Anyone got any riding kit (I'm really talking clothing rather than the Bikes themselves or workshop equipment) that they just wouldn't be without ?

I've finally got to a size where pretty much all of the riding kit I'd bought in the last 4 years or so is now hanging off me... Nice snug fitting road shirts now look like (and have been relegated to) MTB duties, and pretty much all the lower body stuff is now bagged and ready for the recycling centre. Indeed, I've actually returned to a size where some of my kit from maybe 20 years ago now fit... in some cases, this is a good thing - e.g. the circa 1990 Castelli Thermodress+ Long sleeve jersey that's kept me dry and relatively toasty for the latter half of this seemingly endless winter. Sadly, the 20 year old stitching is suffering from it's regular wash-wear-repeat treatment, and I think over half the seams have been re-stitched in the past month Much the same is occuring with the Assos LS Roubaix Fleece jersey - and also, frankly it's "decade that taste forgot" Fluro Yellow with Lime Green and Ping detailing (what the hell was I thinking, buying that FFS !!)

So - It's been time for me to drop a few beer tokens on clothing...

Jersey - DHB Windslam Blade LS Jersey

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-windslam-blade-long-sleeve-jersey/

It's sort of a half-way house between a Roubaix Fleece jersey and a Softshell Jacket. The front of the chest and arms have a stretchy windproof laminate facing, with the back plain Roubaix fleece - so it keeps the cold off your chest, keeps you warm, but breathes really well - it's even got a couple of zipped mesh vents at the front, and frankly, for the money it's superb. Since I bought it last month, I don't think I've done more than a couple of rides without it. Only problem I have with it is that it's only available in black, which while looking great, doesn't exactly aid visibility to other road users. Still, it's a 5/5 from the Yorkshire judge :laugh:


Castelli Sorpasso Bibtights.

http://www.castellicafe.co.uk/castelli-sorpasso-thermpflex-core-due-bibtight

Well - I guess you probably all know i've got a bit of a soft spot for all things Italian when it comes to Cycling (and food, and drink come to think about it...) so I guess you're going to expect a rave review on these? Correct. They are, without doubt, the most comfortable winter riding tights i've ever had the pleasure to climb into. The pad is easily on a par with the one in my summer-best Assos FI.Uno shorts, and the thermal material manages to be lighter and stretchier (read better fitting) whilst still being at least as warm and as tough (yep - i've been "down the road" on them once on a hidden spot of black ice) as the typical "Roubaix Fleece" longs. Fine for temps down to about 3°C on their own, or maybe -5°C with a considered application of "belgian kneewarmers" Sizing is typically Italian however - I take 38" waist jeans and I need the XXXL (depressing as i'm finally XL in most kit now)


DHB EQ2.5 Waterproof Cycling Jacket

Another one of Wiggles amazing own-brand deals...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-eq25-waterproof-cycling-jacket/.

Normally, I'm not really a fan of full-waterproof jackets - preferring a "stashable" raincape in the back pocket and wind/water resisting clothing that breathes properly. Pretty much every jacket I've had (and I include top-end mountain/hill walking gore-tex jobs) haven't been properly breathable, and if you wore them all day, whilst exercising hard, you were going to boil-in-the-bag. Well - the DHB's the same. Yep - it's a £70 jacket, what do you expect. But, it does keep rain out, and it's got a good mesh liner inside so it doesn't feel clammy and horrible. It's got pit-zips, a zipped rear pocket and a couple of small inside pockets that'll keep your phone and keys secure and out of the rain. It's a put on and wear for the entire ride jacket though - good for fast commutes, or for those 2-3 hour training rides when it's already raining, and you know it's going to keep on doing for the duration. I think of it as my Rule 5 and 9 jacket.

Prendas Cyclismo "Belgian Hat"

http://www.prendas.co.uk/details.asp?ID=3229

Very retro, very warm, very practical and half the price of Rapha's overpriced equivalent. And it's got a little "hand made in italy" badge on it. What's not to love. I would say that the more modern microfleece skullcaps are better under a helmet however, but again, sometimes it's good in the wet to have a peak to keep the snow out of your glasses...



Anyone else got any tried-and-trusted riding kit, that they just wouldn't be out and about without at the moment?