A good place to get Icebreaker
 

If you´re not in a rush to get your stuff, this site Lightweight Backpacking Gear at ProLite Gear has pretty deep discounts on Icebreaker, and the sales change from week to week. You just have to wait a bit for what you want to go on sale. Not sure how shipping out of the States works.

-Jeff

Thanks for the website Jeff.

EDZ Undersuits
 

I wear an EDZ undersuit always. Not really sure of its thermal qualities, but it stops your bike gear rubbing on your skin.
My favorite thing when it gets that bit too cold is just a simple waterproof overjacket. Keeps the wind out, and makes a huge difference.

with a hein gericke suit with thermal linings, ive never been cold enough on the bike to warrant using the layer system.
BUT; the layer system certainly works well and is versatile, for instance, i wouldnt want to break down in the middle of nowhere and have to hike miles wearing my get up, because ive only got a t-shirt on underneath!

also, you never need thick winter gloves because summer gloves, with marigolds over the top (black, of course!) and cotton flimsies underneath will keep you warm and dry. cotton flimsies are those thin white cotton surgical gloves, you get them from chemists or safety wear stores to wear under heavy work gloves

I'll do a plus one on the Helly Hansen gear and they now do it with an anti-bacterial treatement, so no smellinesses and rashes for me.

Mind you I've also got a fantastic set of bamboo long johns and long sleeve t-shirt (yes that's right I did say bamboo). They came from the Carrefour supermarket and they're their own brand - Tes, but I'm sure there must be other brands out there. The perk to bamboo (it really is bamboo) is that it's apparently very anti-bacterial and very quick drying, packs small, and feels soft. I've also got a couple of bamboo (yes really, it's bamboo) towels which are light pack small and dry quickly, and seem to manage to dry me even when they're damp.

Just have to make sure you don't get chased down by starving pandas.

Gerbing is your friend
 

Not to de-rail the "Base Layer" topic but you can't really talk about riding in
serious cold without mentioning modern electric jackets. I've used a Gerbing jacket now for 10 years.

I rarely use multiple layers anymore. In extreme cold (like maybe minus 8C or so) I still have to layer up but the Electric jacket extends your comfort about two layers worth. At this point my hands and feet tend to freeze, but if your core stays warm you can usually still ride.

I use a thin base layer (I like Silk, long sleeve) next to my skin then the Gerbing, then my riding jacket. With a good winter jacket with vents closed, this works down to about 40F (4C) with Gerbing up to full. This allow for lots of freedom of movement and you never feel overdressed or cramped.

If it gets colder I add another thin Merino Wool sweater over the Gerbing. This keeps the electric jacket pressed next to your body and really works!

Patrick :mchappy:

I'm another convert to "silk underwear beneath an electric waist-coat/vest" (mine is a BMW not a Gerbing). With an insulating layer on top if needed. This combination copes with all temperatures, and as Mollydog says, allows for freedom of movement.

I'm intrigued by the bamboo comment from alexlebrit. My missus recently bought some bamboo socks and says how soft and comfy they are. Too soon to say how durable they are and I don't plan to sniff her socks. Not that there is ever anything wrong with your socks, dear, if you are reading this.

I like DAVSATO's rubber gloves suggestion. I'm increasingly coming round to thinking that you can't have truly all-round, do-everything jacket or gloves or boots. I'm now looking at getting an unlined, vented, armoured textile jacket for touring. When it's cold, I'll chuck a sweater or fleece on underneath, over my electric vest. When it rains, I'll chuck a cheap non-breathing 100% waterproof top over the top (as per leeVTR). All I need to do now then is get some extra-large rubber gloves that will fit over my leather gloves.

Even though I believe silk is the ultimate base layer, I'll try Icebreaker if I see some cheap. And maybe some Lidl/Aldi merino too.

Useful thread this, I've gleaned quite a few ideas.