Categories: Accessories and GearReverence

Reverence: Gilet

A properly-fitting gilet is an indispensable piece of kit

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

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

Next Portland Oregon Cogal »

Previous « La Vie Velominatus: Romanticization

View Comments

Gerard says:

Jan 4 2012 at 12:48 pm

@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....
The Oracle says:

Jan 4 2012 at 1:23 pm

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.
sgt says:

Jan 4 2012 at 1:48 pm

@The Oracle
This SoCal sissy has your back. Ride first, Rules second.
Lepidopterist says:

Jan 4 2012 at 1:53 pm

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.
G'rilla says:

Jan 4 2012 at 1:56 pm

@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.
il ciclista medio says:

Jan 4 2012 at 1:59 pm

A cold or windy day, wear a gilet.
Just make sure it fits well otherwise that flapping sound is fricken annoying.
G'rilla says:

Jan 4 2012 at 2:06 pm

Hmmm...that was meant to quote @scaler911 on "flappy". Should have used the "preview" button.
scaler911 says:

Jan 4 2012 at 2:10 pm

@sgt

@Gianni
I smell troll...

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?
Buck Rogers says:

Jan 4 2012 at 2:29 pm

@scaler911

@sgt

@GianniI smell troll...

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?

Exactly my thoughts on the Broken Chain Award for 2011. Something to hold us over for the next few weeks!
Nate says:

Jan 4 2012 at 2:31 pm

@scaler911, @Buck Rogers
How many hours till Het Volk?

@Adrian et al: I know it is no longer called "Het Volk."