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Thanks to John Van Meter who found this timely bit of information for us at Oklahoma Bicycle Society Website Some good basic rules of thumb: 1. Dress in layers – allows adjustments as the day, and your body, warms 2. Good cycling fabrics breathe – essential for comfort 3. If you’re comfortable the first 15 minutes of the ride, you’re over-dressed 4. Keep it simple – a few well chosen items are all you really need 5. Keep extra stuff in your car – you never know when you or someone else might need it Layer Definitions: 1. Base layer – next to skin 2. Insulation layer – between base and outer 3. Outer layer – exposed to weather Notes: Most items can be used as a different layer in different situations (exceptions are jackets, gloves, booties, etc.) Can have multiple insulation layers, but obviously only one base and one outer
NATURAL FABRIC TYPES Cotton / cotton blends (most important point; it you want to snooze, hear this first) Never wear cotton next to skin – not only important for comfort, but safety as well Absorbs and retains moisture Can lead to hypothermia and, in extreme cases, death (but that’s not likely in Oklahoma) Clothing items: maybe a sweatshirt as insulation layer, otherwise, leave it in the closet
Wool Was fabric of choice for cycling wear even in summer 25 years ago Doesn’t absorb moisture Retains insulation properties when wet Washable types have been available for years Merino wool is best--soft and not itchy Clothing items: insulation layer, socks, gloves, glove liners
Silk Great insulating characteristics in very thin fabrics Very comfortable next to skin Relatively expensive (although trade with China has reduced cost greatly in recent years) Somewhat fragile (must be laundered and dried very carefully) Clothing items: balaclava, base layer, glove liners, sock liners
SYNTHETIC OR MAN-MADE FABRIC TYPES Polypropylene (polypro) Man-made fabric with many of the same properties of wool Relatively inexpensive Same material as milk bottles Clothing items: ear band, balaclava, base layer, glove liners, tights, socks, sock liners
Polyester Probably makes you think of leisure suites, but think again Many of the so-called "high-tech micro-fibers" are polyester Can be spun for wicking properties hard to match by any other fabric, natural or man-made Sold under many brand names, which will be discussed later Clothing items: jerseys, base layer, ear band, balaclava, socks, sock liners
Acrylic Not often thought of as a sports fabric, but it can work well Good insulation properties Inexpensive Wears well Clothing items: insulation layer (sweater), ear band, socks
Tyvek Neoprene Used for wet suites for diving Doesn’t breath Clothing items: toe covers, booties, face mask (only for VERY extreme conditions to prevent frostbite)
BRAND NAME FABRICS Gore-tex Coolmax A patented polyester fabric Great wicking properties Used in many summer cycling garments Clothing items: base layer, jersey, socks
Thermax Fine-weave polyester Dries quickly Usually very soft hand Clothing items: base layer, socks, glove liners, balaclava, ear band
Polartek Comes in four weights (100, 200, 300 & 400) – higher numbers mean heavier garment Mostly looks like fleece but also comes in ribbed fabric Good wicking and drying properties New 100M version is a microfiber that has a very soft hand – great for base layers Clothing items: ear band, balaclava, base layer, insulation layer, outer layer, socks
Thermastat Fine hollow-core polyester Great wicking properties and very fast drying Claims to spread body heat from warmer areas to cooler areas Clothing items: ear band, balaclava, base layer, glove liner, sock liner
Where to buy winter clothing items: Local bike shops Ski shops General sporting goods stores Department and discount stores. Items will vary from season to season and store to store. Check in sporting goods section as well as clothing section. Check labels for fabric content. Items sometimes found include polypro or polyester base layer, polyester t-shirts (CoolMax or a similar fabric), polyester fleece items, CoolMax socks, wool socks (although typically of questionable quality), wool base layer, silk base layer, ear bands, gloves, glove liners.
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