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Looking to get a few new pieces of cycling kit: long sleeve MTB jersey, roadie style long sleeve jersey and MTB baggie shorts.
Can anyone recommend some ranges I should look at for each of these please?
For the jerseys I need something with longer arms as I usually struggle with the arms being too short for my drainpipe noodle arms.
The MTB one I'm thinking of getting something from Fox or TLD, what else is there?
The roadie jersey wants to be normal weight, not winter thermal style. 3 pockets on the back.
The shorts I'd like to be baggies but quite fitted, not really loose. Are "xc race baggies" a thing?
Not looking for them all to be from the same range, just whatever suits the requirements best.
It's pricey, but I've been using 7Mesh clothing for the last 3 years and it's worth it's weight in gold, the fit is awesome, it lasts amazingly well and it performs way better than other stuff I've had in the past. It makes Fox look like Primark! I've had a pair of the Slab shorts for about 6 months and they're a nice slim fit, the Glidepath is also really nice, so can recommend both. Long sleeve MTB jersey wise the new Gryphon looks good, slightly thermal too. The Eldorado and Compound are nice too if you can find them (sold out on their own site). For the road I've got their Synergy and Mission jerseys. Synergy has Gore Windstopper front and sleeves so keeps the wind off, Mission uses Polartec Powergrid so is nice and warm but not the most windproof. I make no bones about it being pricey kit, but I got so fed up of Fox clothing falling apart after less than a year and Endura/Madison clothing fitting like garbage I made the jump and haven't looked back since.
Have a look at the Torm long sleeved jerseys. They're Sportwool type material so not super warm.
Their medium fits me nicely at 6'4", 75kg with plenty of sleeve length for my lanky arms.
DaKine for mtb
or Salomon which definitely have good long sleeves
The Torm range looks nice for the long sleeve roadie top. What's the merino like for a main top? I've had baselayer merino tops but my instinct is that a wool top with pockets could get out of shape easily, is it like that?
patagonia make a close fitting baggy. Dirt Roamer. very stretchy and minimal. similar to the 7mesh Slabs mentioned above, but the 7mesh is even more minimal and longer in the leg. the patagonia are also a smaller fit for a given size. dakine also do a not baggy baggy. not sure of the model name.
the fabric of these shorts tends to be very light. i’m not suggesting that it isn’t tough, but certainly not winter weight.
7mesh jerseys use a very light material and seem more like a traditional base layer. however, the Compound Jersey with its wind proof chest and upper arms is great. pop it over a suitable base and it would be an ideal jersey as if sheds heat and keeps the wind off your front. over the gryphon, i think it would be a great choice for a dry winter’s day. their clothes look basic, but it is all in the fabric and the fit.
as with lawman, i’m a 7mesh evangelist.
For ‘not baggies’ have a look at the gravel ranges. I have a set of the mavic gravel shorts and find they make good general purpose mtb shorts. To be fair some of their MTB shorts are a nice slim cut too.
The Torm range looks nice for the long sleeve roadie top. What’s the merino like for a main top? I’ve had baselayer merino tops but my instinct is that a wool top with pockets could get out of shape easily, is it like that?
I haven't found that at all. The pockets are very well constructed and haven't stretched or sagged.
My only issue over time has been a little bit of bobbling but that is easily remedied.
Endura MTR shorts are a XC focused baggy which should fit the bill.
I like mine. Not very robust for winter slop though.
Isadore for me for the roadie top.
https://isadore.com/long-sleeve-shield-jersey-anthracite-2-0
https://isadore.com/long-sleeve-shield-jersey-midnight-navy-2-0
I have these two, same jersey obviously just different colours. Not overly heavy but with the windproof chest helps keep the cold out.
I also have the thicker TherMerino long sleeve jersey, thats pretty amazing, but might be to thick for what you're after.
I also have this one.... https://isadore.com/long-sleeve-jersey-burnt-orange-2-0
Perfect for this time of year, but as it gets colder I wear a gilet over it.
Pockets have been fine, but I don't overload them. Phone, money, gel in one pocket, key in a zip pocket. Co2, tube and repair kit in middle pocket, minipump and multi tool in the other. Pockets haven't been stressed.
I also have a few Chapter3 and Rapha pro fit long sleeve jerseys. I much the older school Merino jerseys for the colder months.
Service with Isadore has always been very good. Very quick response from their customer services team. An honourable mention has to go to their Merino Soft-shell Gilet, top piece of kit, very versatile.
I know it's not the answer to the question you asked but I'd buy a good multi use shortsleeved roadie jersey and a pair of armwarmers; that'll give you 2-for-1 (even on the same day!) and solve your arm length issue too.
I know it’s not the answer to the question you asked but I’d buy a good multi use shortsleeved roadie jersey and a pair of armwarmers; that’ll give you 2-for-1 (even on the same day!) and solve your arm length issue too.
This. Add a base layer of 2 of different weights and a gilet and you have a very versatile set-up.
I’d be looking at Galibier for the kit, good value and very good stuff.
Another for Torm for the roadie top, I've got three Torm tops - think Rapha quality but half the price - and I love the slim fit of the Endura MTR shorts 👌
my madison shorts are slim baggies. like them
also +1 for Galibier, my Gabba-alike 'Sentinel' is great from about September to April for all apart from absolute monsoon, for half the price. Very impressed will be buying some more of their stuff once my existing stuff wears out.
I've a pair of Specialised Enduro shorts, which are a nice balance between slim cut and ability to get some pads underneath. They've good sized pockets as well, also have some Traverse shorts from Mission Workshop which are my go to summer weight slim baggies. Ridiculously expensive, but they've lasted years and years, and are really well made. Echo thoughts about the Torm tops, I've a long and short sleeved jersey, both of which are 5-6 years old, and still looking pretty much brand new.
Morvelo used to have some decent long-sleeved MTB tops, and in particular and "tech" cotton material that feels like a tee, but dries a bit quicker, but checking their site, there doesn't seem to have much in stock in their MTB range at the moment, worth keeping an eye out for though. Fun designs, and nice wearing kit.
– think Rapha quality but half the price
I've got a few bits of Rapha gear, I think the quality is no different to anyone else. I keep the bits that fit well and return the ones that don't. They have nice branding and some great videos on Youtube, but I don't think their kit is anything special in terms of materials / quality.
The biggest problem I find is getting a good fit, some bits from Rapha fit me perfectly, others (the same size) are a completely different fit - very inconsistent.
I’ve got a few bits of Rapha gear, I think the quality is no different to anyone else.
Hmmm, likewise I've a few bits from Rapha, and I'd have to say that on balance you get what you pay for. (their use of materials and fit generally) If you compare say; a loose baggy top from Rapha it will have multiple panels often made of different types of material, whereas a top from Fox or TLD will be made from a few separate pieces as possible, and will largely be the same material.
whether you get better value from that will be entirely your own decision. But you can certainly see where the money's been spent with Rapha stuff.
At a slight tangent, but still relative.
Winter boots. Anybody have experience of https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/SH365DBE/planet-x-das-boot-extreme-weather-off-road-cycling-boot---2-bolt-spd
At the moment it looks like these are on pre-order, but they may have been available during last winter.
Or any other winter boots.
a loose baggy top from Rapha it will have multiple panels often made of different types of material, whereas a top from Fox or TLD will be made from a few separate pieces as possible, and will largely be the same material.
Can't comment on Fox, but compared to Castelli, DHB, Endura, Sportful etc it's all much of a muchness as far as I can tell.
A good example in the Rapha Rain Jacket II, which I have as it's a great fit (on me) and packs up really small. However, it breathes as well as a plastic bag - rubbish fabric. I carry it as an emergency layer on most rides where it could rain, just because it packs up really tiny.
The MTB one I’m thinking of getting something from Fox or TLD, what else is there?
Dakine (some on Sportpursuit now?)
One Industries
IXS
Morvelo
Royal
All make decent kit, ofen available cheaper than TLD or Fox. I'd just look on CRC or wherever, filter by your size and grab something you like the look of. Maybe aim for something with vented panels under the armpits.
ION is another good quality brand you can find bargains if you look around. Got some shorts from SportPursuit last week and they are excellent. Triple stitched on the crotch too so less likely for the stitches to fray.
Northwave too - never been disappointed in their kit
decathlon! why pay more
Am shorts, AM pants, decent jerseys etc etc