Gotta be honest with you, I’ve owned other winter tights for years and have almost always preferred knee-warmers with standard team-issue bibs, but I am really loving these tights. Here’s the stuff that’s good:

What I Love

1. As a result of a recently acquired 9-5 contract position in the ‘burbs, I am doing a lot of training at ungodly hours of the morning. When it’s that dark and that cold and that early, a little cozy-motivation goes a long way. These are lined with brushed fleece and climbing into them feels a little like sliding into soft pajamas. Some mornings, it’s just the extra encouragement I need to roll out into the black blackness of the rain.
2. Compression. I went with a small (I’m 5’6″ with a medium build and hearty cycling-type legs, women’s size 6-8) and the fit is perfectly compressive. It requires putting them on like tights (scrunching up the bottom half to slip over ankle then pulling carefully up) but once I’m in them, the compression feels wonderful, especially on longer rides in the 3-5 hour range.
3. No chamois. It seems that opinions are split about whether people prefer a winter tight with or without chamois, but I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the convenience of a chamois-less winter overlayer. It’s nice to be able to wear chamois that I already know and love (I’ve worn Rapha shorts as well as Castelli custom team bibs underneath). I find that “fitting” shorts underneath is not a problem at all and I appreciate not having to wash these after every outing as I’m wearing them nearly every day right now.
4. Full, high-cut lycra chest panel. In addition to providing support (a LOT of support, if you’re larger than a B, you might feel constricted or want to order a size up), this adds a layer of windblock to your layering scheme – a nice bonus.
5. Large white reflective strip on the back of leg. I didn’t even think about this as a safety component until Diana pointed it out while riding behind me at the crack of pre-dawn last Wednesday: “That white stripe is SUPER reflective!” Awesome. Anything that can make 6am Dirty Highway 30 seem a little less dastardly is welcome.
6. Warm, but not too warm. So far, I’ve been comfortable in temps as low as 28 degrees and as high as 47. Forty-seven is pretty warm for tights (I misjudged that day a bit), but I never found myself uncomfortable – even with 5,000 feet of climbing thrown into the mix.
7. Not waterproof, but magically warm when wet. They’re water resistant and dry quickly, but they’re definitely not waterproof. With my former set-up of plain lycra bibs and wool knee-covers, rainy days would leave me with two very heavy, albeit warm, knee warmers and mostly freezing-cold thighs and ass. (Ever get home and peel off your layers to discover that your legs are BRIGHT red from the cold? That.) The Winter Tights stay warm even when they take on water, even when it’s only 39 or 40 degrees out. If you’ve ridden in Portland either of the last two Sundays, that’s the stuff I’m talking about! Miserable weather for bikes, for sure, but more tolerable with warm legs.
8. Versatility. Because they don’t have a chamois, these could easily transition into cold weather aerobic activities like cross-country or skate skiing.
9. Subtle “wheelsucker” black-on-black inscription on the bum. As the consummate wheelsucker, I appreciate this cheeky little gesture. The girls and I had a good laugh about it in Japan.

What I Wasn’t Sure About

1. Heel stirrup: Because the fit is so compressive, they seemed redundant or unnecessary.
2. Back zip pocket. I appreciate the thought, but I can’t think of a time I would use this, but possibly when riding without a pocketed jersey? (I don’t really ever do that.)

Things to Note

1. The compressive fit can make it tricky to tuck in a baselayer without creating lumps. I’ve gotten pretty good at this. (With very thin Ibex base layers)
2. It’s also necessary to smooth out and flatten the hem of shorts, which have a tendency to roll or bunch underneath the tight. A firm, flat hand achieves this with relative ease.
3. Stopping to use the restroom will require full disrobing. Not an issue for me on rides of 3-4 hours.
4. For what it’s worth, the white reflective stripe took a serious hit on Sunday after a monsoon-meander on Marine Drive. Washed up just fine. Good as new.
5. As with all Rapha, this premium tight comes with a premium price to match. ($240.00) One thing I’ll say about that: It’s a lot of money, but having used Rapha’s complimentary repair service (I had a crashed-jacket mended and the elastic on a jersey hem repaired last year), you can count on having these last you quite a while.

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2. The Deep Freeze by Bike: Helmet-Cam Documentation of the Winter of our Discontent Hey, guess what! It’s still snowing. I know!  I can’t...
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Indie Bike, a cycling apparel shop (they’ve got a real, live store in addition to their web presence) based in Indianapolis, IN. contacted me to see if I would be interested in reviewing some gear in exchange for telling people about their wonderful little shop (free shipping on orders over $65!). I’ve been super curious about the higher-end women-specific bib shorts that have a clasp system in the front and claim to be easier to negotiate under overlayers when nature calls (and more comfortable all around). I agreed to test and review the Assos FI 13 Lady S5 Bib Shorts.

The Scoop

Retail: $339.00

Everything about these bibs feel premium: from the fabrics to the construction, presentation and packaging. When you open the box, you know you’re holding something special. The mesh panel in back is comfortable and the straps are wide and soft enough to stay comfortable for long rides. The 6-panel construction is top-notch and the bibs have a second-skin feeling that is super cozy: chafing is a thing of the past. The fabric is lightweight and super breathable and they feel noticeably cooler than some of my other standard issue bibs (great for warm weather).

Fit

The Assos fit is euro-lean, so I went up a size and ordered a large. (For the record, Assos urges you to asses fit from the tucked riding position, rather than a standing position. They claim that the bib was designed specifically to fit best while on the bike.) For me, I believe the large was the right call for overall fit, but it resulted in a bib that was designed for someone perhaps 3 inches taller than me. The front closure ABC-M (Assos Buckle Closure Mechanism) is adjustable (the adjustable buckle slides into any one of three loops in front), but even on the “shortest” setting, I found the straps were longer than I would have liked. On a traditional bib, this isn’t as much of an issue, but with the single-strap-down-the-front setup, it meant that the top of the front strap showed underneath my jersey when it was unzipped. I unzip my jersey a lot.

Beyond the strap length, the fit was fantastic: the bibs are very compressive with a nice mix of textural panels and flatlock seaming. The leg grippers do trend a bit into sausage zone (they’re very secure) but it’s not at all uncomfortable.

The Chamois

This is a substantial chamois but not overly built. I most often wear custom kits, which tend to have lower profile chamois, so it always takes a little getting used to when I get something that actually has a little more cushioning (I had the same experience with Rapha’s short). That said, when I was heading out on a longer ride this fall, I consistently reached for these bibs. They’re super comfy.

That strap

I was fairly underwhelmed by the front center strap construction and ABC-M (Assos Buckle Closure Mechanism). As far as I could tell, it did not offer any significant comfort advantages and introduced a number of problems:

1. As I mentioned, it’s visible under my jersey when I unzip for ventilation. And I LOVE to unzip. It kinda messed with my mojo.
2. I didn’t find it very easy to unlatch and pull over my head while wearing a jersey. In fact, it felt a little like a contraption. I’d rather stick with a traditional bib and full zip jersey. I don’t mind undressing a little to take a pee – I guess bike racing has taken the modesty out of me.
3. The fabric opening that the plastic piece hooks into in the front ripped after just a few wearings (there are three of these, so I simply started using the other two, which meant the straps were essentially longer). I believe that Assos has addressed this issue for future products.

The strap, I believe, is intended for a more secure, comfortable fit for well-endowed ladies. I’d love to hear from them, because unlike the half-naked Assos girl on this page (by the way, she has a Facebook fan page), I do not fall into that category and can’t comment on whether it’s better or worse.

Bonus

Assos goes over the top with presentation and packaging for this premium bib: the box arrived with a small container of Assos cleaning solution and a small tub of Assos chamois cream (my favorite!!) as well as a wash bag. Classy for sure.

Main takeaway

I personally prefer a standard bib strap, but for those who like this center-strap design, these bibs are the mega-jam: they feel amazing, look great and are – most importantly – mind-bogglingly comfortable. That said, $339 is a lot of money. According to my personal value (purchase justification) calculator, I’d have to wear these 452 times in order to get my money’s worth.

Feedback

Have you worn this bib? Do you have an opinion on it? I’d love to hear from you.

************

GNG HOME DELIVERY

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Next super nerdy gear post will be about how I approach food.

If these gear posts make you want to take a nap, I apologize. I get lots of emails about nuts and bolts stuff like this so I’ve vowed to do a better job this year publicizing the more boring how-to components of my adventures.

And, don’t worry, I’m sure there’s some good drama on the way shortly. :) In the meantime, you can get a quick fix by hitting the Rapha Blog to read my first post there. It’s about Tina Brubaker and Michael Jackson. How can you go wrong?

Bike: Surly Long Haul Trucker

Boom! I bought this bike from Seven Corners Cycles (go see Corey, he is super awesome) last summer the day before I was set to leave for a tour. My retro-fitted cyclocross arrangement had failed its test ride miserably and I was in a panic. The Surly had always been my emergency backup plan so I pulled the trigger. The next day I got on and rode 124 miles from Portland to just past Detroit, OR.

Let’s be clear about one thing: this bike is HEAVY. And with the rigors and repetition of long touring miles, the ideal solution is probably a custom steel bike. But in terms of access to entry? The Surly will get you up and cyclo-touring for right around $1200 out the door. That’s awesome! Huge value.

Also, it’s mad-crazy rock solid. Big and burly and safe and stable. Bulletproof.

We are bonded for life for many reasons, not least of which is the fact that this bike has a good soul. I know that’s just spiritual mumbo-jumbo and not real bike review material, but it’s true. And it’s the same reason that I bought the house I live in. Good bones. A feeling. Gut.

This bike has 26″ wheels which is sort of awesome when you start thinking about traveling in other parts of the world…

Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent

I’m going with the use-what-you-got theory this time around so there are a few things that aren’t ideal, but will be fine. For instance, I’m carrying our 3-man Big Agnes Copper Spur tent even though it’s overkill from a size perspective – still working on getting an lightweight single-person option. Even though it’s more tent than I really need, the Copper Spur is lighter than a lot of smaller tents out there and performs well (I think they claim a packed weight of 4lb 12oz, which is impressive for a 3-person tent but the one-man version is almost 2 pounds lighter!).

Camping (with bears) on the southern tip of Anderson Lake in British Columbia.

I selected this tent for a number of reasons, but one of my less obvious criteria was that I get a tent with a neutral-toned rainfly to keep me camouflaged in the event that I might need to *ahem* hobo camp somewhere in an emergency. This tent’s fly is a nice light-tan-green tone that blends in nicely with natural surroundings when necessary.

I picked this up after a few months of agonizing research during one of REI’s 20% off member sales last year and used my dividend. I feel like it was money well spent even though it was a bit of a stretch ($400 AFTER the 20% discount).

*This tent won an Editor’s Choice Award from Backpacker Magazine in 2008.

Shoes: Sidi Dragon 2 Carbon SRS

You do not need shoes that are this fancy for bike touring, that’s for sure. And many people prefer to tour in regular tennis shoes with cages so they can hike or walk around with greater ease. So far, for me, that hasn’t been a priority (I prefer to get up with the sun and ride until almost dusk – I’d just rather be on my bike).

Since I spend almost all day in the saddle, I’ve chosen to ride in good mountain biking shoes so I can still walk around without clip-clopping but get a nice snug fit, stiff sole and good power transfer while I’m pedaling. (When I embark on a multi-year bike journey, I’ll probably opt for tennis shoes so I can do more off-bike exploring.)

These shoes also came to me through the Sidi sponsorship of the 2009 Wend Cyclocross Diaries (this is also part of the use-what-you-got approach), but I didn’t get them until the very end of the season, so they didn’t see active duty until my Central Oregon and British Columbia tours last August (2010).

I’ve always been a fan of Sidi because the fit and form work well for my long, skinny feet and the quality is hard to beat (I’ve had my original road Sidis for more than 10 years now and they will not die.) The Dragon is no exception and I’ve had nothing but good performance out of them whether touring or ‘crossing. They’re light, stiff and durable. The boa adjuster at the mid forefoot is probably my favorite feature – it gives a consistently snug fit every time.

Camera: Lumix DMC-LX3 and iPhone4

I get asked about this one a lot. Last year I went looking for a point-and-shoot to carry with me on the bike and I ended up with the Lumix DMC-LX3. I ultimately bought it for these main reasons:

• It’s fast (2.0) and has super high-quality, wide glass (Leica)
• It has pretty amazing manual controls and little features like flash intensity adjustment and on-the-fly exposure adjustment
• It got great reviews from other photographer friends

(This camera is specifically aimed at DSLR users who are looking for a compact camera to complement their existing SLR gear.)

It also looks really fucking sweet.

I’ve been happy with it though I’d say that there are a few drawbacks worth noting:

• Lens cap can be annoying when shooting from the bike.
• Dials and buttons are a little too easy to bump. I’m constantly finding to rotator dial on the top of the camera in the wrong place when I reach back to grab the camera while riding.
• It’s pretty fragile. Ideally for touring, I’d like something a little more burly because conditions are pretty rough on the road. So far, the Lumix is still in great working order, but I worry about longevity in this use-case. (To be fair, it really wasn’t designed for this kind of abuse. :)

I also use a small Joby tripod that works with both my phone and camera.

Next Up: FOOD

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When you have a lot of gear and you can only take a few things, it really makes you think about what works and what doesn’t. Small annoyances become big deals and the cream of your gear crop quickly rises to the top.

It’s worth noting here that people tour in all kinds of different ways. Some people are traveling around for months and months. Some people are concerned about weight. Some people are toting guitars. Whatever makes you happy, man. Whatever you are willing to drag over mountains. Go for it.

You can do it cheaper. You can do it lighter. You can do it sexier. As long as you’re out there doing it, enjoying it, and rocking it, I don’t think it really matters all that much.

The New (very rough) Plan

This tour is going to be a short 7 day trip exploring the Anza-Borrega Desert SW of Palm Springs and east of San Diego. I’d originally planned to ride down the coast from Aptos to Huntington Beach, but after seeing rain, fog and 30 degree mornings in the forecast, I decided that would be maybe a little too epic. Besides, sun and silence sounds real good right now – and I hear I’ll get plenty of both down there.

Since gear is such a central part of touring, I thought I’d do a few posts to share my approach and my favorite pieces. This time we’ll focus on a few of my favorite items from inside my panniers. Next, we’ll have a look at some of the bigger hardware I use: bike, tent, etc.

Outlier Women’s Daily Riding Pant (Winter Version)

Outlier sent me these pants to test out about a year ago last winter and I’ve been wearing them everywhere ever since. The fit is amazing. Flattering, sleek, and comfortable – they truly nailed the tailoring. That’s a good thing, because at $180 you should expect perfection. With boots and a blouse these are super office-worthy (the stunning photography on the website doesn’t lie).

The fabric is durable and water resistant, without being stiff. The winter version, which I have, has a slightly heavier hand and a soft lining – super cozy in cold conditions. These are the one pair of pants I pack when I tour because they are cozy and functional without looking at all technical. They slide on easily over a nice baselayer and can be worn on the bike as an extra layer of protection in a pinch. Definitely the most versatile pant I’ve ever owned and one of my absolute favorite pieces, touring or not.

Ibex Woolies Crew in Black

I have a lot of baselayers but I still consistently find myself turning the laundry basket upside down to find this one so I can wear it again and again and again. The fit is slim but not tight (apparel manufacturers like to call it body-skimming :) and the hand is super soft and light. It makes my arms look slim, my waist look small and my boobs look good. And, hey – it’s all about boobs, right?

Seriously – the fit and fabric are what make this shirt (which is probably more appropriately called a shirt than a base-layer, because although it fits well under everything,  it’s super easy to rock solo). On the tour it’s my go-to piece after I set up camp when the weather is relatively pleasant. If I find myself facing a cold day of riding, it works like a champ under a jersey on the bike.

I got my Woolie Base-layer as part of Ibex’s sponsorship of the Wend Cyclocross Diaries in 2009. I’ve gotten more out of it than I’d ever dreamed I would. (A close friend tells me that the Rapha base-layers are “made out of kittens” so I am curious to see how  it compares. I should be able to report back on that in a few months.)

Icebreaker Expedition Weight Socks

I can’t tell you the exact make and model of these Icebreaker socks because I got them at the 2009 Friends and Family sample sale. I can tell you that these are the thickest and warmest socks I’ve ever worn. I carry these even though they’re fat and bulky because there is nothing that makes me happier than putting them on my feet when I crawl into my sleeping bag at night.

Gretel Ehrlich

Yes, I do keep a feisty, old woman in my pannier. I love her. You can get a quick overview about her awesomeness right here.

Her books inspire me to adventure bravely and live reflectively. And her prose is absolutely brilliant. This lady can write.

If I’m not in the mood for Tim Krabbe’s “The Rider”, I take along one of her stunning books instead.

MSR Pocket Rocket

This stove is so small if fits in my bowl which fits over my fuel which fits in my pot. Tiny.

Then in the morning it makes me the most beautiful boiled water, which turns into the most beautiful coffee. Ever.

It’s small and all I do when I tour is boil water, so I don’t have very sophisticated stove needs, but it kicks ass. Super efficient (my fuel seems to last forever!) and perfectly simple. Besides, it’s called the pocket rocket. I mean, really – how can you argue with that?

I picked it up at Next Adventure in Portland.

Rookie Gear that Got the Call Up

I’m testing a few new pieces of gear on this trip. These pieces are only “rookies” in so far as I have not had a chance to put them through the paces yet.

I feel good about heading out into the great yonder with the Rapha Women’s Classic Softshell because nothing I’ve seen from them has disappointed me so far and it comes on a very high recommendation from an extremely discerning friend who shelled out hard-earned cash for it.  I acquired this jacket through trade for work I’m doing with Rapha this year (more on that later) – I’ll report back with first impressions, including how it fares on this tour, in a month or so.

I’m also making room in my packs for a pretty wicked camping product from a local Portland company called Poler Stuff . (Most of their camping gear isn’t publicly available until June-ish, but it’s crazy, rad and super smart!)  More on that in a coupla weeks.

No related posts.

I didn’t actually get a chance to test drive the first round of gear (shorts, short sleeve jersey, stowaway jacket) until August, when Rapha very kindly gave me a kit to take with me on my touring adventures into Canada. My particular style of touring involves 10-12 hours of saddle time per day, so I had ample opportunity to discover every nitty-gritty detail.

*

Caveats

• We’re all coming to cycling from different circumstances. I happen to be a self-identified gear whore. I also love fashion and I will pay for good design. I also ride hard and appreciate well-made products that last. Further, I expect to get what I pay for and I have a specific system for measuring worth and value.
• No, this stuff is not cheap. I think we’ve established that. It’s no secret that Rapha is a luxury brand – it’s expensive because it can be. I’m not going to get into a debate about the good or evil of luxury brands. I’m not going to get into a debate about economics, capitalism, or privilege. At least not here. Just sayin’. (Also, as I disclosed earlier, I did not pay for this particular stuff, though I’ve certainly dropped coin on similarly expensive cycling gear in the past.)
• I have I guess what you would call an athletic body type. I’m not big, but I’m not very small either. Also, I’ve got a really small rack (which I love, by the by) so I’m not able to comment on how this stuff will work for full-figured women. (But I just might dabble in conjecture.)

Women’s Stowaway Jacket in cream – $260.00

(Cream is seriously gorgeous, but this thing totally fucking sings in red.)

First Impressions: Super lightweight. Packs down small. Delightful off-center zipper and otherwise good design lines.

How I used it: This became a go-to layering piece for me almost right away. It’s ideal for chilly mornings over a short sleeve jersey (I skipped arm-warmers). In the on-again-off-again showers that plagued me on the way into Whistler, it kept me relatively dry even though it is not technically a rain jacket. They say this thing will keep you dry for 45 minutes of constant downpour and I’d agree – that’s just about right. The upside is  that once the rain stops falling it dries in a heartbeat, effectively re-setting your 45 minute window so unless you’re rolling through non-stop liquid sunshine, it makes a pretty effective outer layer. I also loved wearing this jacket “around town” and received compliments on it in several bars even though it’s clearly a technical piece. I wore this jacket in clouds, rain, and sun in temps ranging from 43 – 65 degrees. (At 43 degrees I had arm warmers layered underneath.)

Drawbacks:

Left-handed pocket: The only thing that bothers me about this jacket is that the front pocket (a very handy pocket!!) is located on the left side because the off-center zip goes up the right side. Since I’m right-handed, I feel uncoordinated trying to work my fancy electronic devices with my left and found myself reaching to retrieve things with my left paw and then passing them over to my right paw. Obviously, this is an extremely minor gripe.

Light color: Some might consider the cream a liability, but I’m here to tell you that I toured with it for two weeks sleeping in tents and stuffing it into panniers and never managed to stain it. It washed up beautifully to boot. If you’re really worried about it, go with red. Red is SMOKIN hot.

Fit: I got a size 12, which translates to a medium. The fit is close to the body and Rapha has tailored this jacket with darts at the bust a flared hem to accommodate hips. For my body type, the fit was pretty solid and had the tailored-for-me feel that I’d expect from a garment of this quality with enough room for ample layering underneath. I might actually go for a 10 if I had a second run at it – slim and sexy and body-skimming!

Unexpected awesomeness: Taped shoulder seams are a really nice surprise and do well to block wind from the front. I was also pleasantly surprised by the super comfortable lycra cuffs which further blocked wind. Finally, the jacket was comfortable when zipped all the way up, which is usually something that irritates me (offset zipper plays a roll here).

Bottom line: Brilliant layering piece that works in a wide range of weather, temperatures and settings. Maybe not an ideal touring jacket (If I’m only going to have room for a single jacket, I’ll probably pack a fully waterproof one), but definitely will be my go-to layer for fall and spring road training. Slim fitting and possibly a challenging cut for the well-endowed among us. Do any curvy(er) ladies have experience with this jacket?

Women’s Classic Jersey in red – $195.00

Zipping around on bike trails during my birthday in Whistler. Rapha Classic Jersey ensured I looked good for my exciting and unplanned meeting with a black bear! Worn here with Outlier Women’s Daily Riding Pant.

Early morning sleepy eyes while training on Sauvie Island. Will someone please volunteer to cut the damn strap on my Lazer helmet?

First impression: Great hand feel – it felt substantial and high-quality. Pockets are deep with a zip compartment for securing keys and other small valuables. Fit is slim and perfectly long – zipper is smooth and supple (good thing, I like to do a lot of unzipping! : )

How I Used It: I brought two jerseys (oh the extravagance) with me to Canada. The other one was the Rapha men’s Swift jersey (also awesome, but doesn’t have a full zip). I wore the women’s jersey for all but one day of touring. It rocks. Layered over a thin Icebreaker short sleeve wool base-layer on chillier days, it was super snuggly. White DeFeet arm warmers (not wool) were enough to keep me warm during the cold days of this tour. For the record, this was a pretty temperate tour. The hottest day was about 87 degrees F (I wore the jersey without a base-layer) and the coolest was 43-ish.

Drawbacks: This jersey comes with arm matching arm warmers that are cream colors with a single line of red vertical piping. Hot, right? Right! They kill and I really wanted to wear them, but they were unfortunately way too small. I wore them on the first ride out with this gear but had to remove them pretty quickly as they were leaving indentation marks in my skin. Bummer! I believe that Rapha is addressing this sizing issue? I have pretty averaged sized arms and I’m pretty sure that these would only fit the tiniest of noodle-armed climbers (those cyclists that subscribe to the “your arms exist only to keep your face from hitting the bar” mentality).

Bottom Line: Solid basic piece that works in all kinds of weather conditions, layers well, and performs. The “grippy” stuff on the back hem keeps the jersey from riding up, the pockets have plenty of room for everything you might want to stuff in them, the hem adjusts with cinchers at the bottom. Dries quickly.

Women’s Short – $185.00

First Impressions: The short in this ensemble ended up being the biggest pleasant surprise. I have been previously vociferous in my disdain for shorts (favoring bibs instead), citing comfort issues around the waist. However, I soon discovered on my first tour around Oregon that riding for 10-12 hours very slowly demanded an entirely new set of features. For one thing, I wasn’t just peeing once on a 4 or 5 hour training ride – I was peeing several times over the course of the day, often in fairly suspect bathrooms or sani-cans. The first day I wrestled with removing a jersey from over the top of a pair of bibs after riding through dust and no-mans-land for four hours I realized the beauty of shorts. Ah ha!

(To summarize: bibs for training, shorts for touring. At least for me.)

It helps that these shorts solve many of the problems I’ve had with previous models. The fabric is the softest I’ve ever ridden in by far, so the waist-feel was not constricting or pinching (the waistband is also super wide). They rise significantly in the back, providing ample coverage and a high, secure fit. They’re cut wider in the hips and thighs with tapering legs. Leg grippers were effective enough to do their job without being leg-strangling bulge-makers of death.

Chamois! Oh the infinite, all-encompassing comfort! Seriously – the most instantaneously cozy chamois I have ever ridden in my life. Period. Just enough padding – not too thick and not too thin (I found some of the Rapha men’s chamois to be overly thick in the past.) This is by far the best thing about this item. So soft! So in love!

How I used it: Again, I carried two shorts on this bike tour. I reached for the Rapha short nearly every day. I rode for 6-10 hours in them, hung out in cafes, walked into restaurants, sat on curbs at corner stores, and pedaled forever and ever. Since I’ve been back I’ve used these shorts on several training rides when I didn’t want to deal with being a human billboard (or preferred to rock ninja style with the all-black Swift jersey). This is the first short that I’ve ever truly loved.

Drawbacks

Big and long: I was warned that these would be long and they were. Maybe by an inch. Rapha tells me that they are shortening them for next year, which is good news. Sizing on this short was also a bit off. I expected all the Rapha apparel to have that small Euro feel (like Castelli) but these ran big. I took a medium but probably should have grabbed a small. In Castelli I usually wear a medium but can very easily fit into a large. I recommend ordering a size down in the Rapha short. I also find that these are so soft that they tend to be the tiniest bit “loose”. By loose, I don’t mean that they look baggy, but they occasionally catch on my saddle when I am practicing ‘cross remounts. Again, it’s possible that this is related to the fact that I should have selected a small instead of a medium.

Dry slowly: My biggest disappointment on the tour was the fact that the Rapha short didn’t dry as quickly as my others. I wanted to wear it every single day (forever and ever and ever) but there were mornings when my patented in-tent dry-hanging system (an admittedly flawed system) didn’t cut it and they were just too cold and damp to pull on. In everyday cycling/training circumstances, this wouldn’t matter at all. On the tour, it was an issue.

Overall Impressions

Hands down, the Rapha products are the best I’ve experienced. Beautiful fabrics that perform well in classic colors that don’t scream “I AM A WOMAN CANT YOU TELL BY MY PINK AND PURPLE FLOWER BULLSHIT!???” (Sorry, I got carried away. I have no love-loss for overly feminine and/or pastel cycling gear. I wouldn’t wear flowers or bad pastels in my normal life, so why would I want them on my cycling kit?)

Rapha has given me what I’ve been asking for – solid, performance-focused gear that looks smart, fits me well and feels good. Can they do better/more? Yes, they can. And I’m sure they will. They’re listening (feedback on the short has already been incorporated to design revisions) and growing the line. You want to tell them what you think or what you want? Let it rip in the comments section – I know they paid a close eye to our last round of apparel discussions (even chiming in) and I’m sure they’ll have an ear to the ground this time too.

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Here’s the scoop on our new superhero outfits.

LOGISTICS AND ORDERING

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Castelli has had it’s share of troubles in the custom world. I was personally cautioned by a few different people when we decided to engage with them. (Thanks for those words of wisdom, by the way – they were very much appreciated.)

We decided to move forward with Castelli for a number of reasons. We viewed several custom lines prior to making our decision and went with what we considered to be a stellar product that had truly evolved over the past few years after lots of R&D with Cervelo Test Team. We were also very eager to work with Castelli because they are a local company.

Castelli worked with us, which we appreciated – and our concerns about logistics, production and delivery were assuaged by their strategic (and very smart) hire of a man named Rich Desmond. Rich and VF Board Member Russell Cree have known each other for a number of years and his addition to the Castelli team increased our confidence in their ability to deliver on time, get the creative right, and nail the logistics.

And they delivered.

The kits came in the week of March 1^st and we’re very happy with the end result.

DESIGN

SwiftPlus Creative (that’s my little shop!) handled the artwork for the VF kits, which means that my favorite designer, Mr. Sal Bondi labored over templates, illustrator files, and rounds of input from the VF Board of Directors for a number of weeks in late fall and early winter.

Castelli was instrumental in helping us navigate a few details to make concept more directly map to execution. They’re good at what they do, they understand their patterns, and they’re effective in communicating with you about design strategy.  We appreciated their guidance and input throughout the process.

[Note: the red-white-black arm warmers and leg warmers that you may see on some of our ladies are not part of the custom design - it’s a stock product that we bought as part of our agreement with Castelli.]

FIT AND FUNCTION

Castelli products are specifically engineered for a good on-bike fit. For this reason they look and feel better when you’re folded over your bars than they do when you’re standing around cooking Bob’s Red Mill before your ride. One of the bonuses of the Castelli custom line is that it’s not a dumbed-down version of their in-line products. You’re getting the same quality products and technologies that have benefited from years of research and development dollars.

These are the parts and pieces that I’ve tested.

Women’s AC Chamois: This pad is phenomenal. An instant win. After a year on ChampSys chamois, which are universally underwhelming (though I adapted to them with time), the difference was immediate and accompanied by an encompassing feeling of relief. Love at first ride. Truly.

Women’s Bib Short: Four words – NO ELASTIC LEG GRIPPERS. Halle-fuckin-julah. The elastic-less leg band is a things of mercy and the hand feel of these bibs is satisfying. My only gripe about this item is that they dip much lower in the front than a traditional bib. This was explained to us in the presentation as a “fit meant for an athlete” (athletes are fit and therefore do not need the girdling qualities of a high bib). I appreciate the approach, but I think that it’s a miss. Because of the tailored cut of the jersey, raising arms above the head causes the belly to be revealed on just about every body type out there. For fast women who like to win bike races and stand on podiums with their arms raised high, that’s a definite drawback. Part of me thinks that this might have been an innovation to allow men to pee with greater ease, though that was not specifically said. In either case, it doesn’t help the ladies much.

Women’s full-zip jersey – This is a great all-around jersey made from a slightly textured material with riptstop look. As I mentioned earlier, the jersey is “tailored” for a more feminine fit. In my case, this results in a length that I feel is about an inch too short, but it’s plenty long enough to do the job. Two pockets in the back are cut shorter which makes getting into them a heck of a lot easier – and though I initially thought I would miss the third pocket, I haven’t yet. The heavy zipper used with an ultra lightweight fabric results in a little bit of rippling. These jerseys feel best when you’re bent low over your bike, going for the glory – definitely not designed for standing around stuffing your mouth with pastries (which is how I initially went about testing).

Race jersey – This top of the line unisex jersey designed specifically for racing is buttery soft with an aggressively engineered fit that looks fantastic on the bike. Basically, it’s like wearing the top half of a skinsuit (with pockets). Soft, smooth, seamless and sexy. Though the ½ zip makes it less practical for training, I’m going to have a hard time not wearing this one all the time. The unisex fit is modeled after the pro cyclists body, so I’m wearing a medium and loving the fit (it’s long enough, too!)

Long-sleeve jersey - Fleece-lined and body-skimming, this is a cozy alternative in the winter and will work like a charm as a light spring jacket during morning rides in the warm seasons. The fit is dialed – close enough to feel sleek and aero but roomy enough to accommodate a thin baselayer and jersey underneath. I predict this will become one of my favorite layering pieces.

Conclusion

Pros: Great working relationship, fantastic communication, timely delivery, accurate execution, amazing chamois pads, and the best non-sausaging leg grippers we’ve ever loved to death.

Cons: Bib dips too low in front, jersey could be cut an inch or two longer, might miss the third pocket (I’m thinking about nabbing a mens jersey just so I have something with three pockets for longer rides). Cost might be prohibitive for some though I’d argue that the increase in quality (particularly over Champ Sys) is more than worth it.

Overall Grade: Custom is some tricky business and having gone through this process with several companies (Champion, Pactimo, Hincapie, Voler) I’m going to give Castelli an A-, which is the highest grade I’ve awarded yet.

Recommendation: If you’ve been thinking about giving Castelli a try for custom, now’s the time to do it. The changes they’ve implemented internally and with their production have significantly improved their overall custom product and process. They’re raising their game and the result is impressive.

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All of them are crazy.

Not Portland-Cyclocross-Woo-Hoo-PBR style crazy. No, these people are certifiable. As in, “Call the white coats!”

Ok, I jest. Kind of.

But what else drives a person to ride a bike for almost two weeks without sleep? Why else would someone fold themselves over aerobars and cross some of the nation’s most grueling mountain passes?  Why ride over 3000 miles all at once as fast as you can if not to prove that you are utterly and totally off your rocker?

Because of this:

RAAM gives people hope that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

That quote stood out among many insightful reflections documented by director and editor Stephen Auerbach. It gets straight to the heart of why we all do what we do. Why we race our stupid bikes in circles even though no one is paying us – why we go out and rip out training runs in 39 degree rain.

Why we decide to ride across the country as fast as we can.

What happens in Bicycle Dreams is trying and glorious and ugly and wonderful and gut-wrenching. Auerbach’s cinematography is stunning – and the editing evokes a pace and cadence that reflects the grinding journey of its unglamorous heroes.

They get off their bikes and threaten to quit. They get back on and keep going. They pass out from exhaustion. They cry and sob and freak out. They hallucinate and get angry.

Some of them give up. And whether they finish triumphant or collapse in defeat, they all have something to teach us.

Whether or not you buy the “spiritual advancement from suffering” theory, it’s clear that Bicycle Dreams channels some kind of magic. It’s the kind of magic that makes crazy shit worth doing.

The Magic is inside us: it’s our heart, our desire, our passion.

Bottom line? Bicycle Dreams lives up to a big ask. It lives up to a story the size of an entire continent and a subset of cyclists who set out to conquer it.

But you don’t have to take my word for it – the film has already racked up seven awards at film festivals around the country.

Watch the trailer. Buy the movie. Throw a party. Bring tissues.

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Enjoy! And thanks for stopping by.

Art and Entertainment

Embrocation – http://www.embrocationmagazine.com/

Embrocation is a linament used by cyclists to keep legs warm in cold weather (often in lieu of knickers or leg warmers). The hot leg goo has become a kind of icon for cyclocross racers and Embrocation Magazine, founded by Portlander Jeremy Dunn, is an homage to cycling’s many cultural subtleties.  From the website: “Inspired in equal parts by cyclocross racing, road riding and die-hard commuters the journal is an outlet for writers, artists and photographers to express themselves and tell their stories.”

Freeman Transport Blog – http://www.freemantransport.com/blog/

Freeman Transport makes bikes, bags and other cycling-related accessories. But even if you’re not in for a $2500 track bike, their blog is worth a regular visit. It’s an immaculately curated look at beautiful bits of cycling culture, lore, history, found objects, artifacts, photography and stories. Contributors include Portland’s own Daniel Sharp, James Selman, Slate Olson and Chris DiStefano.

Copenhagen Cycle Chic – http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/

“Bike Advocacy in High Heels” This website presents a collection of images, mostly European women on bikes, that are both beautiful and inspirational. From the blog: “We realized that making urban biking look effortless – which it is in Copenhagen – was an inspiration to people abroad who wished for the same thing where they live. They embody the freedom of a bike culture. Cycling in high heels to work or a party, skirts a’flowing, hair a’waving. It is the complete opposite of bike ‘culture’ in other countries.”

Humor

Bike Snob NYC – http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/

Offering scathing and hilarious analysis of everything from the pros to technology to misguided recreational cyclists, Bike Snob NYC offers a sardonic perspective on our quirky and sometimes ridiculous cyclist’s world. No one is safe from the snob’s critical eye, but he’s so highly revered that even getting skewered by him is considered an honor. The author has remained anonymous despite the site’s popularity (posts regularly garner well over 100 comments). He now writes a column for Bicycling Magazine.

Fat Cyclist – http://www.fatcyclist.com/

In the world of A-List cycling bloggers, Fat Cyclist reigns right up there with Bike Snob NYC (a super popular blog offering a sardonic look at bike culture). But rather than delivering the biting critique of BSNYC, “Fatty” (Elden Nelson) offers a light-hearted, welcoming perspective and supports an important mission: raising funds for cancer research. His interest in cancer research is a personal one. In 2009 Nelson lost his wife, Susan, after a 5-year battle with breast cancer. Fatty writes with an honesty and earnestness that has earned him the respect of thousands and he’s also downright hilarious.

All Hail the Black Market – http://www.allhailtheblackmarket.com/

Described as “a place where artists, musicians, skateboarders, cyclists, photographers, thinkers, dreamers, pranksters, schemers, and general purveyors of mayhem can all come together”, All Hail the Black Market takes irreverence to the hilt. Written by “Stevil Knevil”, it’s an alternative look at cycling culture that will either have you rolling on the floor with laughter or scratching your head and closing the browser in disgust. You’ve been warned.

Portland

Bike Portland – http://bikeportland.org/

Possibly the Queen Mother of all Bike Blogs, Bike Portland sets the bar. Focusing on transportation and advocacy, this high-traffic site attracts readers from Portland and beyond. Editor and founder Jonathan Maus is an exacting journalist. With a small staff of writers and interns, Maus has grown Bike Portland from just another bike blog to a respected news source for cyclists in the Pacific Northwest and across the globe.

MollyCameron.com – http://mollycameron.com/

A blog by everyone’s favorite Portland bike racer, Molly Cameron. Cameron’s passion is undeniable and it was this blog that first inspired me to take up cyclocross. From tales of exploits as a pro racer, to witty and thoughtful commentary on the cycling world at large, Molly Cameron never fails to deliver a quick fix of cycling passion.

PDXCross – http://www.pdxcross.com/

A collection of stunning cyclocross photography from a small group of talented Portland photographers. PDXcross captures more than just gritty racers covered in mud – they specialize in capturing the quiet, beautiful moments that surround the cyclocross culture and the tight knit community that surrounds this cold and muddy form of bike racing. Full disclosure: I wrote the opening essay for the PDXCross book, “Dirty Pictures” and am considered one of the gang. These guys are my friends and I love them. That doesn’t mean you should take my recommendation any less lightly, however. You didn’t hear it from me but one of the PDXCrossers was a photo editor for both the White House and National Geographic at various points in his career – these guys are true pros.

SoSoVelo – http://sosovelo.com/

A humorous site packed with satire and tongue-in-cheek takes on cycling mores. An article named “The Value of Spand-me-downs” explore the pros and cons of used spandex and while “The Secret Cyclocross Training Courses of PDX” provides a highly useful overview (complete with maps) of the best places to practice your cyclocross skills. Written by a small group of friends, this site isn’t updated as frequently as some of the others, but new posts are always worth the wait.

Ride Oregon Ride

Ride Oregon Ride covers way more than Portland, but I’m placing it here because of it’s regional nature. First things first – this site is beautiful. It was designed by Substance, a local shop with a powerful mission and an incredibly talented line-up of designers. These are the good guys in white hats. And I like white hats. Now, back to Ride Oregon Ride. This little gem is chock-full of resources including tips, advice, and information for out-of-town travelers wishing to see Oregon by bicycle (look! even the French like it), a large collection of cycling routes and maps (including mountain bike trails), an extensive event directory, and a bevy of helpful links and connections. If you want to start riding bikes in Oregon or just want to expand your pedaling horizons, this is the site for you.

Commuting and Transportation Advocacy

Commute by Bike – http://commutebybike.com/

Billed as “Tips, news, reviews, and safety for bike commuters”, this website delivers on it’s promise. Navigate to the “Beginner Tips” section for tips on everything from how to get cleaned up at work to how to deal with angry or aggressive drivers. Their “Commuting 101” series covers just about every question you could think to ask – plus a few you probably wouldn’t have.

Momentum Magazine – http://www.momentumplanet.com/

Described as “the magazine for self-propelled people”, Momentum is a print magazine that is published six times per year (current circulation is about 50,000). From the website: “Momentum Magazine focuses on transportation cycling and bike culture in North America. Momentum’s positive and solutions-based editorial coverage includes arts & culture, city and people profiles, food, books, current events and gear.” The magazines website features a blog that covers everything from advocacy to culture.

TotCycle – http://totcycle.com/

A virtual godsend for cycling families with small children, TotCycle’s tagline tells you most of what you need to know: “Tots on bikes, kids as cargo, family cycling, and other high-occupancy velo goodness.” Written be Seattle pediatrician, Dr. Julian Davies, it provides an entertaining and practical resource for cycling with your little ones.

News, Reviews and PRO-ness

Velonews.com and CyclingNews.com are the two major outlet for pro cycling news and gear reviews, but if you find yourself weary of the mainstream, never fear – there are several sites out there dishing out top-notch alternative coverage.

Pez Cycling – http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/

For a slightly irreverent and sometimes hilarious (but always on-the-money) take on the world of pro cycling, no one beats Pez.  Like all pro cycling news sites, this one is very “dude-focused” but despite the lame Daily Distractions section, which features photos of hot women, Pez does a good job at providing an interesting and thorough perspective on the pros.

Belgium Knee Warmers – http://www.belgiumkneewarmers.com/

Started in 2006, this site (often referred to by the acronym BKW) has become a favorite of hard core cyclists around the globe. “Radio Freddy” provides an insider perspective on the pros, focusing on the spring classics while a few other contributors provide alternative perspectives. Each post is carefully crafted with clean, beautiful prose. The term “Belgian Knee Warmers” refers to the sheen created on the knees created by true hardmen who choose to ride through winters elements with only embrocation (warming linament) on their bare legs instead of tights or knee-coverings.

Red Kite Prayer – http://redkiteprayer.com/

Red Kite Prayer is named for the red flag (or flamme rouge) that signals the final 1k of a spring classic cycling race or grand tour stage. A recent spin off from a cult blog called Belgian Knee Warmers, this site has higher profile and a little more firepower behind it (ad support, larger set of contributors). It focuses on the Pro Tour and the pros, the psychology of rider and sport, and the subtle nuances that make pro cycling so fascinating.

Competitive Cyclist “What’s New” section – http://www.competitivecyclist.com/

An insider’s look into the world of road cycling. Competitive Cyclist is a high-end online retailer, but their “What’s New” section (accessed via “The Service Course” section from the main navigation bar) provides a unique peek into the world of high pro glow. From commentary on major races or peloton politics to commentary on fashion and links to the latest and greatest cycling-related web content, this is truly a site for hard core roadies and all their snobby buddies.

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I can’t wait to get back to Portland to get my hands on this stuff but, in the meantime, Rapha has finally released some images of their new women’s line.

They started with the basics (a very good place to start) – classic jersey, jacket, shorts.

As a bib-wearing mama, I’ll be waiting for the strappy version of the bottoms, but I feel like this stuff looks solid. Classic, elegant, simple.

We’ve all talked about the importance of fit, so I’ll hold the rest of my judgement until we’ve been able to gather more intel in that department.

Thoughts?

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I’m eating Chia. Out of a bowl. With almond milk. Voluntarily.

Chia Goodness contacted me a little over a month ago to ask if I would like to sample their new cereal and I happily agreed, remembering the hairy Chia plant characters of my youth with a fond sigh. They sent me Original, Cranberry Ginger, and Apple Almond Cinnamon.

First impressions

• Small package! (I discovered that this is because the recommended serving size is 2 tablespoons which gets you 140 calories before adding milk or water.)
• Looks like bird seed or… chia pet pre-sprouting!

I immediately opened the Cranberry Ginger package and ate a raw scoopful. Mmm. Nutty, like bird seed. And a little salty (not too). Pumpkin seeds and shelled hemp seeds. Definitely felt like health food. Then I read the directions, which instructed that rather than eating it raw, I was supposed to lubricate it. Specifically, “Add 4 tablespoons hot or cold water or choice of milk. Stir well.”

Simple cereal strategy except for the next step in the instructions: “Wait 3-5 minutes or until it thickens.”

The result was semi-mushy seeds with a snappy core. The chia seeds develop a gelatinous exterior when you allow them to soak for a while, which increases the Chia volume in your bowl substantially, though it still only takes a little of the stuff to fill your gut. Powerful punch!

I’m not sure how I feel about the texture, but I’ve been eating it consistently for a while now, so it can’t be all bad, right?

Healthological Statistics (It’s good for you.)

From a health perspective, Chia seems poised to make a play as the next big Superfood.

Here are the most important nutritional stats (from the Original version, other flavors vary):

• Five times the calcium of milk
• More Omega 3 than salmon
• Protein (6g per serving… not bad for a seed)
• Fiber (5g)
  

Not bad for cereal!

Takeaways

I’m not a cereal person because it usually doesn’t make me feel full or satiated. Despite the protein and fiber, the Chia Goodness was no different for me, but I solved the problem (as I do with most cereal) by pairing it with fresh fruit.  That left me feeling full and energized.

As I mentioned, the texture is potentially challenging but not totally prohibitive to enjoyment. The added-flavor varieties have just a tiny bit of sugar (3 or 4 grams) and are yummy, though I usually prefer to maintain control over breakfast-cereal embellishments.

I tried the Chia with soy milk, non-fat dairy milk, almond milk and water and found that almond milk was my favorite (Almond Breeze) and water was my least favorite. Your choice of lubricants will definitely affect your experience – choose wisely.

Where to get it

Portland peeps can pick it up at New Seasons Market and those of you in other locations can use the Store Locator to track down the Chia Goodness.

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