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in central Oklahoma since 1974

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Winter Cycling Clothing

A discussion on fabrics

 

Some good basic rules of thumb:

  • Dress in layers – allows adjustments as the day, and your body, warms
  • Good cycling fabrics breathe (allow moisture to evaporate) – essential for comfort
  • If you’re comfortable the first 15 minutes of the ride, you’re over-dressed
  • Keep it simple – a few well chosen items are all you really need
  • Keep extra stuff in your car – you never know when you or someone else might need it

Layer Definitions:

  • Base layer – next to skin
  • Insulation layer – between base and outer
  • 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 layer.

 

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 60-65 years ago and is making a comeback
  • Doesn’t absorb moisture
  • Retains insulation properties when wet
  • Washable types have been available for years
  • Merino wool is best–soft and not itchy
  • Alpaca is great for insulation layer
  • Clothing items: base and insulation layers, socks, gloves, glove liners

Silk

  • Great insulating characteristics in very thin fabrics
  • Very comfortable next to skin
  • Relatively expensive
  • Somewhat fragile (must be laundered and dried very carefully, hand washing and air drying recommended)
  • 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, insulation 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
  • Easy care (wash and wear)
  • Wears well
  • Clothing items: insulation layer (sweater), ear band, socks

Tyvek

  • Inexpensive
  • Not very durable
  • Doesn’t breathe
  • Not recommended for cycling

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

  • A fluoropolymer made by Gore fabric company
  • Wind and water resistant
  • Limited breatheability
  • Clothing items: outer layer

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 (100 & 200 weights)
  • 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.
  • Cycling mail/Internet catalog companies (two examples below):
  • Bike Nashbar
    P.O. Box 1455
    Crab Orchard, WV 25827-1455
    1-800-627-4277
    http://www.nashbar.com
  • Performance Bike
    P.O. Box 1605
    Crab Orchard, WV 25827-1605
    1-800-727-2453
    http://www.performancebike.com
  • General sporting goods mail/Internet catalog companies (two examples below):
  • Campmor
    28 Parkway, Box 700
    Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
    1-888-226-7667
    http://www.campmor.com
  • Sierra Trading Post
    5025 Campstool Rd.
    Cheyenne, WY 82007-1898
    1-800-713-4534
    http://www.SierraTradingPost.com

Disclaimer: The retail establishments mentioned above are for reference only. OBS and the author of this article have no fiscal connection or employee relationship with any of these establishments. The references above do not constitute a recommendation to buy merchandise from these establishments nor imply any indication of quality or reliability of products they sell.