New windproof top.

One of my favoured items of cycling (and walking for that matter) wear is a windproof top, much more
comfortable to wear than waterproof if it isn't raining (showers are fine). worn over base layer and
maybe a lightweight fleece when cold mine sees use on all except the warmest of summer days.

For the last 10 years or so I've been using a Buffalo Windshirt, which is a simple unlined Pertex
top, it's done well but doesn't last for ever and now has got a big tear in the back, as well as
being generally tatty.

<http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/ls7.htm>

is basically the same.

So time for a new one. Another Buffalo is on the list of possibilities, but since I bought mine,
when windproof tops weren't so common, lots more have appeared on the market, so if anyone has got
anything they recommend I'm open to suggestions.

what I like about the Buffalo top are:

1. Light weight, low bulk when packed

2. Pertex is very breathable and hard wearing considering it's light weight.

3. Good ventilation - it has zips up the full-length of each side from hem to armpit. I use these
often. As you can ventilate without having to have the wind blowing straight onto your chest

Downside:

The material is very light so yo do get some 'windflap ' esp. as mine is size big enough to go
over a fleece.

--
Chris French, Leeds

"chris French" <newspost-c@chrisfrench.org> wrote

> For the last 10 years or so I've been using a Buffalo Windshirt, which is a simple unlined Pertex
> top, it's done well but doesn't last for ever and now has got a big tear in the back, as well as
> being generally tatty.
>
> So time for a new one. Another Buffalo is on the list of possibilities, but since I bought mine,
> when windproof tops weren't so common, lots more have appeared on the market, so if anyone has got
> anything they recommend I'm open to suggestions.
>
> what I like about the Buffalo top are:
>
> 1. Light weight, low bulk when packed
>
> 2. Pertex is very breathable and hard wearing considering it's light weight.
>
> 2. Good ventilation - it has zips up the full-length of each side from hem to armpit. I use these
> often. As you can ventilate without having to have the wind blowing straight onto your chest
>
> Downside:
>
> The material is very light so yo do get some 'windflap ' esp. as mine is size big enough to go
> over a fleece.

Haven't noticed any with zips up the sides but I plumped for a Sprayway Microlight when I wanted
one. I like it so much that I've been looking for another. Haven't found any in shops I've passed
but should be able to get one from Cotswold Outdoors mail order. Plus points are comfortable,
lightweight, no wind flap, large front pocket, adjustable cuffs, reflective bits, good looking
enough to wear in public. Can't see any minus points which is why I'm after another.

><http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/ls7.htm>

Looks great, just the sort of garment i've been looking for, until I saw the price - 45 notes!!...oh
dear, not just now unfortunately.

Isn't summer so wonderful - sit around in shorts and t-shirt, jump on bike, same clothes, no
problem. Winter: all the rigmarole of special breathable clothing. I'm a cheapskate, all my bikes
are secondhand dump/auction discards....but I get the increasing feeling that winter clothing is not
an area I can bodge successfully.

GarryB [getting tired of sweat]

>
>is basically the same.
>
>So time for a new one. Another Buffalo is on the list of possibilities, but since I bought mine,
>when windproof tops weren't so common, lots more have appeared on the market, so if anyone has got
>anything they recommend I'm open to suggestions.
>
>what I like about the Buffalo top are:
>
>1. Light weight, low bulk when packed
>
>2. Pertex is very breathable and hard wearing considering it's light weight.
>
>2. Good ventilation - it has zips up the full-length of each side from hem to armpit. I use these
> often. As you can ventilate without having to have the wind blowing straight onto your chest
>
>Downside:
>
>The material is very light so yo do get some 'windflap ' esp. as mine is size big enough to go over
>a fleece.

chris French wrote:

> So time for a new one. Another Buffalo is on the list of possibilities, but since I bought mine,
> when windproof tops weren't so common, lots more have appeared on the market, so if anyone has got
> anything they recommend I'm open to suggestions.

Take a butchers at Montane's stuff. They do Pertex windshells that are obscenely light (Aero is
65g!), and slightly heavier ones with venting side zips and a kangaroo pouch too (Helium smock,
http://www.montane.co.uk/products_fastlite_helium.htm). Construction is exemplary on the Montane
stuff I have. The Helium is 155g against the Buffalo's 230g (manufacturers' figures) so it will
probably pack a little smaller too, and has reflective piping on the shoulders which is always good
for cycling. Any colour you like as long as it's blue...

Like the Buffalo, it's British made if you're bothered about that.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

In message <3F66C63C.4040704@dundee.ac.uk>, Peter Clinch
<p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk> writes
>chris French wrote:
>
>> So time for a new one. Another Buffalo is on the list of possibilities, but since I bought mine,
>> when windproof tops weren't so common, lots more have appeared on the market, so if anyone has
>> got anything they recommend I'm open to suggestions.
>
>Take a butchers at Montane's stuff. They do Pertex windshells that are obscenely light (Aero is
>65g!), and slightly heavier ones with venting side zips and a kangaroo pouch too (Helium smock,
>http://www.montane.co.uk/products_fastlite_helium.htm).
>
That looks interesting Pete, very similar to my Buffalo.

I take it the 'Cross Vent' system:

'Developed exclusively by MONTANE, the unique Cross-Vent System gives superb body temperature
control by allowing air to flow directly to and from the chest and armpit areas.'

Refers to having side/pit zips?

>Like the Buffalo, it's British made if you're bothered about that.
>
Always a bonus.
--
Chris French, Leeds

In message <00acmvgj9jughg7avi558tr3t312ctgi6a@4ax.com>, Garry B <somebloke@somewhere.com> writes
>
>><http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/ls7.htm>
>
>Looks great, just the sort of garment i've been looking for, until I saw the price - 45
>notes!!...oh dear, not just now unfortunately.

There are cheaper alternatives I suspect. For commuting I would go for spending money on decent
windproof top before worrying about an expensive waterproof. I will wear the windproof top
nearly every day, the waterproof only really comes out once it rains (not for showers) - maybe
15 % of days?
>
>Winter: all the rigmarole of special breathable clothing. I'm a cheapskate, all my bikes are
>secondhand dump/auction discards....but I get the increasing feeling that winter clothing is not an
>area I can bodge successfully.
>
>
Depends on the riding yo do and how fussy you are. It's doesn't have to be expensive kit.
--
Chris French, Leeds

I bought a Buffalo Cycling top a few years back when I was able to ride a wedgie. I wore it cycling
round Snowdonia in freezing conditions and it was absolutely fantastic. No need for any layers below
it. In fact, at times it was too warm, I had to unzip the sides to get some cool air in there.
Buffalo stuff is well worth the money I feel.

In message <01gemvg39uu6bs5irtv6c93jf3b1i3f838@4ax.com>, Mutz <foaming@themouth.com> writes
>I bought a Buffalo Cycling top a few years back when I was able to ride a wedgie. I wore it
>cycling round Snowdonia in freezing conditions and it was absolutely fantastic. No need for any
>layers below it. In fact, at times it was too warm, I had to unzip the sides to get some cool air
>in there.

I've been talking about just an unlined pertex shirt, are you referring to the same, or as I suspect
are you talking about the pile-lined kit?

It is good stuff, but I've tried a pile/pertex top in around freezing temps and found it too warm
for me. I prefer the flexibility of separate layers myself.

>Buffalo stuff is well worth the money I feel.

Indeed.
--
Chris French, Leeds

chris French wrote:

> I take it the 'Cross Vent' system:
[snip]
> Refers to having side/pit zips?

AFAICT, Yup. Dontcha just love marketing spin? ;-)

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

In message <7jBFnHE8wyZ$Mw50@chrisfrench.org>, chris French <newspost-c@chrisfrench.org> writes
>In message <3F66C63C.4040704@dundee.ac.uk>, Peter Clinch
><p.j.clinch@dundee.ac.uk> writes
>>Take a butchers at Montane's stuff. They do Pertex windshells that are obscenely light (Aero is
>>65g!), and slightly heavier ones with venting side zips and a kangaroo pouch too (Helium smock,
>>http://www.montane.co.uk/products_fastlite_helium.htm).
>>
>That looks interesting Pete, very similar to my Buffalo.
>
Had a look in Chevintrek, in Otley this morning and bought the last remaining Helium smock in the
sale for GBP 25, about half price. Looks just the job

I was tempted by the lighter weight ones, but ultimate weight/bulk isn't a great consideration for
me, and the Helium probably suits my purposes better. I think it is probably better than the
Buffalo top.
--
Chris French, Leeds