Kit Connoisseur - Forum Archive

Nov 09, 2018 at 09:51 PM

I have the Fizik Artica. I've been using it this year. I don't find it hot at all when it's in the 50s outside. I like the sleek look.

My complaint is the lacing system. I'm a big fan of Boa system. This shoe is a combination of lacing and a zippered outside shell. With the zipper up, it digs into the front of my ankle. (notice how much the zipper protrudes when it's up). The padded tongue doesn't stay in place and moves to the side. I think it's supposed to protect the skin against the zipper if it stayed in place. Also with outside cover closed, I find I don't even need to tighten the laces underneath. I have Specialized shoes and with the same size, the Fizik runs a little snugger.

I raced it at at hippocross where it was all mud all the time and the waterproofing worked great. It don't remember it coming with toe spikes so I didn't have any during the race and yeah, traction was a problem walking.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5019667/uploads/editor/fn/bkr6e358kps0.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5019667/uploads/editor/wi/6hcn104d1jm3.jpg

mugwump

Nov 10, 2018 at 03:54 PM

@Phil Maronilla

If you could check the sole for me that would be awesome. The images online show what appear to be bolt heads in the toe area of the sole. I assume that means spikes could be threaded in.

Mark Taylor

Nov 10, 2018 at 05:21 PM

Mine have screws for spikes

Phil Maronilla

Nov 10, 2018 at 05:56 PM

Here you @mugwump. Like Mark's it has screws so you can use toe spikes

Nathaniel Picard Busky

Nov 23, 2018 at 11:38 PM

Realized I absolutely posted this in the wrong thread earlier, here it is in a more appropriate setting:

Hey all, the cold weather's really hitting hard these days and I'm discovering I don't really have the gear to deal with it. I'm planning on visiting Redbeard tomorrow to see what I can pick up but I figured I'd ask on here first if anyone has any smaller sized winter weather gear (Kissena team gear would be super cool) that they're trying to get rid of first. Thanks!

PatrickGrehan

Dec 25, 2018 at 05:30 PM

I happened to be looking something up on the Champion Systems site and found that they offer free crash replacement, fitness flexibility (you need a new size due to changes in fitness) and a lifetime warranty (the last one only applies to kit ordered after August 1 2018). Cool

https://www.champ-sys.com/pages/even-more-reasons-to-order-with-champion-system

Phil Maronilla

Jan 01, 2019 at 03:34 PM

Quick product update -

I finally wore my Fizik R5 Artica for the kind of weather it's supposed to be used on. Last night I marshaled the NYRR midnight run in pouring rain. While the top part was completely waterproof, I think water seeped in through where the cleats bolt on to the sole. When I got home, the bottom of my feet were soaked. I occasionally stepped in standing water throughout the event (2 1/2 hours) so I assume that's how it happened. Suffice to say that I'm disappointed about it, but just riding in the rain, I think would be fine. Just don't go wading in water.

Also - Happy to New Year to all! Hoping for more riding in 2019.

Jules

Jan 03, 2019 at 03:55 PM

Ahem... just sayin'

Image: https://45nrth.com/files/products/wolvhammer-boa-SH0170-720x720.png

Jeff Condon

Jan 03, 2019 at 04:00 PM

I know I'm late to this, but I ordered a small in a winter jersey and fleece tights and they are a lot smaller than previously. They definitely don't fit me though the smalls in my old kit do (so it's not exactly a weight gain issue). Anyone else noticing this?

mugwump

Jan 03, 2019 at 08:15 PM

Jeff Condon said:

I know I'm late to this, but I ordered a small in a winter jersey and fleece tights and they are a lot smaller than previously. They definitely don't fit me though the smalls in my old kit do (so it's not exactly a weight gain issue). Anyone else noticing this?

I got a fleece jersey this fall and it's quite a bit different than the several year old fleece jersey I have. It might be a bit smaller (both are "small") but the big difference is the fleece is a good bit thicker. As it seems to have generous stretch, I'm pretty happy with it.

The "small" fleece tights I got I don't have much of a reference to, as I've never had Champ-Sys tights before, but I have found that I need to pull up the legs below where the stitching is to get them on. BTW, they're of the non-chamois variety, so I'm wearing regular shorts underneath.

DotanGreenvald

Jan 27, 2019 at 11:05 PM

Kissena Kit for a newbie. Who has one he doesn't need anymore? Jersey, summer bib, or anything else related (Winter jackets, wind Jacket, long bib, even Kissena cycling cap). I think I'm size L... Blessing on your head, flowers, cakes, and butterflies.

Nathaniel Picard Busky

Feb 11, 2019 at 08:35 PM

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Apex Summer Jersey? Is it as good as the price tag makes it out to be regarding simultaneously looking sharp and keeping cool?

Additionally, if so, as a 5'9", 153lb person is medium a safe bet in the Apex range or should I size down to small?

mugwump

Feb 11, 2019 at 10:21 PM

Nathaniel Picard Busky said:

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Apex Summer Jersey? Is it as good as the price tag makes it out to be regarding simultaneously looking sharp and keeping cool?

Additionally, if so, as a 5'9", 153lb person is medium a safe bet in the Apex range or should I size down to small?

I have one. I'm a bit lighter than you at the moment, and I wear a small, but it's a pretty sleek fit at this weight.

The front panels are very light and airy. The sides and underarms likewise. The shoulders are a bit heavier, but still very thin. The back is a bit heavier still, but it's thick enough so you won't get a sunburn without sunscreen or a base layer underneath.

It does both look sharp and keep cool.

eloy

Feb 11, 2019 at 10:37 PM

at that size/weight I would maybe consider medium. If prize is a concern, check the performance labeled jerseys. Otherwise, enjoy the apex!

Nathaniel Picard Busky

Feb 12, 2019 at 04:37 AM

Thanks for the advice guys! I think I'm going to take the plunge but play it safe with a medium.

JohnMalcolmson

Feb 12, 2019 at 01:21 PM

Nathaniel Picard Busky said:

Thanks for the advice guys! I think I'm going to take the plunge but play it safe with a medium.

@Nathaniel Picard Busky One thing to consider with the summer jersey is it's easily torn up by number pinning. Maybe go the 3M 77 spray glue route if you're racing it.

Matt Budofsky

Feb 12, 2019 at 09:35 PM

Since the new kit order likely won't be in before Grant's Tomb Crit, does anyone have an extra jersey (size L) that I could borrow for the race or an extra jersey they're looking to sell/give away?

RobertPeras

Feb 12, 2019 at 10:09 PM

@Matt Budofsky have a short sleeve jersey that I can lend you.

Phil Maronilla

Mar 16, 2019 at 02:39 PM

New members, I have one short sleeve cs tech jersey and one long sleeve jersey that has a lighter brushed fleece in the inside for free. Both sized Large. Old sponsor details. Email me if anyone wants them.

JohnPowell

Apr 22, 2019 at 08:00 PM

@PatrickGrehan a small hole has appeared on a seam of bib shorts I got on a recent order. Who should I contact at Champ Sys about a repair or replacement?

PatrickGrehan

Apr 22, 2019 at 09:11 PM

Chris Young is our contact at Champion Systems. Members shouldn’t be shy about contacting him with questions or issues.

cyoung@champ-sys.com

PatrickGrehan

Jun 06, 2019 at 08:36 PM

Kissena T-shirts are back!

Look sharp when you dress casual. Get your Kissena t-shirt and hoodie here.

The board is offering t-shirts for $20 and pull over hoodies for $50. Both are 50/50 cotton/poly. They are made in the USA by the sponsor of the Long Island Cyclocross series (Sawyer Adventure Club). I have a t-shirt from that event and have been happy with the size and quality. It’s also good to support a local company that sponsors cycling.

The t-shirts run in typical sizing and we will (soon) have t-shirt samples at RedBeard for you to try on. The order window is open until Sunday June 23rd to give you enough time to try on the samples if you need to do so. Once the order is placed we should have the order in about two weeks.

T-shirts and Hoodies are available in Navy Blue or Black (both with white lettering) in Mens and Womens sizes.

Note that the minimum order for t-shirts is 24 and hoodies is 12. We will only order each item if we hit the minimums. This will be the only t-shirt order in 2019, so don’t miss out!

Go ahead and place your order on the on the Google Doc and pay by sending your total to membership@kissenacycling.org through PayPal.

Jules

Jun 07, 2019 at 02:17 PM

^I put my name in the spreadsheet but I'm not convinced the totals are updating

JohnMalcolmson

Jun 15, 2019 at 01:26 AM

Thinking about another KCC sock run... some pretty trick gear here: https://this-is-cambridge.com/shop/socks/hors-categorie-socks-red-white/ in FLUO orange?

Nice color coordination: https://this-is-cambridge.com/shop/cycling-jerseys/p1-short-sleeve-jersey-grey-yellow-black/

Matt Budofsky

Jun 15, 2019 at 01:59 AM

@JohnMalcolmson count me in big time for a sock order!

DotanGreenvald

Jun 15, 2019 at 02:46 AM

I'm not an expert on socks, but I really like these (quality-wise):

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/yM4HPdQ
And it's less than $3 dollars a pair

Jules

Jun 15, 2019 at 03:44 AM

I'm a 6" cuff guy and I've been really impressed with the quality of the HBRMustache socks.

https://hbstache.com/collections/socks

eloy

Jun 15, 2019 at 10:49 AM

DotanGreenvald said:

I'm not an expert on socks, but I really like these (quality-wise):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/yM4HPdQ
And it's less than $3 dollars a pair

These seem counterfeit.

eloy

Jun 15, 2019 at 10:50 AM

These are the new players, by Kim and Roman
https://www.sublimeheroics.com/

mugwump

Jun 15, 2019 at 11:15 PM

i think this captures our intelligence.