes, which I almost never do. Cotton T, Cotton sweatshirt, jeans and a light cotton jacket. It was okay on the way there when it was about 48F. On the way home it was 62F and I rode in just jeans and a cotton T.

I took it easy so as not to get sweaty, but when I got home I was a little moist and uncomfortable. I guess I just run hot. I spent my childhood riding around in jeans and a cotton t-shirt. I definitely prefer poly, or poly-blend active-wear now, and shorts whenever possible.

BobbyG

Okay, the white long sleeve polo replacement for Liz Claiborne arrived Thursday. It is remarkably similar to the 'magic' shirt it replaces. It was comfortable over a wide range of temps just like the original shirt.

So after all my worrying, the new shell, t-shirt and polo were all similar to the items they replaced. Considerinng I bought them off the web I was lucky that all three were so close in weight and warmth.

I know this wasn't the most exciting post, but I'm sure it was a relatable one.

canalligators

In cool/cold weather, I use the three-layer system: base, insulator, shell. I made a table of which piece of clothing to wear, in which temperature range. This is in the very changeable Great Lakes region. I’ve got that table dialed in, so I don’t get too cold or too sweaty. (Chilly for the first mile or so means you’ve got the insulator right.)

I’m retired now, but I still use the table for workouts and running errands. Commuting was my opportunity for exercise, and I worked in a “business casual” environment, so I needed to change upon arrival. I tried keeping a week’s worth of work clothing at work, but it was simpler to bring the work clothing with me daily. I rode in temps down to 15F or -10C. Below freezing, I use a dedicated winter bike with hub gears and studded tires.