Publisher-The charm of road bikes
In the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to be able to test/review many different kits. When PEZ asked me if I had a favorite child, my first thought was that it was a bit like asking parents who their favorite child was. As far as I am concerned, it is easy because we only have one and I love my daughter.
I like my daughter’s golf swing and I will never get tired of watching her play golf
But as far as the kit is concerned, it's not so much that I like the most, it's that I can't choose. So instead, here are my thoughts on every manufacturer's favorite kit I reviewed. Given that the holidays are approaching, it may also provide some inspiration for those of you who buy your favorite cyclists. Note: Some of the kits described in this article may be older than the current season, so please check the manufacturer's website for their latest and greatest products.
Of course, it is impossible for me to write this article without a thorough mind:
Alé PR-S Bullet Jersey and R-EV1 Agonista Plus overall shorts
Alé (pronounced as the French word allez) is an Italian company (they design and produce most of their product lines in Italy) with a history that goes back 30 years. In the professional team, Groupama-FDJ and Movistar wear their equipment. Julian Alaphilippe doubled the results of the 2020 Worlds and 2021 Worlds in the Alé kit-so it’s good to follow this. In addition to my review, Charles Manantan also reviewed their Green Kit last summer.
Alaphilippe rides FTW solo in Flanders
This combination is a great summer outfit. I have worn it in the saddle for more than 6 hours in extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The PR-S Bullet sweatshirt is suitable for competitions and uses different mesh materials throughout the process to achieve airflow/ventilation/wicking. And colors/graphics are popular in two styles and can be seen when riding.
R-EV1 Agonista Plus bib shorts are laser-cut, flat-bottomed bib straps, very comfortable, and use AirCell Lycra®, the mesh structure has a mesh for air flow/ventilation/wicking on the side panels and "middle" structure. And the entire upper part of the Y-shaped back of the bib has a mesh panel for air flow/ventilation/wicking. This is what I wrote about the bib:
[T]he Agonista Plus overalls (small, which I usually wear) fit comfortably, but not too tight. The best way to describe it is that it is compressed but not compressed. Although some of my bib shorts need to be squeezed in like skinny jeans, the Agonista Plus bib shorts slip in relatively easily. And the material is soft and smooth and fits the skin. To be honest, this is probably the most comfortable overalls I have ever worn.
The transmitted light allows you to understand how the mesh material provides airflow/ventilation/wicking
Another reason I like Alé kit is that Alé does fluorescence. Sometimes bold. Sometimes more ingenious. Every Alé kit has at least a hint of fluorescence.
Danny Shane Gex Cycling Lifestyle Polo
Just to be a little different... Instead of a bike kit, I will pick a casual bike kit for Danny Shane.
How can I not like Danny Shane's improvisation on the polo shirt?
As a former competitive tennis player, the term "polo shirt" is reminiscent of the iconic Lacoste alligator polo shirt and the image of the French Open clay court and the French Open tennis tournament. Polo shirts are also one of the most recognizable items in college style wardrobes.
But Gex Polo is not a traditional piqué cotton fabric. Instead, it is made of Danny Shane's signature bamboo white ash, which is used in their jerseys-which means it has cooling/moisture wicking properties. Perfect for relaxing and sipping Negroni on the hot and humid summer days of Babylon on the Potomac.
But I also have the Danny Shane kit-which is reminiscent of the appearance of a "country gentleman"-also suitable for riding!
GORE has an updated version of the kit (assuming Spartacus continues to work with GORE, I expect a third iteration next spring), but my first choice is the original version (so it is no longer available). I just like its appearance. For me, it is modern, but still elegant and classic appearance. As I wrote: "Blue on blue is a low-key and timeless look. Think of it like a classic blue suit jacket."
As i wrote
[W] Who doesn't want to be like Fabian Cancellara? Exceeding his achievements-winners of three monuments: Milan-San Remo, Flanders and Paris-Roubaix (including two Flanders-Roubaix doubles); Strade Bianchi three times (of which A section of gravel road is named after him); four-time world time trial champion; and two Olympic time trial champions, to name a few—it’s undeniable that he is handsome and handsome, and his nickname, Spartacus . Honestly, who doesn't want to be like Spartacus in PEZ?
The entire kit pays tribute to Spartacus:
One thing I like about the GORE C5 Cancellara kit is that it is more affordable compared to many other kits: $99.99 for the jersey and $109.99 for the bib (again, the original Cancellara kit is no longer available, and the updated version is in short supply). A pair of bibs is less than many jerseys!
But lower prices should not be confused with lower quality. The GORE Cancellara kit is a competition kit of any other name (in terms of style, compression and fit). Even though the structure/material is not specifically for hot weather riding, ie without ventilation panels, I have done a lot of longer summer riding in the kit (for me it means the metric century) without baking. But with the right base layer and arm warmer (knee heater, if cold enough), it is also a great 3-season suit.
Let you know the difference between the first and second editions of the GORE Fabian Cancellara kit
La Passione RVV (Ronde Van Vlaanderen) series
La Passione is another Italian company. As the name suggests, it is about a passion for bicycles. According to company founders Yurika Marchetti and Giuliano Ragazzi:
Eureka-One night, after a week of intense research, I asked Giuliano, "Why do we do all this?" He simply replied: "For passion." This is the beginning of everything. We inserted a "La" as a reinforcement. For us, cycling represents a passion for excellence, it is stronger than anything, and moving toward a goal, no matter how hard it takes to achieve it. Giuliano-and then I thought about summing up all these propositions, and "worth the effort" was born, a motivation to pursue something that is truly worthwhile. Our brand is not a brand that celebrates performance at all costs, because for us, cycling is an experience and a metaphor for life. It’s about enjoying the ride, stopping for a sandwich with friends in front of the breathtaking scenery, or, as in daily life, going all out to pursue your goals and being able to say at the end of each ride , It's worth it, no matter what the final result is. The important thing is to give everything.
Given that my Wednesday night mountain ride is a continuous climb (preferably described as a combination of interval and weightlifting) for about 20 miles and I insert difficult climbs (sometimes unpaid) during weekend rides I don’t want to know that the RVV series jerseys and bibs are my favorite La Passione suits. This is all about De Ronde and his legendary pebble climb aka helligen, which is obvious in the graphics. The front of the jersey-and the left leg of the bib-depicts the jagged game outline of the court. But my favorite is the back of the jersey, which lists all the climbing distances and slopes.
Of course, it's not just graphics. La Passione RVV series are high-quality competition-level kits. Since my first ride, my appreciation of the kit has not changed:
My first ride in the RVV kit was a 65-mile "rude" ride, which increased the cumulative altitude by nearly 2,500 feet. It is definitely a "classic" terrain. Oh... at 90 degrees Fahrenheit (we had some early summer weather in Babylon on the Potomac). In such hot weather, I usually don't wear a suit that is mainly black (or dark), but the ventilation and moisture wicking performance of the RVV jersey at this high temperature is similar. I can't avoid it being very hot, but I never felt that I was overheated. I never felt the need to fully unzip my jersey, and I really appreciate the comfort of the low collar. The RVV bib is very comfortable-either in the saddle or (more importantly) at the beer and food truck stops along our way. I can hardly feel the bib straps so much that I almost forgot that I was wearing bib shorts. The suede/pad provides sufficient comfort, but is also strong/density enough to avoid becoming floppy/soft. I just want to say that I am impressed.
I like this kit very much because it is MAAP's conscious decision to be responsible for the environment when producing this jersey and other garments. According to MAAP:
Therefore, OffCuts Evade Pro Base Jersey is made from fabrics "waste" in the previous production process. The result is a multicolor "patchwork" sweatshirt. In terms of style, I know this may not appeal to everyone, but as a person who has gone through the "preparatory" stage of life and wears various patchwork/check clothes, I am disappointed.
Note: This first OffCuts jersey is a limited edition. So now it is very likely to be sold out (I know that some of the limited edition kits before MAAP were sold out on the day of release!) But I have talked with Darren Tabone (Vice President of Product) of MAAP, and he assured me of OffCuts There will be other iterations of the jersey. So if you missed this issue, please stay tuned for the next one.
The honeycomb mesh sleeve is a giveaway for a summer/hot weather jersey
Regardless of style aside, OffCuts Evade Pro Base Jersey and Team Bib Evo (not made with leftover parts, but still made with MAAP's sustainable development concept-so made with recycled yarn and BLUESIGN approved fabric) are in line with the competition The fit and the level of competition (do you feel the commonality? My favorite theme in the kit?) So this means firm compression, that is, if you carry any extra pounds/kg, it will show up.
MAAP Team Bib Evo bib shorts are different in their padding, also known as suede, from Elastic Interface (EIT). According to my comment:
The carving of the mat creates channels designed to collect, guide and drain moisture
In the 90s and early 2000s, you either had to race or become a racing fan to truly appreciate the Primal Zebra Evo 2.0 kit. This kit is just one word...interesting! There are two more words... Mario Cipollini aka Super Mario aka Cipo. If I were forced to choose only one favorite kit among all the different kits I reviewed for PEZ, I might have to choose Primal Zebra Evo 2.0. After all, my racing era was in the 90s and I was wearing Brikos.
According to my PEZ partner and fashionista Ed Hood: "If the captain is anyone other than Super Mario, then'No!' But it is led by the big Tuscany, he is intoxicated by beauty-Mali Ao didn’t “exaggerate” at all. Just please don’t try to tell me that his 2002 victory on Via Roma was not a wonderful image.”
Obviously, the Primal Zebra Evo 2.0 kit is not suitable for those who don't want to attract attention. You will be noticed, and you need to be able to deal with the comments that may follow. In fact, wearing this kit may require a certain degree of self-confidence-if not arrogant/sassy-which is consistent with Mario Cipollini's character/tailoring gorgeousness and the atmosphere of the Acqua Sapone kit it evokes.
It is worth noting that the Primal Zebra Evo 2.0 kit is not suitable for modern games (although it would definitely be considered suitable for games at the time). At least on my 5-foot-8-inch 130-pound ectomorph frame, it hugs each other tightly without a tight second skin. The end of the sleeve barely covered my thin arm. So comfortable and unrestricted. Slightly different from most of my other kits.
As for riding:
My first ride in the Zebra Evo 2.0 kit was 70 miles on a hot advisory day-the temperature was in the mid-90s (F), but due to humidity, the temperature "feeled" over 100F. Normally, this is not the kind of day you want to wear mostly black suits. However, even though it is summer's dog days and the Evo 2.0 kit is not specifically advertised as a super hot weather riding kit, I ride it very well (at least it can ride well under these conditions). It may not be up to the level of some other lighter and more airy kits I have, but I was very surprised that it was not baked in it.
Even if you don’t know who Mario Cipollini is, this is still not bad equipment, because as I wrote: "If it weren’t for Cipo, the zebra would not be a bad power animal to guide cycling—in Native American shamanism, it’s It is a symbol of clarity, stability, and balance. We should all ride like that."
REGGIE may be a more well-known and cycling brand in the gravel and mountain biking circles, but there is no reason—especially if you want to take bolder and more colorful routes—you can’t wear it on the road. I write:
Rapha is considered by many to be the cycling equipment of Savile Street-reminiscent of custom, hand-made, custom tailoring and exquisite but typical British trademark low-key appearance, these shops are all over the "golden belt of tailoring." In contrast, REGGIE’s voice is louder and on your face. Instead of Mayfair in the West End, think of Palm Beach and Lily Pulitzer.
REGGIE in spring: the harshness of colors
But it's not just about appearance. REGGIE is high-quality, really suitable for competition, that is, the second skin, kit. My Urban Camo sweatshirt is always made of a very "breathable" mesh material, so it is definitely a summer/hot weather sweatshirt. But with a suitable base layer and matching arm warmers, I can also wear it in the cool spring or autumn. My elegant pink bib shorts are also more suitable for warm weather, with a mesh bib strap, the back of the bib is mostly mesh, and the mesh "dart" panel on the back of the leg.
How can I not like a kit named after one of my idols when I was young?
For PEZ readers who are unfamiliar with Reggie Jackson, he is a member of the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame and played for the Oakland A team (I used to go to team A games and watch him when I was a kid), the New York Yankees and the California Angels. He earned the nickname "Mr." "October", when he hit three homers on three courts with three different Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series (I still remember watching that feat on TV).
To be seen or not to be seen...that's a question
Many stubborn passers-by avoid (or even rebuke) the hi-viz kit because it is not considered very professional (although there are several teams in the professional team that are doing fluorescence...especially Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux) and Fluorescent yellow is more suitable to be associated with commuters rather than racers. But Big S's HyprViz kit provides a convincing case for fluorescence.
Although the professionals in the large army have the relative safety of a protective rolling fence, the rest of us in the real world must share the road with the car. So what's the problem with making yourself more visible and being seen by others? It is worth noting that for this reason, the Trek Segafredo professional team previously used fluorescence as a team training kit.
Specialized provides visibility in two ways. First and foremost is the super green (Specialized calls it "the most obvious color in the spectrum") used in the main body of the long-sleeved SL Air Jersey and SL Bicycledelics Short-sleeve Jersey.
When compared with fluorescent yellow (background), Hyper Green is more obviously green
The second thing Specialized did was to strategically place Hyper Green reflective trim on this kit. Examples include the end of the sleeves, the trim of the back pockets and the back legs of the bib (also located on the back of the socks). According to Specialized, “The part is composed of millions of glass beads that receive light and reflect it back to the light source. Therefore, the reflective tape provides you with an active, movable element that allows the driver to be more It’s easy to see yourself."
Not too "blinded by light", but reflective trim can help you be seen
Whether it’s the long-sleeved SL Air sweatshirt or the SL Bicycledelics short-sleeved sweatshirt, both fit very well, but neither fits my ectomorph body. The long-sleeved SL Air Jersey is relatively light, so it looks more like a warm-weather long-sleeved jersey (the sleeves actually provide 30 UPF protection).
HyprViz SL Bib Short complements any jersey. But don't worry, the shorts themselves are not Hyper Green. As I wrote:
Just like bib shorts, SL bib shorts are very simple and traditional, which is a good thing. The shorts are made of five pieces of stitching (excluding the leg part with silicone dots on the inside), and these stitchings are made of serge. The bib part is made of six parts (serge sewing) using lightweight and breathable materials. Although it is invisible (unless you plan to ride without a sweatshirt), the Y-back bib part and the bib strap are super green and will gradually turn black where they meet the shorts.
My judgment on riding fluorescence:
Because I started writing this article in the winter in the near future, I think it’s best to share some thoughts on my favorite winter gear (again, if you’re on vacation, you can think about it for your favorite bike). Hand shopping).
This is easy. Alé S-1 autumn base layer. Functionally, it is very similar to all the other cold weather base layers I have (and they are all good) because it is designed to provide insulation (but it is not a windproof base layer like the GORE WINDSTOPPER base layer). Then why is it my favorite?
To be honest, this must be the coolest (in appearance, not its temperature characteristics) base layer ever. Most bottoming shirts look like a long-sleeved T-shirt, while the S-1 fall bottoming shirt looks like a superhero's clothes. There are multiple parts, and each part has a different pattern and texture. You might think that all the different parts are a separate panel of the base layer, but that is not the case. I don't know how they fit together, but they have no seams. The only visible seams are the main body where the raglan sleeves are connected to the base layer (flat seam), the seams that extend along the length of each sleeve (also flat seams), and the seams at the end of the sleeve, collar and hem.
Base layer or bat armor?
It's a bit difficult to decide, because I have more than a few long-sleeved warm sweatshirts, and they are all very good. But if I can only choose one, it is GORE C5 Thermo Jersey. This is an aerodynamically designed long-sleeved sweatshirt, made of brushed warm fabric, which is soft and fits the skin. I just like the look: it's essentially monochromatic (mine is Orbit Blue), but with subtle dot pattern graphics. simple. classic.
The C5 Thermo Jersey fits well (will not flutter in the wind), is not so bulky, definitely feels very insulating, and the thermal fabric is very soft to my skin. In moderately cold weather, you may be able to wear this jersey with a sleeveless bottoming shirt, and it is warm enough. But for winter cycling, I would wear a long-sleeved bottoming shirt... If GORE used WINDSTOPPER fabric on the front of the jersey to make the jersey, it would be perfect.
I only wear full-length bib pantyhose in the coldest winter. Given that I said GORE C5 Thermo Jersey is my favorite, I think I should pair it with GORE C5 Thermo Bib Tights (the runner-up is Alé Graphics PRR Bibtights). Basic black (with the same subtle dot pattern as the jersey), so it can match everything.
If you know that it will be cold all day long (especially when it is cloudy and windy), then C5 Thermo Bib Tights will definitely keep your legs warm (or at least warm enough). Because of the warmth, they use brushed fabric inside, which is soft and fits the skin. The seams of all panels (if I calculate correctly, minus the 12 panels on the upper part of the bib) are flat seams to help prevent chafing. WINDSTOPPER in critical areas will help avoid the "important part" in Windchill. The ADVANCED seat insert, also known as suede, made specifically for GORE by Elastic Interface is the same as the C5 Cancellara bib shorts I traveled hundreds of miles. The reason why C5 Thermo Bib Tights is so good is that you don't have to tie them under tights to wear shorts/bibs.
Given that I have tropical ethnic origin (Filipino) and feel cold more easily (I am a thin, light, and relatively low body fat natural insulator), I know this is strange, but...for some reason, I am more I prefer 3 /4 lengths rather than full-length leggings for winter riding (except for the coldest days when I need to wear full-length warm tights, my wife and daughter question my sanity). Because of this quirk, I like La Passione PSN 3/4 Thermal Bib Shorts very much.
They are made of a wool backing material called Super Roubaix® Endurance, which is very comfortable on my skin. One unique thing is that the bottom hem of the leg only has silicone grips on the front half. I found this to be enough (along with compression) to keep the bottom of the leg in place, and not hold it so tightly all the time, making it more comfortable. #Marginal revenue
I learned from wearing La Passione bib shorts that they like to compress on the strong side, which is no different from 3/4 Thermal Bib Shorts. Expect to have to "work" a little bit to get into them. Once, because of wool, the first word that came to mind was "warm". The second word is "comfort" because they fit very well-sturdy but not like sausages.
Again, it’s a bit weird, but... just like I prefer a 3/4-length thermal bib and full-length bib leggings, I also prefer to wear a vest/vest instead of a jacket. Therefore, when the weather is so cold that I need to provide additional insulation for my core, I wear the La Passione Insulated Alpha vest, which is both wind and heat insulation.
The vest is probably the most versatile and classic riding equipment. For me-except on the coldest and windiest days-I usually only need a vest as a coat when riding a horse. All this is to keep my core warm (or at least warm enough). What I really like about the La Passione Insulated Alpha vest is that the front and outer sides are windproof, and the inner front (and the top of the back) is lined with Polartec fleece for added warmth. The back is a medium-weight stretch fabric. The bottom of the vest is an elastic hem with a silicone clip to help keep it in place while riding.
If you want to know why I don’t list a jacket in my winter gear... Actually I have an old GORE thermal jacket that is both waterproof and windproof (my wife gave it to me when she was still working in the bicycle industry I bought it). This is a very good jacket (I have worn it to cold temperatures), but the truth is that I really don’t need it anymore. This proves how well the new technology used by manufacturers for winter equipment performs in cold weather. In addition, if the weather is so cold, I absolutely need a jacket, even if I have to question my sanity.
Note: I have to say that none of the above should be interpreted as all other winter gear I get from these manufacturers without any benefit. But in fact, it's not. Everything is fine, I use them all. I am lucky to have these options. In addition, I can mix and match kits from different manufacturers to suit the weather and riding conditions.
I also want to yell at something I don’t comment on... Fizik Artica R5 winter shoes. After appearing in PEZ Gear Break, I bought a pair. These are bombs. Once the temperature is low enough, there is no need to deal with shoe covers. With a good pair of thermal socks, Artica R5s keeps my feet warm in cold weather. If the weather is cold, I will use a disposable toe heater and stick it on the insole to add a bit of "heat". In addition to being windproof, Artica R5 is also waterproof (except for neoprene cuffs), so they can prevent road splashing (but I don't ride in cold and rain).
This is a toss. On the one hand, I like my PEZ Super 80s jersey (I don’t have a matching bib, but I have matching socks) with the iconic Renault “Super Team” as the pattern. The team has Hinault, Fignon and LeMond-three of them Both are winners of the Tour de France. There is nothing more "super"!
On the other hand, I also like this disposable kit designed by Verge Sport for PEZ. I think PEZ and I are the only people who own it.
Then this kit...
Not something I reviewed for PEZ, but it is in the "favorite" category. None of the above manufacturers provide. My good friend and former Coppi teammate Seth Turner discovered this and we decided that we only need to use it for "special occasions" riding. It is definitely only for the brave and brave heart. Cipo might even agree, but Ed, Al, and Leslie...don't look into your eyes!
We are carrying out God's mission
Note: If you have experience with other equipment or things to add, please leave us a message. We don't claim to know everything (we just hint at it sometimes). If you like these comments, please pat our back, if you feel the need, please give us a slap in the face!
PezCycling News and the author ask you to contact the manufacturer before using any product you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information about the correct/safe use, handling, maintenance and/or installation of the product, as well as any conditional information or product restrictions.
I am a warrior racer on the previous weekend, and now I am only riding for fun and coffee (and occasional tacos), but every once in a while I try to prove that Fausto Coppi’s motto is correct: age and betrayal will defeat youth And skills. My wife and I (my favorite riding partner), my daughter (she always beats me when we play golf, but at least I still ride a bike faster) and our dog (she is when I am Always greet me there when I get off the bus and go home). You can follow me on Strava, Twitter and Instagram.
Impossible moments and those who fail
EUROTASH Thursday news summary!
Holiday Gift Guide #1: Sporty Fiandre rainless jacket, Blanc print, CORE sale...
Officine Mattio Lemma 2.0 factory tour and review
Back to WorldTour: James Shaw of EF Nippo
EUROTASH Thursday news summary!
PEZ Bookshelf: Road Books for 2021
The 2000 star Allan Davis (Allan Davis) won PEZ'd!
Holiday Gift Guide #1: Sporty Fiandre without raincoat...
Officine Mattio Lemma 2.0 factory tour and review
Back to WorldTour: James Shaw of EF Nippo
EUROTASH Thursday news summary!