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I need a mid season jersey. Now it's getting warmer the full on winter gear is far too much. My jacket is good at what it does, but it's a winter jacket.
I have plenty of summer gear for when the weather gets nice and warm; I don't have a mid season jacket of any sort. My last one disintegrated in the washing machine and SWMBO was not pleased.
So, I called in a well known bike emporium between Kendal and Windermere. Website says they have clothing to suit everyone. Can't lose, thought I. Foolish boy!
Was shown a load of gear that would have fitted, but "the arms always come up small" Sir,. Too right. I couldn't get my arms in one. I had to try one 3 sizes to large before my rather puny arms would go in; then the body looked like a balloon. Wasn't too happy, and didn't like the Henry Ford colour scheme.
Now here's something you won't have heard before. Cycling gear is black because they can't dye it any other colour. Honest. That's what I was told. I did detect a distinct trace of an aroma resembling a farmyard.
Finally our expert showed me a "very popular" jacket. Two tone terracotta and taupe. Seemed very light and thin. Apparently it has heavy duty material on the front and lighter on the rear to allow for perspiration. Felt nice, Fit was good. Material was comfy. Then I looked for the pockets. 2 small side zippers, one for your phone and one for your car keys and credit card. Price £285.
Who are these things aimed at? Mamils and golf refugees with money to burn? Totally impractical and way overpriced. I didn't buy one. Might be good material and of course it had a "designer" name on it, but is that the norm these days. I thought nobody had any money? Looked like it would be worn to the pub on a couple of Sundays when TDF is on.
Is it me?
Yes
Look at Gore if you want something a bit plainer
Is it me?
If sir has to ask...
2 small side zippers, one for your phone and one for your car keys and credit card
What else would you put in them? I’d not want loads of stuff rattling around?
To think about it as a jacket isn't something I'd plan to wear all ride I'm not sure I want loads of big pockets - just means I need to find somewhere to put the stuff in them if I take the jacket off
Imo, bike and outdoor gear is overpriced.
I also think much bike gear is poorly cut compared to good outdoor brands.
I've started using running gear more - just as well cut and made, often significantly cheaper.
i wouldn't buy anything by a 'designer' brand, you're paying for the name, anything by a reputable cycle clothing company will do. i have such a jacket that's just under £200, it's very good, it also doesn't have any pockets
sarawak
Member
I need a mid season jersey
Why were you trying on jackets then...?
Why were you trying on jackets then…?
Because that's all the guy in the shop was prepared to show me.
Next?
I thought nobody had any money?
Hence the lack of pockets.
Plenty of lower budget stuff around that is perfectly useable and perfoms just fine.
Get thee to a decathlon...
castelli gabba
pactimo storm+
endura pro SL classic
sportful norain
capo lombardia
etc
most in lairy colours if required, pockets, waterproofish and snug too. full sleeves or removable ones
All for about 100 quid or less
While 285 is outside of my range, I do find it confusing that people spend good money on a bike(s) then wear the cheapest kit they can. Good kit can make a bigger difference, especially with the mad weather in this country.
I’ll need to see a link to this jacket before I believe a word of it.
I agree llama - buy there's a difference between good kit and overpriced. IMO more and more biking gear isn't great value - poorly cut and designed, high cost.
I own more than a bit of Patagonia, Haglofs and some Arcteryx, so I know all about good value high priced kit.
Mid season? So that would be a heavier weight long sleeve Jersey and a shower proof gilet then. Commuted in mine today. Nice and snug in the wet mist and then gilet was rolled up and stuffed in Jersey pocket on the hill as the mist burnt off. Mine are Rapha and still came in together a lot less than the one you tried on
Now here’s something you won’t have heard before. Cycling gear is black because they can’t dye it any other colour. Honest. That’s what I was told. I did detect a distinct trace of an aroma resembling a farmyard.
Finally our expert showed me a “very popular” jacket. Two tone terracotta and taupe.
Are terracotta and taupe shades of black that I’m somehow unfamiliar with?
I have a Fox Racing fleece gilet I bought in a bike shop in Chamonix, because I wanted something light to wear over a tee in the evening.
It was specifically aimed at cyclists, it has a pocket across the lower back with a vertical zip on one side, but no other pockets.
I bought it back around ‘95-ish, and it’s been one of my most often worn tops, but the lack of hand-warmer pockets has always irked me somewhat.
Then I discovered someone had set up a dressmaking/seamstress/repair and modification business near where I worked, so I asked if she could put pockets into my gilet. She could and did, with nice chunky plastic zips and the inner lining made from fine wool suit material she had kicking around. It’s now pretty much perfect.
Thinking about it, I might see if she could make a replica, just in case, like.
I still, to this day, have no idea why it didn’t have hand warmer pockets for when you’re off the bike, makes no sense to me.