Hinault keeps the guns clean.
With the transitions of seasons occurring all over the world as Summer shifts to Fall in the Northern Hemisphere and Winter to Spring in the Southern, we are faced with the seasonal challenge of how to kit up properly for volatile and variable weather conditions.
One of the most common mistakes made, apart from overdressing, is riders offending our collective sensibilities by inexplicably wearing leg coverings with short sleeve jerseys; an aesthetic faux-pas of monumental proportions. We’ve already discussed the merits of layering when kitting up in your Flandrian Best, and this specifically addresses the oft-abused Point IIV as discussed therein:
Maintain order; if it’s cold enough for knee warmers, it’s cold enough for arm warmers. First come arm warmers, then knee warmers.
While wearing shirt-sleeves and pantaloons is acceptable for civilian attire, doing so with your Cycling kit marks the rider like a greasy Cat 5 tattoo on the calf. The lower half of our bodies is working much harder than our upper bodies, which sit nearly motionless as our guns piston away at the pedals leaving a path of destroyed dreams and broken souls in our wake. The legs need air to breathe, room to roam freely; the caged bird doesn’t sing and covering up the guns unnecessarily with lycra is like caging a wild bird of prey.
There is a certain pleasure to be found in kitting up perfectly for the day’s ride. We deliberate over the temperature, the wind, the likelihood of rain. We lay out our options like a Valet for his nobleman, we may even take a step outside and reconsider our choices. Returning from the ride many hours later, we allow a wry smile to creep across our faces in the knowledge that we nailed our kit today.
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@pistard
How stupid I have been throwing these away only a couple of years ago. I said Peter
@KogaLover
This article "leave-no-bike-behind" applies to kit as well.
It's a fine balance between to let go or not to let go. Recently off loaded kit online as have lost weight and too loose on me, but will restock with sold kit funds. I was told by an old old timer - "don't hang on to old gear". That comment torments me every time I step into my garage! manage to keep these puppies - 80's, 90's, 00's. Hmmm, time for a new puppy!
@pistard
Dammit! I was vaccillating between Detto and Duegi! I should have done with Duegi - I had a pair of Duegi shoes (still have 'em - plastic sole, leather uppers as soft as buttah!)
@universo
The pad used in the PRR winter bib short is the 4H “MEDIUM DISTANCE” bottom in elastic micro-fibre with padding strategically positioned in contact points. In the perineal and ischiatic area, the 90 kg/cm2 density padding is calibrated and breathable on all covered points to ensure utmost protection against collisions and stresses on road. The central exhaust was thought to protect nerve endings for improved support, also on long distances.
The lateral shaped wings are flexible and follow the body movements while pedalling, adapting to the cyclist’s anatomy for high comfort. Thnx Eva
@KogaLover
My excuse for throwing them away was because I threw them away before I picked up cycling again and way before discovering this site. But they were of higher quality than my current silver bullets, although they could not fit clipless pedal cleats anymore. I had to use nails and a hammer back then to fit them to the thick hard leather soles.
Sad to report that there was a couple of peeps breaking the bare arm-leg warmer violation on Saturdays club ride.
I on the other hand was rocking with bare legs,Castelli booties,arm warmers and a Sportful hot pack gilet*,the latter was taken off half-way round and being tiny when packed stuffed in one of the jersey pockets.
*One of my fave items of clothing;amazingly light,packs small yet still stops a chilly breeze.Sadly was ripped after an off a few weeks ago(with a nice Castelli jersey),but repaired with some self-adhesive fabric used for kite and sail repairs.
@KogaLover
I've still got my original pair of these shoes, although sadly after a few seasons of hard racing they're not in exactly mint condition any more...
@KogaLover
@wiscot
@Oli
Rescued my 80s Detto Pietros a couple years ago; sadly, after 25+ years in my parents' basement they were beyond salvaging. Bought some NOS Duegis thinking I'd wear them for vintage rides, but they haven't been out of the house yet. Beautiful and comfortable, but I fear actually riding with clips and straps again would destroy any lingering nostalgia.
It's hella uncomfortable, that's for sure!
@Oli
That makes my loss even worse: I never did any hard racing with them, just rides, hence they were still in mint condition when I threw them away, including the original box, I even greased the soles to keep them intact.