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Kit Connoisseur

1364 comments · 17487 views
niallsmart
Dec 11, 2021 at 06:06 PM
Hey all, I'm giving away some new / nearly new Kissena gear ... available for pickup in Clinton Hill or GAP. 

* 3/4 Fleece Bib Shorts Size M (New)
* White Sleeveless Base Layer Size M (Basically new)
* Long Sleeved Shell Jacket Size S (Basically new)

Please send me a DM on the forums if interested...

mugwump
Jan 03, 2022 at 03:48 PM
On the ride yesterday, as our feet (well, not Patrick's, unless he was bathing his dogs in sweat), were getting wet from the road spray and rain, we were talking about what shoes and/or covers might work for a long, cold, wet gravel race.

Patrick was rocking a discontinued Lake mtb model, a design I like the look of, mostly because it's waterproof and not insulated and appears to do a good job of holding down feet.  I have the Fizik Arctica MTB shoe, which is ok, but I don't feel secure in it when throwing down hard efforts.  At least it has inserts for toe spikes, which the Specialized winter shoe (I think now discontinued) did not.

so I've been wondering bout these options....

Shoe covers:

Specialized has one that is supposed to work with MTB shoes.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/element-shoe-covers/p/187967?color=302389-187967

Pearl Izumi has two

https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/amfib-shoe-cover-14382001?variant=40647608139947

https://www.pearlizumi.com/products/p-r-o-barrier-wxb-mtb-shoe-cover-14381704?variant=40648836546731

VeloToze has one.  I have the road version.  They work well so long as you don't mind soaking from the inside, but take quite a bit of care (tricky to put on, slow to remove, need to be coated with talcum powder in a short window between when it dries and when it sticks to itself).  

https://www.velotoze.com/collections/shoe-covers/products/tall-shoe-cover-gravel-mtb

In all of the above, the big problem, as I see it, is that the toe will wear out relatively quickly when walking/running on it.  Because of the wear issues, the VeloToze has the benefit of being the cheapest option.  It's waterproof, but not insulated and doesn't breathe, so it has limited value for longer cold efforts.

Shoe wise, there's:

Lake

https://www.lakecycling.com/collections/winter

45nrth

https://45nrth.com/products/footwear

Fizik

https://www.fizik.com/us_en/artica-x5.html

Giro: This shoe is new and it appears to be out of stock.  The upper is similar in design to the Fizik, but looks like it both has a better inner shoe and might be more breathable.

https://www.giro.com/p/blaze-winter-shoe/350060001000000001.html


I'm sure there are others.  

James Reeder
Jan 03, 2022 at 08:59 PM
I was looking at these, too:

https://www.castelli-cycling.com/us/pioggia-3-shoecover/p/451653921A-010

the problem i find with shoe covers like the Pearl Izumi mtb shoe cover with larger opening that's meant to clear the tread is that when walking, pushing up even a slight incline, the front of the cover will slide up onto the top of the shoe (it's very very annoying)
Mark Taylor
Jan 03, 2022 at 09:21 PM
I just ordered these , i really struggle with cold feet and will probably use over shoes also on cold days 

https://northwave.us/products/northwave-celius-r-artic-gtx

Jules
Jan 04, 2022 at 05:44 AM
Guys, guys…

https://45nrth.com/products/footwear
GregHoge
Jan 04, 2022 at 09:56 AM
I've got a pair of like new Specialized Defroster Road shoes, size 44, if anyone's interested. 
eloy
Jan 05, 2022 at 08:25 AM
A few quick thoughts… based on my own use…
  • First consideration is how often you ride gravel off road at truly cold temperatures. I can ride comfortably down to 20*F but Because of Zwift, I hardly ever go out below 34*F
  • Trails, like Cunningham, the woods and slow speed keep you warm, no much other than wool socks are needed down to the low 30s
  • A thick (even old) wool camping socks can work perfectly as an oversock/bootie — cut a hole where the cleat needs to be (any fabric bootie could do here)
  • Throw in a heat pack if you need
  • else any bootie would do, same as road 
  • Remove the spikes if you care about the bootie
Enjoy, and let’s go ride bikes!
JohnMalcolmson
Jan 05, 2022 at 08:48 AM
Mark Taylor said:
I just ordered these , i really struggle with cold feet and will probably use over shoes also on cold days 

https://northwave.us/products/northwave-celius-r-artic-gtx

These look dead sexy Mark. Would love to hear how these work out... by the looks of it they threaded the needle on weight v warmth v normal shoe feel. 
Mark Taylor
Jan 05, 2022 at 10:24 AM
JohnMalcolmson said:
Mark Taylor said:
I just ordered these , i really struggle with cold feet and will probably use over shoes also on cold days 

https://northwave.us/products/northwave-celius-r-artic-gtx

These look dead sexy Mark. Would love to hear how these work out... by the looks of it they threaded the needle on weight v warmth v normal shoe feel. 
$214 , from Probikekit , seemed like a good deal
Mark Taylor
Jan 05, 2022 at 10:30 AM
Agree with Eloy with everything he said about off road / gravel etc ,
I very rarely do anything longer than2 hours off road , I don’t do indoor , if it’s to cold I Trail ride ,
it’s the 4-5 hours on the road where I struggle , the Fizik boots I found no better that neoprene over shoes
chemical ties warmers I hadn’t thought about using👍

Jules
Jan 18, 2022 at 10:16 PM
It’s time for some new shoes. Last pair of road shoes was purchased when Moser raced in Prospect Park (for all my efforts that morning I got my old pair stolen)

im leaning towards specialized, as I want fewer shims, and road shoes because I’d like to run my speed play cleats or even (gasp) try some road DA pedals.

suggestins?
eloy
Jan 18, 2022 at 11:16 PM
Specialized makes awesome shoes. If they fit, don't hesitate. So does Lake, Giro, Bont, etc, etc... my point is that shoes is where our mileage will vary the most.

You know this, what matters most is fit. What shoe have you been wearing? is there a similar model, updated I presume, for it? I would suggest that's your number one choice.
Jules
Jan 19, 2022 at 12:40 AM
I’ve I’ve been wearing Sidis for longer than I can remember but I blundered into them; not a choice made by any kind of comparison. This feels like a year to try something new.
mugwump
Jan 19, 2022 at 01:10 AM
@Jules

If you use custom insoles, Specialized can throw a wrench in things with the slight Varus tilt built into the sole.

Sidis traditionally comes with a barely-there insole, so if you've been using that, most other shoes will feel quite different.  If you have an aftermarket insole, do install those in the new shoes, at least for the first rides.

I'm on my fifth pair of S-Works road shoes.  Been happy with them.  Would have gotten my sixth pair last summer, but supply issues have me waiting still.  With my mileage, I find I replace the dials every six-9 months.  Boa makes it easy with a warranty.  


GregHoge
Jan 19, 2022 at 01:15 AM
I wear Specialized Sworks 6 shoes.  I really like the double 2-way boa; they make on-the -fly adjustments a breeze.  Highly recommend.  

I had a pair of Bonts for a season a few years ago, but wasn't really impressed.  They cupped foot bed ended up slowly digging into my foot and making a hole in the lining of the shoe.
PatrickGrehan
Jan 19, 2022 at 02:36 AM
I really like my Giro Imperial shoes with dual boa. Very light and comfortable. Only caveat is that they are not a cold weather shoe as the material is light
Mark Taylor
Jan 19, 2022 at 12:51 PM
Get a pair that fit and look nice , all brands offer this option 
Matt Budofsky
Jan 19, 2022 at 04:08 PM
Throwing another one in for specialized. I've been in s-works (6 and 7) for the past few years and have loved them. 

For what's its worth, I did notice that the sole of my current pair has a hair line crack in the carbon on one of them and I'm working through the warranty process now (remains to be seen how smoothly it goes).
David Yang
Jan 19, 2022 at 05:50 PM
My friend who is more into gear than actually riding bikes ordered a custom pair of Bont shoes for tooling around on a Peloton over the pandemic. We happen to have the same size foot and I thought they were pretty dang nice for the cost. 

https://www.bontcycling.com/

eloy
Jan 26, 2022 at 04:01 PM
EF Education-EasyPost & EF Education-TIBCO-SVB looking sharp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYsBL94p2jg
eloy
Jan 26, 2022 at 04:08 PM
https://instagram.com/p/CZHudMFIw5t/embed/


https://instagram.com/p/CZMiYI0ouLv/embed/



Matt Budofsky
Jan 26, 2022 at 06:01 PM
I feel like new kit has been rolled out very very slowly this year. Is it actually any slower or am I losing my mind?
Mark Taylor
Jan 26, 2022 at 06:14 PM
I'm digging the green shorts 
mugwump
Jan 26, 2022 at 10:14 PM
Matt Budofsky said:
I feel like new kit has been rolled out very very slowly this year. Is it actually any slower or am I losing my mind?
I assume it had to do with finalizing sponsors and their commitments.  The TIBCO integration/expansion came sufficiently late that I'm wondering if it was the piece of the puzzle they were waiting for.
Matt Budofsky
Jan 27, 2022 at 07:13 PM
For what's its worth, I did notice that the sole of my current pair has a hair line crack in the carbon on one of them and I'm working through the warranty process now (remains to be seen how smoothly it goes).
For anyone that has any interest in this- the warranty claim was completed in less than a week and I have a new pair of S-Work 7s waiting for me at Bicycle Habitat in Park Slope. Overall, it was a seamless warranty experience. Only negative is my shoes were the TDU special colorway (blue to yellow fade) and the replacement are black (no option of any other color given), which is a bummer.
JonathanAdler
Feb 22, 2022 at 08:23 PM
Anyone know if/how I might acquire this kit? I need to have it.

https://nyvelocity.com/articles/features/kit-watch-jonathan-adler-racing/




Also, how did I not know that JA used to sponsor CRCA??
eloy
Feb 22, 2022 at 09:32 PM
JonathanAdler said:
Anyone know if/how I might acquire this kit? I need to have it.

https://nyvelocity.com/articles/features/kit-watch-jonathan-adler-racing/




Also, how did I not know that JA used to sponsor CRCA??
"Adler rode a smart race"

JA sponsored a CRCA sub team. Was super cool and sweet for a few seasons. Some of the former members are still around, I imagine that only a few kits were printed, but if you ask around, you might be able to find one.

Dan Chabanov famously (or infamously) left Kissena for Adler a long long long time ago and won his first adler race, Supercross (B men, 2009 I think)



When you joined, I double checked if it was you or not 
mugwump
Feb 23, 2022 at 03:02 PM
@JonathanAdler

I think it was because a marketing person for Adler was also racing bikes.  That guy was Jay Fitzgerald maybe.

All the same, I'd suggest tracking down Greg Olsen.  He was a sponsor of that squad, I believe he's the reason they picked up Chabanov and many others.  He's still sponsoring a CRCA sub team I believe.  He's Lenox Advisors.

https://www.lenoxadvisors.com/About/Our-Team/Individual-Details/Advisor/Gregory-L-Olsen
mugwump
Mar 16, 2022 at 02:15 PM
Apropos of nothing, I just came across a Dutch business that makes skins for bike computers.  They've got both designs and a custom tool.  They also make them for cranks and other components.

https://wrapmybike.shop/product/wahoo-skins-design-your-own/

and a helmet-wrapping course on their website

https://wrapmybike.shop/courses/
Matt Budofsky
Mar 16, 2022 at 06:02 PM
mugwump said:
@JonathanAdler

All the same, I'd suggest tracking down Greg Olsen.  He was a sponsor of that squad, I believe he's the reason they picked up Chabanov and many others.  He's still sponsoring a CRCA sub team I believe.  He's Lenox Advisors.

https://www.lenoxadvisors.com/About/Our-Team/Individual-Details/Advisor/Gregory-L-Olsen
I actually randomly met Greg last year riding up to Piermont and we chatted the whole way up. Super nice guy (and puts in massive work on Zwift)