From Aidan...
Was out today for 50 miles and finally tried out the Warmfront you sent me. Temps started in low fifties and increased to 60. I used the Warmfront under a normal spring weight bike shirt.
I admit that I was originally skeptical that this product would add much to my already extensive array of bike clothes. After all, I literally have various combination of layers that meet my needs from 15 degrees to 95 degrees and everything in between in increments of 5 degrees. So why would I need this?
Well it turns out that this layer is actually surprisingly useful and does some things for me that none of my other garments do. I have a lot of garments! I would describe the Warmfront as a dynamic, transitional bade layer. So what does that mean? It means that it actually as the weather changes and as your body heat changes throughout the ride this garment helps you stay warm and then subsequently releases heat without having to take off layers. Most other layers work only for a specific, somewhat narrow, temperature range. But you know this already!
Essentially this is like adding a half layer to your kit; you are adding a layer in the front where you need it and not in the back where you don't. What I found was that the Warmfront did an exceptional job blocking the wind in the front. In fact it almost made me feel windproof. And at 50 degrees that was great. And since that is really the source of discomfort I otherwise wasn't cold. Admittedly I had removable arm warmers. But later in the ride, when I would have otherwise been thinking of shedding layers or opening up zippers, I found that i was venting heat out the back and staying cooler; often the base layers you put on to protect the front end up trapping the heat in which ultimately makes you too hot later in the ride. Not so here. Just very comfortable.
That said, if I had wanted to take it off, it would have been very easy to slip it off and then slip it into the back of my shirt.
A couple other points, the Warmfront is very comfortable. So much so, I didn't even notice it was there. The collar was snug without being too tight and soft. I also like that it sat a little higher than the collar of the shirt, like a mock turtleneck that added some wind blockage. The front panel didn’t bunch up which was nice. Lastly, as there are no sleeves, it didn’t restrict arm movement at all. I also liked the soft moleskin feel to the fabric.
My tagline here on this item would be something like: The Warmfront - the versatile base layer any serious cyclist should own.
So this was my initial impression. I intend to use it one or two more times to see what else comes to mind. But the above would be key points.
I admit that I was originally skeptical that this product would add much to my already extensive array of bike clothes. After all, I literally have various combination of layers that meet my needs from 15 degrees to 95 degrees and everything in between in increments of 5 degrees. So why would I need this?
Well it turns out that this layer is actually surprisingly useful and does some things for me that none of my other garments do. I have a lot of garments! I would describe the Warmfront as a dynamic, transitional bade layer. So what does that mean? It means that it actually as the weather changes and as your body heat changes throughout the ride this garment helps you stay warm and then subsequently releases heat without having to take off layers. Most other layers work only for a specific, somewhat narrow, temperature range. But you know this already!
Essentially this is like adding a half layer to your kit; you are adding a layer in the front where you need it and not in the back where you don't. What I found was that the Warmfront did an exceptional job blocking the wind in the front. In fact it almost made me feel windproof. And at 50 degrees that was great. And since that is really the source of discomfort I otherwise wasn't cold. Admittedly I had removable arm warmers. But later in the ride, when I would have otherwise been thinking of shedding layers or opening up zippers, I found that i was venting heat out the back and staying cooler; often the base layers you put on to protect the front end up trapping the heat in which ultimately makes you too hot later in the ride. Not so here. Just very comfortable.
That said, if I had wanted to take it off, it would have been very easy to slip it off and then slip it into the back of my shirt.
A couple other points, the Warmfront is very comfortable. So much so, I didn't even notice it was there. The collar was snug without being too tight and soft. I also like that it sat a little higher than the collar of the shirt, like a mock turtleneck that added some wind blockage. The front panel didn’t bunch up which was nice. Lastly, as there are no sleeves, it didn’t restrict arm movement at all. I also liked the soft moleskin feel to the fabric.
My tagline here on this item would be something like: The Warmfront - the versatile base layer any serious cyclist should own.
So this was my initial impression. I intend to use it one or two more times to see what else comes to mind. But the above would be key points.
reddit runner reviews
We asked the runners of Reddit to test the Warmfront during training. Here's what they had to say.
Iowa Runner
Colorado Runner
From a Texas runner:Finally, we had some colder temps again the last couple days.
3/3/2017: Distance: 11 miles Gear: Warmfront and shorts (no shirt) Temp: 44 Degrees Fahrenheit
Review: The fit was fantastic! Seriously, I had my doubts about chafing on my neck or heaviness of the material. But I had zero chafing, and I could hardly tell that the thing was there. It kept my chest nice and warm. I was comfortable throughout the run, and the material breathed very well. The lightweight of it didn't slow me down, yet it was heavy enough not to bounce around too much. Bonus: It covered my nipples so that prevented wind burn. It's exceptionally windy down here in Texas (25-35 mph is normal) so that is a big deal for me.
I'm going to take it out today underneath a shirt to try out the fit. I'll give some more feedback soon.
Thanks!
Iowa Runner
Colorado Runner
From a Texas runner:Finally, we had some colder temps again the last couple days.
3/3/2017: Distance: 11 miles Gear: Warmfront and shorts (no shirt) Temp: 44 Degrees Fahrenheit
Review: The fit was fantastic! Seriously, I had my doubts about chafing on my neck or heaviness of the material. But I had zero chafing, and I could hardly tell that the thing was there. It kept my chest nice and warm. I was comfortable throughout the run, and the material breathed very well. The lightweight of it didn't slow me down, yet it was heavy enough not to bounce around too much. Bonus: It covered my nipples so that prevented wind burn. It's exceptionally windy down here in Texas (25-35 mph is normal) so that is a big deal for me.
I'm going to take it out today underneath a shirt to try out the fit. I'll give some more feedback soon.
Thanks!
|
I LOVE THIS product! As a So Cal to Colorado transplant, I initially struggled to find running gear that made my cold weather runs bearable. I was often overdressed or underdressed and would end up miserable for one reason or another on my runs... Enter: Warmfront! This little piece of fabric is something special- I can slip it on under a good wool shirt and a shell for some seriously wet and/ or snowy runs- it keeps my chest warm and makes breathing in all that cold air easy. I don't even have to break my stride to take it off and stick it in a pocket or tie it to my hydration pack! So much easier that wearing a whole additional layer. I use mine when I ride my bike too! It just adds that warmth you need without all the bulk. Never again will I miss a day of adventure because I don't have the right gear. Oh, and they come in all sorts of lovely colors and designs, too. Do yourself a favor and get one!
Kayla |
Hello! A picture with your product in action in New York! And yes, I can keep my jacket open to avoid my back to overheat and my chest is nice and warm. Have not been coughing because a cold lung!!! |
I LOVE IT! I definitely think this is a great accompaniment to arm warmers. By keeping my core AND (so amazingly important) my neck warm, I just feel warmer in general. I think it is better then a windbreaker because the warm fleece against my skin feels better then the wind-chilled sweat of a jersey or even the wind-chilled material of a wind-breaker.. Nicole.
You did good with the new Warmfront. I have used it 3 times. I will use it much more than the thick one. - good to about 50 degrees - much handy-er than vest. - Dennis
I rode for awhile myself wearing the Warmfront and then I did another 40 miles on the tandem. It was about 35 when I left and 46 when we returned on the tandem with a cold northwest wind. The Warmfront was definitely useful in those conditions. I wore a shortsleeve base layer, the Warmfront and a light long sleeve jersey. I wore a shell for part of the ride and took it off as it got warmer. The Warmfront kept my core comfortable especially going into the wind. - Fred
Just a quick note to tell you how handy The Warmfront has been this winter. It's allowed me to ride in colder temperatures, more comfortably, with lighter layers than ever before! I was almost able to shelve my that old, clammy thermal jacket this year thanks to The Warmfront. I've loaned it out to several friends who all give the same response - it's absolutely great! - Sam
BTW, I have been getting to use the Warmfront a lot more and I think it is a great idea. In fact, I searched for 15 minutes thru my house to find it so I could go riding on Saturday. I love the fact that it folds up small enough to fit in my jersey pocket. - Jeff
I am very impressed with the Warmfront. I used it this AM on my commute and the other day on an early morning ride. It works extremely well and kept me at just the right temperature. My measure of how well equipment works is simply if I forget about it while on the bike. I certainly did so with the Warmfront. By that I mean a compliment: It did it's job extremely well. It blocked the wind and kept me toasty on an unusually cold spring morning. I like the fuzzy collar, too. - Linda
You need to market the Warmfront to the fat bike crowd. They made perfect sense last night in Leadville. Was just perfect out there on the mineral belt. Kept my core warm and allowed me to shed my north face coat. Get a write up or some exposure on fat-bike.com! - KS
Worked as named - provided warmth in front without causing me to become overheated. Easy to remove with one hand while riding... - Sara
Brilliant! I used the WarmFront on a windy day, temp in the mid 50's that usually calls for my ugly wind vest. It worked great! I just had the WarmFront and armwarmers on with my jersey and didn't need the vest, which is great when you would rather have the world (or your sponsor) see your cool jersey. I recommend it to all riders. - Elizabeth
Observed at: Montréal-Trudeau Int'l Airport 7:00 AM EST Monday 4 February
Condition: Cloudy
Temperature: -4.6°C
Pressure / Tendency: 102.9 kPa / rising
Visibility: 24 km
Humidity: 76%
Dew Point: -8.1°C
Since this was the first time, I was pretty much all dressed & realized that I did not put the bib on yet. So, I clipped it on around my neck but over my sweatshirt vs under it. It worked out quite well as I thought it would be a bit bulky over the sweatshirt. I will be sure to try it under the sweatshirt tonight on the way home. There was an immediate difference felt when I initially got moving as that would be the time I would feel any cold on my chest. I would say the cold air leaks through the zipper even with the stormflap there (I wear a NorthFace non-insulated shell). It was like wearing an extra layer without the extra layer on my back & arms...certainly more freedom of movement.
That is all for now, I will update you when it gets colder around here as -4c is nothing. Road conditions were so so, partially snow cleared in some areas & somewhat lousy in others which translates to lots of body english to get the bike going where I want it to go... sort of... Montreal had a major snowfall on Friday night/Saturday am. Luckily, it was over the weekend & the snow clearing crews had the chance to do their thing. - Arctic Hawk
Condition: Cloudy
Temperature: -4.6°C
Pressure / Tendency: 102.9 kPa / rising
Visibility: 24 km
Humidity: 76%
Dew Point: -8.1°C
Since this was the first time, I was pretty much all dressed & realized that I did not put the bib on yet. So, I clipped it on around my neck but over my sweatshirt vs under it. It worked out quite well as I thought it would be a bit bulky over the sweatshirt. I will be sure to try it under the sweatshirt tonight on the way home. There was an immediate difference felt when I initially got moving as that would be the time I would feel any cold on my chest. I would say the cold air leaks through the zipper even with the stormflap there (I wear a NorthFace non-insulated shell). It was like wearing an extra layer without the extra layer on my back & arms...certainly more freedom of movement.
That is all for now, I will update you when it gets colder around here as -4c is nothing. Road conditions were so so, partially snow cleared in some areas & somewhat lousy in others which translates to lots of body english to get the bike going where I want it to go... sort of... Montreal had a major snowfall on Friday night/Saturday am. Luckily, it was over the weekend & the snow clearing crews had the chance to do their thing. - Arctic Hawk
I put it on last week (rain and cold) for my warmup and if felt like putting on a full jacket. I was amazed at how warm it was. I know it would probably be better for descending long roads in the mountains, but it was sure nice to have for my warm up... - Sven
A Warm Feeling
As you might have surmised, the day started out cold. But I was trying out a new thing to keep my neck and trunk warm: A Warm Front Chest Warmer (full disclosure: Warm Front sent me one of their chest warmers at no charge to write about if I thought it was worth writing about, but they’re not paying me anything). It’s a lightweight fleece rectangle that goes over your chest, with a turtleneck-style collar that fastens with a velcro tab at the back.
It worked just like it should. it kept my trunk and especially neck warm the whole ride. I haven’t tried it on a road ride yet, but I can imagine this would be great for cold road rides, where an extra layer on the chest and neck against the wind would be very nice. And when the ride turns warm, just pull off the velcro tab and stuff the whole thing into a jersey pocket — no stopping required. - Fat Cyclist
As you might have surmised, the day started out cold. But I was trying out a new thing to keep my neck and trunk warm: A Warm Front Chest Warmer (full disclosure: Warm Front sent me one of their chest warmers at no charge to write about if I thought it was worth writing about, but they’re not paying me anything). It’s a lightweight fleece rectangle that goes over your chest, with a turtleneck-style collar that fastens with a velcro tab at the back.
It worked just like it should. it kept my trunk and especially neck warm the whole ride. I haven’t tried it on a road ride yet, but I can imagine this would be great for cold road rides, where an extra layer on the chest and neck against the wind would be very nice. And when the ride turns warm, just pull off the velcro tab and stuff the whole thing into a jersey pocket — no stopping required. - Fat Cyclist
I was a bit skeptical at first, but having The Warmfront on long downhills, canyon type riding in the winter is great. I really helps keep the core warm without overheating the rest of the body.
I really like to have it when doing hill repeats in the winter now too.
When you are at max effort going up hill and sweating a lot it is really nice to have it coming down, and it is easy enough to take off before you start up again. Thanks! - Tracy
I really like to have it when doing hill repeats in the winter now too.
When you are at max effort going up hill and sweating a lot it is really nice to have it coming down, and it is easy enough to take off before you start up again. Thanks! - Tracy
Your WarmFront worked perfectly during the LOTOJA race! I used it with just arm warmers to start in the cool 48 degree morning. By the time I got to the first feed zone at 33 miles, I was warm enough to easily hand it off to my support. I also got a chance to wear the WarmFrontduring a training ride during the Copper Triangle, in Colorado. This time I started up the hill with it neatly fitting in my jersey pocket and quickly and easily putting it on for the descents down the Fremount and Tennessee Passes. Thanks for recommending I bring a WarmFront with me! It's the perfect garment for cool mornings. - GT
I wanted to let you know I got a chance to use your Warmfront on our last Sunday ride. While the rest of the group wore jackets, I wore theWarmfront and my arm warmers and I was fine. Even a little warm by the end. Your product works great. - Ted
It's midsummer and I am still wearing my Warmfront on my cool, early morning rides. After finishing a rainy and cold climb and decent in this year's Triple Bypass, my riding buddy and I looked at each other, shivering and soaked to the skin, and simultaneously exclaimed, "this Warmfront has still kept my core warm....amazing!" It will continue to be the first thing I pack for long mountain rides. No other piece of riding apparel provides so much for the space it takes in my jersey pocket. - Hans
The sun came back. A little. Maybe you have brushed the spiders from your bicycle, checked on the price of bananas, or even braved the out-of-doors for trial ride. With the weather blazing into the upper fifties, you may think it a bit odd of me to talk about winter riding gear.
A quick inquiry would prove you quite right, but in my defense, we have just received a box of these things called the WarmFront. The things are made of a black synthetic fleecy material. They fasten around the neck and hang down to cover up the front of your torso.
In keeping with its happy meteorological sounding name, the WarmFront "does what it says on the box;" it keeps your front warm.
"But I have a fancy jacket for that," you may be thinking.
The thing is, most jackets that are used for cold weather riding have some sort of SuperSwishyFabuFabric that is meant to stop wind (since you are riding so fast) from cutting through the other layers of fabrics you wear. Good thinking.
The trouble is that even if your jacket can stop an icy lake-effect gale, the jacket itself will become cold. This may require you to wear an extra layer in between your base layer and your skin so that all your body heat doesn't get conducted to the outside air (which surely has its own agenda regarding temperature control). If you've had on multiple thermal layers while riding a bicycle, you will recall that as soon as your speed drops and your effort goes up (i.e., when riding up a hill), you become a self-contained sauna. Your thermal layers lose much of their effectiveness anyway as they become soaked from the inside.
Your back will become especially swampy because it isn't hit by a lot of wind, but still has the extra layering. Riding hard into a cold wind is like having a cold shower while lying on a bed of coals. Uncomfortable. Confusing. You want to stabilize that body temperature. You're an endotherm; you deserve it.
So does the thing work? I tried it out.
For science I rode in the cold and wet and ice with multiple thermal layers. For science I rode with a single thermal layer and the WarmFront. For science, I went out with fewer clothes than I believed was sane ), I to test the performance of this product. Four of five test thoms came back with positive reactions to WarmFront's snuggly fuzziness. The fifth thom, who was given a placebo exhibited some confusion.
Generally speaking, I was able to ride with a light windproof layer outer, the WarmFront, and a longsleeve wicking thermal layer when it would have been far too cold to go out with just a jacket and one thermal. I found I was able to stay as warm as I would have been with the same outer, a middle thermal layer (usually somewhat fleecy) and the inner layer. In addition, my back stayed drier than it would with the two thermal layers. Makes sense.
I rode the same ride on the same bike at similar effort levels and found that the WarmFront gave me a bit more flexibility and allowed me to leave a layer at home. If I found it too warm (not a frequent occurrence), I found it quite easy to unfasten the collar and fold the thing down on itself inside my jacket. For more ventilation, it also rolled into a reasonably small size for rear pocket storage.
I took it out when it was a little warm. I didn't burn up, and I didn't have to remove an entire shirt and wonder where to put it.
I went out when it was stupid cold. My fancy gloves and fancy booties left my phalanges freezing and I spent large stretches of time contemplating WarmArms, but surprisingly my Front stayed Warm.
Whaddayaknow? It works. It works well, even. It's ridiculously simple. It looks stupid. It looks stupid even for bicycle clothing. But it goes under your jacket, so no one has to know. It apparently comes in normal and extra warm.
I sound like someone is paying me. I should come up with a cheesy slogan like, "Winter weather blowing your riding? Fight back with a WarmFront." Hah.
I really believe they work, but I may be the thom that got the placebo. - Thom
A quick inquiry would prove you quite right, but in my defense, we have just received a box of these things called the WarmFront. The things are made of a black synthetic fleecy material. They fasten around the neck and hang down to cover up the front of your torso.
In keeping with its happy meteorological sounding name, the WarmFront "does what it says on the box;" it keeps your front warm.
"But I have a fancy jacket for that," you may be thinking.
The thing is, most jackets that are used for cold weather riding have some sort of SuperSwishyFabuFabric that is meant to stop wind (since you are riding so fast) from cutting through the other layers of fabrics you wear. Good thinking.
The trouble is that even if your jacket can stop an icy lake-effect gale, the jacket itself will become cold. This may require you to wear an extra layer in between your base layer and your skin so that all your body heat doesn't get conducted to the outside air (which surely has its own agenda regarding temperature control). If you've had on multiple thermal layers while riding a bicycle, you will recall that as soon as your speed drops and your effort goes up (i.e., when riding up a hill), you become a self-contained sauna. Your thermal layers lose much of their effectiveness anyway as they become soaked from the inside.
Your back will become especially swampy because it isn't hit by a lot of wind, but still has the extra layering. Riding hard into a cold wind is like having a cold shower while lying on a bed of coals. Uncomfortable. Confusing. You want to stabilize that body temperature. You're an endotherm; you deserve it.
So does the thing work? I tried it out.
For science I rode in the cold and wet and ice with multiple thermal layers. For science I rode with a single thermal layer and the WarmFront. For science, I went out with fewer clothes than I believed was sane ), I to test the performance of this product. Four of five test thoms came back with positive reactions to WarmFront's snuggly fuzziness. The fifth thom, who was given a placebo exhibited some confusion.
Generally speaking, I was able to ride with a light windproof layer outer, the WarmFront, and a longsleeve wicking thermal layer when it would have been far too cold to go out with just a jacket and one thermal. I found I was able to stay as warm as I would have been with the same outer, a middle thermal layer (usually somewhat fleecy) and the inner layer. In addition, my back stayed drier than it would with the two thermal layers. Makes sense.
I rode the same ride on the same bike at similar effort levels and found that the WarmFront gave me a bit more flexibility and allowed me to leave a layer at home. If I found it too warm (not a frequent occurrence), I found it quite easy to unfasten the collar and fold the thing down on itself inside my jacket. For more ventilation, it also rolled into a reasonably small size for rear pocket storage.
I took it out when it was a little warm. I didn't burn up, and I didn't have to remove an entire shirt and wonder where to put it.
I went out when it was stupid cold. My fancy gloves and fancy booties left my phalanges freezing and I spent large stretches of time contemplating WarmArms, but surprisingly my Front stayed Warm.
Whaddayaknow? It works. It works well, even. It's ridiculously simple. It looks stupid. It looks stupid even for bicycle clothing. But it goes under your jacket, so no one has to know. It apparently comes in normal and extra warm.
I sound like someone is paying me. I should come up with a cheesy slogan like, "Winter weather blowing your riding? Fight back with a WarmFront." Hah.
I really believe they work, but I may be the thom that got the placebo. - Thom
Observed at: Montréal-Trudeau Int'l Airport 10:00 AM EST Thursday 7 February
Condition: Light Snow
Temperature: -10.3°C
Pressure / Tendency: 100.9 kPa / rising
Visibility: 2 km
Humidity: 75%
Windchill: -20
Today was a good test day! I made it a point to dress as if it was around -5 / 0c to stay a bit cooler than usual. Once out the door, it was very obvious that the chest area was quite a bit warmer (pretty near perfect comfortable temperature) than the arms (did not want to wear a long sleeve base layer under the sweatshirt).
Heading into the wind proved even a better test, to make matters worse, it was very slow going on the commute to work. The slush & road crud from last night froze over so it was icy & bumpy the whole way. Lots of body english required while riding the tall gears to prevent wheel spin.
Condition: Light Snow
Temperature: -10.3°C
Pressure / Tendency: 100.9 kPa / rising
Visibility: 2 km
Humidity: 75%
Windchill: -20
Today was a good test day! I made it a point to dress as if it was around -5 / 0c to stay a bit cooler than usual. Once out the door, it was very obvious that the chest area was quite a bit warmer (pretty near perfect comfortable temperature) than the arms (did not want to wear a long sleeve base layer under the sweatshirt).
Heading into the wind proved even a better test, to make matters worse, it was very slow going on the commute to work. The slush & road crud from last night froze over so it was icy & bumpy the whole way. Lots of body english required while riding the tall gears to prevent wheel spin.