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

bendertherobot

It does make a difference. There is, I think though, a point at which one might be too stiff. For road shoes my Empire SLX are uber stiff and wonderful.

For off road, I actually find that the Empire VR70 (stiff) and Republic knit (stiff enough) are nicer for long distances than my Drako (very very very stiff). But a lot of that is because I tend to do cafe stops with walking, commuting etc with MTB shoes.

monda

bendertherobot wrote:

Monda wrote:

Hi Bender, just wondering if you have any experience with the rapha pro team softshell? Was having a look at your site and I read the review of the pro team training jacket.

I'm torn between the softshell, the pro team insulated and the pro team training jacket. Love the look of the new pro team training jacket in navy and chartreuse, but think the pro team softshell would be a more suitable option for this time of year?

Thanks

Yes, the one on Wiggle? At the current price it's very good, but it's not all that warm IMO. The PT training jacket is, IMO, the best all rounder of the three you mention, the insulated for drier days, and the softshell for really wet ones. But the PT training will get you buy on damper days, so I still think that's the best one of all of them. Indeed, one of the best they do. The new blue and yellow is really nice.

Yeah the one on wiggle. Love the look of it but went for the pt training jacket in navy and chartreuse. Hopefully arrive in next few days.

sinbad_ni

bendertherobot wrote:

I wore Parentini's new Vita today in sub zero and then chilly on the way home. Could have done with a slightly warmer base in the sub zero but it's a really epic thing. I have to say, too, that I think Parentini's designs have come on a lot this year so where they were functional before there's a bit more zing. This is mine, and I really really like it.

http://www.parentini.com/en/462/1539/vi ... orm-shield

So what's the difference between Vita line and the Mossa line?

Still difficult to get hold of the stuff, p&p from them was crazy if I remember right. Such a shame as I really like their stuff.

bendertherobot

Sinbad_NI wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

I wore Parentini's new Vita today in sub zero and then chilly on the way home. Could have done with a slightly warmer base in the sub zero but it's a really epic thing. I have to say, too, that I think Parentini's designs have come on a lot this year so where they were functional before there's a bit more zing. This is mine, and I really really like it.

http://www.parentini.com/en/462/1539/vi ... orm-shield

So what's the difference between Vita line and the Mossa line?

Still difficult to get hold of the stuff, p&p from them was crazy if I remember right. Such a shame as I really like their stuff.

I’ll review shortly but, if you go on their site, uk shipping is free I think!

sinbad_ni

Nope.
Just checked €15 postage for a pair of shorts.

scott_w1987

Free shipping here I think... https://uk.ciclimattio.com/s/parentini/ ... /?id=27624

Tempted to try one - How does it compare with Mossa sizing and warmth? My medium is far to big and I'm 6'1 and about 74kg, I'd be tempted by a small. Although at my currently lack of riding and eating everything in site the medium might be about right!

daniel_b

scott_w1987 wrote:

Free shipping here I think... https://uk.ciclimattio.com/s/parentini/ ... /?id=27624

Tempted to try one - How does it compare with Mossa sizing and warmth? My medium is far to big and I'm 6'1 and about 74kg, I'd be tempted by a small. Although at my currently lack of riding and eating everything in site the medium might be about right!

I ordered a Mossa from them way back when, and it was indeed free postage - they were good with returns as well, although clearly it cost me a comparative arm and a leg to return with appropriate insurance, but that was a gamble I was prepared to take.

Is the DWR treatment stuff going to continue, or will it not be usurped by the new breed of materials such as the shakedry - can't be long until they somehow put that as a top layer on a softshell of sorts and still allow it to breathe?
I thought the downside of the DWR treatments is that they wear off in time?
Happy to be educated otherwise :-)

bendertherobot

There appears to be a shipping threshold. Vita is free. I'll check.

Size wise it's pretty Mossa like but bits are a bit longer, such as the arm and back. It takes what the Mossa was and improves in every area.

bendertherobot

Although the Mossa and Vita have DWR it's the membrane that is waterproof remember. So it's just useful to have, but it will always remain waterproof.

pblakeney

Daniel B wrote:

Is the DWR treatment stuff going to continue, or will it not be usurped by the new breed of materials such as the shakedry - can't be long until they somehow put that as a top layer on a softshell of sorts and still allow it to breathe?
I thought the downside of the DWR treatments is that they wear off in time?
Happy to be educated otherwise :-)

Like this for example? Not cheap mind...

https://www.gorewear.com/uk/en-uk/gore- ... 00277.html

pinno

In grey or black :roll:
You would think that for that sort of price, you could have any colour you like.

pblakeney

Pinno wrote:

In grey or black :roll:
You would think that for that sort of price, you could have any colour you like.

Totally! I hoped there was a practical reason that could be overcome, but either it can't be, or they are stupid. I also hoped for trickle down. Stupid boy...

bendertherobot

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2018/11/14/th ... ta-jacket/

pblakeney

The Rover wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2018/10/27/see-sense-ace-rear/

30% discount if you are a BC member as well.

Cheers!
Made the difference from "I could do with these." to "I've gotta get these!".

PS - Roubaixcycling.cc were mentioned in despatches.

pinno

I have 3 base layers in my Wiggle basket...
I'm hoping for a good black Friday.

cougie

Pinno wrote:

In grey or black :roll:
You would think that for that sort of price, you could have any colour you like.

The material is amazing but they can't do any other colours. That's why the colours are grey. I have the shakedry lighter jacket and it's fantastic in the rain. Well worth the money.

bendertherobot

https://wordpress.com/post/roubaixcycling.cc/14064

monda

Been using my castelli nano flex leg warmers a lot recently before the weather gets cold enough for winter tights but just recently noticing a bit of a chill around my knees. Just wondering if anyone has tried the pearl izumi thermal leg warmers or if there's any other make any recommends? Saw the izumis in a local bike shop and they felt reasonably cosy.

apreading

Get the Sorpasso LW - this lightweight version is perfect for in-between weather we have right now - before it gets really cold and you need the full Sorpasso.

sinbad_ni

Monda wrote:

Been using my castelli nano flex leg warmers a lot recently before the weather gets cold enough for winter tights but just recently noticing a bit of a chill around my knees. Just wondering if anyone has tried the pearl izumi thermal leg warmers or if there's any other make any recommends? Saw the izumis in a local bike shop and they felt reasonably cosy.

Sports pursuit had loads of bioracer stuff at good prices recently. Leg warmers as well I think.
Tempest versions are great.

EliDude

Hi Bender. I'm thinking of getting the Madison Apex waterproof jacket. Is it worth it? Any good?

kingstongraham

Updated review - I still think the Seesense Ace rear light is great.

bendertherobot

EliDude wrote:

Hi Bender. I'm thinking of getting the Madison Apex waterproof jacket. Is it worth it? Any good?

Yes, and no. It is very very good. Though, if I were buying now, I'd be looking at the Rapha Core or Commuter.

Or, for pacey rides, the Parentini Vita.

EliDude

bendertherobot wrote:

EliDude wrote:

Hi Bender. I'm thinking of getting the Madison Apex waterproof jacket. Is it worth it? Any good?

Yes, and no. It is very very good. Though, if I were buying now, I'd be looking at the Rapha Core or Commuter.

Or, for pacey rides, the Parentini Vita.

So say I get both the rapha core and the madison apex for similar money, which one is more waterproof or less boil in the bag?

voicycle

PBlakeney wrote:

Daniel B wrote:

Is the DWR treatment stuff going to continue, or will it not be usurped by the new breed of materials such as the shakedry - can't be long until they somehow put that as a top layer on a softshell of sorts and still allow it to breathe?
I thought the downside of the DWR treatments is that they wear off in time?
Happy to be educated otherwise :-)

Like this for example? Not cheap mind...

https://www.gorewear.com/uk/en-uk/gore- ... 00277.html

Any chance one could layer a DIY version of this using some kind of Polartec Alpha jacket/gilet under the non-insulated C5 and get similar breathability? Or is the outer construction on a separate PA garment going to prevent it breathing as effectively through the shakedry?

Looks like Rapha Pro Team Insulated, Rapha Brevet Insulated, and dhb Aeron Alpha Direct all use Polartec Alpha...

FatTed

BTR thought this would appeal to you, since you are such a Die Hard fan

https://stephenfollows.com/using-data-t ... dium=email

bendertherobot

FatTed wrote:

BTR thought this would appeal to you, since you are such a Die Hard fan

https://stephenfollows.com/using-data-t ... dium=email

Oh, that's brilliant, ta!

luv2ride

alexfthe wrote:

PBlakeney wrote:

Daniel B wrote:

Is the DWR treatment stuff going to continue, or will it not be usurped by the new breed of materials such as the shakedry - can't be long until they somehow put that as a top layer on a softshell of sorts and still allow it to breathe?
I thought the downside of the DWR treatments is that they wear off in time?
Happy to be educated otherwise :-)

Like this for example? Not cheap mind...

https://www.gorewear.com/uk/en-uk/gore- ... 00277.html

Any chance one could layer a DIY version of this using some kind of Polartec Alpha jacket/gilet under the non-insulated C5 and get similar breathability? Or is the outer construction on a separate PA garment going to prevent it breathing as effectively through the shakedry?

Looks like Rapha Pro Team Insulated, Rapha Brevet Insulated, and dhb Aeron Alpha Direct all use Polartec Alpha...

Used my Sportful R&D wind jacket (with Polatec Alpha) yesterday for the first time in ages as not a fan of the colour so not worn it for a while. Forgotten just how brilliantly insulating and breathable it was. Way better than Primaloft. Haven't seen many gilets made from it, though think Sugoi did one. No doubt the Gore Shakedry version would be brilliant, though the Sportful version scores in that its shell material isn't 100% windproof so am sure this helps with its superior breathability....

bendertherobot

Ditto, sort of. It was 9 degrees yesterday so wore a Rapha long sleeve midweight jersey (which is midweight to the extent that it's not summer mesh!) and their Brevet insulated gilet with polartec.

I have to say (65 quid on wiggle at the moment) the Brevet insulated gilet is the best piece of kit I own. It's brilliant.

bendertherobot

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