Sources for Plus-Size Winter Cycling Wear (USA)

mjbnj0001

Hello, all, thanks in advance for advice.

I'm a big guy, entering my first full winter returned to cycling after decades. I made do with a hodgepodge of sweats/thermals/t-necks/etc. last winter after getting a new bike for Christmas/retirement. At that point, going a mile was a big deal, so just being warm was OK.

Now, a year and 1000 miles later, I'm having some serious issues with appropriate cold-weather wear when riding: athletic, wicking, techncial, warm, breathable, etc. - for instance, I rode in the northeast cold last week with my "windshell" (nonbreathable rainproof self-packing windbreaker) over a polyfill vest and t-neck. While I didn't feel it during the ride, the vest was soaked through at the end. It was a 90-minute, nonstop ride. I can imagine what a longer ride and/or ride with stops would be like as the season progresses.

I have been using aerotechdesigns.com for my cycling clothes, and they've been great, high quality and have a good selection of big and tall (M/F) stuff. However, I was wondering if there are other sources? Little elves need to make up Christmas lists, LOL.

Oh, and to put perspective on my problem: a lot of cycling clothes manufacturers call a 44 chest "2XL." I'm a 54-58 chest, depending on the cut, fit, use, layer.

Again, thanks in advance for advice.

lorrpb

Check REI and Sierra Trading Post. I'm female and a new cyclist. I'm finding that some clothes are sized about right and others are about 2 sizes too small. Look at different brands and different styles within a brand. But from places with good return policies.

aokoye

I would also check on the clydesdales/athenas subform of bikeforums.net. There are a number of threads about clothing.

MaryContrary1972

If you know someone in the UK to post it to you check out FatLadAtTheBack - they have the best range of clothing over here and it's top quality

RealWorldStrengthLLC

Not necessarily cycling specific but I've always had good luck with under armour cold gear as an under layer, and that stuff goes up to a 4 or 5x I think. For breathable, you really can't beat the "tech fleece" snowboarding hoodies and a lot of them go up to 3xl. Check out the brands 686 and Neff.

I'm not a huge bike guy but I know from my time in the military you don't want a lot on when moving even in the cold - if I were to do a winter ride id probably do an under armour cold gear top/bottom with a t-shirt and basket ball shorts over it and just carry a backpack with sweats and a good tech fleece hoodie for stops or if it got really cold.

Also for gloves, snowboarding "pipe" gloves are great - they fit like a mechanix brand glove but are waterproof and warm. Oakley has some good ones for like 40 bucks.

I'm a big fan of crossing gear over from other sports - a lot of my winter outdoors gear for stuff like dirtbiking, hiking, biking, running is actually snowboarding brand stuff.

mjbnj0001

thanks, @lorrpb , @aokoye, @MaryContrary1972 I'll check these. As an REI member, I already know their lineup. i was at my local one about 10d ago for a "trailside repairs" hands on seminar and learned a couple of things. "local" for me is about a 50mile drive, lol - my only complaint about rei.

mjbnj0001

also thanks, @youcantflexcardio. i'm thinking that approach also, e.g., similar to x-country skiing or other active winter stuff. it's just a generally limited market - i can dress to the nines in plus sizes, go casual, go to the gym, but this activity niche (winter, active athletic, big, non-commuter/working), it's a bit harder. my wife kidded the other day - "well that settles it. [now that we're retiring], we'll have to move south because you can get the summer stuff more readily for year-round cycling and sailing!" (sailing is my/our other passion).

RealWorldStrengthLLC

@mjbnj0001
Here, these hoodies are exactly what I was talking about

https://www.neffheadwear.com/products/flint-shredder-1?variant=10773780987946

I'm actually wearing the one from the year before that right now sitting in my room and its breathing fine yet I just walked the dog in it and it was plenty warm. Mine is a xxl and its baggy on me - my chest currently measures 49 inches with a tape and I can pull it almost a foot off of my chest. Without stretching it.

lorrpb

mjbnj0001 wrote: »

thanks, @lorrpb , @aokoye, @MaryContrary1972 I'll check these. As an REI member, I already know their lineup. i was at my local one about 10d ago for a "trailside repairs" hands on seminar and learned a couple of things. "local" for me is about a 50mile drive, lol - my only complaint about rei.

REI is also online and is likely to have a broader selection of sizes.