As
a cyclist, the search for newer and better gear is constant — there's
always something else out there. Premes, Picks, Promos will highlight
both the next big thing and the sleeper deal.
When the weather gets chilly, layering keeps you warm. Everybody knows that — it's one of the first things we learned as a rookie winter cyclist. While it's easy to stack an extra jersey under your outer layer, a dedicated baselayer tends to offer more of a performance benefit.
Pearl Izumi, perhaps due to market competition (or parent company Shimano looking over its shoulder), has stepped up its game over the last year or so. This season's baselayer crop is a great example. The baselayers of the past two years were nothing special in the least — a polyester T-shirt, basically.
For 2009-2010, Pearl Izumi has the Barrier shirt (right, $70) and the Transfer collection. Both use Minerale fabric, which is light, durable and speeds moisture transfer away from the body. Plus, the natural properties of Minerale materials resist odor, meaning your baselayers won't be embedded with funk (I'm not sure how it would if you washed it every time, anyway).
The Barrier shirt sets itself apart with its wind-blocking panels on the chest and shoulders. When you put it on, you get that "newspaper in the jersey" feeling. The panel isn't crinkly, per se, but you're aware of it for the first few minutes.
On the bike yesterday — with a 23-degree wind chill — I could feel the Barrier panels at work. More importantly, the moisture-transferring fabric did its job. The baselayer itself was dry, while the thermal bib tight panel on my back was damp.
If you're not into baselayers, check out this vest (right, $65) from Voler, a California company more known for its custom team apparel. My team (soon to be former team) uses Voler, and I've been basking in the warmth and utility of this vest all year.
What sets it apart are the pockets. It's not just one zippered pocket, or a weird side-loading pocket. Nope, three pockets across the all-mesh back, just like a jersey. Very slick, very useful. You don't need a team account to get it, either. Head to VeloWear, Voler's retail site, to pick it up.
Finally, if you're looking for a deal, head over to Rudy Project and take advantage of a couple of solid "buy this, get all of this" promotions. They run through the end of the month, so don't wait too long.
In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.
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