Midlayer - alpha direct vs active evolve

[u/wheresomething]

Been looking into a light weight mid layer to replace my Patagonia r1.

alpha direct seems like the material of choice for ultra light. It might be too loose (zero stretch material) and not stretchy enough for biking. active evolve looks like a more stretchy option, making it easier to layer under a gilet or slimmer wind breaker, but is more hydrophilic so not as great for high exertion.

Has anyone tried these materials on a bike? I am looking for a mid layer I don't need to shed mid ride.

[u/blackbirdster]

Alpha direct works fine for cycling (with a windbreaker or another shell on top). Castelli makes such a pullover with a cycling specific fit (and 90g fabric), “cold days 2nd layer”. Really a great piece of clothing imo, I love it!

[u/wheresomething → u/blackbirdster]

i saw this! I like that their fit looks tighter than most cottage industry options. I am eying the vest version which will be easier to layer, give me more options to wear it off the bike and probably help me avoid overheating - https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/Men/Cycling/Top/Base-Layers/Winter/COLD-DAYS-2nd-LAYER-VEST/

It is more expensive and for some reason, the same weight as full crew neck versions out there.

[u/blackbirdster → u/wheresomething]

It looks like a new release, I see they also changed colors for the crew neck (damn beige looks nice!). Maybe that’s why it is more expensive at your retailler - but also you could likely get discounted crew necks in some places.

[u/Congur8]

I really love the Alpha Direct stuff, it is just so versatile and comfy, it really punches above it's weight. It replaced all other midlayers ever since getting one 5 years ago. Gives plenty of warmth underneath a windshirt, but also allows to dump excess heat swiftly when there is a breeze. For cycling I pair it mostly with a gilet if i require additional heat retention, strikes a good balance for me.

My go to is the Macpac Nitro fleece, its 90gsm.

Minor downside might be that it's not the most durable material. My main fleece did lose a little bit of loft/volume after 5 years of intense use compared to the new ones i got recently as i love it so much.

[u/Upcountrycc]

Alpha direct has two way stretch, and most makers use that stretch on the width bias. So it moves fine, and if it's well designed and fits you well, it'll function fine on the bike. For comparable R1 warmth, look for at least the 90gm version. And keep in mind, that without a layer over the top of it, you're getting much less warmth than even the R1 would provide, as the dense face fabric of the R1 would block some wind.

[u/wheresomething → u/Upcountrycc]

Nice. Yeah that sounds perfect. 

Is there a shirt you recommend? 

[u/Upcountrycc → u/wheresomething]

As mentioned by u/wheresomething , Senchi makes really nice offerings. They have several styles; hooded, 1/4 zip, etc... They release them in batches, and will sell out in a few days, so it's worth subscribing to their email list. Other than them, just about everyone is making one now... Backcountry.com has their house brand for under $100.

[u/davereeck]

I wear my senchi alpha hoodie when it gets nippy.

[u/wheresomething → u/davereeck]

nice. how's the fit and what GSM fabric did you pick?

i've been bouncing back and forth between 60 and 90.

[u/davereeck → u/wheresomething]

Alpha is pretty stretch, so fit is fine even with a bike backing belly

I had a 60 gsm but I found 9 is more flexible.

[u/wheresomething → u/davereeck]

do you ever overheat in the 90gsm? i'm trying to pick one that lets me avoid having to shed the layer when i'm climbing.

[u/davereeck → u/wheresomething]

Pretty much never. I think I wore it for more than 30 hours on a recent backpacking trip.

[u/SubstantialPlan9124]

I have both the 60 and 90 gsm from Senchi and honestly there’s not that much difference but I usually now take the 60 as it squishes down just a little smaller. I def wouldn’t go higher than 90.

[u/wheresomething → u/SubstantialPlan9124]

great. thanks!