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

bendertherobot

I think I can pull that off.......

the_rover

Great write up on the blog Chris, I feel quite smug now having bought the DHB kit especially at the price I paid.

bsharp77

I just got my Aeron softshell - Bender, I now see why you started a thread on this!
The jacket fits like an absolute glove and looks really well made with a lovely fleecy lining on the inside - I'm actually hoping its bad weather tomorrow so I can give it a good test! The orange is really bright, and has a reflective strip the whole way across the back 3 pockets.
Worth every single penny - the Rapha softshell is going back in the post tomorrow.

Id say this, with a good base layer will do me for the winter - I might even order the windslam gilet, just for an extra bit of insurance if it gets really cold (what do you reckon bender?)

robbo2011

Last week, the zip packed up on my ancient Altura jersey that I use for commuting and so I thought what the hell, I may as well jump on the bandwagon.

Picked up a Medium Aeron Roubaix jersey for CHF56, which in old money is £37 (tax free and free shipping to CH. it is also below the swiss VAT threshold so no extra duty to pay, hopefully).

Can't really go wrong at this price. If it performs OK, I might even use it for 'proper' rides at the weekend.

surrey_commuter

Just got my yellow gilet. Very pleased so thank you everybody for the reviews.

bendertherobot

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19753277#p19753277]bsharp77[/url] wrote:

I just got my Aeron softshell - Bender, I now see why you started a thread on this!
The jacket fits like an absolute glove and looks really well made with a lovely fleecy lining on the inside - I'm actually hoping its bad weather tomorrow so I can give it a good test! The orange is really bright, and has a reflective strip the whole way across the back 3 pockets.
Worth every single penny - the Rapha softshell is going back in the post tomorrow.

Id say this, with a good base layer will do me for the winter - I might even order the windslam gilet, just for an extra bit of insurance if it gets really cold (what do you reckon bender?)

Windslam yes. Will provide that bit more. Softshell gilet over the top may prove a bit too warm!

apreading

Surely two layers of windstopper is a bit of a waste? If the first layer is doing its job and both stopping the wind and retaining any warm air inside already then to be warmer the best best is to increase the warmth of the base layer?

bendertherobot

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19753933#p19753933]apreading[/url] wrote:

Surely two layers of windstopper is a bit of a waste? If the first layer is doing its job and both stopping the wind and retaining any warm air inside already then to be warmer the best best is to increase the warmth of the base layer?

Many solutions I guess. More insulation certainly. Heat is still being trapped by the outer layer. Also easier to remove and stash away.

bsharp77

Many solutions I guess. More insulation certainly. Heat is still being trapped by the outer layer. Also easier to remove and stash away.

Yes, a thicker base layer would have the same effect, but the gilet is removable giving flexibility for changing conditions - I only want it for back up in case it gets colder during the ride, which it can do depending on my weekend routes.

Gilet it is!

bendertherobot

Depending on where you are mind, you won't need that kind of protection any time soon........ unseasonal

lostboysaint

Sponsorship deal coming up now that they're linking your blog on their twitter?

dhbsport ‏@dhbsport 18m18 minutes ago
dhbsport Retweeted Ben Da La Roubaix
Our new Aeron range is a real step up for dhb. Don't just believe us - check out this review from @bendytherobot dhbsport added,
Ben Da La Roubaix @bendytherobot
@dhbsport @wigglebikeshop https://roubaixcycling.wordpress.com/2015/11/28/dhb-coming-of-age/ …
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bendertherobot

I'm quite happy to look at their new summer range

lostboysaint

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19754343#p19754343]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

I'm quite happy to look at their new summer range

Piss-taking aside, excellent blog!

bendertherobot

Ta. Trying to get through Alpha Jersey and Jacket tonight. Then a piece on the high vis debate.

See Sense Ikon's on way somewhere. I might have to review my Supersix I guess.

I might get round to a glove article.

bendertherobot

https://roubaixcycling.wordpress.com/2015/12/04/the-castelli-alpha-jersey/

alpha there. Posted in the Alpha thread as well.

Runs off to consider what next............ doing a lot of swimming, wonder if Garmin will send me a Vivoactive for review?

letap73

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19755111#p19755111]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

https://roubaixcycling.wordpress.com/2015/12/04/the-castelli-alpha-jersey/

alpha there. Posted in the Alpha thread as well.

Runs off to consider what next............ doing a lot of swimming, wonder if Garmin will send me a Vivoactive for review?

Brilliant piece of writing , it far supercedes most powder puff articles that are produced in cycling magazines. Kudos for linking it to the real world opinion of others as this enhances the review. Excellent comparison of Rapha, Castelli and ASSOS within that article which mirrors my own experience. The only thing I might add is that in my opinion Castelli have not rested on their laurels - the Gabba 2 to me is better than the original Gabba and an excellent companion piece to the Alpha jersey.

bendertherobot

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19755174#p19755174]letap73[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19755111#p19755111]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

https://roubaixcycling.wordpress.com/2015/12/04/the-castelli-alpha-jersey/

alpha there. Posted in the Alpha thread as well.

Runs off to consider what next............ doing a lot of swimming, wonder if Garmin will send me a Vivoactive for review?

Brilliant piece of writing , it far supercedes most powder puff articles that are produced in cycling magazines. Kudos for linking it to the real world opinion of others as this enhances the review. Excellent comparison of Rapha, Castelli and ASSOS within that article which mirrors my own experience. The only thing I might add is that in my opinion Castelli have not rested on their laurels - the Gabba 2 to me is better than the original Gabba and an excellent companion piece to the Alpha jersey.

Yeah, I might add that in. What I wanted to do is something like the Washing Machine post but will more relevance to the background bits. It struck me earlier, after I'd written it, that I've not really seen any reviews recently where they did anything other than review the piece in question. It's important to draw the review wider IMO. Oh, and, thanks!

the_rover

Spot on observations on the alpha jersey Chris and it's the last bit of your review that strikes a chord with me.
I've been out today for a couple of hours wearing the aeron soft shell, it was a bit parky when I set off, the temps dropped to about 5 degrees and it got very windy but the jacket was brilliant throughout. On the home stretch I was thinking how the alpha jersey fits into my biking wardrobe and Id almost convinced myself to sell it.

I won't because it's a quality bit of kit and I'm sure I'll use it but it goes to show how much I rate the aeron.
I've even got used to the yellow/blue combo!

phat ham

How does the length of the softshell jacket compare to the lightweight windslam vest in the same size? I just got the vest and it's just a tad short on me. It's not really an issue with the vest but might not work with the jacket.

bendertherobot

Bit longer.I think. Will check when I get in. I did think the vest could do with being a cm or two longer

bendertherobot

Oh Aeron Roubaix jersey with light baselayer when it's 10 degrees. How do I love thee?

robbo2011

quite looking forward to mine arriving. Although I couldn't be tempted by the Softshell. Instead, I scored an Alpha jacket in red on wiggle at 20% off plus the wiggle1 code. not too bad for £170 landed.

Time to retire the Airjack to cold weather commuting duty.

bendertherobot

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19757077#p19757077]robbo2011[/url] wrote:

quite looking forward to mine arriving. Although I couldn't be tempted by the Softshell. Instead, I scored an Alpha jacket in red on wiggle at 20% off plus the wiggle1 code. not too bad for £170 landed.

Time to retire the Airjack to cold weather commuting duty.

Don't think of it as retirement. Think of it as Batman, called on when things go bad.

robbo2011

The Airjack is great for short winter rides of up to an hour or so, but for longer rides sweat does build up and then you start to get cold, especially on fast descents. This happens at all temperatures, in my experience.

The Alpha Jersey does not allow as much sweat to build up and you stay drier and warmer for longer. I'm hoping the Alpha Jacket will do similar for those winter rides in temperatures at around freezing (we have a lot of those around here).

I was not 100% sure about the breathability of the Aeron softshell, so I went for the Alpha jacket to be sure.

robbo2011

The Roubaix jersey showed up today. First impressions are that it is a very nice piece, well made with good fabrics and high quality stitching throughout. The orange is very bright. I am 6 ft tall, 72 kg with a 38 inch chest and the medium fits perfectly, long enough sleeves, good form fit and no flapping chest material when in the riding position.

now need the right weather in order to try it out on the road.

zak3737

Couldn't resist, had to see what all the fuss was about, so when ordering a couple of things for my wife for Xmas, slipped a DHB Aeron Softshell & Merino base layer into my basket too....

They've just arrived, and wow, although have only tried them on, they are top quality kit. :-)

The Merino base is an Xl, and perfect for me @ 95kg & 44" chest etc. Feels really comfy on, and the neck zipper is great for when cool air might be useful.

The Aeron Softshell is awesome, really really well made, as Bender has articulated so well
Fabrics feel great, windtex where needed, and super soft where required too.
Great venting across the top of shoulders too, & all in all, for £80 after discounts, this has to rival the Castelli stuff very well.
Went for the dark blue & yellow for vis, and the blue is very blue. like it.
XXL sizing is accurate too, nice & snug on me, not too tight, perfect.

All that said, I don't really 'need it', but jeezuz, it's a keeper.

For those of you with the brass & desire for cycling 'kudos' - buy Castelli.
For most of us mere mortals, who like value for money, buy an Aeron !

andy9964

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19758794#p19758794]Zak3737[/url] wrote:

95kg & 44" chest etc................
..............XXL sizing is accurate too, nice & snug on me, not too tight, perfect.

That's good to know, might add something to my Xmas list

bendertherobot

Heads up. The Aeron Softshell Gilet is £39.99 now. Fiver cheaper than the less warm version.

the_rover

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19759472#p19759472]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

Heads up. The Aeron Softshell Gilet is £39.99 now. Fiver cheaper than the less warm version.

Chris, have you got one of these? If so will it roll up small enough to fit in a pocket?

Cheers

bendertherobot

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19759662#p19759662]The Rover[/url] wrote:

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19759472#p19759472]bendertherobot[/url] wrote:

Heads up. The Aeron Softshell Gilet is £39.99 now. Fiver cheaper than the less warm version.

Chris, have you got one of these? If so will it roll up small enough to fit in a pocket?

Cheers

Nah, bit big for that. It's literally a soft-shell without arms. (and a slightly different pocket arrangement)