JP speaks the truth! 2 sets of bibs/jersey + wind vest (crucial) and recycling your existing arm/knee/leg warmers = solid wardrobe for 2-3 seasons depending on your tolerance for cold and existing base layers/warmers. If you get a skinsuit, I highly recommend getting one with pockets for extra versatility, and remember to size down (skin suit = you should feel like a sausage). Optional, but nice to have are gloves + cap (classic all the way), but gloves are highly personal IMO and caps can be part of your "flair" so you can pick a fun design/brand to match your personality that ride/race.

If you want to get everything out of the way for the year, pick up fleeced bibs + thermal jacket. If you want to go full matchy matchy, get fleeced/thermal winter cap, knee, full leg and arm warmers + shoe covers.

mugwump said:

MattBrigstock said:

Hey all - working on putting together my first order on the Team Kit store and just wanted to see what folks think would be a good "starter kit" for someone that doesn't own any Kissena gear yet. I assume bib shorts and a jersey are essentials and will work for the warmer months coming up. Is there anything else you all would recommend buying off the bat? 

In the old days, two bibs, two short sleeve jerseys, a wind vest, and a skin suit would carry for a year of solid racing.  But that was because a club could only put together an order once a year and it took months to plan and execute.  You'd wear the short sleeve jersey over whatever long sleeve jersey you had for the March races, and you'd wear your old stuff the rest of the time because new clothing was hard to come by.

Nowadays, and in Kissena, you can go piecemeal, picking up items as you see the need.  

There are limitations in terms of finances and space and if you're new a question of how committed you are.  Those are things you'll have to decide for yourself.

I think two bibs, two short sleeve jerseys, and a vest is pretty good starter set.  you can wear one while the other is air drying after hand washing and you have a spare to fall back on if you crash and wreck a set.  The wind vest is a great layering option much of the year, as in once you have a vest, it can be deployed 12 months of the year.

JP suggestions are solid. Based on his notes, I'll a bit more detail, starter set:

• 2 Bibs (either tech or performance based on budget, get them in the blue store)
• 2 short sleeve jerseys (from the white store)
• Consider one tech and one apex or performance jersey (or both tech) Reserve the tech for racing, the apex is specially nice and does not do well with pin holes. Performance and tech last longer than apex

Could be part of a starter set:

• One set of arm warmers (would suggest the lighter "arm cooler", based on where we are season wise)
• One tech wind vest (this is a basic gilet, stores in your pocket) -- from the blue store
• 1 set of race gloves

Nice to have, or later in the season, somewhat in order of priority:

• 1 or 2 Performance caps
• Short Sleeve Performance Skinsuit (or long sleeve if you plan to do cyclocross) the performance suit has front panels that can fully open, and pockets. Ignore the "cyclocross" labeled suits, they might be too warm for cyclocross
• One set of the "warmer" arm warmers
• A performance vest (this one has pockets, is bit warmer than the wind vest above, and basically what I wear if I know I am not likely to remove the vest) -- also from the blue store
• Tech lite long sleeve jersey (from the blue store, this is probably the piece that I wear the most thru the year)
• One set of leg warmers
• Neck gaiter
• A warmer long sleeve jersey/jacket

Actually all of this made me think back to when I first joined and borrowed some kit before our first race. If anyone wants an older Tech jersey I have 2 in a size small that were loaned to me. I would still buy a new jersey as its good to have current sponsors but for whipping around they're fine. 

I also have a never worn size small performance jersey that is a club cut. Not sure why I bought that one but the fit doesn't really work for me. If anyone wants that its all yours. Pickup ideally in BK near the park! 

ok I need to ask... whats the hype about gilets? I just don't get them. If I need another layer I also want long sleeves! haha

I wasn't a fan of vests initially, but I have converted because they help you manage your core temp when the temperature changes during a long ride. Not only do they give you a little extra warmth and protect you from a cold wind, but you can easily stuff one in your pocket if the temperatures rise. A long sleeve windbreaker or jacket may work similarly, but they are typically much harder to stow away into a pocket

StephenAschkenes said:

ok I need to ask... whats the hype about gilets? I just don't get them. If I need another layer I also want long sleeves! haha

StephenAschkenes said:

ok I need to ask... whats the hype about gilets? I just don't get them. If I need another layer I also want long sleeves! haha

Gilet vests typically can be packed super small, and stowed in a jersey pocket.

If you start your ride early, and things get hot, you can easily remove and stow the vest.

@StephenAschkenes making sure you aware, now that you are a kissena member, looking sharp should be your number one priority

Your intuition is correct, if I'm wearing a vest (gilet or warmer) I'll be first wearing long sleeves or jersey/arm warmers. Vest goes on top of that. Haha. Or however you think is best. 

@StephenAschkenes

OTOH, you could take a sheet of newspaper (old school),  sheet of nylon packcloth or open up a Tyvek Priority Mail envelope and shove it under your jersey until you warm up.  

Vests are lighter than wind jackets, flap less when riding, usually have a mesh back panel for better venting, and stuff much smaller than a wind jacket.  It's easier to have a vest and warmers in a pocket than a jacket, too.  Vests are easier and quicker to take on and off while riding, a plus in general and particularly in race situations.  

Vests also highlight a purchasing principle for newer riders--select for versatility when you're new at something.  Cheaper, provides more flexibility, and gives you enough to start off with so you can take time to figure out where your specific preferences, sizes, and needs are.

The real reason is so you can unzip them and pose around like a Rapha model

mugwump said:

OTOH, you could take a sheet of newspaper (old school),  sheet of nylon packcloth or open up a Tyvek Priority Mail envelope and shove it under your jersey until you warm up.  

Done. going postal

eloy said:

@StephenAschkenes making sure you aware, now that you are a kissena member, looking sharp should be your number one priority

Im assuming the Tyvek envelope doesn't fit that bill... but if it was orange.....

Mark Taylor said:

The real reason is so you can unzip them and pose around like a Rapha model

I hear that having your vest opened flapping around in the wind while riding helps create lift and reduces rolling resistance... tell me I'm wrong

eloy said:

mugwump said:

MattBrigstock said:

Hey all - working on putting together my first order on the Team Kit store and just wanted to see what folks think would be a good "starter kit" for someone that doesn't own any Kissena gear yet. I assume bib shorts and a jersey are essentials and will work for the warmer months coming up. Is there anything else you all would recommend buying off the bat? 

In the old days, two bibs, two short sleeve jerseys, a wind vest, and a skin suit would carry for a year of solid racing.  But that was because a club could only put together an order once a year and it took months to plan and execute.  You'd wear the short sleeve jersey over whatever long sleeve jersey you had for the March races, and you'd wear your old stuff the rest of the time because new clothing was hard to come by.

Nowadays, and in Kissena, you can go piecemeal, picking up items as you see the need.  

There are limitations in terms of finances and space and if you're new a question of how committed you are.  Those are things you'll have to decide for yourself.

I think two bibs, two short sleeve jerseys, and a vest is pretty good starter set.  you can wear one while the other is air drying after hand washing and you have a spare to fall back on if you crash and wreck a set.  The wind vest is a great layering option much of the year, as in once you have a vest, it can be deployed 12 months of the year.

JP suggestions are solid. Based on his notes, I'll a bit more detail, starter set:

• 2 Bibs (either tech or performance based on budget, get them in the blue store)
• 2 short sleeve jerseys (from the white store)
• Consider one tech and one apex or performance jersey (or both tech) Reserve the tech for racing, the apex is specially nice and does not do well with pin holes. Performance and tech last longer than apex

Could be part of a starter set:

• One set of arm warmers (would suggest the lighter "arm cooler", based on where we are season wise)
• One tech wind vest (this is a basic gilet, stores in your pocket) -- from the blue store
• 1 set of race gloves

Nice to have, or later in the season, somewhat in order of priority:

• 1 or 2 Performance caps
• Short Sleeve Performance Skinsuit (or long sleeve if you plan to do cyclocross) the performance suit has front panels that can fully open, and pockets. Ignore the "cyclocross" labeled suits, they might be too warm for cyclocross
• One set of the "warmer" arm warmers
• A performance vest (this one has pockets, is bit warmer than the wind vest above, and basically what I wear if I know I am not likely to remove the vest) -- also from the blue store
• Tech lite long sleeve jersey (from the blue store, this is probably the piece that I wear the most thru the year)
• One set of leg warmers
• Neck gaiter
• A warmer long sleeve jersey/jacket

Thanks guys! This is extremely helpful 

Seriously though, I held off on buying a vest for years, and after I got one, I can't live without one 4 months out of the year. I lost that first one at a race (took it off right at start line and foolishly chucked it to the side) and was mightily pissed. Truly my favorite single piece of kit. Highly recommend.

David Yang said:

Seriously though, I held off on buying a vest for years, and after I got one, I can't live without one 4 months out of the year. I lost that first one at a race (took it off right at start line and foolishly chucked it to the side) and was mightily pissed. Truly my favorite single piece of kit. Highly recommend.

My vest is the single most-used piece of kit I own. I recommend getting the zipper replaced with with a #5 plastic zipper (two-way) if you want the full convenience of on-the bike donning/doffing and adjustment.

Hey all ... I'm in spring cleaning mode, and selling some club gear that I don't use. Here's what's available. DM me with questions or to arrange pickup (I'm in Clinton Hill, 5 mins from PP)

• Champ-Sys 3/4 Bib Shorts. Medium, light fleece, tags till on. $50
• Champ-Sys Base Layer, sleeveness, white. Medium, unused. $10
• Champ-Sys Wind vest, full sleeve, rear pocket. Small, very light use, $20
  
• Champ-Sys Neo Tech Fleece winter jacket. Medium, very light use. Was $192, now $100.
• DeFeet Kissena Socks, light. Large, unopened. $10 each, two available.

Those DeFeet Kissena socks are incredibly durable.

I'll gladly take a pair.

niallsmart said:

Hey all ... I'm in spring cleaning mode, and selling some club gear that I don't use. Here's what's available. DM me with questions or to arrange pickup (I'm in Clinton Hill, 5 mins from PP)

• Champ-Sys 3/4 Bib Shorts. Medium, light fleece, tags till on. $50
• Champ-Sys Base Layer, sleeveness, white. Medium, unused. $10
• Champ-Sys Wind vest, full sleeve, rear pocket. Small, very light use, $20
  
• Champ-Sys Neo Tech Fleece winter jacket. Medium, very light use. Was $192, now $100.
• DeFeet Kissena Socks, light. Large, unopened. $10 each, two available.

I would gladly take the:

• Champ-Sys 3/4 Bib Shorts. Medium, light fleece, tags till on. $50
• Champ-Sys Base Layer, sleeveness, white. Medium, unused. $10
• Champ-Sys Neo Tech Fleece winter jacket. Medium, very light use. Was $192, now $100.
• DeFeet Kissena Socks, light. Large, unopened. $10 each, 

If still available.
Thank you

cross-posted on the for sale thread


FREE CYCLING CLOTHING

EF's kit feels pretty mehhhh this year. Big fan of the Israel Start Up Nation's, *chef's kiss*

Matt Budofsky said:

EF's kit feels pretty mehhhh this year. Big fan of the Israel Start Up Nation's, *chef's kiss*

:firah:

It's a good way to support EF's worldview.

A bit too symmetrical though.

Loving the retro Cannondale block letter branding!

mugwump said:

cross-posted on the for sale thread


FREE CYCLING CLOTHING

OLD KISSENA DESIGN.  Still Champ-Sys product and sizing.

4 jerseys - 2 small, 1 medium, 1 large (pretty sure tech short sleeve)
2 bibs - medium (tech)
1 skinsuit - medium
1 wind jacket - large - new still in wrapping 
1 pair socks 

This is from Josh Parker, a Kissena member about a decade ago, who is sitting on the stuff and not using it. (don't know if he'd get back into racing again, but he was a strong category IV racer who pulled off an amazing win at the Fitchburg stage race, by soloing to win the final stage criterium)

Jerseys?  Trainer days or rainy days or mudfests or all three.  

bibs?  Still blue body, just orange side panels.  Coordinates with current design.
Skinsut?  Trainer or base layer.
Wind jacket?  It works.
Socks?  Coordinates.

josh.parker234@gmail.com

Here's Eloy rocking the look at a CX race.  
(hopefully I have permission to post here)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/groovylab/2081930115/in/pool-kissena/

Thank you! I missed the order and am looking to pick up some threads in the meantime. I reached out. 

Bram - note that the kit being offered above is for the pre-2012 design. Still good, but not the white or blue design you've seen on club members

Is it time for an ultra fashion alternative Kissena kit?

DiegoSanchez said:

Is it time for an ultra fashion alternative Kissena kit?

WE DID DONUTS JERSEY FOR 2021. Wait for what we have in store in 2022.

Hey guys - missed the kit order this time around and registered for my first race in June. Would love to buy some secondhand kit suitable to race in to hold me until the next order. 

Looking for bibs (M) and jersey (M) to start, but open to other gear if anyone is looking to sell something. 

Feel free to email me at bnvandermark@gmail.com if you have anything! Thank you! 

@bramvandermark we have some new member jerseys on the way. Will send a note when they arrive.

After the zipper busted on my Castelli time trial booties--turns out that after either being stretched to the limit or sitting unused, the stitching at the rear zipper  eventually gives way--I decided to go for the rubbers; VeloToze.


So far, I likes.  

I'm actually on my second pair.  The first pair somehow came loose on my legs during the rainy Central Park TT.  I asked VT about this, and they sent me a new pair.  

They are a pain to get on.  You have to put them on up to your ankle before you put on your shoes and when you take them off, you stretch them back over your shoes to your ankles before removing shoes.   And they don't seem like they should be durable; I've dug a finger into them to pull them on and digging too hard does leave a permanent deformation that you only see after you take them off.  

But, on Saturday, at around 50ish f, they worked for seven hours.  They were a bit warm yet ok before the rain and did their job of keeping rain out and sweat in during the ride.  a thin layer of grit did seep from above into my socks, but that's about it for noticeable seepage.  I think I'd wear them on slightly warmer wet days.  Not sure about how much colder they'd be good for. 

And Kissena Orange is another plus.

Anyone else have experience with these?