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
Well, looks like my gilet is going back for a smaller size, it is too loose.
In further support of the very functional and Pro-looking gilet that Frank has selected… I really like the zippers on either side, which makes accessing my minimalist cycling supplies located in my jersey pockets very easy while knocking down the miles. Nothing worse than having to unzip on a cold descent to get a gel or PBJ out of the jersey pocket. Best piece of gear I have purchased all year.
@frank
btw please check your email.
@frank
A New Years Resolution perhaps?
Good post Frank. I love the gilet, which has saved me many times. The weather here in Melbourne can be very unpredictable.
Sometimes however, I do doubt the reasons to take it along on a long ride because I run out of space in my jersey pockets. But your tip about folding it has solved that problem!
@hungsolo
Man, I have to ask, are you a fan of the COTHO?
@frank
@scaler911
I have been known to publicly agree with Frank at least once before! Don’t worry, I’ll still argue vociferously with him (or anyone) when I feel it’s warranted.
@Oli
You good sir have never had the good fortune of experiencing the climate of the Upper Midwest in the US of A. Except for about 2 weeks a year, it’s too hot or too cold — a climate of extremes.
The gilet is my sole piece of V-kit at present. Worn it on nearly every ride since its fall arrival, outer layer or mid layer, it’s all good. Thanks, Frank and Keepers.
@Nate
Aha, so you’re saying that for about two weeks a year a gilet is a very useful piece of kit?
@Oli
I’d use one more than that if I still lived there. But really I’m just saying, don’t underestimate the absurdity of the middle-american climate.
@Nate
To which I’d point out the absurdity of arguing that in such climates there is never the right time to wear a gilet (although I’m not implying you were doing so, Nate).
Buy one or don’t buy one, but arguing that gilets are a waste of time just because you think you don’t need one is just silly.
I love my V-Gilet. Like I’ve said on many occasions before, I like riding in the non-summer months better than the shorts/bibs of summer because you look badass kitted up in your “Flandrian Best”.
@frank
Or it means that you’ve gone to the dark side. Just like your alter ego, Jim.
@Nate
Ill agree with Oli on this one. give one a try. I live in southern Arizona and have found it useful this winter in the early morning rides when its bellow 8 or 9 degrees
@Oli, @RedRanger
To be clear — I am not arguing at all about the usefulness of the gilet, just trying to educate Oli about the absurdity of the middlewestern climate. I’ve learned the gilet lesson by experience and my next V-Kit order starts with one.
@Nate
We are in total agreement…I’m just pointing out that your “two weeks” of gilet weather is still some gilet weather.
Oh, joy! First interwebular argument of the year! I love you all!
@Oli
No doubt it is some gilet weather. But you are wrong, the conversation we have been conducting is not an argument!
@Nate
yes it is…
@Nate
Also bullshit. The Upper Midwest is very pleasant through all of Spring and Fall – it has a reputation for being very harsh in the winters, but its also very harsh in summer. But the Spring and Fall is absolutely fantastic.
But as I stated previously, the upper midwest is where I discovered the gilet and it found use year-round (though intermittent in Summer and Winter). A true Four-Season Fuckness Stopper. (How fun is that to say?)
Well then if no one will bite on the climate arguement, which I still hold to be true personally, then the second half of the argument for me is core vs extremity temperature control.
I personally have no problems keeping my core warm, but have trouble keeping my extremities warm. In fact recently I find myself sweating at the head and core, but cold in the legs, arms, and hands. So why would I want a vest? I just cant remember a time when I went “damn I wish I had something to help keep my core warmer!”
@all
Who was it that used the word “tricksy” today or yesterday? Just FYI, that has me giggling right now.
@King Clydesdale
I don’t want to speak for anyone else (other than that I did take up the argument) but if you have cold legs but a hot core, you are not riding right. Granted, we’re not talking about the 20-30 minutes at the start and end of any ride where you’re warming up/cooling down where, if you’re dressed properly for effort, you may be uncomfortable. But aside from that, your guns should never be getting cold. At least not your quads or knees. Arms, hands, ears, sure. But legs? Something’s wrong. Those are your pistons, baby. Your guns. They’re doing the work. They’re the heat source.
The only time I’ve had issues keeping the guns warm has been on rides where I really just coasted the whole way, and at the end of the ride, I had a full-body shiver going. I don’t want to offer suggestions or play coach without having more details, but something isn’t right if you’re not keeping the guns warm on a ride when the core is pipin’.
@frank
Welcome… you know I’m very happy to proof-read stuff before it goes in the articles.
It doesn’t take long – just as you or Oli look at a bike or rider and immediately pick out small details, I do much the same with words and punctuation. They leap out at me.
Personally I’d rather it was the bikes but we have to play with the cards life has dealt us :-)
@ChrisO
As much as it bugs me to make mistakes, a major part of the magic of this place is the community working together to make it better. There are limits, but everyone contributes to the improvement of the organism and that’s really, truly, amazing. After all, we’re just a bunch of fuckwits and the longer we can work together to create the illusion that we have any clue whatsoever, the better.
@frank
Hmmm, not sure if you’re quite correct when you say the guns are the heat source, but I certainly agree that when your core temperature is regulated correctly it’s a lot easier to keep your extremities warm.
@King Clydesdale
Why do the pros shove old newspapers up their jumpers when they hit the summit of a climb? To keep their cores warm on the long descents. They don’t (usually) stop to put on leg warmers or booties, but they do try and keep the cold off their chest and lungs. The gilet is just modern technology in place of that old ‘paper.
Have you ever hiked? What do they stress you must keep warm to avoid exposure and possible hypothermia? That’s right, your core…
@Oli
That’s whats’ lightin’ my fire!
@all
We seem to be having issue with our spam filter – please don’t be alarmed if your post is flagged as “awaiting moderation” – We’ll be working through the issue as best we can and get all your posts approved as quickly as possible. Thanks for your patience!
@King Clydesdale
I’m biting.
Singapore rides for me, starting at 5am, typically begin at 26-27C and end anywhere up to 32C. If I start later, the temp will be 30-32C.
The average high is 31C.
The average overnight low temperature is 24C, but that occurs
We have a yearly variation of about 1 degree (that means in ‘winter’ it’ll be 30/31C, in ‘summer’ it will be 31/32C. Every day) and the only real difference is if it’s raining or not. Rain is like a warm shower.
@Adrian lives in Malaysia, which is a very similar climate, and says he uses a gilet for descents. Singapore’s highest point is 165m. There are no long descents.
There is no use for a gilet here for me.
I have a gilet, but it will travel back to Melbourne to stay with #2 bike there for when I visit a place with actual seasonal weather and some extended climbs (sort of).
This thread is what I love about this “fuckwits” site. Article starts simple enough on a piece of gear but evolves into climate conditions around the globe/ proper heating of the body during exercise / Pro peloton faschion shots / faceless modelling of V-Kit by a Velominati / and mental pictures of Elle McPherson in only a baclava- I would guess she would have looked good despite any Rule Violations or microclimate paculiarity.
@mblume
A+1
@frank
Ah so that’s why some of my comments have been disappearing, I was beginning to think I wan’t welcome around these parts.
I would trust frank’s advice on gear, the wool DeFeet warmers are golden. Does anyone know how well a mesh backed gilet stacks up against a full fabric one? Is it much noticeable, especially in colder weather?
@mblume
Ahh, Elle McPherson…
I’m starting to panic regarding the size of the gear I’ve ordered and now I can’t find the sizing chart!
I’m off to my buddy’s tonight to try on his Castelli gear. I already have a sort of lightweight waterproof over jacket thing in large which is probably too large – it balloons up like the Michellin Man at 10 kph – it’s designed to go over stuff though. Hope I’ll get into the medium jersey, some are tight around my secondary guns. All my jerseys are medium except one which I just noticed was made in Italy, it’s a large.
@snoov
Its in the first paragraph of each of the V-Kit’s Gear pages. Maybe its not obvious enough because its in a link?
Nothing keeps midwesterners warmer than arguing about the weather!
@Oli
Yep, that’s exactly what I’m saying. It sucks–autumn and spring are my favorite seasons. Around here, most years, they literally last for about two weeks. This is different than Minneapolis or even most of the rest of Wisconsin, where spring and autumn are actually definable seasons.
@frank
Yours is exactly the response I would expect from a native Minnesotan to a native Wisconsinite. You guys are always telling us how much tougher you are! I guess that’s why they built all those heated underground tunnels at the U of M. And why is it that Minnesotans always bring up Elle MacPherson? Is there a shrine to her in Winona, or something? Given the evidence, I’m not sure she’s the best person to look up to in terms of practical winter headgear:
Anyway, I did not deny that there would be some use for a gilet in the spring and fall in any climate. All I said is that I wouldn’t use it enough to make it worthwhile.
FYI, the climate/geography of Minneapolis or SW Wisconsin is a lot different than SE Wisconsin. I grew up in LaCrosse. It is a LOT hillier over on that side of the state. If I still lived there, I would seriously consider buying a gilet.
For what it’s worth, my winter kit (which is necessarily pretty extensive) does, by and large, match. Gloves, jacket, cap, helmet, Jawbones, shoes, etc., all go well together and pick up on color accents on the machine. Most days, I think I do look fabulous. But I’m sorry. I will NOT give up the balaclava, even if it looks bad; I like my ears. And, there is some evidence contrary to the assertion that it is not pro:
Here’s the source for those photos (scroll to the bottom).
@mblume
Well, I didn’t find that, but I found this:
@DerHoggz
The mesh-backed ones are great, especially in warmer weather – but for that reason they’re not as great in cold weather. I have an Assos one with a mesh back which is beautiful, but its doesn’t fit as tightly as the full-fabric ones I have.
For good fit and use year-round, I prefer the full fabric ones over the mesh back, but I think it comes down to personal preference.
@The Oracle
Blame the MN-Wisconsin thing if you want, but I’m not in the slightest trying to disparage your state; I quite like it (my parents even live south of La Crosse, in Durand about half the year.) But I still call bullshit on the weather claim – not just for Wisconsin – but for anyone.
*Sigh*
Just because a Pro does something doesn’t mean it looks good. (Not every Pro looks good and relatively few Pros could be called a Velominatus.) All those guys – including Hinault – look complete crap in those things. I’m also not suggesting you stop wearing your balacalava. I’m suggesting it looks bad.
@The Oracle
You made that up! Right?
@frank
Nothing personal. As you know, mixing it up with Minnesotans is a favorite Wisconsin past-time (and vice versa). I’ll never miss a chance to poke fun, but rest assured, in case you missed my tone, I was only jesting.
I think, looking back on my posts, you will see that I actually agree that balaclavas look bad. Alas, as much as the Rules dictate otherwise, sometimes in pursuit of the V, there will come a time where you must don something that does not look absolutely fabulous, whether due to cost, weather, etc. I strive to meet the goals of casual deliberateness and looking fabulous with every ride, but I will give up those goals in a heartbeat if they stand in the way of pursuit of the passion. I’ve known too many dumb nordic skiers, mountain bikers, cross country skiers, and other winter sports enthusiasts who have dealt with varying degrees of frostbite, because the appropriate headgear or footwear didn’t look good. I choose, like Hinault in the pic above, to sometimes don the ridiculous garment in order to allow me to appropriately focus on the task at hand–laying down some serious V. (I would note that, despite looking odd, Hinault is obviously dishing out the pain to the rest of the peloton in that picture–coincidence or no?)
As to my second post, nope, not shopped at all (I don’t have that kind of skill). I found it here.
@frank
Thor wears one? Now, where’s my Credit Card?
Love Thor!
This will only bring a wry smile to my few fellow hard-core pedants… but I’ve just noticed that the opening sentence to this article echoes Fowler’s famous pronouncement on split infinitives, first written in 1926.
“The English-speaking world may be divided into (1) those who neither know nor care what a split infinitive is; (2) those who do not know, but care very much; (3) those who know and condemn; (4) those who know and approve; and (5) those who know and distinguish. . . . Those who neither know nor care are the vast majority, and are happy folk, to be envied by the minority classes.”
Which I found ironically amusing in the light of the writer’s previous grammatical record.
Fowler is like Merckx to us pedants, although to be fair he was actually quite scathing about those who attempted to follow rules for the sake of nothing more than showing that they had superior knowledge.
I’ll get my coat…
I totally agree the Gilet is the most indispensible bit of kit after your basic riding jersey, shorts, shoes, gloves etc.
Here in Britain, where you often get all 4 seasons in one day, i seldom go out without either wearing or carrying it. It weighs nothing, rolls up super small and does not cost much unless you buy designer gear.
As we are cyclists please remember how to pronounce it, a la Sean Kelly commentaries, or at least the understandable ones. “ggeee lay”. No hard Gs and certainly not “Gill let”; you can only pronounce it this way if riding a horse in the Home Counties (swanky up market horsey culture paid for by Daddy !).
@The Oracle
I’ll tell you one thing: I hate the Wisconsin Highway Patrol! Cheeky bastards.
Your nordic skiing comment made me chuckle. We did in deed wear balaclavas when necessary, but I always wore mine with my ski hat over it – in three-point system compliance – to make sure I looked as fantastic as possible. I also never wore it – not once – in a race; too restrictive. I did, on the other hand, wear moleskin on my face when it was below zero on Race Day.
I also chuckled because my ears are permanently hardened from my Nordic days, specifically because of what you describe. I would wear earmuffs (also nice, thin ones that fit cleanly under my hat) only at 20F or below, and that would do well until I needed my neck covered at around 5F or less, at which point the abomination would find its way into my skiing kit. To this day, I really don’t need my ears covered ever in the climate I live in now.
Just a question: what’s the difference between a Nordic skier and Cross-Country skier? Same thing, no?
@frank
I was thinking “Alpine” and typed “Nordic.” Derp.
One final note, even when I wear the balaclava,I ensure that I am always in strict three-point system compliance as well. Of course, the stems of my cycling-specific glasses are always on the outside as well.
@frank
I’m just speaking from my experience of living in Chicago for 5 years, where on average there were 2 weeks of nice weather a year. I know better than to infer from Chicago weather what the weather might have been in WI or MN.
Akin to the post on RdV’s shin-guards, my early experience with a ‘gilet’ was chamois that covered the chest and shoulder blades as the standard early spring chest protection. Over a base layer, under a jersey it was a little work to get on smooth and came off with the weight of chain mail if wet. Great protection though. Given the helmets of the time, it was easy enough to take off…once. There was no putting it back on in an echelon like one can with a current zip up model. photo is modeled outside a jersey to give better perspective. I had to dig through a few suitcases to find it last night, maybe I’ll use it for car washing next summer.
@hungsolo
Hungsolo- I’m a new Velominatus & I live in Fair Oaks (just a short jaunt down hwy 50 from ElDo) I ride out in Folsom as much as I can to get some hills. I’m looking for some like-minded, rule abiding, riding friends around here. How ’bout a ride one of these weekends?
F-ucking N-ew G-uy
@Nate
Having lived all acrost the Midwest, then settling in the pacific nw, once u live somewhere where you drive to winter, there is no real difference. My local sears doesn’t carry snow blowers!
@gaswepass
More or less the same background as you — Midwest to NorCal. Oddly, my local hardware store carries several kinds of serious snow shovels. My almost 5 year old wondered why.