While I am sure JP or someone else can give you a more detailed analysis, what level you buy will be based on your budget and how you like your gear to fit.

The tech stuff is fine for racing and training. It’s a great option if you are on a budget. Solid. 

The apex stuff is their most technically sophisticated aero stuff. Fits more snug like aero should. Show off your bulging biceps if you look like Ricky. The bibs have a different design than tech and will also fit more snug. 

The he performance stuff is somewhere in between tech and apex. Works well as a middle option but I prefer tech or apex. I didn’t really have a problem with the performance stuff, I think it’s a matter of preference.

one more thing. You’ll be getting this kit in late March and using it through the season. Buy with that weather in mind. You’ll get more mileage out of bibs and short sleeve jersey + arm and leg/knee warmers than long sleeve jersey and tights/knickers. Not that you shouldn’t order the long sleeve stuff, but members on a budget will get more bang for the buck with arm/knee warmers. 

Awesome, thanks for the rundown!

Mark Taylor said:

Am i in "good standing " , because i cant seem to access the store

Mark - is there a problem with the URL? Anyone else having issues?

I asked ChampSys to visit their office in Williamsburg to try on samples, and I'm glad they let me. This was 2016 when I was making my first Kissena kit order. I'm 6 feet and weigh 162 lbs, +/- 5 lbs., and I was surprised at my sizes. (XS arm warmers and XL gloves??) Unless you and a partner are really meticulous with their sizing charts and a tape measure, or you're familiar with ChampSys gear, making a visit will be well worth your time. One of my overarching lessons is to size down, because you're likely to lose weight as your training and racing ramps up.

I get to the Kissena cycling club order now page , but no images come up 

Jim
can you recsend the invite email 

Max’s idea is a good one... except that Champion Systems moved out of state. Best to ask for advice on the forum or ask to try on a friendly teammate’s kit if you proportions are not “average”

Link works fine for me 

I have the same problem as @Mark Taylor I have logged in and created an account, clicked on "Order Now" and it just brings me to a page that says "Kissena Cycling Club Store" and nothing else (screenshot attached)

Try closing out and using the link again.

Otherwise I'll email CS and ask.

The link brings me here, is that correct?

Nathaniel Picard Busky said:

The link brings me here, is that correct?

Yes, now go where it says Sign In, and follow the instructions in the email.

I log in but can’t get past this

Mark - I have no idea if it works on mobile. I'll ask Chris. Have you done it on mobile before? And are you sure the URL is correct? This screen is what you see when you just go to the main CS website and log into your account. You need to use the link I sent to get to the particular store.

I tried it at work on a desk top
same result 

Mark I’m having the same issue as you.  Did you get past the blank Club Store page, because I can't.  Anyone else having problems?

Jim
can you re email the link 

Used the link , all good , Thanks Jim

I used the link in the email and was all good. 

Does anyone know what the difference(s) are between 'performance Intermediate jacket' & 'performance winter jacket?' Interested in buying a long-sleeve jersey/jacket I can wear for the early spring or late fall races. There was a blue fleece-lined option from the last order that would be perfect in the traditional Kissena white, but do not remember what it was called (Champsys doesnt itemize receipts).

John - I didn't see an option for the long sleeve tech fleece jersey when I set up the store. I have asked Chris at CS for clarification. Will let you know.

Also, the proof for warmers (leg/knee/arm) was out dated so we are working on getting that also added to the store.

Mark Taylor said:

Used the link , all good , Thanks Jim

Cool

Matt Budofsky said:

Can someone who's ordered before give a quick pro/con of the different levels of kit?

I think @PatrickGrehan gave a great summary.

If you dig into the specifics, you'll see that the mid-range Performance stuff has jersey materials and fit a bit closer to the Tech stuff and the Performance shorts are a bit closer to the Apex in terms of paneling and materials.

The Tech stuff is, on balance, probably a bit more durable in terms of abuse in washing machines and dryers when compared to Apex.  The jerseys don't stretch as much as the other tops and I don't think there are chamois options for the shorts.

If someone is starting out and wondering the way to have some clothes without breaking the bank, the traditional way to begin is with two short sleeve jerseys and two shorts.  That way, you can easily race two days in a row, or wreck one kit and still have something left until the next ordering window.   

Add to that a vest, and you've got even more range.  Warmers further the range, but many already have these items, so this is something to hold off on unless you have sufficient cheddar.

Looking at the "summer" versus regular tops, I don't think there's much difference until you get the Apex range.  Some prefer to go with the "summer" stuff as they layer more underneath on the cooler days and then have light stuff for the hot days, while others find the regular stuff light enough.   

Looking at vests, I think the Tech vest is preferable to Performance, as the Performance has heavier shoulder panels and pockets, which make it a bit less easy to stuff into a jersey pocket.

Champ-Sys and Kissena have provided us the Paradox of Choice problem.  I'd suggest new members see if they can try on stuff from those who already have the threads.  Seems like the Kit Connoisseur thread is great for those questions as well.

https://forum-archive.kissenacycling.com/discussion/1008-p27.html#Comment_102005

Team,

There has been a bit of confusion with the ChampSys kit store. Somehow the blue kit proofs got added to the currently open store. Unfortunately we are unable to order them in the same store with the traditional white kit. I know a few of you have placed an order for blue items. If you did, you should have heard from ChampSys regarding either cancelling those items or changing them to white kit. Let me know if you did not.

Also, ChampSys has new designs for the warmers (arm/knee/leg) that need to be created for our kit and the proof approved. Since its Chinese New Year it will take a few extra days to get these items in the store. We hope that will happen by early next week at the latest. I will ask them to keep the store open a few extra days to make sure everyone has a chance to order those items.

Let me know if you encounter any other issues.

Cheers,

Jim

jim_nelson said:

Also, ChampSys has new designs for the warmers (arm/knee/leg) that need to be created for our kit and the proof approved. Since its Chinese New Year it will take a few extra days to get these items in the store. We hope that will happen by early next week at the latest. I will ask them to keep the store open a few extra days to make sure everyone has a chance to order those items.

Any word on the warmers?

Will the store stay open until they appear?

JP,

At this point it looks like the warmers may not be ready for the current store. I already asked them to keep the store open a couple of extra days (until Friday midnight) but that may be cutting it close.

We plan to open a blue kit store soon and I'll plan to include them in that store so everyone will have a bit more time to order. 

Stay tuned.

Jim - thanks for setting up the kit store. 

So it looks like Champion is no longer selling the Tech Fleece Long Sleeve jersey we had in our last order. I guess their new Apex Weather Guard Long Sleeve jersey is the nearest replacement...?

Actually, I just read on their site that the Performance Intermediate Jacket is their replacement for the long sleeve Tech Fleece Jersey. FYI

Apparently its called "Performance Intermediate Jacket" now. Upgrading my blues to racing whites