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Roadcrafter a leather vest?

1K views 9 replies 10 participants last post by  SantaFeTrailer 
#1 ·
I was shopping for a heated liner to go under my new Roadcrafter suit. It seems to be the most versatile option. I was getting cold riding with just a T-Shirt on at +11c (50+F). The suit doesn't seem windproof at all, despite the claim.

Then I thought, why go through all of that expense now. Summer is coming and I likely won't use the heated jacket liner until October. I can buy it later.

I had a look at Leatherup.com and found a lined leather vest for cheap ($40), so ordered one. I think that should keep me warm enough for the next month. Guaranteed windproof.

Has anyone tried a leather vest under a Roadcrafter?
 
#2 ·
At +11C, a t shirt under a Roadcrafter wouldn't keep me very warm. Maybe a long sleeve polyester t shirt with a heated jacket liner or a polartec/micro fleece sweater over it would work. Any insulation over a t shirt would help. My first choice as insulation wouldn't be leather. The Roadcrafter should be windproof but air may creep in via the collar, cuffs or waist.
 
#4 ·
ditch the cotton T-shirts

I wear a RoadCrafter suit and yes it does leak some cold draft so I wear layers depending upon the temperatures.
First against my skin is a sweatwicking T-shirt or jersey. Next, a thin insulated stretchy jersey long sleeve shirt that fits snugly with no air space (merino wool is good); this absorbs any perspiration and the material against your skin stays dry so it's more comfortable. Next layer is a breathable stretchy shell that was grossly expensive from Sierra Designs, that is totally windproof and fits snugly. Last layer, if it's close to freezing is a good quality poly fleece like Arteryx or UnderArmour. I don't have any electrically heated gear.

Cotton absorbs perspiration and sucks away your body heat.

Why does Cotton Kill? | Section Hiker
 
#6 ·
+1 for the windstopper fleece as an underlayer. Have used this product for over a decade and is expensive $200 (even non heated) but of very high quality. With polypro or smartwool undershirt (and wearing your stich shell) and the windstopper, should be comfortable to below freezing temps. I personally would opt for the heated option.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I was shopping for a heated liner to go under my new Roadcrafter suit. It seems to be the most versatile option. I was getting cold riding with just a T-Shirt on at +11c (50+F). The suit doesn't seem windproof at all, despite the claim.
I was out today, in similar weather. I was wearing a longlseeved light merino wool undershirt ($20 at Costco, works almost as well as my $90 one), my electric heated jacket liner (Gerbings, $200 in the US), a wool shirt (a $10 sale item from Mark's, tailored by me so it fits tighter to my body), and my Joe Rocket jacket (inferior to the Roadcrafter, somewhat) in that order. I left without plugging myself in, and left it that way. I did not need the heat.

I agree with others, ditch the cotton Tee. Layer with merino wool or some hi-tech poly, some fleece and maybe something to further break the wind. I too would freeze with a cotton tee and just the jacket. The leather vest will help to stop the wind. Insulate under it, though. I sometimes, when it's 0 deg C out, in addition to turning on the heated liner, will wear a fleeced Carhartt vest over the wool shirt to good benefit. Plus, it gives me that manly Mike Holmes, look.
 
#8 ·
warm vest

I have a windstopper type/fleecy vest thing from Pearl Izumi, (they make bicycle stuff). I wear it under my leather jacket on those really cold mornings riding to work. Not too pricey, and it folds small for the ride home. Anything similar would work, and it doesn't look too geeky if I wear it off the bike.
 
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