Base layers...?

Unknown Soldier

I've always had a base layer on, even in the summer, though then it's just been a stretchy lycra type T-shirt.

I don't know why I do it, I just did, but are they necessary if you have the right top/jacket?

I'm asking because I bought a top recently that in the blurb suggest that if it got a bit colder one might wear a base layer, which would make me think I am meant to wear the jersey alone most of the time, against my skin.

Is that ... eh ... fairly common?

Top first, base layer second? or base layer first, top second?

I'd do a poll but that's beyond me.

stecleary

if wearing a base layer it goes under your jersey, as the name would suggest, its the first layer
In summer i often ware a jersey without a base layer, I just means changing it every day rater than every 2nd

Unknown Soldier

stecleary wrote: »

if wearing a base layer it goes under your jersey, as the name would suggest, its the first layer
In summer i often ware a jersey without a base layer, I just means changing it every day rater than every 2nd

I suppose the question I am really asking is, are base layers necessary if you have the right top/jacket for the job? A lot of the tops etc seem to do "wicking" etc?

stecleary

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

I suppose the question I am really asking is, are base layers necessary if you have the right top/jacket for the job? A lot of the tops etc seem to do "wicking" etc?

For me all winter tops would need a baselayer under them, or at least my ones do. they are made from a different material than my summer jerseys so wouldnt feel as nice.
going on warmth factor alone now they dont need a base layer

kerry4sam

You know I laughed at myself when I read this as when I first started out:
~ the material fabric was new to me; the conditions were new to me, well different to my MountainClimbing we'll say (I always wear a base-layer).
I used wear the sports-bra, vest, base-layer on the legs under the shorts and a base-layer on the top under my jersey and wear a jacket as I was just this 'Winter-Bear' who needed/wanted pure warmth & comfort!

These days my body has climatised; I know my body and it's reactions. If tackling a cycle I'd be nervous about my heart-rate and body-termperature would fluctuate so wouldn't dream of carrying a jacket <-- Like on Nov4th here it was just the sports-bra, jersey and gilet with arm-warmers in a pocket.
^^^ The weather though plays it's part though as it's un-natural for November imo and very versatile in terms of rain & wind!
I'm someone who can now wear my Summer clothes throughout the year such is the way my body has climatised. It probably sounds weird but it just works for me. Totally dislike being too hot when cycling. Find a jacket, however light is only brought by me if cycling any considerably long-distance as I've found through time, trial & error that I need that warmth in the middle but more-so near the end; whereas wearing a gilet with arm-warmers (if needed) in a pocket and I'd be confident and snug on shorter cycles but I can't even wear a vestie under my jersey anymore like.

Base-layers are compulsory for some and not worn at any point of the year for others.
The weather-conditions (look ahead to when you plan your cycle) should be researched so you know or can anticipate what to wear.
If driving to a point before you commence your cycle then bring what you like as the car will hold it and you can easily change in the car (men more easily than women imo)!

^^^ Does that make sense &/or even answer your query?,
kerry4sam

OldBean

I think it completely depends on your own body temps/feels.

I'd never wear a base layer in summer. I'd usually go out with a short sleeve jersey over bib shorts, and if the weather is set to turn, get windy, or climbing a height, I'll stick a warmer 'over jersey' in my bag - something like a light merino long sleeve.

I think better quality jerseys are more usable without a base layer though. Mine main ones that I've really liked have come from an armed forces cycling team, who happen to be based in a warm, sweaty swamp area, and work great in Irish climates. Cheap ones/jerseys I've gotten from sportives have generally gone in the bin because I couldn't wear them against my skin.

godtabh

I wear one in the summer and winter.

The base layers I have a left over from my football days. I've a couple of light nike pro ones for the summer. I have two medium Canterbury ones that I would use in the winter and an extra thick nike one for when it is really cold.

I find a lot of the winter gear isnt as breathable. The base layers can wick the sweat away which reduces the chance of getting cold.

Borderfox

I always wear a base layer even in summer, usually one of the string vest castelli jobs. Much more comfortable even on the hottest of days

Pinch Flat

I wear a base layer most of the year - sleeveless one in the summer (i have a few lowe alpine dry flow ones which I find great for wicking). Winter, for commuting and sunday spins I have a few Lycra type base layers that I bought in lidl - can't fault them. I'll wear them under a gore bike wear windstopper jersey and that'll do me for most of the winter - on the really cold days, I have a few merino base layers that I wear. Never felt cold.

Cee-Jay-Cee

I would wear a base layer in winter spring and autumn but rarely in summer. At this time of year it's a must, I wouldn't consider going out without one. Everyone is different, I've been wearing winter bibt tights early October as I feel the old more than others (which has a lot to do with ones level of body fat too, mine is quite low and so I've no natural padding)

Beasty

I always wear one - if it's too hot in the summer it's not my torso I'm concerned about - more stopping the sweat dripping onto my glasses or into my eyes (and I now wear a thin skullcap in the summer to absorb most of that).

There's another practical point as two layers does reduce friction burns in the event of a fall. I also find they provide a bit of padding under the straps of my bibs reducing any "digging in" on the shoulders