Kissena Forum Archive

Kit Connoisseur

1364 comments · 17487 views
So , with all the choices on offer for short sleeve Jerseys , who like what? 
 i cant make my mind up
I'm partial to the basic, cheapest jersey. It holds up to pinning and looks better longer than lightweight options. Plus, I feel like a huge chunk of my racing is actually done in cooler conditions, so I don't usually miss the lighter-weight summer jerseys.

That said, it's full on back sweat season, I'm always dripping these days and if I had a ton of money, the various summer jerseys are nice and cool and breatheable and I'd get a variety of tops for all conditions. They just end up looking like crap after a few race pinnings. Or at least mind did.
The summer jersey option is pretty nice.  I definitely notice a difference and pretty much switch to it when the thermometer is over 75f.  

I've gone with the cheapest of the summer jersey options, the Summer Short Sleeve Jersey.  It doesn't have the stretch of the regular jerseys, or the fancier ones, but it stretches enough to fit with minimal flapping.  

For racing, though, the summer skin suit is even thinner, lighter, more breathable.  Though if you're using it for a mid-day road race, you'll need sunscreen.
I think this is what the UCI was concerned about with snap-on helmet caps.



Whoa, I thought those Aeroshells were actual helmet models, not a snap on lid.
Whoa, I thought those Aeroshells were actual helmet models, not a snap on lid.
http://www.lazersport.com/solutions/optional-aeroshell


Huh, seems the snap on lid is the latest in E-MIPS ("E" for exoskeleton) technology. Tagline, "check out OUR slip plane!"
Did they use an old style one or the newer grey/blue one?
the newer blue...(reply 3 months later ftw)
Just a reminder about the Velocio Trunkshow at Redbeard this Wednesday!  Velocio will be bringing both Women's and Men's clothing.  Wine and light fare will be served.  Tell your friends.
Anyone know next time the store will be open? I'm needing some full length bib shorts.
I think we're done for 2015.

(I have a used pair of you want to ping me offline)
Anyone know next time the store will be open? I'm needing some full length bib shorts.
full length bib shorts...aren't those also known as tights.
yes dan. yes they are.

I think there will be some size L men's tights for sale, new in the bag, tights for sale at the EOY party.
FS: ChampSys 3/4 length fleece bib knickers. L and barely used (not a fan of the 3/4 look!). $30.
(Also known as 3/4 length tights!)
Niall , ill take them if they are still available
text me 347 865 6586
FS: Kissena fleece knee warmer M $15 shipped 
FS: ChampSys Kissena blue fleece knee warmer M $10 shipped



Finally, after a year of racing in Kissena threads here on the West Coast I'm changing to my own 'club's' colours for 2016 (http://kensingtoncycling.club/2015/12/30/KCC-in-2016/).  Both happy, yet sad, times.

Although I am really proud of my new kit I'll miss the Kissena threads.  When we changed from the abomination that was the previous design, I have never seen such a massively enthusiastic and holistic response (barring one particular individual who is no longer in Kissena...).  The update was superb.  I still think the the Kissena Jersey is the best in NY as well as the best in NorCal (seen them all now- nothing special out here).

Also, this is not an exaggeration, when in Kissena threads I would routinely get approached and chatted at by people where knew Kissena/had lived in NYC/or were simply stumped that I had a Brooklyn jersey in the Bay Area.  Kissena really is somehow one of the most well know clubs in the US.  So then, for the club's historians- in the scheme of things, what are the oldest, continuous amateur cycling teams in the US and where does Kissena line up (est. 1963)?
If only there was some kind of American organization that kept track of such things. Some kind of a cycling... association of sorts. Oh well. 
Adam said:

Also, this is not an exaggeration, when in Kissena threads I would routinely get approached and chatted at by people where knew Kissena/had lived in NYC/or were simply stumped that I had a Brooklyn jersey in the Bay Area.  Kissena really is somehow one of the most well know clubs in the US.  So then, for the club's historians- in the scheme of things, what are the oldest, continuous amateur cycling teams in the US and where does Kissena line up (est. 1963)?
Definitely on the recognition.

As for clubs, CRCofA in NJ is from the early 1890's,  CRCA is from 1898, I believe.  USI (union sportivo italia) and GBSC (german bicycle sporting club), also in the area, are also much older, though they barely exist.
shoe brand sizing question.  I have a pair of shimanos and a pair of pearl izumis, same size.  the shimanos are too big and the pearl izumis fit perfectly.

1) are either of these brands known for being over/undersized? (which shoe is sized correctly)
2) what are the reputations of other shoe brands for being true to size?  specifically giro, as they are in stock at redbeard (i'll go try some on this weekend but i'm thinking about it now)
Bah, shoe sizes.  That's all I have to say on that.  Try them on.  They're all different.

One of these days, we should come up with a universal mea. . .
Not even worth finishing the sarcasm.  
i guess my real question was does anyone own both pearl izumis and giros and did they have to size up/down in one or the other :)
obvs, even the same brand sizes will vary depending on models.

Amazon has a relatively cool feature, that shows how users think they shoe fits. Perhaps try that...

shoe brand sizing question.  I have a pair of shimanos and a pair of pearl izumis, same size.  the shimanos are too big and the pearl izumis fit perfectly.

1) are either of these brands known for being over/undersized? (which shoe is sized correctly)
2) what are the reputations of other shoe brands for being true to size?  specifically giro, as they are in stock at redbeard (i'll go try some on this weekend but i'm thinking about it now)
Brendan,
     While Shimano owns Pearl Izumi, their sizing systems are different.  The reasons for this could be many.

     The best thing to do is try on shoes.  With the socks you typically ride in, with the insoles you prefer.  And if possible, in the late afternoon, after riding.  By heeding these, you're making the conditions as similar as possible between what you're used to and what you're going to, and you're trying shoes on after your feet have already swelled a bit from exercise and standing.
Brendan,

According to JP, bike shops love it when you roll up with stinky feet after several hours of riding, and you try on all their shoes, then proceed to loudly pronounce that you're going to buy them online because they're cheaper and Amazon has free shipping.
Brendan,

According to JP, bike shops love it when you roll up with stinky feet after several hours of riding, and you try on all their shoes, then proceed to loudly pronounce that you're going to buy them online because they're cheaper and Amazon has free shipping.
Le sigh.

Fresh socks.  Always.

Amazon.  Never.  Ever.
For the upcoming Kit order:

6'2", 164 racing weight, size large everything.  The jersey in L has too much in the front for me so creates a tent when I'm in the drops, and the wind vest could be tighter but medium is too small.  Shorts, knickers, tights are all a good fit though stretch after a year or so.  The thinner, summer jerseys stretch easier when things are in the pockets so I generally don't use them for long rides when I stuff a jersey with tubes and co2.
I'll bring large and medium jerseys Thursday - hoping I can make it - for people to try on.
I prefer the larger pad to the performance pad because there's simply more of it.  Knickers always tend to let the pad slide forward, though.  I think that's just the nature of its construction.

And, since I'm here, I've been washing some stinky base layers with a cup of white vinegar and it actually works, removes the stink.
Yesterday, I overheated on the ride because I figured I should test out the new tights I got from Redbeard.

They are Gore's ELEMENT WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell Bibtights.  I got them for sub-freezing days as well as days in the 30's when the roads are wet, and rainy days from 30-50.  They are made from several panels of Windstopper, with some sporting insulation, some not.  Trying on is wise, as the material doesn't stretch as much as spandex.  Nicely, the bibs are adjustable.  (FWIW, I got medium) 

I found out that 50 is too warm, unless I'm going super-slow.  I'll have to adjust that number downward a bit.

On the plus side, while they aren't seam-sealed, and thus not waterproof, they did a great job of keeping the wetness outside of the tights and not seeping through.

they were also comfy on the few freezing rides I did in them.  

Looking forward to see how they do when the temps are in the teens.