advice on shorts and base layer

littleknown

im thinking of picking up these shorts
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Altura_Boulder_3~4_Baggy_Shorts/5360029275/

and this base layer
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/dhb_Earnley_Round_neck_Base_Layer/5360036249/

anyone had any experience with either of them? never used a base layer for winter, do they help a lot with the cold, i have just bought a gore phantom windstopper jacket, any idea what i need to wear under it? would a this baselayer and short sleeve top be enough?

thanks

MadHatter

I have those shorts. They're not bad, and that's a good price for them. Never used the inner shorts as I always wear bibs underneath so can't comment on them.

I have issues over the quality though. I had to return the first pair I bought as the stitching came apart around the crotch area, just below the zip (not somewhere in contact with the saddle), after only a few rides. Similar has happened now to the second pair. Fit is a bit odd, I'm medium in most things but had to go for size small as medium were too big in the waist. But with the small size are too short so the articulated knee section sits above my knee (and I have short legs!) so not ideal at all. They are also quite "fitted" as baggy short, the grey ones I have look a bit like school kids trousers that have been chopped off below the knee!

If you're in or around Dublin, I think Cycle Super Store and Great Outdoors (and possibly 53 Degrees North) stock them so you could try before you buy. Failing that, I'd change my email preferences for wiggle, get free £5 voucher, order two sizes and return the ones you don't want - the £5 will cover the return postage )

Mrs MadHatter recently got a pair of Endura Singletrack 3/4 shorts. Having compared the too, I think I'd go for the Endura shorts next time, in black! But they are a bit pricier and don't have an inner short - you have to pay extra for one of those.

chakattack

I used a dhb short sleeve base layer last year and found it was ok but not great. breathability was so-so and I needed loads of extra layers to stay warm.

I bought this recently and can't recommend it enough. The long neck keeps wind out. Long distances in 2 degree weather have been fine with just a long sleeve jersey on top. Toasty!