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

scott_w1987

That one is pretty reasonable, this is the proper waterproof one - http://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/for-the-r ... acket.html

Although out of stock and I think from looking at their website they've brought out a slightly updated version and it's even more expensive!

bendertherobot

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-tempo ... of-jacket/

i'd be tempted to give that a whirl as a rain jacket

bendertherobot

My Lumos is coming tomorrow.............

https://player.vimeo.com/video/161582503

tenohfive

I need some decent bibs but with Christmas coming up I'm trying to be sensible and make do with a few purchases as possible. For commuting use mostly over the next few months.
I'm currently considering:
a) Pearl Izumi Tight Attack 3/4
b) Gore Power 3.0 3/4
c) Castelli Velocissimo 2 tights

I can't stretch to both the Gore's and the Castelli's, but can afford either both 3/4 or the PI's with the Castelli tights. Any views on which to go for or avoid?

bendertherobot

I like 3/4's a lot. Some don't. Some do. Indeed I wear them more than tights. Of that list I'd rate the Gore as being most likely the best. But Pearl are excellent. The Castelli tights are good but, if it's possible, a pair of Sorpasso (might not be cheap now) are better in every way.

Rivelo are worth a shout on Sport Pursuit. The 3/4 is more spring than winter weight but you could possibly stretch (or perhaps not) to a pair of 3/4 and tights.

https://www.sportpursuit.com/search?s=rivelo

tenohfive

The Castelli's I can pick up for £50 but Sorpasso's are waaaaay more than that. I'll have a look at the Rivelo's, thanks.

bendertherobot

Yeah, you have to find them at the right time of year, sadly.

dhb Aeron worth a look as well IMO.

fenix

I like the look of that rain jacket - nice bright colour too - but no reflectives at all ? Odd.

bendertherobot

dhb logo looks like it might be, not enough though I agree.

scott_w1987

bendertherobot wrote:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-tempo-waterproof-jacket/

i'd be tempted to give that a whirl as a rain jacket

Looks pretty decent actually - I've been using a Rapha rain jacket for the last few years and it's terrible, plus it's a bit too big so I definitely need a replacement. I could probably buy this and still sell my Rapha for about the same amount.

How's the sizing on the Aeron stuff?

fenix

Just follow the guides on wiggle for the sizes - they seem very accurate to me.

scott_w1987

Also noticed the ASV one, which doesn't actually look as good in the pictures but presumably in person is even more fitting than the Aeron stuff?

Might buy one tonight and see how it is...

fenix

Bizarre that they make a grey waterproof. You're going to be using it in crappy conditions. A few flashes of colour wouldn't go amiss on a rain jacket.

comsense

dhb ASV eVent Waterproof Jacket is ime fantastic.
I've ridden 21/2 hours into hilly a 200K sportive in a downpour and when the rain stopped I as dry and not sweating.

It was a seriously big spend for me but one of those things that every time you need it you think it was money well spent

I've had it since early November last so its had plenty of use.

scott_w1987

comsense wrote:

dhb ASV eVent Waterproof Jacket is ime fantastic.
I've ridden 21/2 hours into hilly a 200K sportive in a downpour and when the rain stopped I as dry and not sweating.

It was a seriously big spend for me but one of those things that every time you need it you think it was money well spent

I've had it since early November last so its had plenty of use.

Good news.

Not overly fussed on colour as most of my kit consists of black, black or black. Although the Aeron does look good in blue, which is tempting. But if the ASV is better fitting/performing I'd rather pay the extra!

grenw

bendertherobot wrote:

I like 3/4's a lot. Some don't. Some do. Indeed I wear them more than tights.

Been wearing my 3/4s for a couple of weeks now and will be pretty much all I wear now until March/April. Toasty knees are a must and it very very rarely gets cold enough for me to need my shins covered up - wore my full tights 3 times last winter. Maybe it's my mtb background? Maybe it's because I don't commute?

Assos Tiburus here. Lovely things although can creep up a little.

comsense wrote:

dhb ASV eVent Waterproof Jacket is ime fantastic.

Pretty much the same as the £300 Castelli Tempesta. My missus has the women's version - Donnina, and raves about it. Will happily wear it as a windproof layer on a 5 hour ride despite there being no sign of rain. I suppose she has to justify the expense somehow....

bendertherobot

It's arrived.

https://goo.gl/photos/xQSh47U89kjJKpSQ7

Heavy at 450g, but really comfy and just superbly specced. Front and rear indicators, brake light. Loads of modes, remote for signals, satellite remote to move signals to nearer hoods, TWO charging leads (one for helmet, one for remote, robust, good, brill)

fenix

GrenW wrote:

Been wearing my 3/4s for a couple of weeks now and will be pretty much all I wear now until March/April. Toasty knees are a must and it very very rarely gets cold enough for me to need my shins covered up - wore my full tights 3 times last winter. Maybe it's my mtb background? Maybe it's because I don't commute?

I think we had a pretty mild winter last year - lets hope for more of the same this time too !

bendertherobot

https://youtu.be/F9__LH0bj3M

pinno

bendertherobot wrote:

https://youtu.be/F9__LH0bj3M

I very much hope car drivers see the indicators as indicators and not just some flashing light ion the back of a helmet.

I saw you at the back of the field in a field in the mud of Wales

bendertherobot

Pinno wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

https://youtu.be/F9__LH0bj3M

I very much hope car drivers see the indicators as indicators and not just some flashing light ion the back of a helmet.

I saw you at the back of the field in a field in the mud of Wales

No you didn't. I'm at least at the back of the first half of the field

pinno

bendertherobot wrote:

Pinno wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

https://youtu.be/F9__LH0bj3M

I very much hope car drivers see the indicators as indicators and not just some flashing light ion the back of a helmet.

I saw you at the back of the field in a field in the mud of Wales

No you didn't. I'm at least at the back of the first half of the field

redvee

GrenW wrote:

Been wearing my 3/4s for a couple of weeks now and will be pretty much all I wear now until March/April.

Not worn full tights for 3 years now but do have knee warmers or 3/4 bibs for those days that need them. Still in short sleeves, ideally want to keep the short sleeves going till 17th November for a solid 7 months of wearing them. After that I won't feel too bad about having to wear long sleeve jersies.

graeme_s-2

bendertherobot wrote:

https://youtu.be/F9__LH0bj3M

I think that looks super cool, but I do wonder about how effective the indicators will be in a real road situation. They're not that far apart, so a left or right indicator are both going to be amber lights flashing in roughly the same place from a driver's perspective, and a rider is likely to be turning their head from side to side when they're likely to be indicating.

bendertherobot

It's going to be interesting finding out. Will have to try some real world video somewhere quiet, possibly in a private car park with me in car and boy on bike or something.

daniel_b

bendertherobot wrote:

It's going to be interesting finding out. Will have to try some real world video somewhere quiet, possibly in a private car park with me in car and boy on bike or something.

Be very interested to hear what you make of this BTR - looks to be a well made, and well reviewed product, if a little heavy, but a small price to pay if it improves safety as a consequence of the extra heft, especially for something like the schoolrun when on a slower bike and with the littleun on board.
Keen to know about battery life, charging etc etc

Looks like the only source is the US (?) and with shipping, and our current exchange rate it's fairly pricey, plus I expect you would have to pay customs and the RM handling fee on top, so would likely make it around a £160 helmet once it arrives.

If yours was sent as a test sample, I would assume you would not have to pay those extras though.

bendertherobot

Oddly enough I had a battle with dhl over that issue. It's PPE so should be zero rated anyway, the fact I didn't pay/it's for review doesn't exempt me. Spent a lot of Monday on the phone, said they'd sort it. Driver came, tried to charge me, got on the phone, no record of any calls from me, so said he'd just leave it with me anyway.

At current prices it's about £120 or so. I have a 25 dollar discount code somewhere, not sure if it's multi use.

I'd not recommend it for everyone but for my lengthy commute it makes a lot of sense. It's a very comfy helmet if a little heavy.

Battery life seems to be on a par with something like the See Sense in flash mode, perhaps a bit shorter. Battery on the indicator switch is a month or so.

And, I guess, if you total it all up, sticking a fibre flare on the front/rear of a mid level helmet would see you pay the same.

daniel_b

bendertherobot wrote:

Oddly enough I had a battle with dhl over that issue. It's PPE so should be zero rated anyway, the fact I didn't pay/it's for review doesn't exempt me. Spent a lot of Monday on the phone, said they'd sort it. Driver came, tried to charge me, got on the phone, no record of any calls from me, so said he'd just leave it with me anyway.

At current prices it's about £120 or so. I have a 25 dollar discount code somewhere, not sure if it's multi use.

I'd not recommend it for everyone but for my lengthy commute it makes a lot of sense. It's a very comfy helmet if a little heavy.

Battery life seems to be on a par with something like the See Sense in flash mode, perhaps a bit shorter. Battery on the indicator switch is a month or so.

And, I guess, if you total it all up, sticking a fibre flare on the front/rear of a mid level helmet would see you pay the same.

I thought EVERYTHING that came from the US (Over the item value of £15) was due additonal charges?
What is PPE? :oops:

bendertherobot

Personal protective equipment. Mine came from HK mind.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... le-helmets

pinno

Daniel B wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Oddly...same.

I thought EVERYTHING that came from the US (Over the item value of £15) was due additonal charges?
What is PPE? :oops:

If the Vendor is conducive, they can put a note on the parcel stating that "Goods value less than $x". Sometimes it works.