So it’s official, winter is upon us. The snow is flying and the temperature is consistently chilly. What does this mean for us and our bikes? Time to hang up the towel until next year? NO; the answer to year round biking can be found in the perfect cycling JACKET. But of course, it can be difficult to find the perfect jacket because there are so many options to choose from. Lightweight, breathable, packable, waterproof, windproof, heavy duty, etc… What do all of these descriptions mean and what are they actually going to do for us? Get some answers about the world of jackets in this buying guide, hopefully it helps you match your needs so you can exactly what you want.

Buying Guide

What are you going to be using the jacket for? This should be the first thing you ask yourself when you decide you want to make a purchase. I have found a great way to answer this question is to think about it when you are riding. It may sound basic but if you are consistently riding canyons, for example, you may find you feel great on the way up with just a long sleeved jersey, but are chilled to the bone on the decent. This would suggest that you need something that is easy to put in the back pocket of your jersey for the accent (packable), and able to break the wind for the decent (windproof). So before you do anything think about what you want this jacket for.

There IS a difference between a cycling jacket and regular jacket. The attention to details that biking companies put into jackets make your life much easier, and more comfortable. Here are some of the differences to keep in mind as you look at cycling jackets:

• Longer in the back than the front (aka drop tail hemline). This cut is designed for the way our bodies are positioned on the bike; bent at the waist, leaning forward. If you hopped on the bike with a regular jacket you would soon find the small of your back freezing and exposed!
  
  

  SUGOI's Hot Shot Jersey is a well-fitting winter softshell with dense warmth.

• Reflective piping. This is the metallic looking strips that are usually stitched into the seams of cycling jackets. You will notice that as soon as the surrounding area becomes dark, if light is directed at these strips they actually put off a surprising glow that is attention grabbing. Reflective piping can help keep you safe when riding on the road at night.
• Pockets. Cycling jackets should definitely have pockets, but don’t be alarmed if you find them in different places than your typical ski jacket. Back pockets are great for road and commuting storage (either top access or side access with a zipper). A breast pocket is a plus, you might find they are good for smaller items such as keys and cell phones. And regular front pockets are great for hands when off the bike (be careful not to put anything in them if they do not have zippers, things might go bouncing out!)
• Waist cord and wrist cuffs. Make sure there is some way of tightening the jacket around the waist and at the sleeves to prevent, minimize the airflow under the jacket while on your ride. Of course there are many different options for this; velcro, elastic or zippers. Choose what you like, but make sure this is a feature; you will be grateful for it when temperatures drop suddenly. Conversely, the loosening of the waist cord or wrist cuffs can help cool you, if you are too warm.
  

  Novara Headwind Bike Jacket: this soft-shell bike jacket blocks wind and resists water, making it ideal for a mixed bag of riding weather

So what does all the jacket ‘jargon’ mean? After you understand the basic fit of a cycling jacket, you then move on to the catch words of certain jackets…

• Waterproof vs. Water Resistent: Plan and simply, waterproof means the jacket should be able to withstand a downpour, keeping you dry. Water resistant means the jacket can withstand the effects of rain, snow or sleet, but is not going to keep you dry in these conditions for an extended period of time.
• Windproof: Impervious to wind.
• Packable: The ability for the jacket to fold or bunch into a very small size so that you may ‘pack’ it along where ever you go. Usually jackets are labeled ‘packable’ of they have a small pocket that they can actually be packed into.
• Breathable: The way the jacket transfers your body heat away from you. This is seen in a couple of different ways; zippered vents, sleeves of the jackets actually zipping off, and certain materials that are actually designed to let your body out while still keeping the elements out. Breathability is very important! If you don’t find something that is breathable you will feel like you are wrapped in plastic wrap and will be dripping with sweat by the end of your ride.
  

  The water-resistant Novara Conversion bike jacket converts to a vest in a flash, handling with ease everything from foggy mornings to sunny afternoons.

Review of Novara Jackets

With all of this new information about jackets under our belt lets take a look at some new 2012 Novara (REI brand) women’s specific jackets. (All the pictures throughout this article are the Novara women’s jackets).

The Novara Headwind Bike Jacket (as seen above). This jacket has forever changed the way I think about comfortable commuting. It is cozy warm, stretchy, and breathable (yeah jargon!). The front panels are windproof up to 35 miles per hour which is is hugely important for everyone who commutes. The back and side panels are made from a fabric that wicks moisture away, which is key to staying warm. It also has easily accessible pockets both on the front and on the back, my one complaint would be that the front pockets don’t zip, meaning you can’t put anything in them. The Headwind is finished off with a detachable hood that can fit under or over your helmet. This jacket is great for those who commute or road ride in chilly weather and want a mid layer or an outer layer! (MSRP: $99.50)

The Novara Express 2.0 (as seen above). This is your handy waterproof, lightweight, zip venting companion. You will be happy you had it when you find yourself in an unexpected rain shower or on a foggy morning. Novara does not cut any corners with this waterproof jacket, all the zippers are water sealed and all the vents are protected so you don’t get wet when you are trying to cool off. The drop tail hemline and tight fitting cuffs prevent the weather from getting between you and your ride. Don’t get caught on potentially wet days without the Express 2.0! (MSRP: $89.50)

The Novara Conversion (as seen above). This just might be one of the best ‘everything-in-one’ jackets! It is water resistant, very lightweight and can convert into a vest with a quick zip of a zipper. The cuffs and the hem bunch with elastic and the mesh lined back keeps you cool and sweat free. There is also reflective piping along the back to help with visibility, of course the bright yellow also helps with being seen! (MSRP: $79.50)

Note: Although REI provides jackets for review, they do not reimburse or give product to keep in exchange for product reviews. 

Sugoi Versa Jacket GIVEAWAY!

SUGOI Women's Versa Jacket in Cherry color.

Sugoi a British Columbia based company has worked within the running, biking and triathlon industry for over twenty years and has been mastering the art of quality, performing clothing that is designed to make your sports enjoyable no matter the weather. They are offering to give away one of their outer layers, the Sugoi Versa jacket. (MSRP: $120). It’s a great convertible jacket with easily removable magnet attached sleeves and  3M Reflective piping on front, side and back for added visibility.

Other features of SUGOI’s Versa Jacket:

• Mesh ventilation for maximum airflow
• Removable sleeves with magnetic attachments
• Reverse coil separating zip with guard
• 2 comfortable front zip pockets
• 1 zip back pocket
• Dual adjustable shockcord
• Contrast elastic bound armhole

SUGOI Versa Jacket GIVEAWAY Rules:

Comments must be submitted by Thursday Dec. 15th. Please be sure to  include a first name AND a valid email address. Cycle & Style will choose the winner randomly from the best comments on this post! This prize can be mailed to an address within the US or Canada. We’ll contact the winner and get the appropriate address–so please use a valid email address so we can reach you in a timely manner.

SUGOI will send the appropriately sized Versa Jacket to the winner!

Good luck!

It’s going to be another cold winter, but you can easily brave the cold if you dress right.  The key to dressing for the cold is proper layering and choosing the right base layer to start with. The fit, the fabric material, and the weight of the fabric are important factors to consider when selecting your base layer. Base layers do not need to be sport-specific. One of the beauties of base layers is the versatility: a base layer for cycling can also do duty as a base layer for running or even for skiing.

In the summer when you are worried about overheating on a run or ride, it is best to choose a loose fitting top to keep you cool. In cool to cold conditions, you’ll want the opposite type of fit: a snug, athletic fit to keep your body warmth in. But note that when you add the layers, the second layer should be a looser fit.

Also of note, don’t forget to choose your sports bra and any other underclothing with care. A cotton sports bra will soak up sweat and you’ll soon be chilled under your baselayer, which would defeat the purpose. Look for well-made technical sports bras which efficiently wick away moisture and manage body temperature. We just reviewed our favorite in a previous article.

Fabric weight

Take into account the temperature and weather conditions when you choose your base layer.  Factor in wind chill if the wind is blowing as well as the wind chill you’ll get when riding your bike at a certain speed. Choose a heavier weight fabric for the coldest conditions. As you layer, keep in mind that you can pair a midweight base layer with a heavyweight mid layer and a good insulating outer layer and you’ll be nice and toasty in spite of the weather.  Merino wool fabrics are often  given numbers that correspond to their warmth and the larger the number, the warmer you’ll be.

• Microweight: Mild to cool conditions
• Lightweight: Cool to moderately cool conditions
• Midweight: Moderately cold to cold conditions
• Heavyweight: Cold, frigid to blustery-cold conditions.

Garment Materials

If you want to stay warm in the cold, avoid cotton base layers. Cotton may be inexpensive, but it holds in moisture (it can hold up 70% of its weight in moisture), has poor temperature regulation, and does a poor job of resisting odors. The main purpose of your base layer is to keep your skin warm and dry, so good wicking properties are a must in the fabric you choose.  For the best base layers, choose a synthetic fabric or silk or merino wool. Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

Synthetics

Synthetic technical fabrics offer great wicking properties, meaning they don’t absorb moisture, but transfer it very well.  This makes makes them the best of the three for humid or wet conditions. Many synthetic baselayers are polyester or microfiber based.

Choose a snug fit for cold conditions.

Pros: Lightweight, abrasion resistant, wrinkle resistant & relatively easy care.

Cons: Petroleum based, odors can build up (unless it has been treated to be antimicrobial), can be vulnerable to stains.

Merino Wool

Wool is a great thermal conductor and merino wool insulates even better than regular wool.  This natural fabric feels soft and warm to the touch. The merino wool fiber is so much finer than normal wool and most other textiles. For a given weight, merino contains more air spaces, and hence provides greater insulation.

Pros: Great all-season base layer, merino wool is lightweight, wrinkle and stain resistant. Good quality merino wool will feel super soft and smooth, which is important when it is next to your skin.  Wool absorbs then gradually releases moisture, but even damp wool will keep you warm. Merino wool uses moisture absorbed from the environment to generate heat (the process is called “heat of sorption.”) Merino wool’s wavy fibers also contain millions of air pockets that lock in body heat for warmth.

Cons: Wool can be vulnerable to shrinkage and is typically available only in dark colors.

Silk:

Silk has been used as a base layer by winter season athletes such as skiers, for decades.  To make it a better base layer, silk can be treated to enhance wicking capabilities. It comes in various weights from lightweight to heavyweight to keep you comfortable and insulated in conditions from cool to very cold.

Pros: Silk has a soft, smooth texture against the skin. It’s a natural fiber and it won’t add bulk as it can be made extremely thin as it doesn’t take much to keep in warmth.

Cons: Silk is not easy care and usually needs to be hand washed.  It is vulnerable to abrasion and will snag on things such as untrimmed fingernails or velcro. Silk is also vulnerable to sunlight and if exposed for long, the colors can fade.

 Comparison Chart of Base Layer Materials:

Note: After a cold day’s ride, you may want to change into a fresh, lightweight base layer to avoid chilling, if you are not able to shower right away.

Reviews:

The Columbia Midweight Baselayer Long-Sleeve shirt

Close-up of Omni-Heat’s silver reflective dots

Tara’s Review:

This well-designed shirt is a great winter baselayer for a variety of winter activities, including running, cycling and Nordic skiing. Columbia has used their Omni-Heat for warmth and their Omni-Wick technology in the design of this shirt. If you turn the shirt inside out, you’ll notice swaths of silver reflective dots placed in large key areas of the shirt: on the front, on most of the sleeve area and on much of the back. Think “space blanket.” That is the inspiration for these silver dots (Omni-Heat )which Columbia uses to help the body hold on to its own heat in cold temperatures.  The Omni-Heat is not placed under the arms or on the sides of the body and is a little thinner on the shoulder blades where body heat is more intense and wicking is needed.  The wicking (Omni-Wick) and the antimicrobial treatment is evident when after an hour-plus run, there was no stink and I was able to wear it twice before it needed washing. (After you’ve worn it, set it aside–or throw it on the floor, if that’s your way of doing things–and within a few hours, the anti-microbial tech will have taken effect and the stink will be gone.)  The shirt doesn’t feel warm and cozy like a fleece-type top would when first put on, but within 5 minutes or so, it feels pleasantly warm without becoming overly warm, which makes it ideal for active wear. It is form-fitting (which is important for a base layer) and ergonomically designed to allow the body to freely move.

Beth’s Review

Columbia is just perfect in my eyes not matter how you look at it.  I have always been a Columbia fan and probably always will be.  Nothing overly “flashy” – just the basics in the basic colors!!  Well, this base layer pattern may have stepped outside of the box a bit.  I don’t mind … I LOVE it!!!

Omni Heat – Thermal Comfort … Omni-heat’s patent pending dot pattern lining wicks moisture to keep you dry & comfortable.  Little silver dots reflect your heat back to you to make omni heat 20% warmer than ordinary linings.  Beyond Columbia’s new technology which seems to be keeping my base dry & comfortable, this long sleeve mid-weight base layer has a form fit which in this particular garment, I love it. That is saying something asusually, I don’t like the feel of form fitting garments.  It is comfortable, very stretching and has raglan sleeves for extended range of motion.  Care has been taken by using the flat-lock stitching method to avoid any chafing because this base layer is laying against your active body.   This shirt moves with me and doesn’t fight me with every move that I make. I am a tall woman and have been impressed with the generous sleeve length. I can’t tell you how many long-sleeve shirts don’t have long enough sleeves and leave my wrists exposed to the cold.  Maximum warmth & minimum weight … I would agree with Columbia!

As far as the care of this piece, I usually wash it in cold and hang it to dry.  I have worn it a lot in a year’s time & it still looks great.  It doesn’t snag or pill and it’s soft and comfortable to the touch!!  Thumbs Up!!  I am ordering another one right now!!!

Columbia’s Baselayer Midweight Long Sleeve Top comes in solid colors ($55 MSRP) or the stripe as shown ($60 MSRP)

With the right clothing, you can go out on your bike in all kinds of weather!

By Tara R. Mc Kee

If you are living in a part of the country that regularly gets a real winter with cold temperatures and plenty of snow: read on. Safety dictates that when there is snow and ice are on the road, no more road biking (other types of cycling can still be done—but that is another article!) However as long as the roads are snow and ice free and the temperatures aren’t in the dangerous range, you can still enjoy your road bike. You can extend your road biking season into more months of the year with a few additions to your cycling wardrobe.

Temperatures can vary enough during the course of a multi-hour autumn or spring ride that it is always good to remember Mom’s advice and bring a jacket. A portable, easily packable lightweight jacket can be brought out in case the weather changes. If it is just a little nippy, you can add to your shorts knee warmers or leg warmers and to warm your fingers some long-fingered gloves. But we have a little more advice to help you be well-dressed no matter the weather:

Your Cold Weather Guide:

Cool, Dry Weather in the 50’s and 60’s
Head: just your helmet
Torso: Short-sleeve jersey with arm warmers & vest OR mid-weight long-sleeve jersey
Legs: Shorts with knee covers OR knickers
Hands: Long-fingered gloves with no insulation or glove liners over biking gloves
Feet: Shoes & socks

JoLynn's retro looking Merino Wool Jersey (Pearl Izumi PRO Woolie 1/4 zip jersey) and 3D Elite knickers are a great look for fall. She has a base layer top; the Ultra Sensor Mesh LS Crew and over her short finger gloves she can pull on the Grip-Lite liner gloves for the ideal warmth on a 50 degree day.

Another look for a 50 -60 degree day:

With weather in the 50’s, Karin feels “just right” wearing Pearl Izumi’s Cap-sleeve jersey with an Optic vest and Thermafleece arm warmers and on her legs the 3D Elite Shorts with Thermafleece knee warmers.

Colder, Dry Weather in the 40’s
Head: Headband to cover ears
Torso: Long-sleeve mid-weight base layer shirt with lightweight jacket
Legs: Tights
Hands: Insulated gloves with wind protection
Feet: Socks & shoes with toe covers

Karin can enjoy a ride with temps in the 40’s wearing Pearl Izumi’s W’s Transfer LS base layer and W’s Elite Softshell cycling tight with the lightweight and highly packable OpTik jacket. She wears the Caliente Toe Covers and Thermafleece headband for extra warmth.

Cool to Cold Rainy Weather (40’s-60’s)
Head: Hood from rain jacket, if desired
Torso & Legs: Rain jacket & rain pants
Hands: Water-resistant gloves
Feet: Water-resistant shoe covers

Karin is ready for rain showers on her ride with Pearl Izumi’s Octane Rain Jacket w/ hood, Octane Rain pants, and the Cyclone Gloves and Cyclone Shoe Covers which offer wind and water protection.

Really Cold Weather (20’s-30’s)
Head: Winter-weight Skullcap or Balaclava
Torso: Layered look: long-sleeve base-layer shirt + warm jacket or triple layer: base-layer, fleece or wool shirt for insulation and shell jacket
Legs: Fleece-lined tights that are wind-proof in the front
Hands: Insulated winter weight gloves–split finger or lobster-style are nice in the cold
Feet: Insulated booties (warm socks, too)

Jolyn is ready for the cold weather in the 20’s and 30’s F. with the warm Pearl Izumi Insulatour Jacket pulled over a base-layer jersey. The warmly insulated Am-FIB tights are wind-proof and water resistant for cold days. The Am-FIB gloves and Am-FIB shoe covers keep her hands and feet warm while the Barrier Balaclava protects her head and neck from the frigid weather.

Thanks to Pearl Izumi at the Factory Outlet in Park City, Utah for the clothing in this article.