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Thread: Tight Lycra

  1. #1
    Great Uncle Bulgaria
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    Tight Lycra

    I admit it, the title was something of an attention getter. My query is really this: in cooler, windier weather when cycling shorts and jersy need to be beefed up what do all you 'roadies' wear? Arm and leg warmers are sold in a bewildering range of materials and there appears no 'usual' upper body layering system. I'm currently using 3/4 bibs, thermal tops a la fellrunning and then pertex and midlayers to taste but its hardly cycling couture and I'm sure I could do better but how?

  2. #2

    Re: Tight Lycra

    Quote Originally Posted by Great Uncle Bulgaria View Post
    I admit it, the title was something of an attention getter. My query is really this: in cooler, windier weather when cycling shorts and jersy need to be beefed up what do all you 'roadies' wear? Arm and leg warmers are sold in a bewildering range of materials and there appears no 'usual' upper body layering system. I'm currently using 3/4 bibs, thermal tops a la fellrunning and then pertex and midlayers to taste but its hardly cycling couture and I'm sure I could do better but how?
    OK, for the coldest days, i.e., this weekend by the looks of things, I have:
    - DHB full bibs. Not the super-roubaix stuff which is way too warm for any sort of riding - just the normal full-length bibs.
    - HH 'Warm' BL
    - windproof Endura jacket

    Not very 'flexible' but I'm happy to just put up with it if it's a bit warm.

    For not so cold:
    - normal bib shorts plus leg-warmers (Gore)
    - short-sleeve 'compression-style' Cambridge base-layer top
    - s-s cycling jersey plus armwarmers (Defeet I think, more fleecy and warm)

    In both cases I take a Montane H20 jacket that can go on if it rains or if I get cold.

    What would be useful would be a tight body-hugging l-s base layer to wear under the cycling jersey or windjacket, as the HH is snug but a bit loose on the arms.
    Might also get some ¾ bibs.

  3. #3
    Master nikalas's Avatar
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    Re: Tight Lycra

    On truly Baltic days....

    Icebreaker 200 long sleeve Merino base layer
    Winter weight long sleeved cycling jersey
    Rapha Soft-shell jacket (wait for the more money than sense abuse but it's been great for three years and still going strong)

    Either Assos 3/4 bibs (fleecy lined) or, if really really cold, full length bibs with windproofing.

    Sealskinz gloves
    Merino skullcap under my helmet
    Sealskinz socks and neoprene overboots.

  4. #4
    Great Uncle Bulgaria
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    Re: Tight Lycra

    Thanks for that, two very different approaches. No mention of a simple windproof layer, jersey is not very warm and the wind goes straight through anyway; maybe I just feel the cold. Don't want to be 'bundled up' but want to stay out for a few hours.

  5. #5
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    Re: Tight Lycra

    On top - base layer, winter weight jersey, windproof gilet/top. Maybe arm warmers too under the base layer
    On legs - bib-shorts and leg warmers. If it's cold enough to require winter weight kit on the legs then I won't go out on the bike as there is too much risk of ice etc IMHO. And I'm soft.

  6. #6
    I need to run more. southernsoftie's Avatar
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    Re: Tight Lycra

    And there was me thinking you were worried about your great undies bulge-area.
    "The best shield is to accept the pain, then what can really destroy me?"

    http://garyufm.blogspot.co.uk

  7. #7
    Great Uncle Bulgaria
    Guest

    Re: Tight Lycra

    Quote Originally Posted by southernsoftie View Post
    And there was me thinking you were worried about your great undies bulge-area.
    Thank you for your concern but that has been throughly taken care of this week.

    I had not considered arm warmers under a base layer, will try it tomorrow.

  8. #8

    Re: Tight Lycra

    Quote Originally Posted by Great Uncle Bulgaria View Post
    Thanks for that, two very different approaches. No mention of a simple windproof layer, jersey is not very warm and the wind goes straight through anyway; maybe I just feel the cold. Don't want to be 'bundled up' but want to stay out for a few hours.
    this is my endura windproof jacket, works really well:
    http://www.endura.co.uk/Product.aspx...26&prod_id=233

  9. #9
    Master nikalas's Avatar
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    Re: Tight Lycra

    Reviewed 10 Soft-shell cycling jackets recently....


    Rapha Classic Softshell Jacket
    £240.00
    www.rapha.cc

    Only certain brands would even consider charging £240 for a cycling jacket and uber fashionable London based Rapha is one of them. Despite Paul Smith collaborations and even skincare products in their range, their cycling apparel isn’t a case of style over substance. The shell is 100% windproof, repels rain, breathes amazingly and is the perfect thickness for typical British weather. Realising that during a ride the temperature can easily go from -10C to +10C, zipped underarm vents make temperature regulation easy. Three large pockets stow your spares and there’s a zipped pocket for valuables. A drop down storm flap protects your bum from road spray and the fit is perfect. The cuffs seal snugly and the collar is deliciously soft. Finishing touches such as an off-set front zip for better comfort over zipped jerseys and the fact that it oozes style seal the deal. Rapha even offer a no quibble 30-day free returns offer.

    Start saving or run up your credit card, either way, you won’t regret it.
    95%

    Castelli Espresso Due Jacket
    £230.00
    www.saddleback.co.uk

    Loving the name and the euro-styling, this is a serious cycling jacket for when the mercury really drops. Combining the excellent Gore Windstopper outer with a super soft fleecy inner it tackles the cold from the inside and out. There are no obvious chinks in its chill stopping armour with a thickly baffled main zip, snug fitting collar and wrist zips for easy and precise closure around gloves. The fit is very athletic and, like most Italian brands, it’s probably worth bumping up a size. Our tester’s L was a bit short in the back. The three pockets are a little on the narrow side and, if Castelli can include an internal MP3 pocket, surely a zipped pocket isn’t too big an ask? The biggest problem though is that it’s just too damn warm. Even with the zipped chest vents fully open our tester cooked and this would only really be a viable jacket for genuinely sub zero days.

    A jacket to beat the big freeze but you’d suffer come the thaw.
    87%


    Louis Garneau Massimo 2 Jacket
    £139.99
    www.evanscycles.com

    Another obviously Continental styled jacket, the Massimo will keep you toasty warm through the bitterest winter rides. Although not as luxurious on the inside as some other jackets on test, it keeps out chilling winds extremely well and, by the stretch underarm and back panels, shifts moisture away rapidly. On cold dry days, beating sweat dampness is the key to being warm. The downside of these panels, especially the back, is that they’ll let any rain straight through. The oversized zip baffle is extremely effective and the stretch detailing on collar and cuff means a wind beating seal. A silicon gripper around the hem and a decent length tail keeps your lower back warm and dry. The three rear pockets are constructed of a stretchy fabric and hold all spares and fuel incredibly securely. Louis Garneau have opted for a chest zip pocket that has the seemingly obligatory at the high end internal MP3 port.

    If you can carry off the look, this is a great jacket.
    90%


    Mavic Equipe Winter Jacket
    £135.00
    www.mavic.com

    The problem with wearing Mavic brand clothing in the UK is that non-cyclists, including our tester’s wife, marvel that you can get cycling clothing from Morrisons Supermarket, the logos are that similar. That, and the offensively bright inner, aside and the Equipe is a solid jacket. Despite the lack of a baffle on the main zip, which is off-set for better layering, it keeps out the wind and the long stretchy cuffs are especially effective. It’s really warm with a soft fleece lining but still manages to transport moisture and breathe. This is aided by the zipped wrist vents that are surprisingly effective for managing airflow and ventilation through the jacket. The drop on the tail could be a bit longer and there’s no form of elastic or silicon to keep it in place. The three rear pockets are deep but a bit on the narrow side but the zipped chest pocket is perfect for your phone and valuables.

    A few minor gripes and branding misunderstandings but not a bad jacket.
    81%


    Montane Hyena Jacket
    £125.00
    www.montane.co.uk

    As an all-round activity soft-shell, the Montane Hyena has a lot going for it. The combination of POLARTEC Power Shield windproof panels and DRYACTIV stretch panels is probably one of the most effective on test for wind-proofing and breathability. This is no real surprise as it’s primarily designed for high intensity mountain activities and it’d certainly keep you toasty and dry in such harsh environments. As a cycling jacket though it can’t compete with the more specialist products on test. Although it’s got two zippered waist pockets, these just don’t work riding as, with anything significant in them and down on the drops, you feel their contents with every pedal stroke. The fit just isn’t quite right on the bike and, although it has a bit of a tail and a draw-cord hem, even riding on the hoods, your backside is completely unprotected from road spray.

    Great for winter mountain running and climbing but this is a bike jacket test.
    70%

    Gore Bike Wear Power SO Jacket
    £124.99
    www.gorebikewear.co.uk

    Using its sister company’s Windstopper soft shell we always have high hopes for Gore’s cycling products and, with the Phatom winning our test last year, expected a strong performance from the Power SO. It’s not a bad jacket but it’s far from a great jacket. It blocks the wind, breathes brilliantly and, with a soft fleece liner, insulates well. The collar is comfortable and the zip baffle very effective. It also is surprisingly resistant to a downpour. However the cuffs are too loose and let the wind in and the tail doesn’t stay close to your rear end. The three rear pockets are generous but, annoyingly as it was our only gripe with the Phantom and would be so easy to remedy, there’s no zip pocket for valuables. With the brilliant, if zip-pocketless, Phantom available at the same RRP, we know where we’d spend our money if we were going for Gore.

    Niggling faults and a super strong stablemate bring down its score.
    75%


    Sugoi Firewall 220 Zip Jacket
    £119.99
    www.cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk

    It’s very flattering for Sugoi to have named a jacket after us but that won’t cloud our judgement! For such a lightweight and thin jacket, its wind-stopping and insulating properties are seriously impressive. It also breathes really well too. The drawstring hem, although a little on the short side, cinches snugly tight, stays in place and cuts out cold drafts up your back. The main zip is well baffled and the collar comfortably snug. The cuffs are a little loose and an elasticated seal would be an improvement. Its big failing is storage though. It’s got two zipped pockets these are practically useless when riding. The two zipped pockets are on the front of the jacket and with every upstroke of the pedals you get annoying prodded by your spare tube or multi-tool. Yes, you could use your jersey pockets underneath but we want to be able to get to stuff on the go.

    Without wishing to sound like an estate agent, storage is a problem.
    71%

    Northwave Blade Jacket
    £102.12
    www.i-ride.co.uk

    For just over £100 the Blade has plenty of great features. The 4Pro membrane breathes well, does a great job of keeping the wind out and even combats fairly sustained downpours. The rain eventually gets through but the Blade still manages to retain good insulating qualities and, when not wet, the waffled inside is super soft. The traditionally spaced and sized three rear pockets swallow plenty of kit but, although it has a zipped pocket, the zip tag is a bit fiddly to use with gloves on. Elasticated collar and cuffs, in conjunction with a fully baffled front zip, seal out the wind well and the collar is soft and comfortable against your neck. The overall stretchy feel give a pleasingly athletic fit but our tester did find it a bit short in the body and a longer tail flap would be an improvement. The silicon gripper around the hem eliminates riding up though.

    Well priced jacket that wouldn’t let you down but room for improvement.
    76%


    Polaris Tornado Jacket
    £79.99
    www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk

    Bargain alert! If you want a no-frills, mega value but top performing winter soft shell, look no further than the Tornado. It’s obvious that the guys who developed it are cyclists and, being based in Derbyshire, know a bit about cold weather. For under £80 you get a jacket that goes toe to toe with competitors more than double its price. The fully windproof chest and sleeve panels keep the cold out but the elasticated and breathable underarm and back panels mean you don’t overcook and ensure a great fit. Water resistance is compromised but this is more than balanced by how well the jacket breathes. The inner fleece is soft and insulating, zip baffled and the collar seals well around the neck. Thumb loops on the cuffs mean no chilly blasts up your arms and the silicon hem stops riding up. Three pockets good sized pockets, plus a zipped one, complete the package.

    Great choice if you don’t want to empty your bank account.
    95%


    Altura Night Vision Windproof Jacket
    £69.99
    www.zyro.co.uk

    Somewhat surprisingly for a jacket named the Night Vision our test sample, although sporting a fair amount of reflective decals, was black. There are more hi-vis colours available though and the name comes from the LED loop that’s compatible with the Altura Night Vision Lightstick. Despite being not much thicker than a winter weight jersey, it keeps out the wind fairly well but anything more than a brief shower gets through quite fast. There’s no way you would wear it in the depths of winter but it’d see a lot of action in milder spring and autumn rides. Key features such as a baffled zip, elasticated tightly sealing cuffs, decent sized rear pockets, a zipped pocket and a soft collar are all present. Fit wise though it could would definitely benefit from some elastic, silicon or drawstring around the hem as it’s all a bit loose, doesn’t sit over your backside very well and does ride up a bit.

    Not at all bad but more of a heavyweight jersey than a jacket and some fit issues.
    73%

    Conclusion

    At the top end of the test, the Rapha is without a doubt a fantastic softshell cycling jacket. You can argue all you want that you’re paying for the name, £240 is a riduculous price and it’s just about posing but, with their products we’ve tested, they’re spot on for British conditions and you’ll get seasons of wear out of them. Dropping £100, the Massimo from Louis Garneau is an excellent contender from a fashionable brand. The styling may not be to everyones’ tastes and it’s probably one for really cold dry days but we had an awful lot of those last winter. The mid-price range is a bit of a dissapointment with too many minor niggles and faults for a standout contender to emerge but, down in the bargain basement, there’s a real treat. The Polaris Tornado is an outstanding jacket and not just for its price. It easily stands up to jackets almost double in value. If we had a totally free choice and money was no object, we’d go for the Rapha. It really is a thing of beauty and, unsuprisingly as it’s £160 more expensive, a far superior cycling jacket. But, in these times of austerity we have to be ruled by our wallets not our hearts and, for this reason, the Polaris takes the test.

  10. #10
    Great Uncle Bulgaria
    Guest

    Re: Tight Lycra

    WOW!! That took most of the pain out of choosing. Thank you very much indeed. Now I just have to find examples to try for sizing!
    Thanks again.

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