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

bendertherobot

If you have an alpha id not swap to a Mossa. Not that much gain. Besides, wet from tomorrow

daniel_b

Espresso 4?

https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/castelli-espresso-4-gore-windstopper-soft-shell-jacket/aid:876708?channable=e8467.ODc2NzA4&gclid=CL754dmy39ECFfQW0wodCIwCnQ

graeme_s-2

If you feel the cold when riding in the winter I can strongly recommend swapping the summer shoes and overshoes for a nice pair of winter boots. I've been riding in Specialized Defrosters this year and have been amazed at the difference it makes to my overall warmth, especially when it's cold and wet rather than just cold.

Alex99

Graeme_S wrote:

If you feel the cold when riding in the winter I can strongly recommend swapping the summer shoes and overshoes for a nice pair of winter boots. I've been riding in Specialized Defrosters this year and have been amazed at the difference it makes to my overall warmth, especially when it's cold and wet rather than just cold.

Is that vs regular shoes + overshoes? How are they better than using overshoes? The benefit of overshoes: you're using the same shoes with the exact same fit; when you feet get wet anyway, they will dry out quickly; overshoes are cheap.

pinno

Daniel B wrote:

Espresso 4?

https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/castelli-espresso-4-gore-windstopper-soft-shell-jacket/aid:876708?channable=e8467.ODc2NzA4&gclid=CL754dmy39ECFfQW0wodCIwCnQ

That looks like an option and not a bad price too. Have you reviewed that softshell BTR?

@Graeme. I use thick Neoprene overshoes. It works.

bendertherobot

It's a good one. It takes a different approach to the Alpha, it's a traditional fleece lined thing. That can, like the Mossa, work better. It's very personal.

How about this mind. Interesting.

https://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/cafe-du- ... oCkXfw_wcB

Alex99

Fenix wrote:

Pinno - what else were you wearing ? And how cold was it ? (i always use the Garmin Connect weather temp as a guide to what it was like).

I've been wearing windproof longs, overshoes and merino socks, aldi gloves, HH base layer if not too cold, merino ls base if it is cold and an extra LS jersey underneath if its round zero.

Oh and a windstopper skullcap too. I've been fine for 3hrs plus with the DHB jacket.

Maybe take a packable gilet if you find yourself getting cold 2/3 of the way in - or else you'd be too hot for the first 2 hours ?

For me, versatility is needed on longer rides. Otherwise, if I dress to be spot on for the first 2-2.5 hours, I'll be cold at the end of the ride. It can be like a switch, fine one minute, then bang, too cold. I think it's to do with running low of carbs and going into 'biological economy mode'. My Kask Infinity helmet is good for this. Vents closed gives a decent boost in warmth. I think this is why I struggle with the dressing concept of a proper winter jacket as the top layer unless you are OK with doing the first 2/3rds of the ride with the zip half open. A warm gilet to start with and put back on at the end ticks the box.

Alex99

bendertherobot wrote:

It's a good one. It takes a different approach to the Alpha, it's a traditional fleece lined thing. That can, like the Mossa, work better. It's very personal.

How about this mind. Interesting.

https://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/cafe-du- ... oCkXfw_wcB

...also as a gilet
https://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/cafe-du- ... gilet.html

Have to say, it looks great.

bendertherobot

I wonder what the Elemento Air is like?

bendertherobot

Alex99 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

It's a good one. It takes a different approach to the Alpha, it's a traditional fleece lined thing. That can, like the Mossa, work better. It's very personal.

How about this mind. Interesting.

https://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/cafe-du- ... oCkXfw_wcB

...also as a gilet
https://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/cafe-du- ... gilet.html

Have to say, it looks great.

Doesn't it! I have to say, we sometimes ignore what works on the bike because it doesn't look bikey. But that looks great.

pinno

bendertherobot wrote:

It's a good one. It takes a different approach to the Alpha, it's a traditional fleece lined thing. That can, like the Mossa, work better. It's very personal.

You made a reference previously to the Cafe Du Cyclist stuff and I had actually looked at that.
Yes, fleece lined like Roubaix tights. The Endura Roubaix tights work really well for what they are. I am still inclined to try the Lusso Max or the DHB deep winter. I have never had padded tights before, do the pads do the job as good as a pair of bib shorts?

@Alex. Yes I agree. It's difficult to get the right combination. I start off fine, then go through a warm patch. That's the critical window - too warm and I am sweating too much. The low carbs thing, no - I do not do fasting rides and I fuel up plenty. I think i'm going back to making some flapjacks with nuts and extra syrup though. I think if I planned a stop in a sheltered spot mid-way through a 3 hour ride, stretch and eat it would help.

bendertherobot

Incidentally, tried my new Craft wool base layer today with ONLY the dhb aeron roubaix and gilet. It was zero and a real vicious wind. Not toasty, how could it be, but certainly warm and comfortable. And very wicking.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Craft-Warm-Wool ... _87326.htm

Sizing is generous so I've opted for a medium for a snug fit. Arms are also generous and you get a bit more down at the waist. Good for cycling, and will make a great skiing base layer as well, imo.

bendertherobot

Pinno wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

It's a good one. It takes a different approach to the Alpha, it's a traditional fleece lined thing. That can, like the Mossa, work better. It's very personal.

You made a reference previously to the Cafe Du Cyclist stuff and I had actually looked at that.
Yes, fleece lined like Roubaix tights. The Endura Roubaix tights work really well for what they are. I am still inclined to try the Lusso Max or the DHB deep winter. I have never had padded tights before, do the pads do the job as good as a pair of bib shorts?

@Alex. Yes I agree. It's difficult to get the right combination. I start off fine, then go through a warm patch. That's the critical window - too warm and I am sweating too much. The low carbs thing, no - I do not do fasting rides and I fuel up plenty. I think i'm going back to making some flapjacks with nuts and extra syrup though. I think if I planned a stop in a sheltered spot mid-way through a 3 hour ride, stretch and eat it would help.

Pads, yes. Depending on what you get. The Parentini pad in my Shark bibtights is, naturally, the same as in my Shark summer bibshorts and just as good. The Lusso one isn't quite as good but certainly as good as others. The one in the dhb aeron is the same as in the summer shorts and made by cytech. It's a top level pad. I'd still save the money over the deep winter and get the windslam.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-winds ... bib-tight/

pinno

Cheers Bender.

bendertherobot

Be careful with sizing, perhaps order two and just walk round the house in them before you commit. Windproof panels are hugely effective but don't fit as well on something that constantly moves like your legs. It's a personal thing.

pinno

bendertherobot wrote:

It's a personal thing.

You keep saying that. I guess, it's an indemnity.

Glad you mentioned the flexibility. I think I would prefer something more flexible.

bendertherobot

It is

dazz_ni45

I sold on my Mossa (not the Mossa 2) because of the moisture issue. I seemed to sweat a lot more wearing it compared to any of my other jackets/softshells (I've had a few!) to the point that the baselayer was soaked through. Then after a while, especially if I wasn't putting in a full effort, the moisture got cold and I was freezing. Has anyone else had this issue? This tended to be on rides of a longer duration.

I was considering the Mossa 2 as its warmer, but worried I will have the exact same problem with sweating and cooling.

fenix

Mr Bender and co - I've taken to doing night rides in winter - and loving it. My windblock PX tights are just the job - but I'm wondering if there is an option out there thats similar but has a lot of reflectives on the legs. To me the legs moving up and down are the best places for reflectives and I reckon you'd be as safe as houses with reflective legs even if your rear lights failed.

Any ideas ? I see the DHB flashlight but they dont get the best rating for warmth and its usually 4 degrees down to -4 or so.

bendertherobot

The Lusso are very warm, not quite as warm but good.

You can see how effective they are here: https://roubaixcycling.cc/2016/03/10/lu ... every-day/

https://www.merlincycles.com/lusso-max- ... 81363.html

These look quite visible as well:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-flashlight- ... ib-tights/

and these are probably the most visible of all:

https://www.merlincycles.com/lusso-nite ... 85452.html

daniel_b

bendertherobot wrote:

Incidentally, tried my new Craft wool base layer today with ONLY the dhb aeron roubaix and gilet. It was zero and a real vicious wind. Not toasty, how could it be, but certainly warm and comfortable. And very wicking.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Craft-Warm-Wool ... _87326.htm

Sizing is generous so I've opted for a medium for a snug fit. Arms are also generous and you get a bit more down at the waist. Good for cycling, and will make a great skiing base layer as well, imo.

I can recommend the Galibier merino wool base layers, though they seem to be out of stock of the LS one at present unfortunately:
http://galibier.cc/product/merino-short/

fenix

Cheers BTR - that Lusso looks JUST the ticket !

robbo2011

bendertherobot wrote:

I wonder what the Elemento Air is like?

Yes, I do too. It is not meant for wet conditions, but when it is really cold, it doesn't need to be as any water will be in the form of ice.

Was -13 degC on my commute this morning, coldest yet this winter. Assos Airjack with windproof shell over the top with full balaclava, lobster shell gloves and windproof socks. Fortunately it is only a short commute, wouldn't want to be out for too long in those conditions.

pinno

robbo2011 wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

-13 degC

Eeek!

scott_w1987

dazz_ni45 wrote:

I sold on my Mossa (not the Mossa 2) because of the moisture issue. I seemed to sweat a lot more wearing it compared to any of my other jackets/softshells (I've had a few!) to the point that the baselayer was soaked through. Then after a while, especially if I wasn't putting in a full effort, the moisture got cold and I was freezing. Has anyone else had this issue? This tended to be on rides of a longer duration.

I was considering the Mossa 2 as its warmer, but worried I will have the exact same problem with sweating and cooling.

Yes, I get similar effects from my Mossa. Although I've managed to use it as my only winter jacket for last year and this years full winter in all conditions with layers to suit, so it possibly isn't quite as bad as you've experienced but it can be annoying.

Oh and it's not as waterproof as any reviews make it sound and hasn't been from the start.

I just bought a Rapha pro team softshell at sale price with the extra 10% off, not cheap, but not too expensive either. I needed a second winter jacket and I've seen a few riders in my local bunch rides with one and it looks like a good fitting jacket. Will let you know how it compares to the Mossa. I only bought it because I wanted free postage on the reduced RCC camelbak bottles

pinno

That Espresso 4 is available at Merlin for £146 but I did come across the Castelli Raddoppia Jacket AW16. Anyone had any experience of this?

daniel_b

Pinno wrote:

That Espresso 4 is available at Merlin for £146 but I did come across the Castelli Raddoppia Jacket AW16. Anyone had any experience of this?

I noticed the Raddopia too, but more than one review said the front zip let in the cold air, so a massive no no for you I would assume?

3.45% tcb cash back lops another fiver off that Espresso too. Glad I don't love any of those colours!

matt_n-2

Daniel B wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

Incidentally, tried my new Craft wool base layer today with ONLY the dhb aeron roubaix and gilet. It was zero and a real vicious wind. Not toasty, how could it be, but certainly warm and comfortable. And very wicking.

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Craft-Warm-Wool ... _87326.htm

Sizing is generous so I've opted for a medium for a snug fit. Arms are also generous and you get a bit more down at the waist. Good for cycling, and will make a great skiing base layer as well, imo.

I can recommend the Galibier merino wool base layers, though they seem to be out of stock of the LS one at present unfortunately:
http://galibier.cc/product/merino-short/

Galibier stuff always seems to review well and is keenly priced.

Anyone given the Mistral jacket a go?

lakesluddite

dazz_ni45 wrote:

I sold on my Mossa (not the Mossa 2) because of the moisture issue. I seemed to sweat a lot more wearing it compared to any of my other jackets/softshells (I've had a few!) to the point that the baselayer was soaked through. Then after a while, especially if I wasn't putting in a full effort, the moisture got cold and I was freezing. Has anyone else had this issue? This tended to be on rides of a longer duration.

I was considering the Mossa 2 as its warmer, but worried I will have the exact same problem with sweating and cooling.

My experience exactly - sold mine on as well.

bendertherobot

Not mine. Though I had that experience with the rapha softshell.