Everyone loves Rapha, but is it really worth it?  Is the Gabba jersey all that?  Why do these gloves fit funny?  Has anyone found a winter bootie that doesn't disintegrate within a month?

for those contemplating endurance v. performance chamois: in my limited personal experience, the endurance is substantially thinner and results in more posterior numbness than the performance chamois.  i will not be ordering the endurance this time around.  however, most of my rides are under 2 hours: i am not the rider who needs the smoother texture of the endurance chamois to prevent chafing on long, long rides.  my guess is that's where it shines.

Blue vs Orange... battle on.

This discussion was created from comments split from: Team Kit Order.

I don't know if Blue vs. Orange is the accurate battle.  Orange is the old endurance chamois, light blue is the new endurance chamois.  The current peformance pad is Red.

perhaps we should rename this thread "Team Kit Order Discussion"? that way people can have a place to discuss the sort of questions i was hoping to answer by posting information about pieces of clothing we have to buy. the questions/preferences about kit that are now being posted (and not deleted/moved) to the team kit order thread are in the same category as my post was here ("does anyone know ____ about the team kit?").  perhaps "chamois choice" is a little too topical for one thread

I like to layer them.  First I use a pair of the regular "grey" bibs which I use inside out because I find there is less friction with the straight lycra.  Then, I apply a thin (but not too thin) layer of sunscreen - spray on, not the tube - over which I I put the blue chamois bibs.  Then I wrap my entire crotch with an ace bandage and stuff myself into some very sheer compression stockings.

Nah, just how Canadians wear their shorts.

Aaron Blum said:

Crotch Rituals

I've never had a problem with the performance (red) chamois.  I did a 6 hour fondo ride last year in them and they were fine.

I guess this is where I ask questions about fit.

Jules said:

Everyone loves Rapha, but is it really worth it?  Is the Gabba jersey all that?  Why do these gloves fit funny?  Has anyone found a winter bootie that doesn't disintegrate within a month?

Jules, I usually get two winters out of my primary winter bootie.  But I prefer very thin, windproof/water-resistant ones to thick neoprene.  I also make sure that my bootie-clad shoe and ankle clear the chainstay and crank without touching either.  And I always get booties where there is a heel cutout.  For the previous four winters I've been using Capo WindTex booties, One set for two years, and now another set for another two, but I'm in the market for another set and the second one is nearing disintegration.

@Wump I wear the mediums if that is any help.  You could also spin by their office (not very convenient I know) and try some on.  Next time I'll get a full compliment of warmers.

mugwump said:

I guess this is where I ask questions about fit.

So, the latest iteration of Champion-System warmers: Arm, Knee, and Leg.  There are no samples in the kit sample boxes at Ride Brooklyn.  So, I'd love to know...

what size should I get in C-S leg warmers?  I typically get mediums, but as I'm currently wearing their small shorts, I'm wondering if I should size down.  My jeans have a 30" inseam and at my shorts tan-line, the circumference of my leg is around 19.5"

I wear a small shorts, but have the medium warmers. On me the length is about right, and I don't think I could go any smaller without cutting off the circulation to my thighs. 

Assos makes some of the best winter gear (and their catalog is the best ( . Y . ) ; but for the money its tough to beat pearl izumi at least on the booties and full pants. I have a capo but there are many good ones out there, think the base layers are more important. I good silk shirt from EMS or a similar outdoors store will be your best friend. I have yet to find a good pair of gloves that aren't either ski gloves or leave my hands freezing, if anyone has input here that would be great.  Of note, I have feet and hand issues with the cold (everything else I run hot) so keep that in mind.  Of course I like Capo, Assos (and have heard good things about Rapha) however I don't want to look like one of those overweight 40 year old dudes riding a $10k pinarello fully kitted out

Champion Systems Race Gloves

i bought some nifty black training gloves at Ride Brooklyn last year - they have small loops under 2 of the fingers on each hand that make it really easy to pull them off.  you don't know the loops are there when you're riding - and i've never noticed them affecting the feel of my grip on the bar.

Yeah I've had gloves with loops; I think CS gloves have them too and the race gloves have some funky bits of fabric in odd places that I suspect are similarly intended as "handles"

Jules said:

Yeah I've had gloves with loops; I think CS gloves have them too and the race gloves have some funky bits of fabric in odd places that I suspect are similarly intended as "handles"

the velcro-backed gloves have extra material on the palm side under the fingers for yanking.  Most don't know its there.

I've been using the CS race gloves all season.  Coming from midrange Specialized gloves that seemed to fit me best in the local shops, the race ones have been more comfortable so far.  The little leather tabs don't work quite as well as full on loops, but I take off gloves from the wrist anyway so I can wash the insides which get all funky and stinky.

Full disclosure: The main reason I've desperately wanted a new kit order was to replace the race gloves which have become super grody.

I agree they are sweet, sweet gloves.  Gonna go order me some now...

Question on the thermoshield pro jacket -- Does everyone usually size up on these? Or is it cut a little differently? Was thinking about stopping by Ride, but not sure if this is included in the fit kit there.

@Adam there is no jacket at ride. If you are thin you don't need to size up. Sleeve length should be your guide.

Got it. Thanks @Jules. I'm wearing a small jersey these days, but afraid of going too small or too large with the jacket. I'll measure my arms and go from there.

This one is for @Owens who loves him some high end kit:

Gabba Jersey - it's all that.

"Ninjas with sensitive hands"

Marc Bertucco said:

"Ninjas with sensitive hands"

If that doesn't spell "H.O.T.L.I.S.T." I don't know what does...

Picked up my order...the pro jacket is so...pro...can't wait for it to get cold enough to use!

Leg/knee/arm warmers are totally sweet too.

And finally I have clean summer gloves...just in time for Autumn weather!

 

FWIW, I saw the new Richard Sachs kit and bike this weekend, and it looks really sharp. Retro, without being faded and dusty like Rapha-Focus. And while I would never say it to Mr. Sachs himself, his paint scheme of previous years, just didn't represent the mythical "you can't have me" status of his frames. This year, they are all looking very nice.

Yeah. Didnt see the kit, but ran into the duo on way to Vermont last Friday. The brick red bikes with lattice work paint look nice.

I rather like the rapha focus color scheme, just not the giant white block on the front. But I suppose it makes the sponsor logos stand out.

What's weird to me is that RaphaFocus cut their squad to THREE people. One girl. They sell $500 bibs/jersey combos and other crazy priced stuff (I know, they're no Assos $520 bib shorts with the banana hammock). And they're opening a store in the Meatpacking. But they decimated their cx team? I guess Sky really took a toll.

Jeff Owens said:

Yeah. Didnt see the kit, but ran into the duo on way to Vermont last Friday. The brick red bikes with lattice work paint look nice. I rather like the rapha focus color scheme, just not the giant white block on the front. But I suppose it makes the sponsor logos stand out. What's weird to me is that RaphaFocus cut their squad to THREE people. One girl. They sell $500 bibs/jersey combos and other crazy priced stuff (I know, they're no Assos $520 bib shorts with the banana hammock). And they're opening a store in the Meatpacking. But they decimated their cx team? I guess Sky really took a toll.

Who is their team this year? Powers, Day, Zach?