Spring road races in my area are often in the 30’s to low 40’ F degree range in areas open to consistent heavy winds. Since I’d like to be both aero and warm (enough) I’m looking to find an aero thermal jersey or long sleeve aero jersey to wear as a top layer.
Any suggestions in general or opinions on if a Kiwami Kona Wing, fusion speed top, or others similar would be a good option?
Thanks in advance for any input.
Scott
Since you’re talking about a strictly cycling race, how about something like the Rapha long sleeve pro jersey? It’s a heavier fabric but made in a definite race cut.
Wear aero clothing with appropriate weight base layer and arm warmers.
Will be more aero than any winter jersey.
Thermal base layer, arm warmers, and Castelli aero race jersey.
Or buy a thermal skinsuit.
I love my rapha pro team jacket on cold days. Best piece of kit I own
baselayer first, then windvest, then armwarmers, skinsuit over the top.
You could just try and organize a rider strike . . .
“New North American rider’s union calls for extreme weather protocol”
http://velonews.competitor.com/2015/02/news/new-north-american-riders-union-calls-extreme-weather-protocol_360185
Gabba.
is hydrodynamic also aero?
Wear aero clothing with appropriate weight base layer and arm warmers.
Will be more aero than any winter jersey.
Yes, do this if you can. Haven’t really come across any jackets or outer shells that aren’t horrendous in the tunnel. And for the love of God don’t wear too much, then unzip stuff and leave it flapping if you’re racing.
Wet, or not wet?
If wet, Gabba. Accept no substitute.
I love mine too, but while it is more form-fitting than most jackets, I wouldn’t put it in the “aero” category. I do wish I had it for IMLT in 2013. Probably would have saved me ~10 minutes vs what I chose to wear.
Have you tried out thermal CX skinsuits? The fleece or whatever material they use for lining stuff. I personally haven’t used them but noticed them when I was shopping ebay for some skinsuits. Or are they not sufficiently warm enough for you?
Or maybe wear some compression long sleeved top instead over you normal racing gear? Hopefully it won’t have too many wrinkles in a cycling position (TT or Road). Just a thought and might or might not work.
I’m in the same boat as you. Road racing starts this weekend and is previous years it has snowed. Fortunately I’m looking at upper 50’s and low 60’s for this weekend but here is what I’m planning to wear in general:LG Skinsuit with Castelli Thermal Baselayer and arm warmers. I’ll probably throw on some toe covers and some sort of head cover for the cooler days.
Maybe a Castelli Aero Rain long sleeve jersey with a sufficiently warm baselayer?
http://road.cc/content/review/52799-castelli-aero-rain-lite-ls-jersey
Maybe a Castelli Aero Rain long sleeve jersey with a sufficiently warm baselayer?
http://road.cc/…-rain-lite-ls-jersey
This jersey is part of our team kit this year… I almost opted out of it because of the price, but I’m very glad I didn’t. I wear it more than any other item in my closet. It’s perfect for our wet, 40 degree winter days in the Northwest. It isn’t completely waterproof, but it will save you from a rain shower or the slow misty rain that Seattle is known for. It IS completely windproof, which you can test for yourself by holding it to your mouth and trying to force air through it–not gonna happen. Because of this, it is very warm. It does allow some sweat to escape, but if things really start to heat up, I unzip it a few inches to let some air in. Great piece of well fitting gear! I have yet to use it with a base layer, but if temps dropped below 40, I think it would be nice.
Thanks for the great advice! I’m giving a skinsuit with base layer a try.
Would love to try the rain jersey…
But for me…Gabba. I have no idea why any cyclist would not have at least one in their arsenal. The most amazing single piece of cycling kit I own.
This is a nice race fit thermal jersey. I recently purchased this looking for exactly what you are describing.
Per castelli, Garmin pro team uses it in cooler spring races.
http://www.castelli-cycling.com/Products/Men/Tops/Jerseys/PURO-JERSEY/p/451451814A
I’d strongly recommend the craft windproof base layer and a long sleeve skin suit. You’ll be more aero than bibs and a jersey and just the right amount of warm. I’ve raced down to 15 F with that set up: 