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

bendertherobot

dempsey1 wrote:

Yes, their website takes you to sp to purchase. I wonder if anyone has ever paid the full rrp or does everyone think they have got a discounted price! Lack of transparency in the pricing is questionable.
Having said that, the number of independent reviews indicate the design and performance of the garments is very good. It's then down to the buyer whether they like the styling, aesthetics and if the cost price is considered value for money.

It's certainly something I will touch on, for £49 they're excellent, I'd not pay £130, but they never are. Indeed, for £49 there's not a lot of others to choose from, even the dhb aeron (which are comparable but not quite as good) are over £60

bendertherobot

tenohfive wrote:

I'm probably going to get some stick for this, but (as per a post a page back or so) I ended up ordering a pair of Velocissimo 2 bib tights and I can see why the Sorpasso was mentioned as being streets ahead - but I still wouldn't be able to stretch my budget anyway. That being said my only real gripe is that I'm feeling a bit more breeze around the crotch than I'd like - other than that they're very comfortable.

I know this is an ars* backwards and budget solution to a problem, but are there any cheap unpadded lycra shorts that I can chuck over the top for the morning i.e. colder commute, then chuck in the jersey pocket for the return? Alternatively a close fitting MTB short might do the job.

Anything sufficiently close should do. Wiggle do some compression shorts which are designed to be internal but no reason you couldn't wear them over the top.

arthur_scrimshaw

bendertherobot wrote:

Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Did a quick bit of detective work and, I hope they don't mind me saying, Rivelo appear to be Sport Pursuit.

I came to this conclusion recently as well, you can't get the stuff anywhere else, it's their DHB?

I've bought a couple of pairs of the 3/4 bibs on the strength of your comments, I've got a couple of their items (see earlier post) and think they are good for the money.

I'm looking for a new winter jacket as my Sportful softshell is starting to come apart (only in non essential places like the rear pocket trims) so have pressed it into commuting duties.

I can't make my mind up about the Lusso Windtex jackets, sure they are great functionally but the look of it is a bit busy for my tastes, the fluro yellow looks less in your face but I keep getting drawn to the red! Got great reviews and I quite like Lusso gear. Made in Manchester too.

https://www.merlincycles.com/lusso-wind ... 85999.html

It is fussy but it's very highly rated.

http://road.cc/content/review/138115-lu ... ero-jacket

Prendas winter would be another worth a close look

https://www.prendas.co.uk/collections/j ... by-santini

And the dhb Aeron of course.

I think Lusso have toned it down a bit since that review as well.

Santini looks good, similar price to the Lusso but the DHB is hard to look past at that price. Decisions!

bendertherobot

https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/11/05/ri ... bknickers/

bendertherobot

Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Did a quick bit of detective work and, I hope they don't mind me saying, Rivelo appear to be Sport Pursuit.

I came to this conclusion recently as well, you can't get the stuff anywhere else, it's their DHB?

I've bought a couple of pairs of the 3/4 bibs on the strength of your comments, I've got a couple of their items (see earlier post) and think they are good for the money.

I'm looking for a new winter jacket as my Sportful softshell is starting to come apart (only in non essential places like the rear pocket trims) so have pressed it into commuting duties.

I can't make my mind up about the Lusso Windtex jackets, sure they are great functionally but the look of it is a bit busy for my tastes, the fluro yellow looks less in your face but I keep getting drawn to the red! Got great reviews and I quite like Lusso gear. Made in Manchester too.

https://www.merlincycles.com/lusso-wind ... 85999.html

It is fussy but it's very highly rated.

http://road.cc/content/review/138115-lu ... ero-jacket

Prendas winter would be another worth a close look

https://www.prendas.co.uk/collections/j ... by-santini

And the dhb Aeron of course.

Hard isn't it. The Aeron is very hard to ignore and, this year, much better choice of colours.
I think Lusso have toned it down a bit since that review as well.

Santini looks good, similar price to the Lusso but the DHB is hard to look past at that price. Decisions!

dempsey1

I got a couple of the santini rebel zero wind warmest jackets last winter ( orange/black and green/black) and they are very good when the temperature drops / early morning / evening rides. They cope with rain pretty well too. You can pick them up at reduced prices too now if you search around. Worth consideration in a crowded market.

pinno

£55 here:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Santini-Rebel-Z ... _76942.htm

Review here:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Santini-Rebel-Z ... _76942.htm

I like Santini. Reasonably priced, though I only have Santini bibshorts and have never bought other Santini stuff.

bendertherobot

Good price but, 1-2 days and small only, which, according to the reviews, might suit a newborn

superlightweight

dempsey1 wrote:

Yes, their website takes you to sp to purchase. I wonder if anyone has ever paid the full rrp or does everyone think they have got a discounted price! Lack of transparency in the pricing is questionable.
Having said that, the number of independent reviews indicate the design and performance of the garments is very good. It's then down to the buyer whether they like the styling, aesthetics and if the cost price is considered value for money.

Its a bit Sports Direct isn't it - massive reductions on "RRP" but highly unlikely that the "RRP" has ever been charged. Likewise they list things on sale with x days x hours and x minutes to go, yet the day after the stuff is still available! I like SP and have had some bargains off there (especially arc'teryx stuff) and it probably makes sense for them to have some in-house brands. Got to better than some of the euro crap they sell

I had a nalini gilet delivered from SP this week, seems like a pretty good piece of kit for the money (£40 I think). Waiting for a Solo baselayer and RH+ 3/4s

dempsey1

The santini sizing is comparable with other brands. The rebel jackets I have are xxl, same as the rivelo ones I just bought. I take xl in rapha/endura etc. So not a great deal of difference if you check the actual measurements when buying

rusty_nail

If Rivelo is just SP-own brand that's great news in a way, I was worried I'd eventually have to pay full price for their gear!

Thick Mike

Just been out for a ride in my new Castelli Alpha Wind Jersey this morning. Pretty strong NNE wind and it was perfect. Just wore a merino baselayer (XTM from TKMAXX) underneath. Zero wind penetration, warm, not sweaty, nice high neck line and great aerodynamic fit. Very impressed indeed.

bendertherobot

Rusty Nail wrote:

If Rivelo is just SP-own brand that's great news in a way, I was worried I'd eventually have to pay full price for their gear!

Quite. I think I might pick up a Garsdale actually.....

bendertherobot

Thick Mike wrote:

Just been out for a ride in my new Castelli Alpha Wind Jersey this morning. Pretty strong NNE wind and it was perfect. Just wore a merino baselayer (XTM from TKMAXX) underneath. Zero wind penetration, warm, not sweaty, nice high neck line and great aerodynamic fit. Very impressed indeed.

Good innit? Though I had to double take then as I wondered what a wing jersey was!

pinno

Between this and the EU thread BTR, when do you come up for air?

bendertherobot

Pinno wrote:

Between this and the EU thread BTR, when do you come up for air?

I've been watching the rugby mun.

I've come in here to be cheered up.

Muddy field in Wales tomorrow.

pinno

bendertherobot wrote:

Pinno wrote:

Between this and the EU thread BTR, when do you come up for air?

I've been watching the rugby mun.

I've come in here to be cheered up.

Muddy field in Wales tomorrow.

Good luck. (You nutter).

bendertherobot

Feels like zero or thereabouts for the race tomorrow as well. My 3rd season and I don't recall one that cold.

Thick Mike

bendertherobot wrote:

Thick Mike wrote:

Just been out for a ride in my new Castelli Alpha Wind Jersey this morning. Pretty strong NNE wind and it was perfect. Just wore a merino baselayer (XTM from TKMAXX) underneath. Zero wind penetration, warm, not sweaty, nice high neck line and great aerodynamic fit. Very impressed indeed.

Good innit? Though I had to double take then as I wondered what a wing jersey was!

Ha! Have to say that I was flying today...25 PRs on Strava, even a couple into the headwind. Maybe it is a wing jersey!

pinno

bendertherobot wrote:

Feels like zero or thereabouts for the race tomorrow as well. My 3rd season and I don't recall one that cold.

Crusty mud...

bendertherobot

Aeron stuff arrived.

Aeron roubaix jersey naturally brilliant. Lovely new colourway.



But the Aeron rain jacket bulges at the front, sadly.

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

pinno

bendertherobot wrote:

But the Aeron rain jacket bulges at the front, sadly.

Proper MAMILS require a paunch accommodation facility.

bendertherobot

I confess its possible I got the wrong size and need a medium! #shock

scott_w1987

Not so good. I presume the large was the one that suited most? I would take a medium, but don't really fancy buying a small as I can't imagine it fitting! Are you going to return it for a medium?

bendertherobot

I might. Let's see how much smashing my tyre on the car earlier will cost me. If it's just the tyre I might.

arthur_scrimshaw

Well decided to go for the DHB Aaron full protection jacket but they have very limited stock in the colour way I wanted (either yellow/navy or black/ fluro) and no stock due for several weeks.
Did a bit more scouring and took a punt on this
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Mavic-Espoir-Th ... _75020.htm

No idea if it's any good but at £53 reduced from £95 thought it's worth a look?

fenix

Definitely cold enough for the DHB softshell jacket on Sunday.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-full- ... softshell/

Not a particularly enjoyable ride though - bloody strong wind to ride back into. Hopefully next week will be nicer !

bendertherobot

Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:

Well decided to go for the DHB Aaron full protection jacket but they have very limited stock in the colour way I wanted (either yellow/navy or black/ fluro) and no stock due for several weeks.
Did a bit more scouring and took a punt on this
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Mavic-Espoir-Th ... _75020.htm

No idea if it's any good but at £53 reduced from £95 thought it's worth a look?

They're alright, though not as warm or water resistant as the Aeron.

arthur_scrimshaw

bendertherobot wrote:

Arthur Scrimshaw wrote:

Well decided to go for the DHB Aaron full protection jacket but they have very limited stock in the colour way I wanted (either yellow/navy or black/ fluro) and no stock due for several weeks.
Did a bit more scouring and took a punt on this
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Mavic-Espoir-Th ... _75020.htm

No idea if it's any good but at £53 reduced from £95 thought it's worth a look?

They're alright, though not as warm or water resistant as the Aeron.

I suspect you're right, no particular claims to wind or water resistance, I'll send it back if it's not worth the money or I could keep it as a stop gap until the Aeron is back in stock. I wonder if the wife would notice if I bought the Aeron in a similar colour!?

bendertherobot

Cunning