Common layering mistakes
What to wear for cycling, outside of the height of summer or the depths of winter, can be a complex and sometimes thoroughly perplexing question.
To make things even more difficult, subjective opinion, outdated thinking, biology and ever-changing climate conditions add further variables and noise levels that can leave even the most experienced rider baffled and ill-prepared.
Below, we will outline common layering mistakes and the golden rules to follow when deciding what to wear throughout the year.
Wearing too many layers
Wearing hardshells all ride long
Starting out warm
Using Merino as a catch-all
Assuming temperature = ‘feels like’
Not dressing for the occasion
Not having a range of base layers
Wearing too many layers
Not long ago, technical fabrics didn’t exist in the cycling market. If you wanted warmth, you chose between varying weights of jersey and base layer, whilst a non-breathable vest or a rain jacket offered wind protection to keep the chill off.
Depending on the temperature and personal preference, this could require a cyclist to wear up to four plus layers to keep warm (base layer, short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey and jacket). This combination was not only hugely cumbersome, but also a nightmare when it came to regulating temperature. If you still wear this many layers, STOP doing so.
Modern fabrics and apparel designs mean that, even on the coldest, dry UK winter day, you shouldn’t need to wear more than two layers, with a third safely tucked into your rear pocket ‘just in case’.
As a general rule, two jackets (a deep winter and a lighter winter model), a selection of base layers and a packable waterproof will get you from autumn through to spring. Jackets like the Castelli Alpha 150 or the Sportful Fiandre 2 will cover temperatures from -5-5°C, whilst the Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 or Sportful Fiandre Shift will go from 5-15°C.
These jackets are windproof, so they will keep the chill off, yet they are also incredibly breathable, with high MVTRs (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rates) and high air permeability to drive moisture, caused by sweat, out of the jacket.
They also feature ‘practical’ waterproofing, that is of a suitable level to keep you dry in most British weather, while avoiding that boil-in-the-bag feeling, as opposed to full waterproofing, so they should keep you protected in anything but the hardest and most persistent downpour.
Wearing less layers feels much lighter and less cumbersome but also means you can regulate your temperature better. Feeling hot? Simply unzip the jacket for some extra cooling. The same principle is true for warmer autumn or spring days. A summer short sleeve jersey with arm warmers, or a long sleeve jersey, base layer and vest, if the weather is extra cold, is more than enough.
Wearing hardshells all ride long
Hardshell jackets (especially waterproof ones) compromise air permeability in the name of waterproofing. Yes, a hardshell jacket will keep you warm by blocking the wind; however, it will also quickly struggle to drive the moisture from sweat out fast enough to prevent ‘wetting out’ from the inside.
Packable hardshells are great if you need something to wear whilst you warm up at the start of a ride, or an emergency layer to pull on when you’re caught out by a temperature drop during your ride. However, if you use hardshell jackets for the entirety of your ride, when it isn’t raining, we’d suggest investing in a quality softshell. You’ll immediately feel the difference in terms of comfort and performance.
Starting out warm
This advice is an oldie but a goodie. As a general rule, you should feel a little cold when you start a ride, so that you will get to a comfortable temperature whilst riding. To combat feeling ‘too cold’ to start with, wear a packable vest or jacket which you can remove and stow once warmed up.
Using Merino as a catch-all
For years, Merino wool has been perceived as the ultimate base layer material due to its natural thermal properties, high capacity for moisture retention and added bonus of not producing an odour when covered in sweat.
However, in common with lots of material and layering advice, this perception comes from general outdoor use and not cycling-specific use. In spite of wool’s natural benefits, its biggest drawback for cyclists is that it doesn’t allow the moisture it draws off the skin to evaporate easily. Eventually, you’ll have a heavy, damp base layer under your garments.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for Merino wool base layers within cycling. For rides without hard efforts (where excessive sweating is less likely) it is a fantastic fabric. However, if you plan to do some tough efforts or have sustained tempo time planned, then going for a man-made fabric will result in a more comfortable experience.
Assuming temperature = 'feels like'
This might sound obvious, but the difference in ‘feels like’ temperature, depending on whether or not the sun is out, frequently catches riders out. A ride at 12°C when the sun is out can feel MUCH warmer, compared to a similar ride at 12°C when it’s cloudy.
Not dressing for the occasion
Riding solo and pushing on, versus riding in the middle of a café ride peloton, will require a different amount of effort and generate a different level of heat. On the whole, if you’re out on a social ride as part of a group, where there will be plenty of ‘free wheeling’, dressing warmly is advised. Conversely, while riding solo, you will be pedalling more and expending more energy.
Not having a range of base layers
Base layers are much cheaper than jackets, yet they can have a major effect on the working temperature of an outer garment. For instance, the new Castelli Perfetto RoS 3 jacket has a working temperature range of 5-15°C. To access this full temperature range might require up to three base layers (summer weight, mid weight and winter weight).
You can apply these three base layer options to a deep winter jacket or a long sleeve jersey, thus achieving a wide temperature range with just three garments.
