If you are looking for a jacket for yourself or someone you know, who is a big or tall man, you are in the right place. We create and sell big and tall jackets for big and tall men who need a better fit than what is available off the rack in most department stores and sporting good shops. Sometimes it is difficult to find jackets that fit big men. Usually if big men find a jacket that fits their shoulders and chest, it will either be too long in the sleeves and torso areas or will be too tight across the belly. This is not a good fit and will likely cause discomfort while cycling or exercising. On the other side of the spectrum you have tall people who have a different body type. If the jacket fits your shoulders then almost always it will be either too short in the sleeves and body or it will be way too large around the torso. Sometimes it will be both too short and too billowy. Both big men and tall men have difficulties in finding a jacket that fits well and performs in a functional way.
When it gets colder outside a great cycling jacket can be priceless. At Aero Tech Designs we're no stranger to cold winters and being based in Pittsburgh PA we've experienced many. The only cure for the winter blues is to get bundled up and go have some fun on your bicycle.
When it gets colder outside a great Cycling jacket can be priceless. At Aero Tech Designs we're no stranger to cold winters and being based in Pittsburgh PA we've experienced many. The only cure for the winter blues is to get bundled up and go have some fun on your bicycle.
Cycling Jackets are designed differently then a regular casual jacket you would wear outside. Our Bike Mans and Tall cycling jackets are designed to be as warm and as thin as possible. This way you will not have the "weighted down" feeling some winter wear can give you and you will have all the movement that you would have not wearing the jacket. We use tactical wind blocking fabric to keep the wind out and still keep you dry on the inside of the garment. We use vents placed strategically throughout the jacket to ensure you stay at the perfect temperature throughout your ride or ski. And yes these jackets work great for cross country skiing or trail running. So no excuses for the cold, get out and have some fun on your bike!
Aero Tech Designs makes jackets for Big and Tall men that will meet and exceed your expectations. The jackets have useful features that will keep you comfortable while exercising on your bicycle. Each model of jacket was designed with a purpose in mind. One example is insulation. Some of our jackets are insulated and others are not insulated. The insulation provides pockets of air that keep your body heat close to your skin. The warmth your body creates while exercising can keep you warm in frigid temperatures if you have the correct insulation weight and amount. It's important to layer correctly based on the weather you will be experiencing and the type of activates you will be doing. The most important feature to the layering system of apparel is flexibility. You will have the flexibility to protect yourself from different types of weather. Traditionally there have been three different layers of clothing that protect your body from the elements.
Base Layer - To wick moisture away from your skin so you can stay dry This layer helps to regulate the temperature of your body by drawing perspiration away from the skin and maintaining a cooler and drier surface. This prevents overheating from saturation and it also prevents chills once the clothing is wet.
Insulation Layer - To keep the heat your body puts out and prevents heats loss There are two primary types of materials that are used in the insulation layer. They are: Natural and Synthetic fibers. The two natural fibers seen most often are wool and down. Wool is a great insulator in dry and wet weather. Goose down, although highly compressible and warm loses much of its effectiveness when damp or wet so it must be kept dry. Synthetics are like Swiss army knives. They are effective in many situations but are not the best in any one situation. They can insulate very well even when wet but are not easily compressible. They can wick moisture but cannot block wind well.
Outer Layer - The goal of your outer shell is to keep the elements out of your other layers and allow moisture to escape. The shell only becomes more important as the weather gets more hostile. Rain, Snow, and Wind are the three most important weather elements to protect against. A good shell can keep the water and wind on the outside, retain some heat and allow moisture to escape from the inside. Windproof jackets offer the resistance to the elements needed to stay dry and comfortable on your rides.
Waterproof vs Water Resistant vs DWR - Most jackets have some designation as to whether they are water proof or water resistant. This is important to pay attention to when purchasing. Waterproof means that all moisture from the outside of the garment cannot reach the skin. Generally, there are two types of waterproof: breathable (e.g. gore tex) and non-breathable (vinyl poncho). Non-breathable types are generally cheaper, have more availability, and can double as a tarp. Breathable types are usually much more expensive but offer much more comfort to the wearer.
Water resistance is more of a sliding scale. It ranges from a lightweight jacket to a nearly waterproof shell. Most water resistant garments can withstand a light amount of precipitation. Last we have DWR finishes. These are a range of finishes that are Hydrophobic, meaning afraid of water. Water is a polar molecule and using this polar charge on a small scale, a flexible coating can be applied to repel water. This is great technology and will be featured on almost all apparel as we move into the next generation of clothing.
Careful! DWR and Reflectives can be washed off and destroyed by heat in the washer and drier cycles. Wash in cold with low amounts of detergents then hang to dry to preserve the coating for as long as possible. Cycling Jackets are designed differently than a regular casual jacket that you would wear outside.
Our Big and Tall cycling jackets are designed to be as warm and as thin as possible. This way you will not have the "weighted down" feeling some winter wear can give you and you will have all the movement that you would have not wearing the jacket. We use tactical wind blocking fabric to keep the wind out and still keep you dry on the inside of the garment. We use vents placed strategically throughout the jacket to ensure you stay at the perfect temperature throughout your ride or ski. And yes these jackets work great for cross country skiing or trail running. So no excuses for the cold, get out and have some fun on your bike!
When selecting a cycling jacket, you should consider the following aspects: warmth and dryness. The jacket you select for winter riding in Pittsburgh's winter will probably be different than the one you'd use for a southern city. Also take into consideration that you'll warm up from exertion during your ride. Cycling jackets that offer maximum warmth will protect you against the wind and offer insulation mostly in the front and arms.
If you're looking for a light spring cycling jacket, check to see if it's waterproof for those sudden April showers. These provide a longer back to protect you from puddle splashes and some offer an oversized hood that fits over a helmet. Some cycling jackets offer wind resistance as well to keep you warm and dry on a long, wet ride. These are also lightweight and are easy to stow in a pocket or pack when not in use. Some cycling jackets can be converted into a vest via zip-off sleeves. These are suitable for year-round use.
Layering your cycling apparel keeps your core body temperature consistent as you ride. Being too warm is just as bad as being too cold because your body wastes energy trying to regulate itself, energy you need for the ride.
There are three traditional components of layering, each one with a purpose. Depending on the weather and your comfort, you can simply add or subtract layers as needed.
*Base layer: Wicks away moisture from skin to keep you dry
*Middle Layer: Insulates from the cold to keep you warm
*Outer Layer: Creates a weatherproof shell to shield you from the elements
It's easy to think of these layers like the layers of a house: you have your drywall, your insulation, and the exterior. Each layer works to protect you from the elements so you can live comfortably.
Base Layer - Moisture Management
This is the layer next to your skin. It helps regulate your body temperature by moving perspiration away from your skin. Keeping dry helps to maintain a cool body temperature in the summer and avoid hypothermia in the winter. If you've ever worn a cotton T-shirt during a workout, you probably remember feeling wet and clammy. Cotton is a fabric that retains perspiration and can leave you chilled. For outdoor comfort, your base layer should be made of merino wool or synthetic fabrics (polyesters such as Cool-Max or Wick-away). Rather than absorbing moisture, these fabrics transport (or "wick") perspiration away from your skin, so you stay drier even when you sweat, and your shirt dries faster afterwards. A base layer can be any set of tops and bottoms, from long underwear to tights and jerseys. Choose the weight that best matches your activity and the outdoor temperature.
Middle Layer - Insulation
This insulating layer helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Natural fibers such as wool and goose down are excellent insulators. Merino wool sweaters and shirts offer soft, reliable warmth and keep on insulating even when wet. For very cold and dry conditions, goose down is best. It offers an unbeatable warmth-to-weight ratio and is highly compressible. Down's main drawback is that it must be kept dry to maintain its insulating ability.
Classic fleece, thermal polyester (like MicroFleece), and other synthetics provide warmth for a variety of conditions. They're lightweight, breathable and insulate even when wet. They also dry faster and have a higher warmth-to-weight ratio than even wool. Classic fleece's main drawbacks are wind permeability and bulk (it's less compressible than other fabrics).
Outer Layer - Weather Protection
Just like how a turtle's shell shields it from the weather, an outer layer protects you from wind, rain, or snow. These can range from pricey mountaineering jackets to simple windproof jackets. Most are treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish to make water bead up and roll off the fabric.
An outer shell layer is an important piece in bad weather, because if wind and water are allowed to penetrate to your inner layers, you will begin to feel cold. Furthermore, without proper ventilation, perspiration can't evaporate but instead condenses on the inside of your shell. Your shell layer should be roomy enough to fit easily over other layers and not restrict your movement.
Aero Tech Designs cycling jackets are made to keep you dry and warm while you ride. We use high-performance fabrics and 3M reflective elements, like reflective trim, to enhance visibility for these cycling jackets. Each of our cycling jackets seals out the elements in their own way.
Look for these styles:
* Highly reflective - ideal for low light and night time training
* Windbreakers - The outside layer breaks the wind for chilly mornings or outer layers
* Thermal softshell jackets - These jackets provide the insulating layer between the windbreak and the base layer
* High visibility jackets - Great for road riders and runners
* Packable shell jackets - Carry them on your bike or tours, they are lightweight and pack up tight
