B E N D E R's non sweary review site, roubaixcycling.cc (and general kit discussion)

ds2288

Monda wrote:

ds2288 wrote:

Monda wrote:

Quick question for you bender..... do you have any recent experience of the pedalEd brand? Very tempted by a few pieces but not much reviews or write ups online.

Have looked at pedaled too but not many reviews out there. If it’s the merino stuff you’re looking at, I can recommend the Isadore stuff, I have a couple of jerseys and they are extremely comfortable.

The signature jersey is catching my eye. Looks lovely and some interesting colours too. Do you have the signature jersey?

Yep, and the hot weather model as well. The signature is a great autumn/spring jersey when it’s mild and dry. It’s a little thick to be a hot weather jersey.

bendertherobot

Isadore stuff is all excellent. It's on the small size sometimes but you really can't go wrong with it. I would say the Signature won't be useable in the next few weeks though

pinno

There is a pair of nearly new Giro Apeckx 11's for sale on fleabay. As a Giro aficionado BTR, how do they match up in terms of size? I am a size 9 and the Giro's are 43.

Further, now that DanielB has joined the ranks of the skinnier and is having a bulge damage warehouse clothing sale ***many items reduced. Buy now to avoid disappointment***, do you think he will go for different shades of lurid for his new collection?

Surely a boil wash would shrink the old clothing ?

bendertherobot

I'm a 10 in shoes and take a 45. Mind I'm a 45 in all cycling shoes now. What other shoes do you have? (cycling)

pinno

Sidi's. I'm going to get rid of my Genius 5. Cannot get on with them, Cannot eliminate the hotspot. Do not feel comfortable. I'm currently using my old (1997) Sidi's I normally use as winter shoes.
I'm sure the old Sidi's are a 42.

bendertherobot

Could be ok, though arguably Giro are notionally a size up on Sidi.

Size chart here suggests a 43.5 but that's assuming we're working from a shoe 9 in the first place.
https://www.evo.com/giro-shoes-size-chart

pinno

Thanks for that Bender. That suggests that they could be a little on the tight side. Maybe a half size too small? Or am I interpreting it incorrectly?

bendertherobot

Yes, that's right. Do they take returns?

pinno

Gone. Never mind.

I'll have to bear in mind that they are a slight bit on the tight side in future.
What's your pick of the Giro's? I do like the Republic K Nit lace up and loved my Adidas Merckx from eons ago. Giro's all seem to have a nice high ankle support:

bendertherobot

I wear those pretty much every day. They are my favourite

drhaggis

I'm in the market for something warmer than a L/S Perfetto, and kinda fancy the Sportful R&D Zero on sale at Wiggle. Any experience/opinions/suggestions? The main use is going to be winter commutes in Edinburgh (short 10 miles each way) plus very occasional 3h club rides.

Last year I found the Perfetto to be very nice, but slightly on the cold side when temperature went under 3 degrees (dhb l/s merino baselayer underneath). Regardless, I'm also getting a windstopper gilet as part of club kit. Would that provide enough warmth to make the jacket superfluous?

Also, I ended up feeling bad for using a Perfetto for so many commutes that the dwr essentially wore off by mid spring. Could I be better off by getting a cheaper, say, Decathlon winter jacket? Again, suggestions most welcome.

Slightly OT: how do Sportful bibs size when compared with Castelli and, at the larger spectrum, dhb?

luv2ride

DrHaggis wrote:

I'm in the market for something warmer than a L/S Perfetto, and kinda fancy the Sportful R&D Zero on sale at Wiggle. Any experience/opinions/suggestions? The main use is going to be winter commutes in Edinburgh (short 10 miles each way) plus very occasional 3h club rides.

Last year I found the Perfetto to be very nice, but slightly on the cold side when temperature went under 3 degrees (dhb l/s merino baselayer underneath). Regardless, I'm also getting a windstopper gilet as part of club kit. Would that provide enough warmth to make the jacket superfluous?

Also, I ended up feeling bad for using a Perfetto for so many commutes that the dwr essentially wore off by mid spring. Could I be better off by getting a cheaper, say, Decathlon winter jacket? Again, suggestions most welcome.

Slightly OT: how do Sportful bibs size when compared with Castelli and, at the larger spectrum, dhb?

I reckon you might find that version a little hot. They do a Light version which is probably a more versatile garment, and likely warmer than the Perfetto due to the Alpha insulation:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-rd-lig ... 7998623342
EDIT: I've got the previous R&D wind jersey with the same insulation and it's certainly warmer than my Gabba longsleeve, but although can shrug off a shower isnt as water resistant.
...as for Sportful bib sizing, I find them the same as Castelli (though just returned some Sportful Bodyfit Pro Limited Bibshort as they were on the tight side - presumably down to them designated as being "pro").

mrb123

Bender,
Can you recommend any (less spendy) alternatives to the Castelli Alpha jacket?

I have an Alpha jersey but looking for something for the coldest winter days. Would just go for the Alpha jacket (In Orange of course) but it's hard to find any decent discounts.

I notice that Lusso have reduced the V1 Aqua Extreme jacket but wondering told that's closer in terms of warmth to the Alpha Jersey which I already have rather than the jacket.

https://lusso.bike/product/aqua-extreme-repel-jacket/

bendertherobot

MrB123 wrote:

Bender,
Can you recommend any (less spendy) alternatives to the Castelli Alpha jacket?

I have an Alpha jersey but looking for something for the coldest winter days. Would just go for the Alpha jacket (In Orange of course) but it's hard to find any decent discounts.

I notice that Lusso have reduced the V1 Aqua Extreme jacket but wondering told that's closer in terms of warmth to the Alpha Jersey which I already have rather than the jacket.

https://lusso.bike/product/aqua-extreme-repel-jacket/

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/12/20/lu ... el-jacket/

A smidge less warm than the Alpha but not by very much. At £89 it's a steal. I'd go with that. Its really useable

mrb123

bendertherobot wrote:

MrB123 wrote:

Bender,
Can you recommend any (less spendy) alternatives to the Castelli Alpha jacket?

I have an Alpha jersey but looking for something for the coldest winter days. Would just go for the Alpha jacket (In Orange of course) but it's hard to find any decent discounts.

I notice that Lusso have reduced the V1 Aqua Extreme jacket but wondering told that's closer in terms of warmth to the Alpha Jersey which I already have rather than the jacket.

https://lusso.bike/product/aqua-extreme-repel-jacket/

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/12/20/lu ... el-jacket/

A smidge less warm than the Alpha but not by very much. At £89 it's a steal. I'd go with that. Its really useable

So would you say the Lusso is sufficiently warmer than the Alpha Jersey to make it worthwhile having both? The Lusso certainly looks like it should be better in the wet.

This is the other one I've been looking at, currently available for £60 or so...
https://road.cc/content/review/218895-m ... ell-jacket

bendertherobot

Yes. I reckon with a variety of base layers you could get through all winter with it.

I think I used to have the team version of the Madison. That was good but not as warm.

mamil314

DrHaggis, I've done 3 winters in an older version of this, very recommended for below 10C
https://www.bikeinn.com/bike/castelli-e ... bikeinn_uk

drhaggis

Luv2ride wrote:

I reckon you might find that version a little hot. They do a Light version which is probably a more versatile garment, and likely warmer than the Perfetto due to the Alpha insulation:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sportful-rd-lig ... 7998623342
EDIT: I've got the previous R&D wind jersey with the same insulation and it's certainly warmer than my Gabba longsleeve, but although can shrug off a shower isnt as water resistant.
...as for Sportful bib sizing, I find them the same as Castelli (though just returned some Sportful Bodyfit Pro Limited Bibshort as they were on the tight side - presumably down to them designated as being "pro").

mamil314 wrote:

DrHaggis, I've done 3 winters in an older version of this, very recommended for below 10C
https://www.bikeinn.com/bike/castelli-e ... bikeinn_uk

Thank you both for your suggestions. In the end, I went for a red DHB aeron full protection jacket because it was reasonably cheap (£77) and it wasn't grey/black. Somehow I feel guilty splashing over £100 on a garment that will be used mostly for 35m commutes, although I must admit I spent that on the L/S Perfetto last year and it was a massive improvement over what I had.

If I'm still in Scotland next winter I'll probably "splash" on CtW to get a nice top end jacket, and maybe, just maybe, zondas or the like.

pinno

DrHaggis wrote:

Thank you both for your suggestions. In the end, I went for a red DHB aeron full protection jacket...

My preferred go to winter jacket.

Now I have the Espresso 4. In terms of performance, it's perhaps 5% better than the DHB but over twice the price.
However, as the equivalent Medium Espresso fits a little bit neat and the DHB being a bit stretchier and accommodating, I would say that the DHB is a little more versatile. It gives me the option of more layers underneath.
DHB continues to amaze me for it's value for money.

mrb123

bendertherobot wrote:

Yes. I reckon with a variety of base layers you could get through all winter with it.

I think I used to have the team version of the Madison. That was good but not as warm.

Ordered the Lusso. Hopefully the size will be OK.

Gone for the same size as my Alpha but hoping it's a little more roomy to allow a bit of layering underneath.

bendertherobot

Sorry I've been quiet. I have lots to write about.

SunGod code in the meantime, 10% off with ROUBAIXCYCLING10

mrb123

MrB123 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Yes. I reckon with a variety of base layers you could get through all winter with it.

I think I used to have the team version of the Madison. That was good but not as warm.

Ordered the Lusso. Hopefully the size will be OK.

Gone for the same size as my Alpha but hoping it's a little more roomy to allow a bit of layering underneath.

Lusso going back sadly. The sleeves aren't long enough for me on the large size (I'm 6'4"). Shame because it looks a nice bit of kit and I can imagine it's a pretty warm jacket.

drhaggis

Pinno wrote:

DrHaggis wrote:

Thank you both for your suggestions. In the end, I went for a red DHB aeron full protection jacket...

My preferred go to winter jacket.

Now I have the Espresso 4. In terms of performance, it's perhaps 5% better than the DHB but over twice the price.
However, as the equivalent Medium Espresso fits a little bit neat and the DHB being a bit stretchier and accommodating, I would say that the DHB is a little more versatile. It gives me the option of more layers underneath.
DHB continues to amaze me for it's value for money.

How snug is a jacket meant to be? The small DHB jacket is oh so slightly tighter around the belly than my medium L/S Perfetto. I can deal with that, but I can't see it accommodating a summer jersey on top of a base layer comfortably.

Unfortunately, if I swap it for the medium, it'll be slightly too wide at the shoulders. Decisions, decisions...

pinno

DrHaggis wrote:

Pinno wrote:

DrHaggis wrote:

Thank you both for your suggestions. In the end, I went for a red DHB aeron full protection jacket...

My preferred go to winter jacket.

Now I have the Espresso 4. In terms of performance, it's perhaps 5% better than the DHB but over twice the price.
However, as the equivalent Medium Espresso fits a little bit neat and the DHB being a bit stretchier and accommodating, I would say that the DHB is a little more versatile. It gives me the option of more layers underneath.
DHB continues to amaze me for it's value for money.

How snug is a jacket meant to be? The small DHB jacket is oh so slightly tighter around the belly than my medium L/S Perfetto. I can deal with that, but I can't see it accommodating a summer jersey on top of a base layer comfortably.

Unfortunately, if I swap it for the medium, it'll be slightly too wide at the shoulders. Decisions, decisions...

Personally, I don't like a jacket that is a bit tight. I find the medium DHB slightly tight on the shoulder but I am bigger than the average MAMIL in that department.
So I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and Wiggle are great for returns.

pinno

Any feedback on the DHB aeron bib shorts?
I have a Gold loyalty discount to burn up.

bendertherobot

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2018/09/15/ra ... am-jersey/

bendertherobot

MrB123 wrote:

MrB123 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Yes. I reckon with a variety of base layers you could get through all winter with it.

I think I used to have the team version of the Madison. That was good but not as warm.

Ordered the Lusso. Hopefully the size will be OK.

Gone for the same size as my Alpha but hoping it's a little more roomy to allow a bit of layering underneath.

Lusso going back sadly. The sleeves aren't long enough for me on the large size (I'm 6'4"). Shame because it looks a nice bit of kit and I can imagine it's a pretty warm jacket.

That's a real shame, I didn't realise you were so large! Would the XL be a better bet?

bendertherobot

Pinno wrote:

Any feedback on the DHB aeron bib shorts?
I have a Gold loyalty discount to burn up.

They're great. Personally though I'd get the normal over the Race ones. Better length. Reduced at the moment to £56 anyway I think?

twotoebenny

bendertherobot wrote:

MrB123 wrote:

MrB123 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Yes. I reckon with a variety of base layers you could get through all winter with it.

I think I used to have the team version of the Madison. That was good but not as warm.

Ordered the Lusso. Hopefully the size will be OK.

Gone for the same size as my Alpha but hoping it's a little more roomy to allow a bit of layering underneath.

Lusso going back sadly. The sleeves aren't long enough for me on the large size (I'm 6'4"). Shame because it looks a nice bit of kit and I can imagine it's a pretty warm jacket.

That's a real shame, I didn't realise you were so large! Would the XL be a better bet?

I'm similar height an have the XL, arm length is really good and I have long arms. Great jacket, really warm in the cold Scottish winter. Bought it due to Benders feedback.

mrb123

TwoToeBenny wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

MrB123 wrote:

MrB123 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Yes. I reckon with a variety of base layers you could get through all winter with it.

I think I used to have the team version of the Madison. That was good but not as warm.

Ordered the Lusso. Hopefully the size will be OK.

Gone for the same size as my Alpha but hoping it's a little more roomy to allow a bit of layering underneath.

Lusso going back sadly. The sleeves aren't long enough for me on the large size (I'm 6'4"). Shame because it looks a nice bit of kit and I can imagine it's a pretty warm jacket.

That's a real shame, I didn't realise you were so large! Would the XL be a better bet?

I'm similar height an have the XL, arm length is really good and I have long arms. Great jacket, really warm in the cold Scottish winter. Bought it due to Benders feedback.

Maybe I should try the XL then. I'm 39" chest and 32" waist so really a medium on the Lusso size guide, but the large did seem fairly snug fitting so the XL might work. Plus it might allow a bit of wriggle room for layering up on the coldest days.