List Your Favorite Bike Apparel

#1 11-19-2009, 06:07 AM
itself Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Arizona
Posts: 629

List Your Favorite Bike Apparel

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I wanted to start a central thread where folks can list their favorite bike apparel, be it for summer or winter. And as you list stuff, tell us what you like about it, does it breathe well, hold up well to washing, etc. (if you don't want to list what you like about your apparel, that is ok too!)

Also, if you want to hear about certain apparel that you need, put that at the end so perhaps someone can give us some feedback!


So I will start:

1. Louis Garneau Bib Mens bib shorts: I have literally had them for 10 years and they hold up amazing well, great chamois, and great price. They didn't have women specific ones ten years ago!

2. Sidi Dominator Mtn bike Shoes: These shoes last forever, have a great fit, and the nylon soled ones transfer energy well to the pedals

3. Ibex Woolie Zip Top: Great piece for layering in cold weather, and it does NOT hold odor! Washes really well and doesn't itch.

4. Louis Garneau Bike Shirts: Again he has outdone himself. Great price, and I have had his shirts for at least ten years. And I don't have to break the bank like an Assos or Castelli shirt!

Need Feedback on the following items:

1. leg warmers/arm warmers (ones that don't stretch out!)
2. lightweight pair of tights for cool weather riding
3. lightweight gloves for my extra sensitive cold hands
4. a breathable shell where I won't sweat to death

So chime in!

Lisa

I've been really happy with PI Gavia gloves - bought them last year and have been wearing them on and off the bike.

Shorts - Shebeest SSS; the old Elite D
Shoes - +1 on the Sidis. Love them

CA

I don't believe there is such a thing a breathable shell where you won't sweat to death when you're riding. :rolleyes:

I have a couple of tops with Windblocker in the front. One from Ground Effect and the rest of it is wool. One from Patagonia and the rest of it is fleece. I like these a lot because they do keep my core warm, but the wool and fleece allow my sweat to dissipate as I ride.

Veronica

1. smart wool oversized lightweight hat. Covers my ears, is not bulky under a helmet
2. ibex long sleeved teeshirt wool, light, warm, soft
3 terry shorts fit very nicely
4 showers pass raincoat keeps me warm and dry
5 Sidi MTB shoes. my "expensive red leather shoes" great fit
6 kneesocks - smart wool, lots of colors. wearing kneesocks with knickers is my favorite get up for cool seattle weather. if i get hot, i can roll the socks down.
I wish there were more knickers that are priced reasonably etc... the only wool ones i have are the ibex; i'd love to have tweed or something. :)

Sidi winter boots - (though I'm sure another brand would be great too) - love, love, love having dry warm feet throughout a PNW winter.

wool glove liners - I've yet to find a pair of gloves that is warm enough or dry enough, but having wool liners at least makes it bearable.

Canari for us little folks - they are probably the only manufacturer that makes things small enough to really fit me properly.

Sidi shoes- fit well, last forever.
Terry Bella shorts- they fit me well, and the chamois is thin enough to keep my parts happy.
Pearl Izumi Optik ultralight vest- this thing blocks so much wind, but scrunches up really small. I wish they were still making the women's version.

Keen sandals. No explanation needed.
Smartwool socks, any kind. Again, no 'splainin needed.

I love my Keen commuter sandals too :D

For winter riding, I LOVE my Sugoi Speedster 2 as a midweight base layer. It has an attached hood that fits like a balaclava and hole in the hood for your ponytail. It's all fleecy on the inside and is so warm and cozy off the bike too.

As a noob cyclist I really appreciate this thread.

Assos Bib shorts (a luxury item that's worth it - even if its just one pair)

Amici Veloci Jersey

VeloGirls Jerseys

TwinSix Jerseys

The rest are my "go to" winter gear favorites:

Lake winter bike boots (much warmer & less expensive than Sidi winter boots)

PI AmFib Lobster Gloves paired with SmartWool glove liners

SmartWool zip neck base layers (medium weight)

Exte Ondo winter jerseys

Patagonia Capilene base layers (all weights)

Patagonia Wool 4 Zipneck top (great base layer for really cold days)

Buffs (thermal and regular type)

Smartwool snowboard socks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blueberry

I've been really happy with PI Gavia gloves - bought them last year and have been wearing them on and off the bike.

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Ditto - my PI Gavia gloves are my favorite (I bought the men's small for a wider, shorter fingered version) and they rock with wool glove liners underneath for non-athletic pursuits.

I really vary my favorites depending on the conditions I'm riding in. I do find myself grabing my smartwool super light weight zip neck top quite a bit. It's just perfect for so many different conditions (due to it's weight, it's breatheability and it's woolness). I just bought a second one in a different color.

Interesting how many people so far choose cooler/wet weather apparel.

thin fleecy and short vests --it's a local manufacturer. Cut in petite style for small women up top and not bulky under a streamlined bike jacket.
Black spandex Skort

Well when the alternative is getting cold or wet I really really appreciate the gear that keeps this from happening, in a sensible way.

I think my favourite bike gear ever is my old winter jacket, Gore Phantom. Growing very found of my light wool helmet cap too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mickchick

Lake winter bike boots (much warmer & less expensive than Sidi winter boots)

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perhaps less expensive if you have to pay full retail.... being petite isn't always an asset, but small feet are nice :D oh - and Sidis run small... no winter boot really comes small enough for me. At least Sidis that are 2 sizes too large can work with thick socks. Lakes in my experience run big. Lakes 2 sizes too big probably wouldn't even stay on my feet...

As far as why winter gear.... my summer stuff is pretty much all team kit, so its dictated by what ever we are ordering, not my choices.

I did get switch from Sidi to Specialized carbon shoes this summer. I really like them. 1 - in my very small size I could get carbon soles (not so for Sidis - the carbon soled shoes don't come small enough) 2. they have a nice wide toe box, but still have a narrow heel - they stay put, but don't pinch my toes 3. they are much more economical than Sidis

Sidi shoes
Buffs
Knee warmers
Bolero
Amici Veloci gear

My Terry Bella shorts.
Any jersey by Voler.
Shebeest arm warmers.
Sugoi liner shorts that I wear under baggies or commuting pants.
Ibex tights. Mostly for winter sports, but I wear them for the few very cold rides I do each year.
My Hind tights that are so old, the zipper broke on one leg and I had it fixed because they don't make them anymore.

Shebeest bamboo sleeveless jersey (got here on TE). I love it alone in the summer, with a bolero on cool days, and as a base-layer in cold weather. It's holding up well after lots of washings, is so soft and does a great job wicking.

Specialized BG gloves. I've had one pair for 5 years, wash them every couple of rides, and they're still perfect. They fit me better than any other gloves I've tried.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

Specialized BG gloves. I've had one pair for 5 years, wash them every couple of rides, and they're still perfect. They fit me better than any other gloves I've tried.

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They are great gloves. I love the big soft area for wiping your nose. LOL gross I know but I do use it.:D

My two favorite cold-weather items are my Castelli Battiti jacket and my Terry Coldout tights.

Another smartwool sock fan here as well.

For warm weather I really like Descente socks, they fit very nicely.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eden

perhaps less expensive if you have to pay full retail.... being petite isn't always an asset, but small feet are nice :D oh - and Sidis run small... no winter boot really comes small enough for me. At least Sidis that are 2 sizes too large can work with thick socks. Lakes in my experience run big. Lakes 2 sizes too big probably wouldn't even stay on my feet...

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Eden, sorry if my post made me sound like a snit! I wasn't criticizing and I can see why you love the Sidis. I have the Sidi Diablos but in my experience, they aren't as warm as the Lakes. I paid full price for the Sidis, too (this was about 3 or 4 years ago). Had to pair them with shoe covers and toe covers. Poor Diablos have seen no wear since winter '07.

SheFly turned me on to the Lakes. They are clunky and not very stylish, but good for someone who is out for 90+ minutes each ride. My feet are average size and I'm "pre-bunion" so I go for roomy. I also wear smartwool snowboarding socks/chemical toe warmers during the cold months, so I need amble room in the toe box to allow for air circulation.

Good news, they now make winter Lakes in a women's version.

Maybe I'll have to look into them if they go small. My Sidis are a 39 and I'm really a 37 even in Sidi... though with a good thick pair of socks they are tight enough to do, but definitely not tight enough to use for racing. I really did get a good deal on them. They were only $78 and at that I got them as a present, so essentially they were free (of course I never would have presumed to ask for anyone to buy me a $300 pair of shoes - so I did only get them because they were such a good deal).
I already top my boots with booties to keep rain from going down the tops - out here it is wetness over extreme cold that is more the issue, so stylish or non clunky looking, I am not.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eden

stylish or non clunky looking, I am not.

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You can worry about looking clunky when your feet are so big they look smaller and sleeker in booties. :rolleyes: I've never tried on a pair of Sidis, but their women's shoes only go up to size 43, which would be plenty for me in other brands, but not apparently in Sidis. Did I mention I'm 5'3"? :eek:


Anyway - my favorite apparel is anything wool. :D But you knew that.

My first year at attempting to ride through the winter. My favorite gear discoveries so far:

Terry COLDweather tights: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodTY_1817.html
I haven't used them below 30 F yet, but loved them on my 30 degree rides so far. They seem completely windproof. Comfy fleece lining but not bulky feeling. Pad is just right. Price is good too compared to other winter tights I tried (and returned).

Nashbar booties: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Produc...2_170081_-1___ Tried these for the first time in 30 degree temps, and they made a huge difference. Great price for a windproof/water resistant bootie. I have 41 shoes and got a medium. Fit easily. Very easy on/off. Not sure how they will hold up since I've only used them once but look to be very well made for the price. (On sale now!) Under the booties I wore my touring shoes with two pairs of light socks (one wool, one coolmax).

Now I just need to figure out my hands and I will be set!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ritamarie

Now I just need to figure out my hands and I will be set!

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It was in the low 30s when I rode yesterday, and my hands were baking in my Pearl Izumi Amfib gloves- almost too warm! They're basically insulated ski gloves with leather palms and fingers for grip. If you have good ski gloves, give those a shot. Otherwise, I recommend the Amfibs!

Terry T-shorts - LOVE that Dryline material
DeSoto 400 mile shorts - the pad has a channel down the middle that helps take the pressure off. The material is compression-type but less than the Terry Bella
DeSoto Forza tri shorts - very minimalist pad, very comfy. Same material as the 400 mile shorts
Zoot Trifit shorts - a little stretchier than the DeSotos and a little bit thicker fleece pad, but still good for running
RoadRunnerSports Sportek bras - very supportive and last forever for less than $30
Sock Guy bike/run socks - they last forever
Performance brand century gloves - they're the only ones that don't cut in between my 3rd and 4th fingers

I'm not listing any winter stuff because my winter riding is indoors (see my note under the "snow" thread).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Becky

Otherwise, I recommend the Amfibs!

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Okay!!! Say no more. I just ordered a pair from REI. They were on sale plus I got another 20% off on their special.

I was just waiting for a good recommendation. Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ritamarie

Okay!!! Say no more. I just ordered a pair from REI. They were on sale plus I got another 20% off on their special.

I was just waiting for a good recommendation. Thanks!

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Hope that they work out for you! :)

I just realized that PI changed their model names again- for 2009, they're calling the Amfib Glove the Barrier Glove. It drives me crazy when they do this :mad:

After the past couple of weeks, I had to come back and offer up some love for my new favorite piece. I LOVE my Ibex El Fito knickers! I've worn them the past two Saturdays - first one was about 50 degrees and sunny and the second one was in the low 30's and sunny. They rocked in both situations! Now I just need some light rain to give them the full consideration. ;)

I also wanted to ditto this:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eden

I did get switch from Sidi to Specialized carbon shoes this summer. I really like them. 1 - in my very small size I could get carbon soles (not so for Sidis - the carbon soled shoes don't come small enough) 2. they have a nice wide toe box, but still have a narrow heel - they stay put, but don't pinch my toes 3. they are much more economical than Sidis

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I can't buy Sidi's because they are too narrow for me, but I am a BIG fan of Specialized carbon soled shoes. My first pair was my road shoes (I buy mens in a 37 - because they CARRY mens in a 37 and the men rarely buy them so I get smashin' deals!!) and I loved them so much I went back and got the mountain shoe version. AWESOME shoes - so comfy, so supportive, so affordable and so far, they've held up amazingly well.

LOVE my Sidis, and have recently learned to love my Shebeest Triple SSS shorts. I just got a new Descente jersey from Team Estrogen, the blue paisley one on closeout. Not only was the price right, it's fits perfectly, my new favorite.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Becky

I just realized that PI changed their model names again- for 2009, they're calling the Amfib Glove the Barrier Glove. It drives me crazy when they do this :mad:

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Oh, probably good I didn't know cause I searched for Amfib and got the closeout price on the 2008 model plus a 20% discount. They ended up being almost 1/2 price ($35) so seems like a good deal. I'll let you know!

My one Castelli jersey--it's snug but I don't feel like I've been shrink-wrapped, and it is actually cut to fit people like me. Apparently I'm oddly shaped. :confused: Oh, and I look good in it. That's important too, right?

PI Gel Vent gloves. I have eczema that's made worse if my hands get sweaty, so having the vents is sooo nice.

Foska jacket: Fun patterns (mine has reflective bones on it) and is both warm (depending on how I layer it) and relatively waterproof.

Smartwool base layer.

EMS X-Static sock liners. Ok, I've never worn these on the bike, but I wore them today with steel-toe boots, and my feet were soooo comfortable- not too hot, not too cold, and not sweaty! It was windy and in the mid-40s. Steel toes suck the heat out of your feet, and my toes would normally be freezing by the end of a day like today.

Can't wait to try these on the bike with my winter boots and wool socks!