There are two kinds of people in this world: those who own a properly-fitting, lightweight gilet and those who don’t. Those who own one know this is an indispensable piece of kit.
The gilet is typically one of the last items that enters into a Cyclist’s wardrobe, long after arm warmers, knee warmers, and long sleeve jerseys have found their way into the kit bag. It’s just a vest, after all, and can’t possibly serve much purpose beyond Looking Pro, can it? It can, in fact.
A vest is an incredibly versatile unit that serves to stave off all kinds of Fuckness – be it from wind, rain, or cold. Furthermore, the sleeveless design makes it easy don or doff, and packs away nicely; a lightweight gilet can be folded flat (first in half, then in thirds) and slipped between the jersey and bibs, keeping the rear pockets clear and accessible for tools and food.
In short, the gilet is a Four-Season Fuckness Stopper that accompanies me year-round, one which I personally hold in higher regard than the long sleeve jersey:
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@Nate @Adrian et al: I know it is no longer called "Het Volk."
Although I think that we all agree that it should be.
As for countdowns, it always seems that the real season starts with MSR which starts in 72 days, 10 hours, 5 minutes and 29 seconds.
(see timer at the right on this link)
http://www.gazzetta.it/Speciali/MilanoSanremo/it/
Which Castelli vest is this? Is this the Fawesome or Fusione?
@Buck Rogers
Agree on all points.
We use Gillets in Malaysia, average daily temperature is 32+degC (90+F), for decending the mountain routes around Kuala Lumpur. All that other stuff (arm warmers, long sleeves etc) would cook you. The specialist hot weather Gillet with a windproof front and open,breathable back are particularly good. Long live the Gillet!
@The Oracle
+1. I tend to agree. This year I went from shorts and short sleeve jersey to tights, wool, oversocks, full fingered gloves, and base layers in the matter of two weeks. And the last thing that gets cold on me is my core.
But the garment makes sense in some places, sure. But these are those places dominated by a marine airmass and have varying micro climates. A marine airmass shows much slower fluctuation in temperature throughout the year then the continental one, especially when you have valleys and ridges to trap the moisture and warmth in.
You can see this in a quick climate comparison (Note that since the legend changes on the right, the graphs are a bit deceivingly similar. In fact they are very different):
Seattle:
Note that since the legend changes on the right, the graphs are a bit deceivingly similar. In fact they are very different.
Spokane:
As you can see, by distancing yourself from the ocean, you increase that range of your temperature variation.
So for me a gilet is of little use as the seasonal contrast here doesn't really give much opportunity for use.
I own 3 gillets and zero long sleeve jerseys. I ride in temps from the high 30's F to 105* F here in Nor Cal USA. I have never once needed anything warmer than a baselayer, vest, and jersey with armwarmers. In fact, I think this is a corollary of rule #5.
@hungsolo
Where in NorCal? Far enough to be in the State of Jefferson?
@scaler911
no not quite!! Just outside Sacramento towards Tahoe. Do you live in Jefferson (Oregon or CA side)?
@hungsolo
Up by El Dorado? I have family there and in Portola. I get down that way a couple times a year to ski.
I actually live in Vancouver WA (suburb of Portland with a with a decidedly more hillbilly slant). I grew up in Yreka, Weed (that still makes me laugh) and Mt Shasta City.
@scaler911
Exactly where I am! Next time you're here if a bike is available let's go for a ride!