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

bendertherobot

It's a fair point. I was looking at the Chapeau range (and hoping to test some this week) and see that they, like Assos, have a nice label sewn outside one of the bibstraps. Good idea IMO

gaffer_slow

would feel like a national champion of somewhere in this new from dhb.

I love the look, but am sadly way too self conscious.



feel the same about Belgium Boy Club

bendertherobot

Those classic jerseys are really nice, not promoted as much as other stuff but definitely up there on quality. I have the roubaix version which adds some warmth. They're sized pretty normally as well. I'll be doing an in depth review of mine shortly. But I like the design and the colours.

JesseD

Just had a gander at the blog Bender and I like it, its well laid out and easy to read, saved to favourites now so I can continue to be informed in a light-hearted manner on future purchases - GOOD WORK!!

bendertherobot

Why thank you! I have some others to do this weekend. It's tiring work.

Oh, did anyone see Wiggle's new essentials range btw? Looks tidy, and timely as I'm getting the boy into cycling.

apreading

bendertherobot wrote:

Oh, did anyone see Wiggle's new essentials range btw? Looks tidy, and timely as I'm getting the boy into cycling.

I have a couple of DHB Mono Short Sleeve Jeseys from last year or the one before, that cost literally tuppence. They are among my favourites. They have a short zip which not all will like but I find it makes the rest of the jersey sit better without a zip and make it lighter too. Fit and feel are fantastic. Look just like the 'new' esentials short sleeve jersey.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-mono-short-sleeve-jersey/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wiggle-essentia ... -jersey-1/

If you like short zip, I reckon that is the bargain of the year!

bendertherobot

Yep. Going to nab him a few. No assos for him

bendertherobot

Loads of stuff on review coming.

Assos Rally Jersey (I actually think it might be worth the money)

A shedload of Chapeau gear (oozes class)

Some stuff from Fuelit which I think is a top idea!

stu-bim

Keep up the good work

I've been following your posts and finding them great

bendertherobot

Ta!

Forgot, also Michelin Power Comp 25c tyres (which I bought!)

And some Fulcrum Racing Quattro (ditto)

robbo2011

Tell you what i'd really be interested in reading is a review of some q36.5 kit. This is the company founded by the ex head of R&D at Assos.

https://www.q36-5.com/content/en-1/home-q36-5.html

Looks like some really interesting stuff going on with his designs, especially the shorts. I would imagine his stuff is extremely cutting edge. Of course, probably would be very tough to blag something for review but could be worth a try.

bendertherobot

I like a challenge.....

bungalballs

Has anybody tried the dhb Classic Rain Shell or the dhb EQ2.5 jackets? Any good?

I already have an Alpha but I'm considering a new rain jacket - the kind that you would put on if you knew you were going to be out in proper rain for a couple of hours. I considered the Chapeau based on the fact it reviewed well and looks nice, but its a lot more expensive! What's the favourite go-to rain shell, is there one?

Given its time for April showers, maybe this is a good chance for a group test bender!

bendertherobot

I've not tried the Classic Rain jacket but the EQ was very well reviewed generally. The Classic has no mesh inside which, personally, is the right thing. It looks difficult to beat for the price. Much depends on the fabric and, if the figures are correct, it does look like it's in the upper echelons of breathability. It does look very good.

bungalballs

Done. I'll give the classic a go and report back (after the next rainy weekend!)

keef66

itboffin wrote:

I'm very happy with the quality of dhb bib shorts but the labels in the back sit right above my crack and rub, in fact it's so distracting I don't wear them anymore and won't buy another pair, whoever thought that was a good place to stick the label clearly doesn't cycle much.

Cutting them out just leave sharper short labels, shame because the fit and pad are very good

That was the first thing I noticed when I bought my bottom of the range Assos bibshorts; the label's on the outside. Simple but effective design touch.

I've found with annoying labels inside garments that you can carefully cut them out then make sure you fray the little stub left behind and cut off the corners. That stops it being an irritant.

mrb123

Gore Bike Wear must be the worst offenders for excessive internal labelling.

bendertherobot

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/04/09/ch ... bibshorts/

Some stuff from Chapeau!

awavey

MrB123 wrote:

Gore Bike Wear must be the worst offenders for excessive internal labelling.

its Adidas for me, they stitch all these labels in that you then have to cut out because they feel like they are made of plastic if you leave them, but you can never fully get rid of the stub because youd have to unpick the stitching to do that

so you try and round the sharp edges as much as you can so its livable with, and then of course when you want to remind yourself of the size of the item,or even the washing instructions, you chucked out all the labels because like you were going to keep lots of flappy loose bits of labels around that youd never match to the right item anyway, grrrr.

MisterMuncher

Bioracer seem to be one of the few who understand the labeling issue. None in the bins, a single side label on the jersey. Best sleeves going, too.

bendertherobot

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/04/10/as ... ve-jersey/

No nasty tags in this one. But that price.......

bendertherobot

Guys and gals, if you could, would you mind, if you have a twitter account or facebook, just giving a share for my site? It's currently running at 500 views a day, I just need to push it to that next level.

Obviously the site is: www.roubaixcycling.cc

and if you wanted to share the Facebook it's https://www.facebook.com/roubaixcycling1/

Ta!

(I might even start running competitions.............)

ddraver

After the weekend I ll do a bit on the Rapha Core kit if you like....

bendertherobot

That would be great to see. It's a really good position in the market that. Kind of like VW Golf territory.

ddraver

OK, I ll have a go this evening

bendertherobot

Loved the trekking piece by the way.

ddraver

bless you sir

bendertherobot

Seriously good. Evocative photos. Did you sleep well?

ddraver

Yeah I was fine. I might have struggled if I'd truely been out in the open but as I was always off the floor it was fine. If anything i was too warm. The issue is that i thought bikepacking would be a good way of seeing bits of the world for very little money but there is just as much super expensive kit to buy for that too!

A light, small packing sleeping bag & mat costs north of 300 squids!!

keef66

ddraver wrote:

The issue is that i thought bikepacking would be a good way of seeing bits of the world for very little money but there is just as much super expensive kit to buy for that too!

A light, small packing sleeping bag & mat costs north of 300 squids!!

Yebbut once you have the kit, your subsequent jaunts are very economical. You could easily spend £300 on 2 nights in a UK hotel...