Rallye 3 Jacket wearers I need your advice

[Razzeaux]

My Rallye 3 jacket came in today. I've never seen one in person before and I was blown away by the quality of the jacket. This is my second best purchase for my GSA. My first best purchase was my GSA.

Friday I leave on a ride from Dallas,TX to Key West. This time of year in Dallas, the weather can be 30 one day and 70 the next. I know as I ride further south, the weather will be warmer but I want to have something in case it gets cold for my ride from and to Texas.

What would you say is the lower range for this jacket with the liner with me wearing a long sleeve t-shirt as a base?

In colder weather in the past, I've been wearing a down vest under my Olympia textile jacket without a liner. So for this trip I will be wearing my Rallye 3 with the liner or the Rallye 3 without a liner and my down vest. Which would you recommend?

[Hikertrash]

I used mine down to 34 degrees (coldest it gets here) with a long sleeve shirt and the liner under the jacket. Occasionally I'd take out the liner and wear a fleece jacket under it. I also ride a GSA and I think the big tank and windscreen help block a lot of the wind.

[cug]

Two years ago I rode for about eight hours in ~30F in a Rallye 2 which actually does flow a little less air than the Rallye 3 I have now. I froze half to death with the liner, a long sleeved functional shirt and fleece sweatshirt.

On a different ride in similar temperatures I just pulled my rain jacket over the whole enchilada and was okay (not comfortable) for the two or three hours I rode in the cold that time.

That was both on a R1200GS with GSA windshield and winglets.

Next time I ride in that temperature range I'll either take a completely different jacket or a heated liner or will do the rain jacket right from the start. I think the Rallye jackets are excellent for warm weather but as soon as it either starts to rain or when it gets cold they really suck on their own.

[FLARider1]

I get cold easy and have ridden comfortably in the Rallye 3 on my GSA. I use the liner, and layered underneath I use either the Champion Gear or UnderAmour cold weather long sleeve technical type gear. Its designed for running etc.. outside in the cold. I had the same type gear in long pants under the riding pants along with wick away type boxer briefs, and never used the liner for the pants. In 30 degree temps in AK and the Yukon I stayed warm with the first layer skin Champion Gear, a mid layer - almost pullover type jacket and then when it was low 30s I put a long sleeve T-shirt on top of all that. Problem is the t-shirt makes ya sweat a little and can add to the cold. The technical stuff is wick away quick dry so your body heat and sweat doesn't collect like in the cotton or down and then get cold because its wet. I have the Gerbing jacket liner but never used it. I did use heated gloves along with the heated grips, my hands get cold quick and stay that way!! For boots I have the Sidi Adventure Rains (non-gortex) that kept me high and dry and warm with only a thick pair of the Alpinestars winter socks.

I recommend using the Champion Gear because works just as good as UnderAmour, is half the price and it is not super confining skin tight. The first layers need to fit tight, but I can't stand the super tight fit.

I know its not much of a reference since I live in south FLA, but my daily commute is about 17 miles, and on the rare occasions that it dips down into the mid to upper 30s here I am very comfortable in the jacket with the liner and a short sleeve shirt on. If its in the mid 40s I don't even put the liner in and am comfortable. If I was going longer I would do the liner more because the added exposure time would be getting cold!!!

Bottom line.....IMHO...Rallye 3 JACKET with the liner and good cool weather athletic gear underneath and you will be fine.

[GSBS]

...I'd recommend you invest in a heated jacket or heated vest. I've got over 130K miles wearing two different R2P outfits and always use my heated vest when temps fall below 40ºF. I like the vest because it can be stashed away compactly when it's not needed, doesn't draw as much current as a heated jacket and keeps my core toasty warm when it's turned on. At 40º I'm good with a long-sleeved tee and the vest; 20-40º I'll usually add a layer of thermal underwear, warmer gloves, etc., etc. YRMV.

[cliffy109]

I normally use my heated gear if temps drop below 40... just because I can. This morning however, I didn't bother with it. It was 34 and it was certainly a cool ride but not unbearable. My commute is only 17 miles and is speeds under 60. My arms could feel the cold the worst but again, not horrible. If I had a longer or faster commute I would have put on the heat.

[winnrider]

Can't help you Razz, but like that LSU avatar!

[lhendrik]

You will be cold. Get a heated jacket and never worry about cold again.

[Razzeaux]

Thanks for all the input. A heated vest sounds great but I don't time to go look for one before my trip.

The idea of sports like base layer did catch my eye so at lunch today I went to REI and purchased some long sleeve smart wool tops for a base layer.

[Razzeaux]

Originally Posted by winnrider

Can't help you Razz, but like that LSU avatar!

Thanks. Geaux Tigers!

[TEWSTER2]

Temps below 40 I use a long sleeve Under Armor shirt, a long sleeve REI mid weight base layer top, Gerbing Jacket liner, and the Rallye 3. Very comfortable. Temps over 90 I wear an Under Armor Heat Gear compression fit long sleeve shirt and the jacket. I also carry a bottle of distilled water to pour down my neck to soak the shirt when it really gets hot over 100. Close the vents in the jacket and I am good for about an hour before I add more water for cooling.

[Hamish71]

Originally Posted by TEWSTER2

Temps below 40 I use a long sleeve Under Armor shirt, a long sleeve REI mid weight base layer top, Gerbing Jacket liner, and the Rallye 3. Very comfortable. Temps over 90 I wear an Under Armor Heat Gear compression fit long sleeve shirt and the jacket. I also carry a bottle of distilled water to pour down my neck to soak the shirt when it really gets hot over 100. Close the vents in the jacket and I am good for about an hour before I add more water for cooling.

I can ride all day in my Rallye 3 jacket and pants with liners in, at 10deg C, with Rallye gloves and the grip heaters on, providing it is not raining. Underneath I use a short sleeve "technical" t-tshirt, and thigh length bike shorts.

Below 10, I use either a windstopper vest, and long legged bike pants.
Below 0 I stay in bed.

[t6pilot]

While its still new spray it with scotch guard. Recommended by my local dealer

[ultane]

You could always add a fleece jacket under the Rally 3 liner. I am comfortable down to 15 degrees F with a Gerbings heated jacket.

[FLARider1]

Hey.....check your PM........just realized this morning that you are headed my way........can't get to the Keys without passing close by the Casa!!!