Cycling clothes review

**Wumpus** · 02-23-2009, 05:11 AM

Maybe these would work.

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=22-995

If you are going to put in any miles, you are going to want some padding.

Andiamo makes some thin bike liners.

Originally Posted by proglife

this is only untrue because lycra shorts exist.

There is a very good reason lycra exists and why most roadies/XC riders wear it.

**SuspectDevice** · 02-23-2009, 08:48 AM

How can Lycra not be an option? If you are riding a bike for more than ten or 15 minutes, lycra is the only option.

**proglife** · 02-23-2009, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by SuspectDevice

How can Lycra not be an option? If you are riding a bike for more than ten or 15 minutes, lycra is the only option.

Well, right now I'm wearing lycra under some mesh shorts. That's fine with me, I just wish the mesh shorts were thinner in the leg.

Lycra without shorts over top is not an option for me. My rides are not any more than 35 miles.

**proglife** · 02-23-2009, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by Wumpus

Maybe these would work.

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list...product=22-995

I've considered these.

**dsotm** · 02-23-2009, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by -dustin

Cannondale LE Carbon windstop base layer/ long sleeve....
unreal. unfortunately, the seams appear to be a little weak. starting to fray after wearing it twice. rather disappointing given how awesome this thing is otherwise.

tried one of PI's EKG base layers today...still wearing it, short sleeve. just as nice, from what i can tell. i love the fit of both base layers, however, i prefer the fit of the PI more. probably because of the lack of a wind-stopping material.

both work very well, PI's a little cheaper.

I think weak seams is a hallmark of cannondale. I have two pairs of surpass shorts. I love them, but the seams are pretty much gone after only 1500 miles (tops).

**Squeak** · 02-24-2009, 11:19 AM

http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.ph...uct_id=1318546

Ok. I picked up a pair of these pants to use for commuting, snowy mtb rides, and cyclocross warmup laps.

They are a waterproof, breathable pant. They have a cool built in velcro strap on the right leg to avoid the dreaded chain \ pants confrontation that the chain rings always win. Zippered pockets on the left and right front. Also venting in the legs via zippers. Fairly durable, but I would not want to crash hard on pavement or anything. If you have a pair of rain pants or a rain jacket (Marmot or the like), the liner is like that. No fleece or thermal layer though.

After using them for a few months, I am glad I bought them. They are light, non restrictive, and hold in some warmth pretty well. I have not tested the water proof part of it in a downpour or anything like that, but yes they do seem to be water proof for the splash back ect. Trying to stay dry in a downpour on a bike is almost futile anyway, but these work well for those random puddles, snowy crashes, light drizzle times.

The one bad thing is the size, which seems typical of PI stuff. They run a little large. I got a medium and they are a little to big. Not much, but a little.

**TreeSaw** · 07-15-2009, 10:17 AM

Socks:
Swiftwick socks. I have multiple pairs of the merino wool version as well as the olefin version and they are hands-down the best socks I own (including my smartwool socks). They aren't super thick but they definitely hug your feet and keep them warm and dry in the winter (wool) and cool and happy in the summer (olefin). I won't be buying any other brand anytime soon!

Shoes:
I got a pair of the new Mavic Tempo mountain bike shoes in May and they are AWESOME! Nice stiff sole, very adjustable and the fit is just perfect for my foot! I ran them in my 24 hour race this past weekend and they held up to the abuse of torrential downpours and peanut butter mud and still remained comfortable. They're quite breathable too which is nice for those long warm rides, and somehow my feet didn't get too cold when the temps dipped after the rains too (probably the socks and the nice mud coating over the shoes). I highly recommend them as they are reasonable priced too!

**maddog17** · 07-15-2009, 11:29 AM

anyone use 3/4 knickers for mtb'ing? i've been wanting to get a pair of loose fit one's but can't seem to find a decent pair. it would be nice to have a removable chamois liner but it's not a deal breaker. so if you have a pair (no pun intended) chime in on pro's and con's.

**James** · 07-15-2009, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by maddog17

anyone use 3/4 knickers for mtb'ing? i've been wanting to get a pair of loose fit one's but can't seem to find a decent pair. it would be nice to have a removable chamois liner but it's not a deal breaker. so if you have a pair (no pun intended) chime in on pro's and con's.

Knickers rule. I almost miss living up where it was cold a lot of the year, just so I could wear them. I have a couple of pairs of Pearl Izumi, but my favorite is a Castelli cold-weather pair. I prefer chamois in, that way you're not bundling a lot of layers.
Oh, non of mine are loose-fit though, they're lycra/road. Still, they rule.
What about just getting some nice knee warmers?

**maddog17** · 07-15-2009, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by James

What about just getting some nice knee warmers?

because that would be too easy

**JRogers** · 07-16-2009, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by TreeSaw

Socks:
Swiftwick socks. I have multiple pairs of the merino wool version as well as the olefin version and they are hands-down the best socks I own (including my smartwool socks). They aren't super thick but they definitely hug your feet and keep them warm and dry in the winter (wool) and cool and happy in the summer (olefin). I won't be buying any other brand anytime soon!

Shoes:
I got a pair of the new Mavic Tempo mountain bike shoes in May and they are AWESOME! Nice stiff sole, very adjustable and the fit is just perfect for my foot! I ran them in my 24 hour race this past weekend and they held up to the abuse of torrential downpours and peanut butter mud and still remained comfortable. They're quite breathable too which is nice for those long warm rides, and somehow my feet didn't get too cold when the temps dipped after the rains too (probably the socks and the nice mud coating over the shoes). I highly recommend them as they are reasonable priced too!

Thanks for posting both of those. I like the looks of the Mavic shoes and was eyeing the Tempo and the Chasm (which seems to be pretty much a slightly upgraded Tempo with a carbon sole...probably not worth the price difference, though) for if/when my Nikes die. How do they seem in terms of durability, stiffness and walkability? Those are my main concerns and I've been spoiled: the uppers on my Nike Carnersos are crazy-durable, the sole is carbon, but they have a full rubber tread which is pretty rare.

I hadn't heard of those socks, but they look really nice- may be worth a try sometime. My favorite socks are Smartwool Adrenalines (think I have about 4 or 5 pairs) and I just ordered a pair of these to try: http://www.realcyclist.com/roadbike/...Sock-Mens.html

I really like Merino wool socks for cycling as they give a bit more padding than standard ultra-thin cycling socks, they never seem to stretch, stink or wear out and they work well in a much bigger temperature range than most cycling socks. It's also nice that I can use the Smartwools for work/class, hiking, backpacking, mountain and road riding.

In other news, I ordered a set of Capo bibs and a jersey a few days ago. I'll post here when I get some time on them.

**Wumpus** · 07-16-2009, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by maddog17

anyone use 3/4 knickers for mtb'ing? i've been wanting to get a pair of loose fit one's but can't seem to find a decent pair. it would be nice to have a removable chamois liner but it's not a deal breaker. so if you have a pair (no pun intended) chime in on pro's and con's.

I hated knickers, but I have long legs so they would end up with the bottom edge right behind my knee.

**maddog17** · 07-16-2009, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by Wumpus

I hated knickers, but I have long legs so they would end up with the bottom edge right behind my knee.

how does that help me tho! it's all about me, not you

**TreeSaw** · 07-17-2009, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by JRogers

Thanks for posting both of those. I like the looks of the Mavic shoes and was eyeing the Tempo and the Chasm (which seems to be pretty much a slightly upgraded Tempo with a carbon sole...probably not worth the price difference, though) for if/when my Nikes die. How do they seem in terms of durability, stiffness and walkability? Those are my main concerns and I've been spoiled: the uppers on my Nike Carnersos are crazy-durable, the sole is carbon, but they have a full rubber tread which is pretty rare.

I hadn't heard of those socks, but they look really nice- may be worth a try sometime. My favorite socks are Smartwool Adrenalines (think I have about 4 or 5 pairs) and I just ordered a pair of these to try: http:///roadbike/SWL0288/SmartWool-P...Sock-Mens.html

I really like Merino wool socks for cycling as they give a bit more padding than standard ultra-thin cycling socks, they never seem to stretch, stink or wear out and they work well in a much bigger temperature range than most cycling socks. It's also nice that I can use the Smartwools for work/class, hiking, backpacking, mountain and road riding.

In other news, I ordered a set of Capo bibs and a jersey a few days ago. I'll post here when I get some time on them.

I found out quite a bit about about the walkability at my race this past weekend. They are comfortable to walk in (no blisters as they keep in place) and do have some rubber traction to keep you upright. Everything was SO slippery that I doubt any cycling shoe would have been the best choice for the steep muddy sections, but I wasn't having too much difficulty with the Tempos. I debated the Chasm too but wasn't sure if I really needed full carbon or not so I got the Tempos. I also liked that I didn't need to cut out a lot of tread to have clearance for my cleats (I did on my last set of Northwave shoes).

As for the Swiftwick socks, I'd totally recommend you give them a try. I like the fit of them better than my smartwool socks. And, they are SO durable. I wore mine a lot and washed them a lot over the winter and they don't pill, they haven't had any issues with stretching out/shrinking and they look/feel brand new still. I wear them biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, hiking, shoveling, playing in the snow with Syd, everyday...they're great!

**TreeSaw** · 07-17-2009, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by maddog17

anyone use 3/4 knickers for mtb'ing? i've been wanting to get a pair of loose fit one's but can't seem to find a decent pair. it would be nice to have a removable chamois liner but it's not a deal breaker. so if you have a pair (no pun intended) chime in on pro's and con's.

Pretty sure it won't help you, but I love my Terry Knickers. I have the Bella knicker (lycra) and it's the first pair of knickers that I have owned that really fit perfectly and stay in place. I just ordered a set of their baggy knickers with a removable liner and I'll put up a review of those when I get some time with them.

Sq-Earl was looking at the Zoic Reign Knickers, but hasn't bought any yet as he went with the leg/knee warmer idea instead.