The Gear in Review

[ShawnoftheDread]

@Dirt 39257 wrote:

How could I forget the product that pretty much defined my year on the bike?

Forever Lazy Survival Suit.

If it were more waterproof I’d definitely pick one up. I do a lot of lake jumps in the winter.

[Dirt]

@txgoonie 39264 wrote:

HIT
Rapha: Don’t hate. They’re pretentious. They’re overpriced. Whatevs.

I love Rapha’s products. For what you get, the prices are actually about right. I really don’t like the way they treat their dealers. Their business model appears to be set up to basically screw any shop that carries their clothes in stock…. which is why I don’t think many places do anymore.

Their Merino baselayer is insanely expensive, worth every penny and available in pink. Win/win/win in my book.

[Dirt]

@ShawnoftheDread 39265 wrote:

If it were more waterproof I’d definitely pick one up. I do a lot of lake jumps in the winter.

Yesterday was very cold. Having to crunch through the ice was extra fun.

[culimerc]

I can happily say that Moose Mitts have made my toes the weak link in my winter riding kit. I Moose Mitts.

[krazygl00]

@Dirt 39257 wrote:

How could I forget the product that pretty much defined my year on the bike?

Forever Lazy Survival Suit.

06:33 – You’re a nut! I had to stifle a LOL in my office.

03:23 – Sounds like someone in the background is re-enacting the Do Lung Bridge scene from Apocalypse Now.

[krazygl00]

@Dirt 39270 wrote:

@txgoonie 39264 wrote:

HIT
Rapha: Don’t hate. They’re pretentious. They’re overpriced. Whatevs.

I love Rapha’s products. For what you get, the prices are actually about right. I really don’t like the way they treat their dealers. Their business model appears to be set up to basically screw any shop that carries their clothes in stock…. which is why I don’t think many places do anymore.

Their Merino baselayer is insanely expensive, worth every penny and available in pink. Win/win/win in my book.

I went looking for these and I was expecting $150 minimum, but unless I’m looking at the wrong one, looks like the tops are $80-$90. Now, that’s not cheap but considering Crafts are about $75 retail, that doesn’t seem that bad. Actually for a Rapha product that seems pretty reasonable. Am I looking at the wrong ones? I don’t see pink, so maybe.

http://www.rapha.cc/merino-base-layers

[ShawnoftheDread]

@txgoonie 39264 wrote:

HIT
Rapha: Don’t hate. They’re pretentious. They’re overpriced. Whatevs. I waited for their annual sale last year and got a few keys piece, all of which I absolutely love. The stuff is made ridiculously well and it fits like a glove.

When is the annual sale?

[eminva]

I also think Rapha is a HIT! When it comes to clothing, cycle specific or every day wear, I have no objection to paying for quality and integrity in the design and manufacturing process.

@ShawnoftheDread 39342 wrote:

When is the annual sale?

If you sign up for their email messages, you will get advance notice. I know they have a big women’s sale in about February (which I’m holding out for) — but there are periodic sales throughout the year. If you get their emails, you can also read about (and see videos about) various epic rides they sponsor. ELITE!

HIT: A professional bike fitting. Even though it resulted in a new bike, it was worth it — I am loving life on my well fitted bike.

MISS: Raceblade fenders. I took them off alongside the trail before I even got home from the shop with them. They have been sitting on the floor of my closet since — if you want them, they are yours.

Liz

[KelOnWheels]

Anybody have tips for getting the little rubber USB port cover on an ExpiliOn back in after it spontaneously ejects itself on day 2 of use?

[ATTACH]2205[/ATTACH]

Rode with some groceries in the Big Banjo Brothers Backpack tonight – had to readjust the straps a bit but it was still very comfy. I wouldn’t recommend the large size for anyone under about 5’7″.

[KelOnWheels]

@KelOnWheels 39353 wrote:

Anybody have tips for getting the little rubber USB port cover on an ExpiliOn back in after it spontaneously ejects itself on day 2 of use?

For future reference, the answer to this question is “bamboo kitchen skewer”.

[Dirt]

I got some new earmuffs to replace the fluffy pink ones that got STOLEN yesterday. I was a bit upset about that until I tried out the new ones. What they lack in cute, pink, fluffiness, they more than make up for with pure awesomeness.

They are SWIX earmuffs designed for XC skiing. They are super light and the metal band between the ears is designed to fit under a hat or helmet. It works perfectly. They helmet holds them in place and they provide exactly enough warmth on the bike without getting in the way of anything.

I got them from Bikenetic for about $25. They come in black, red or white. Need to see if they make pink ones. That would be worth a special order.

Pete

[Dirt]

@krazygl00 39340 wrote:

I went looking for these and I was expecting $150 minimum, but unless I’m looking at the wrong one, looks like the tops are $80-$90. Now, that’s not cheap but considering Crafts are about $75 retail, that doesn’t seem that bad. Actually for a Rapha product that seems pretty reasonable. Am I looking at the wrong ones? I don’t see pink, so maybe.

http://www.rapha.cc/merino-base-layers

Those are the right ones. They are competitively priced to other top end base layers. For folks who are thinking base layer = long underwear, the price is quite high. You can get underarmor, verge or no-name base layers for under $20… The products are worn in the same way, but do not really do the same things.

[bluerider]

I got some new Christmas gifts under review right now:

HIT:
– Park Tool Repair Stand (PSC-10): Its folds into a closet when not needed. The build quality is nice, super stable when in use. I am in bike maintenance never and my back thanks for not having to bend over. My review will continue….
– K-Edge Garmin mount: Super high quality, super heavy duty, puts the Garmin in a much better viewing location when riding. Inspires confidence whenever you use your Garmin. My review will continue….

UNKNOWN:
-Adrenaline (University of Kansas) Jersey: looks nice, too cold to wear right now.
– 3T Ergosum Pro handlebars: Nice shape, unmount at the moment. More to come….

[Dirt]

@bluerider 39389 wrote:

– K-Edge Garmin mount: Super high quality, super heavy duty, puts the Garmin in a much better viewing location when riding. Inspires confidence whenever you use your Garmin. My review will continue….

Let me know how you like it. I’ve got both of the BarFly models which I really like. I use the Time Trial version on my mountain bike and on the tri-bars on the Tweed. I use the regular BarFly on my other bikes. They work very well.

I saw that SRAM is coming out with one this winter that is half the price of the Barfly and K-Edge models. I have one on order, but it hasn’t arrived at my local bike shop yet.

[Amalitza]

Hit: Thanks to the forum, I’ve become a convert to merino wool everything. Favorites are the smartwool headband and icebreaker sports bra (getting back from that first ride without a soaking wet bra was all kinds of awesome).

Hit: Marmot Dri-Clime jacket. Bought cheap on REI clearance. It’s a great windbreaker and surprisingly warm.

Miss: Tried a cheap ($20 I think) pair of gloves billed as waterproof, insulated winter cycling gloves from Amazon. They only came in men’s sizes, but I thought a men’s small might work ok for me, and for the price worth a try. They turned out to be not only a bit too big, but bulky and inflexible, so not very usable on a bike what with shifting and braking and all. Caved and bought the expensive winter gloves from the LBS. These might come in handy for shoveling snow or something, if it snows this year.

Still deciding: Northwave Celsius winter cycling boots. They do give me comfort at about 10 degrees colder than my regular shoes with light weight neoprene shoe covers. And warm toes for 30 minutes or so even in colder weather. Not sure if heavier shoe covers would have done the same for less money, but not having to fuss with shoe covers is a plus for me anyway. They would be excellent for a short or medium length commute. But my toes still get cold and uncomfortable after about 30-45 minutes in colder weather. I’m sweating in them a bit I guess, my socks are just barely noticeably damp when I get in from a ride, so I keep hoping that if I find the right combination of socks to help keep my feet dry, they will do better. Are supposed to also be waterproof, but haven’t worn them in the rain yet, so I can’t report on that.

[Author]

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