Reverence: Gilet
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:
- In Winter it is an ideal insulation barrier, adding warmth to a long or short sleeve jersey, or bridging the gap between the two during Spring and Fall
- In Spring and Fall, the wind-breaking capabilities make for a great rain barrier in (depending on your climate, Winter as well)
- In Summer, its lightweight nature makes it the ideal garment to stave off the chill of an early morning start or to bring along for warmth on cold mountain descents
Absolutely. I’ve skipped past the armwarmers and went straight for the V gillet. Form and function incarnate.
Couldn’t agree more. Down here I see many riders wearing long sleeve jerseys but the gillet is way more versatile. Loving the one I got for Xmas. Thanks for that tip about putting it under the jersey. I was wondering how it was going to fit in my pocket.
This is one piece of kit I need to get serious about picked up, that’s the truth. I hate wearing my jacket (super thin and only rain resistant, not proof) and often need to pack it away mid-ride as I warm up, but it takes up an entire pocket.
No. No. No. I’ve spent the week convincing myself to be good and only buy an SS Jersey in the next batch of V-Kit. I’d convinced myself that over the last month I’d done pretty well for cycling kit and going for the that the V-Bibs as well would be pushing the expenditure envelope too far. Now you’ve gone and fucked me by suggesting that there is no way in the world that I can do without the Gillet. Worse still being half the price of the V-bibs it would be so much easier to do some man maths that would totally justify the additional expenditure. I’ve literally just finished booking my travel to the Keepers Tour (which has somehow evolved to include a side trip to Paris afterwards with the family).
The orders need to be in by Jan 6, is that right? When could we expect deliver and when might the next order be?
Get one. You won’t be sorry to have it in your kit collection. Mine gets tons of use. Generally speaking they are inexpensive to boot.
Awesomeness, Frank! You said it all perfectly. And, you got me! It was one of the last things to enter my cycling wardrobe. COMPLETELY indispensable. I am continually amazed at how much Fuckness it gets me through. Cold, wind, rain. For something weighing a few grams, I can’t believe what it manages to do for me. Saved me on many occasions.
I’m proud owner of two gilets. One I got used for about 1/6 of the original cost. It’s made by Nalini, has a bit more adverts than I’d like, but when it stops the Fuckness, I can’t complain about being a moving billboard. The second one I just picked up a few weeks back. It’s a Spiuk with reflective strips. I’d rather not be in a hi-vis gilet with reflectors but you know what? In the winter when lighting is weird, it works like magic. I can hear and feel and see drivers giving me much more room and respect. I pull it on over a ls jersey or even a jacket when the lighting is bad. Works wonders.
Strong piece, Frank!
Specifically, get a V-Gillet. Frank has selected Castelli’s best fabric for this essential piece of kit: breathable, windproof, with just a hint of flex. And NO flapping if properly fit (I hate the sound of flapping kit). I have another Castelli gillet in this fabric, and I ordered the V-Gillet hoping it would be this exceptional material. In my neck of the woods a gillet is worn on at least 60% of rides, especially anything that starts before 9 am. I have a bunch of them.
OK so putting my sub-editor’s eyeshade on again…
Unless it is an American spelling of which I am unaware, it should be gilet with one ‘l’ (pronounced zhillay and sounds suave and French) not gillet with two ‘l’s (which would be pronounced gill-et and sounds vaguely fishy).
They do rock – it is about the only thing I wear over a jersey in Abu Dhabi, but even then pretty rarely and not enough to justify buying one.
I already have a nice Ground Effect gilet from NZ which does me fine for the six times a year it gets worn.
@ChrisO
your right. 1 L. Gilet
Great reverence article. It can’t be stressed enough, however, the aspect that the gillet/gilet be properly fitting – snug under the armpits, across the chest and short enough in the front that it doesn’t bunch up. In short, it should fit just like your jersey.
I’ll need more convincing then that friends! I find its appearance to be in the tights category and not at all V.
@Chris
Are you starting in Paris? I’m flying into Paris at 8am on the Friday morning and plan to take the TGV to Lille. It would be cool to meet up if anyone else is going that route.
@ChrisO
Unless you are a Spanish-speaker. In that case, it would be pronounced “gee-yet.”
@doubleR
that may be one way to say it in Spanish. I use the other word, chaleco.
@Kambei
I’ve learned the hard way that the gilet is a life enhancer and life saver. Keeping the torso warm with it’s windproof front alone makes cold descents survivable and even pleasurable.
Years back four of us did a looong spring ride which turned out to be colder than all but one of had dressed for. One had a vest and the rest of us suffered the whole long way. The ride sucked so much but that ride made me understand the gilet’s magical power. And with Frank’s brilliant stowing method, there is no down side to bring the gilet as insurance. They are the best.
@Gianni
Ah, the power of anecdotal evidence. I’m sold!
@Kambei
Anecdotal is one thing, try the descent from altitude in damp jersey method. Some lessons are better learned from empiric experience. Do you live in a place that has a cold windy spring? It would afford you the perfect environment for this kind of research.
Also, when Frank is this bully on a bit of kit, that means a lot. Seattle is a prime place for gilet wearing.
@G’rilla
I’m getting the Eurostar from London to Lille on the Friday morning, getting in at 11:26. Probably not too far off your arrival time. I’m not staying at the official accommodation but if there both in the same direction it might be worth sharing transport. If not there’s certainly scope for a first beer of the tour!
@Dr C is flying in from Ireland but I’m not sure when and @roadslave is coming in from London. I’m sure there’ll be others arriving by rail from the UK.
@Gianni
Nipple Lube! Portland is only a tiny bit dryer.
The trick @Kambei, is getting a vest that fits properly. If it’s all flappy then yes, it’s like tights. If it fits proper, you shouldn’t notice you’re wearing it except for the fact that you’re not freezing to death on a 20K decent.
@Gianni
I smell troll…
@scaler911
and apparently the VMH says for all the ladies, switching into a dry sports bra pre descent makes a .. erm more comfortable ride! I thought mentioning Rule #5 at that point was not in my best interests….
Living where I live (SE Wisconsin), I don’t think I will ever see a reason to plunk down any hard-earned coin on a gillet. I could see myself using it during maybe two weeks in spring and autumn. While I can certainly imagine that such a garment would see extensive use in certain climates, I don’t know about its usefulness in a place where you’re either too damn cold or too damn hot for 98% of the year. And, it’s not like we have any mountains around here where we have to worry about it being colder at the top!
This leads me to think in general about allowances that must be made to the garment-centric Rules and posts here on the basis of climate/geography. I can tell you that I’ve violated several Rules on my most recent outdoor rides. Not only have I violated the Rules, I did so with abandon and cheerfully, as those violations made it possible for me to actually engage in the very activity that the Rules are all about.
And yes, I have tried to Rule #5 it through 20 degree temps with 30 mph winds. That ride lasted five minutes before I turned around, put on two layers of tights (thermal and windstopper), another thermal layer under my cycling jacket, another layer of gloves, a balaclava, thick wool socks that came up to my knees and windstopper booties over my Sidis. I looked ridiculous, but I know that I saw at least one guy with bike racks on his car looking at me with envy as I rode by.
@The Oracle
This SoCal sissy has your back. Ride first, Rules second.
Having got back from the first ride of the year the other day in a state of near hypothermia you have me convinced on the gillet. I dont think I shall stretch to any V kit this time around but hopefully later in the year. Ahh I look forward to the day when I can ride forth in my Flanderian finest.
@scaler911
If it’s all flappy then yes, it’s like tights. If it fits proper, you shouldn’t notice you’re wearing it…
I’m very happy with the LS Jersey (and a baselayer) but I’ve seen Frank in the V-gilet several times and didn’t realize he was wearing anything other than a jersey. It looks good.
A cold or windy day, wear a gilet.
Just make sure it fits well otherwise that flapping sound is fricken annoying.
Hmmm…that was meant to quote @scaler911 on “flappy”. Should have used the “preview” button.
@sgt
Been awhile since we’ve had an Adrian around here. Might break up the monotony that is the first few weeks of January.
@Frank, When do The Keepers fire up the VSP?
@scaler911
Exactly my thoughts on the Broken Chain Award for 2011. Something to hold us over for the next few weeks!
@scaler911, @Buck Rogers
How many hours till Het Volk?
@Adrian et al: I know it is no longer called “Het Volk.”
@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!
@Chris
AWESOME!!
I think we’ll have to push the close date out a week to Sunday January 15, but that still puts delivery to Seattle on March 1-15. If your kit is looking sketchy for delivery, I’ll hand-carry it to you (and anyone else doing KT who has a kit order in this batch.)
@sgt
You’re too kind. We are sometimes slow in selecting our gear, but its only because we’re making absolutely certain we’re getting the right stuff together. Thanks for the compliment.
@ChrisO
Bugger. That misspelling is spread out all over the Gear page! I’ll be doing some editing tonight, it appears. Thanks!
@VeloVita
This. Not to focus too much on the V-Gilet specifically, but I was absolutely amazed at how well the arm stripes lined up between it and the jersey:
Why is anyone doubting the utility of a gilet? They are fucking amazing. Useful in many, many different conditions. While the V-gilet is damn nice, if the Budgetatus is running low, just pick one up used. That’s what I did for one of mine. Nalini made, very nice, and saved around $100 off the original price.
If time is money quit debating whether or not you need one and just get one. I don’t care where the heck you live. I’ve lived in three different places with three different climates since I’ve become a Velominati and my gilet has been used in all of them.
@Kambei
The following gentlemen disagree with you.
@The Oracle, @King Clydesdale
Sorry, but the climate thing is bullshit and has no relevance to The Rules. What, so people living in Hawaii should ride shirtless and we’ll pretend that looks good? Every time we talk about clothing, someone claims their special little climate is an exception, and every time they’re wrong.
I was raised in Minneapolis, MN – not much different from your SE Wisconsin climate. i rode year round. Knee warmers, arm warmers, gilets, cotton caps – they see much use in Spring and Fall. Even when I’m riding in SW Wisconsin (which I do several times a year), I’ll wear my gilet on the descents. As Gianni says, try descending even in warm weather with a wet jersey. Or start your ride at sunrise. Or end it at nightfall. You’ll find yourself using a vest at least 5 of the months you ride.
There’s no Rule forbidding wearing tights, or jackets or gloves. The Rules regarding clothing are about what Looks Fantastic and what doesn’t; what makes you look like a hardman or that to dress in one’s Flandrian Best, we should wear knickers and arm warmers with a cap. No Rules. MN Winter rides saw tights, thick gloves, sometimes even a thick air block jersey. Do what you need to to ride; but its no excuse for not taking care to match your kit and do your best to look as good as possible.
One last and important note to remember: Elle McPherson wouldn’t look good in a balaclava, you don’t either.
@scaler911
@Buck Rogers
@Nate
Het Neiuwsblad – and I have quite a programming job in front of me as I’ve managed to forget about the notion of scoring across years, so I have some refactoring to do. I’ll get the calendar updated soon.
As for the Broken Chain award, we were going to do a few posts on it, and maybe we will after all. We’ll give it some think.
@pakrat
The new Gear pages allow for full product descriptions, so it does say now:
http://www.velominati.com/gear/winter-v-gilet/
But its the Castelli Wind Vest.
@Ron
@frank
I’m with Ron and Frank, et al. Just because you don’t think you need a gilet doesn’t mean you don’t. Give it a try, you might be surprised.
Further, the climactic reasons for needing one are just ridiculous – are you seriously suggesting your seasons turn so fast you’re either way too cold for a gilet or suddenly you couldn’t wear one without perishing from heat exhaustion? Don’t make me laugh!
@Ron
Please see the first paragraph of the article:
In this scenario, the doubters are the ones who don’t have the gilet yet. Once you get your hands on one, you suddenly understand its versatility.
@Adrian
And you’re name is Adrian, no less! Thrilled to have one around who isn’t a tool.
Is traffic in Malaysia anything like that in India? We have several V-Kit owners who live in India, and I’ve been in India and seen serious cyclists there first-hand. It seems like utter suicide to me, though!
@Oli
Wow, I’ve never seen the Oli-vibritron fire from my side of the discussion! Its cool!