[Closed] I have bought some new things. Here's what I think of them.

New gloves - Royal Pro Gloves 2010
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50569

Down to £12 on CRC and a replacement for a battered pair of old Altura gloves that got so annoying I cut the liners out completely one weekend, which meant they then slowly fell apart.

These Royals are a snug fit at medium and I was worried they'd restrict movement, but as soon as I'd cut the (absurdly long) labels out and stretched em a bit, they were fine. They're a much closer fit than a glove with an inner, so it's nice to be able to really feel my fingers and brakes more. There's also grippy rubber on the first two fingertips, so you get great lever grip and - unexpected bonus - I can use my iPhone without taking em off.

Sunday in Shoreham was pretty warm, so I've no idea how they'll fare in wet and cold, but they kept the wind out, didn't overheat and I suffered much less palm pain than I have on previous rides, so I'm happy. One small gripe - the snotwipe's pretty small, so I forgot several times and sandpapered my nostrils, but I'll get used to it.

8/10

Endura Zyme 3/4 shorts
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=15891

These were cheapy cheap on CRC as well - needed a set to replace my Altura baggies, which I have problems with - not least that I'm a bit fatter now then when I bought them and the rivet keeps popping open. They're also too short - they kept catching on my seatclamp and undoing it mid ride, which is sometimes annoying, but mostly top-of-the-lungs 'f88k' infuriating, so they had to go.

These are a charcoal 3/4 length short (no padded liner) with a rivet clasp (strained but didn't pop) and two cinch adjusters on the hips. They're a closer fit than I'm used to , and when I first put them on and did a manflex, they felt as if I'd be straining them on every pedal stroke.

But when I got them out on the Downs, they were brilliant - forgot all about them, which means they were warm enough, fit right and gave me more than enough room to move, stand, jump, grind up hills in granny ring etc. PLus there's something about 3/4 shorts that make you look just a little bit better as a biker, but I'm slightly ashamed of that bit. A bargain at 28 quid - love em.

Lastly:

DHB EQ 2 jacket
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-eq25-waterproof-cycling-jacket/

There's a pattern emerging here - this is to replace an Altura Attack jacket that I loved - the React fabric worked really well and I never felt too hot or cold or wet EVER, even in nasty windy squalls with just a t-shirt underneath, but the build quality of it was just plain shitty. All but the most essential seams were glued not sewn, it tore like tissue paper at the meekest of brambles, and then the zip went - mid ride - so I had to finish the Storrington Rough Ride looking like an MTB compo. Altura stuff - not sure I'll ever go back.

So for £70 (£50 less than I paid for the Altura two years ago) I got the DHB jacket instead, which has more pockets (including a zippered, fleece-lined mobile pocket inside) and a back pouch pocket too. It's a little heavier than the Altura because there's a mesh lining, but the sleeve length/back cover ratio was just right for me, and it kept the wind out no problem, while also being cool enough in spring sunshine to stay on with the vents (double-zippered) open. I'll know if I love it, rather than just like it, when I next ride in the rain. But at half the price most Altura/Gore/Endura stuff, I'm sure I'll live with it.

Thanks for listening.