[JRogers]

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/SWL0288/SmartWool-PhD-Cycling-Light-3-4-Crew-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]

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]

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]

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-PhD-Cycling-Light-3-4-Crew-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]

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.

 

[Silver]

The Mavic shoes are basically Adidas ones, right? If so, they will fit narrow.

I love them, because my feet are about as wide as toothpicks...

 

[JRogers]

The Mavic shoes are basically Adidas ones, right? If so, they will fit narrow.

I love them, because my feet are about as wide as toothpicks...

I believe they are rebranded and updated Adidas shoes. My feet are average width and length but low volume, so sometimes narrow shoes work...might be worth a try.


I rode in my new Capo gear the other day. Nice stuff. The shorts are really nice. The material is very good, chamois is decent, but the higher end models are probably quite a bit nicer. The jersey fits well and has a nice zipper and well placed pockets. Have to ride them both more, but it seems very promising. Now if only my knee wouldn't hurt after 10 minutes...I think I have developed some IT band difficulties...not really what I wanted at the moment....

 

[gonefirefightin]

I have a hodge podge of sponsored kit, every thing from verge to castelli

the kit I where use the most and find the most comfortable...........I am going to hate saying this....

is the pro team rock racing kits, got one for free at the amgen tour of cali. wear them all the time, the only time I am not wearing them is at races when I need to rep.

 

[TreeSaw]

I believe they are rebranded and updated Adidas shoes. My feet are average width and length but low volume, so sometimes narrow shoes work...might be worth a try.


I rode in my new Capo gear the other day. Nice stuff. The shorts are really nice. The material is very good, chamois is decent, but the higher end models are probably quite a bit nicer. The jersey fits well and has a nice zipper and well placed pockets. Have to ride them both more, but it seems very promising. Now if only my knee wouldn't hurt after 10 minutes...I think I have developed some IT band difficulties...not really what I wanted at the moment....

The Mavic shoes are basically Adidas ones, right? If so, they will fit narrow.

I love them, because my feet are about as wide as toothpicks...

You are correct. They are updated and much more comfortable and adjustable than the previous Adidas shoes.

 

[Silver]

You are correct. They are updated and much more comfortable and adjustable than the previous Adidas shoes.

Are they still really narrow?

 

[TreeSaw]

Are they still really narrow?

I really don't think of them as being narrow. They definitely don't feel as tight as the Adidas ones (I thought they felt a little tight and too stiff across the top of my foot) but I have average feet. They are more narrow than my 661 shoes though (both models). I'll get my husband's take too and edit this with his thoughts added.

 

[ire]

Don’t buy these shorts, the Castelli Ergo bibs. I’ve nothing but issues with the seems breaking and it started happening after two rides (no washes). These shorts are a complete POS

On the bonus side I did buy the Pearl Izumi Slice Ultrasensor short and I have been very happy with them. They are comfortable and durable (thus far anyway). I really like the chamois as well

 

[James]

On the bonus side I did buy the Pearl Izumi Slice Ultrasensor short and I have been very happy with them. They are comfortable and durable (thus far anyway). I really like the chamois as well

I was about to make some snide comment about buying shorts at Performance, but lookie here, the image link is to Performance Bike!
Did you buy a bright neon yellow windbreaker while you were there too?

Sorry, being a bib short snob, and giving you some light-hearted sh!t.

 

[ire]

Did you buy a bright neon yellow windbreaker while you were there too?

Sorry, being a bib short snob, and giving you some light-hearted sh!t.

So what if I did? It goes great with my pink sunglasses!

 

[James]

So what if I did? It goes great with my pink sunglasses!

Pink glasses you'd get a pass on. Non-bibs, not so much.

 

[ire]

Pink glasses you'd get a pass on. Non-bibs, not so much.

Damn, I need to take fashion tips from you. Are leg warmers still in??

 

[maddog17]

Damn, I need to take fashion tips from you. Are leg warmers still in??

yes... here ya go sweetie!!

 

[JRogers]

Figured since this thread has been pretty dead for a while and I need something besides school work to do, I might as well give a bit of feedback on some clothing stuff I've been happy with lately. Most of this stuff I bought on closeout or ebay. A lot of my stuff is wearing out or getting a bit ragged...so I got some new stuff.

If it matters, I am a little over 5'9" and around 160-165 lbs.

I finally bought dedicated road shoes and pedals (was using SPDs before). The shoes were a used pair of Shimano SH-R215s. So a few years old, but good quality- you can tell they have been worn a lot (sole is marked to hell, the gripper things for walking are very worn down), but do not look like they are about to fall apart. No stitching coming out, tears or delamination. I paid about $35 or something. They fit me perfectly. I think I've finally found a shoe manufacturer and size that I can keep buying. I have been getting a bit of toe numbness when I do long, hard efforts. It's not too bad, but slid in some older Specialized insoles in, which I hope helps (had cheap Garneau ones in the shoes when I got them, not the stock insoles).

Bib Shorts- Giordana Tenax. Got these on sale a few months ago (hey, I wouldn't pay extra to have green flourescent stitching on my shorts, but I'll pay 50 bucks less for it), size medium. They are (as expected) pretty tight for a medium. The fabric has good support/compression to it and the chamois seems a sort of middle of the road thickness. Overall, I have been happy, but would say they are slightly too tight. I know that large would be too big, though. I have skinny legs for my height, so shorts are sometimes hard to size. Material, finish and construction are impressive.

Bib shorts and jersey- Capo Modena. Got a large jersey and medium shorts. Very happy with the jersey- great cut, fabric and details (zipper quality, pockets, silicone waist gripper). Probably my favorite jersey of the ones I own. Shorts are pretty decent, but not as high quality as some of the other stuff available at fairly close prices. Fit is fine, fabric seems thick enough, but not particularly supportive- could be a little tighter. Also, due to my skinny legs, the leg grippers are too loose to work properly on me. But I am satisfied overall.

Jersey- Cannondale Climb. Nice fabric, though heavy feeling. But fit was off for a large jersey, even in American sizing. The shoulders and chest fit fine, but it was way too loose and long at the waist. I had it altered to fit better (thanks mom!) and it is okay now. Nice, but not my favorite.

Jersey- Castelli Premura. Fit is great in a large. Definitely one of the better fitting jerseys I own. Full zip, which is nice, and easy to find on sale these days. Only issue with it I have is that it seems a bit cheap- same material used throughout, kind of cheap seeming waist and sleeve elastic things and no raglan sleeves. That last part doesn't usually bother me that much, but I didn't realize that the color stripe at the top of the jersey is a different piece of material sewn on. So there's lots of seams on the inside at the top of the jersey. They haven't bothered me too much, but I can feel them sometimes.

A few other things not worth writing much about that I have liked using recently are new Pearl Izumi leg warmers, Smartwool cycling-specific socks, Sockguy socks and a Sugoi cap (that cap fits way better than my old Pace one, which was too small even after me hacking it all over with scissors).

One last thing- I got a pair of shorts off of ebay that came in tonight. They are Garneau bibs. I believe they are the Carbon T-Ion bibs in medium. The fabric is a bit strange- feels quite thick and soft for bike shorts; feels less like Lycra/spandex and more like polyester. Kinda nice. So I haven't been able to ride with them yet. But I tried them on and they feel amazing. Fit is perfect for me. I've never had bike shorts that felt so good the first time I put them on, so I have high hopes.

 

[thatoneguy]

Hi All, thought I would add to this since it has been refreshed.

Recently when riding home in the rain, I decided to undo my rain cape, $7 rain cape keep in mind, and it ripped. I had seen the eVent jackets available from different companies, but thought they were a little pricey.

I got the Cutter eVent jacket after reading the reviews on it, and it lived up to the reviews.

If you ride in the rain a lot, this jacket is worth it. It does breath, not completely, but it is much better than the rain cape was. It is extremely light weight and folds up into its own rear pocket.

Just thought I would give a little feedback on it.

Now all I need is water proof pants and shoe covers...

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Just picked up some bibs from Sierra Trading Post. The Descente Prologue bibs were 30% off (2XL) and I need some bibs for the longer rides I do (Figured this out last year on a double century...the hard way...).

Will post a review after my ride this morning, but after trying them on last night, I confirmed why I wear my DH or XC shorts while riding...I have no desire to let the world know my religion through my spandex, but I guess function over form is best in this case...sigh.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Ok...so I held out as long as I could on buying road clothing. I was given a few jerseys so I passed that off as not actually "going road"...And I like them. I like the pockets. It's nice. So now I've actually bought a few. Whoop-ti-do.

Now I've gone and broke down and bought bibs.

Best decision I've ever made. I'm a roadie fashionista now.

The Descente Prologue bibs are awesome. I've got them paired with a Fi'zi:k Antares saddle.

Did a 40 mile ride and felt like I only went a quarter of that. It was great.

 

[ire]

good to hear! I'm probably the only person on this website that's not partial to bibs. I have more pairs of shorts than bibs because I frankly don't care. The only time I've had an issue with my shorts falling down is when the weather is at its worst and I'm covered in mud.

 

[James]

Ok...so I held out as long as I could on buying road clothing. I was given a few jerseys so I passed that off as not actually "going road"...And I like them. I like the pockets. It's nice. So now I've actually bought a few. Whoop-ti-do.

Now I've gone and broke down and bought bibs.

Best decision I've ever made. I'm a roadie fashionista now.

The Descente Prologue bibs are awesome. I've got them paired with a Fi'zi:k Antares saddle.

Did a 40 mile ride and felt like I only went a quarter of that. It was great.

I'm not sure what model they were, but some of the Descente high-end bibs from a few seasons ago had f'd up chamois. Too small, too far forward, they were terrible. We gave the designer a ton of s*** (I was working for the co that owns Descente at the time). They've improved a bit I think though. I really like the new high-end Pearl stuff too.

good to hear! I'm probably the only person on this website that's not partial to bibs. I have more pairs of shorts than bibs because I frankly don't care. The only time I've had an issue with my shorts falling down is when the weather is at its worst and I'm covered in mud.

Really? That's surprising. I'm not worried about them falling down, more keeping the chamois in the right spot, no seams along the part where you bend to ride. To each their own I will say for sure, but man, I haven't worn shorts in forever. I still want some of those Bontrager bib baggies for MTB they made a while back...

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I'm not sure what model they were, but some of the Descente high-end bibs from a few seasons ago had f'd up chamois. Too small, too far forward, they were terrible. We gave the designer a ton of s*** (I was working for the co that owns Descente at the time). They've improved a bit I think though. I really like the new high-end Pearl stuff too.

Well...these things fit me like a Gucci glove. It's great. Whatever poo you flung their way stuck. Yay!!

 

[James]

Well...these things fit me like a Gucci glove. It's great. Whatever poo you flung their way stuck. Yay!!

It was some pretty major poo...
At this point I'm only using their socks, and those tend to wear out a bit fast, in my experience.

I'll be trying some Sugoi shortly, for obvious reasons. Especially when I need to start expanding my cooler/colder weather gear.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I'm going to put my Descente bibs (so far these things rock!!) through the 'S3' test (Sizzlin' Squirrel Sentury) on Monday...7k of climbing to boot.

Will edit with review.


Edit:

Yep. They did the job. Very comfortable in the face of very adverse weather conditions. I had a rear mtb fender attached to eliminate the skunk stripe but no front fender, so I was covered with all kinds of road grime.

I puss'd out on the century cause I was wet, cold, and dirty. So these bibs saw 70 miles, 5k climbing, and 4:30 in the saddle (1 break lasted about a minute).

Stellar performance. Now if I can just get my body to perform likewise.

 

[kidwoo]

Hahaahaa!!

This thread exists.

 

[golgiaparatus]

I like Castelli shorts.

Castelli are my favorite as well. And they last longer than most IMHO. The thing I notice about them that I don't with others is that they actually seem to grip the saddle a little bit. Not sure if this was a design goal or just a side effect of the type of lycra they use.

 

[1badsahara]

I love the Performance Bibs, others may not agree but they work nice for me.