List Your Favorite Bike Apparel

[itself]

#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

[Blueberry]

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

[Veronica]

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

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

[Biciclista]

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.

[Eden]

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.

[Becky]

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.

[Zen]

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

[ASammy1]

I love my Keen commuter sandals too

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.

[zoom-zoom]

As a noob cyclist I really appreciate this thread.

[Selkie]

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

[GLC1968]

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

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.

[shootingstar]

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

[lph]

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.

[Eden]

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

perhaps less expensive if you have to pay full retail.... being petite isn't always an asset, but small feet are nice 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

[Trekhawk]

Sidi shoes
Buffs
Knee warmers
Bolero
Amici Veloci gear