Team Kit Order - Forum Archive

Aug 14, 2023 at 11:42 AM

I didn't mean to belittle the work put in by the board , I'd love new kit from a "cool" brand , but if we cant get the items we need , I'm sure folks were looking for skinsuits in time for cross etc , then it appears , from the outside , that we are changing for changes sake

David Yang

Aug 15, 2023 at 10:07 PM

Mark and all, no offense or belittlement taken - I know it is frustrating as kit is such a fundamental part of the club and the sport. If there is a startup with VC funding looking to disrupt something (for the better, dear lord), please let it be custom bike kits.

Apologies on my part, we could have been more transparent in the process, but hopefully with the dust settling a bit this context will be helpful.

Earlier this year, Champ Sys USA was slowly imploding. The details are a bit hazy for us too, but there seems to have been a change in ownership, some falling out between people and a general sense of chaos internally. Communication and news to their customers was sporadic at best and personalized service was nonexistent. At one point this Spring we literally couldn't get them to answer any of our emails, it was that bad.

We wanted to be proactive so started soliciting other brands. The club has talked about different kit sponsors over the years and this seemed like a good opportunity to get serious about it. Eliel and Le Col were the most promising and we gave Le Col an opportunity based on the club's close relationship with Charlie. While I don't think our first order with them is indicative of our collective purchasing power, the strict limitations around min qty per style/piece and premium pricing is definitely a hurdle for the future.

Right after the Le Col order closed we tried again to reach out to CS and right on cue, we immediately got a response back! I guess they bulked up their service team - good news! While we don't have a dedicated rep anymore, the one person we've been in comms has been very communicative and helpful. I'm hopeful this is a sign of better days ahead for them and a reliable partner for their customers.

With story time out of the way, we're very excited that we're ready to open up a standard CS store very, very soon so we can get our kit on!

Again apologies for the journey we're putting you through, but hoping for smoother sailing ahead.

Cheers!

Mark Taylor

Aug 15, 2023 at 11:38 PM

David , again , we all know and love how much work you all put in
🤞

Joe Matunis

Aug 16, 2023 at 12:06 AM

Thanks for the insights and updates David. This seems like it's been a real pain in the neck. As Mark said: much love and appreciation for all the work you put into this.

Jules

Aug 16, 2023 at 07:24 PM

If anyone wants to "feel the burn", feel free to poll the market of kit manufacturers and fill out a matrix of delivery time, cost, frequency, minimum order sizes, online store, collation, kit piece offerings, quality, design process/demands, pricing and fair trade manufacturing. After that get sample boxes from your top choices, compare and then go through the process of getting our designs onto their kit, then evaluating what they actually manufacture...

If Champsys has come back to the table and things seem more or less status quo that's probably a huge win in the long run.

David Yang

Aug 17, 2023 at 02:43 PM

In the spirit of what every New Yorker knows is the best bagel flavor, we’re happy to announce the Kissena Fall 2023 Everything Store! While the Le Col order provided the basics, this one has it all, from gilets to jackets, skinsuits to socks, caps to shoe covers and everything in between.

IMPORTANT STUFF

STORE LINK HERE
Store is open now through Monday August 28th, 2023.
Descriptions of different product lines are here.
Sizing guide is here.
Lead time is approximately 4wks from store close.
Shipping is direct to your home.

So go nuts, get those aero socks for marginal gains to win the state line sprint and a winter kit so you can join our epic Super Bowl Ride in comfort. No matter what, you’re going to look sharp!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5019667/uploads/editor/8e/vd0grjnalrw8.jpg

GrantSeltzer

Aug 17, 2023 at 09:12 PM

All of us right now

StephenAschkenes

Aug 23, 2023 at 03:06 PM

Cross-posting! Helmet for Sale

https://forum-archive.kissenacycling.com/discussion/20-p121.html#Comment_121172

David Yang

Aug 28, 2023 at 01:48 PM

David Yang said:

In the spirit of what every New Yorker knows is the best bagel flavor, we’re happy to announce the Kissena Fall 2023 Everything Store! While the Le Col order provided the basics, this one has it all, from gilets to jackets, skinsuits to socks, caps to shoe covers and everything in between.

IMPORTANT STUFF
STORE LINK HERE
Store is open now through Monday August 28th, 2023.
Descriptions of different product lines are here.
Sizing guide is here.
Lead time is approximately 4wks from store close.
Shipping is direct to your home.
So go nuts, get those aero socks for marginal gains to win the state line sprint and a winter kit so you can join our epic Super Bowl Ride in comfort. No matter what, you’re going to look sharp!

****REMINDER: TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO GET YOUR ORDERS IN!****

GrantSeltzer

Sep 18, 2023 at 07:19 PM

Got my champ sys order today. Happy with the quality!

Jules

Sep 18, 2023 at 08:55 PM

GrantSeltzer said:

Got my champ sys order today. Happy with the quality!

2013 is on the floor unconscious... lol

David Yang

Sep 18, 2023 at 10:07 PM

I will say the last few years outside of a few specific pieces, the fabric and construction have been really high across the board. Even compared to maybe just before the pandemic the quality has improved.

David Yang

Sep 19, 2023 at 12:38 AM

Received my order package too. This might be the absolute quickest I’ve ever had a kit order fulfilled. I’m so so glad CS sorted themselves out.

David Yang

Oct 03, 2023 at 11:59 AM

Quick update on the custom Le Col order - they confirmed delivery is going out this week!

They also have extras on 2 x SS jerseys (sizes s and xs) and 1 x bib shorts (size s) for purchase if anyone is interested. Prices are GBP 65 and 75 respectively. Let me know if interested!

Mark Taylor

Oct 10, 2023 at 11:15 PM

My Le Col stuff arrived to day , it’s very Sexy

David Yang

Oct 11, 2023 at 01:02 AM

Same, just received and it's very rico suave, materials, print and construction feel very premium. The small jersey fits me great but I could have squeezed into an XS. I definitely could have fit into an XS bib though!

eloy

Oct 11, 2023 at 05:57 PM

Got mine too. The shorts specially stand out as very premium.

I wanna thank the board and Dave in particular for all the help keeping us kitted up.

-- I would still vote for champion, as their quality is also great, the selection of accesories is pretty great (hats, socks, gloves, vests) specially now that they have their act together.

AndrewJohnson

Oct 15, 2023 at 02:21 AM

I received my Le Col order this past week. Bibs and SS jersey. Overall I like the fit, the jersey fits like my first CS jersey which finally tore and I can no longer wear it. I'm so sad since the other jerseys I own do not fit as well. I didn't get a chance to test the rear pockets but they do appear not to be located in my shoulder blades which means I should be able to reach them. I had my vest over the jersey for the ride due to the cool temps and wind.

The colors on LC are a tad off from the CS clothing I have. The blue and orange is a bit different so it kinda contrasted with my arm and knee warmers.

The shorts fit well. The CS shorts tend to be baggy in the groin area but tight around the quads (which makes my legs look more impressive than the really are

). The one thing I do not prefer about the LC shorts is the inseam length. I prefer the inseam to be a tad shorter, but besides that I am pleased.

Photo at sunset after I dropped my bike and bent my DR hanger causing me to limp home :'( .

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5019667/uploads/editor/q6/4mytvwnipwrj.jpg

GregHoge

Nov 21, 2023 at 05:38 PM

In the spirit of what every New Yorker knows is the best bagel flavor, we’re happy to announce the Kissena Winter 2023 Everything Store!! Its got it all, from gilets to jackets, skinsuits to socks, caps to shoe covers and everything in between.

IMPORTANT STUFF

STORE LINK IS HERE
Store is open now through Monday December 4th, 2023.
Descriptions of different product lines is here.
Sizing guide is here.
Lead time is approximately 4wks from store close.
Shipping is direct to your home.

So go nuts, get those aero socks for the marginal gains to win the state line sprint and a winter kit so you can join our epic Super Bowl Ride in comfort. No matter what, you're going to look sharp!

LennartZandbergen

Nov 22, 2023 at 06:16 PM

How good the Apex winter jacket? I want to have a Kissena jacket, but it's more expensive than Castelli's Perfetto, which I know for sure is perfect in pretty much all <50F circumstances

PatrickGrehan

Nov 22, 2023 at 07:34 PM

I haven't used the Perfetto, but I have the Apex winter jacket and wear it throughout the winter including on rides in the low 30s. I will use that jacket on most rides in the 30s and 40s and adjust my base layer choice based on the temperature. With ANY winter jacket you want a base layer that will keep you dry (e.g. wool). I will often have another thin layer before putting on the winter jacket on the coldest of days

Jules

Nov 22, 2023 at 07:34 PM

LennartZandbergen said:

How good the Apex winter jacket? I want to have a Kissena jacket, but it's more expensive than Castelli's Perfetto, which I know for sure is perfect in pretty much all <50F circumstances

It's pretty good...

eloy

Nov 22, 2023 at 08:11 PM

I have a Performance winter jacket (one lower than the Apex) I really like the jacket, high quality, rear pockets, and it is super warm.

I find that I don't ride it that much, because at the temperatures it makes sense (for <40F) I might actually be on zwift. My main use might be for cx course recon and to head to the start, that is pre or post ride/race

Hope this helps, your mileage will vary.

https://champ-sys.com/products/thermoshield-winter-jacket

mugwump

Nov 22, 2023 at 08:51 PM

I'm also a big fan of my Performance Winter Jacket.

It's what I wear when it's below 40f, and, as Patrick noted, I vary the base layer(s) depending on the temperature and the effort. Typically, a single long-sleeve layer into the low 30s, and, from there, I have either a vest or a sleeveless base layer, or both going down to 15f.

It's also super-durable. I have one from 2007 or thereabouts that still works. I finally went for the updated design about five years ago. And this jacket is still in very good shape.

While I typically wear Small jerseys, I went for the Medium in this item, to better fit layers underneath.

All this written, they've updated the design to set-in sleeves rather than raglan, which is what my version has.

LennartZandbergen

Nov 22, 2023 at 09:46 PM

Awesome, thanks all! I'll go for the performance jacket.

eloy

Nov 22, 2023 at 09:57 PM

In case it is any help, my performance winter jacket is size small (race cut)

mugwump

Dec 05, 2023 at 02:32 AM

Ack! I'm always racing the deadline.

It seems to have closed early as it's 9:31pm on December 4, 2023.

GregHoge

Dec 05, 2023 at 03:45 AM