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.
While first impressions mean a lot, a longer test is what tells you all about a certain product. For a number of reasons — chiefly, the smokin' discount — I turned over a lot of my gear inventory during the past six months.
And with winter on its way out, finally, I have a good handle on how some of that new stuff works.
I've had a pretty tried-and-true glove system for the last couple of years, but as stuff gets older it gets a bit colder. After a dark, wet ride in early January, I decided to pull the plug on the middle layer of the system and do something different.
I went with the Pearl Izumi Softshell glove (right, $45). Formerly called Gavia, it has a wind stopper-like outer layer and midweight insulation inside. The high cuff — Velcro now instead of a zipper — keeps the cold out.
When you try these on in the store, you can tell they're going to be warm. I gave mine their first test on a ride that started with wind chills in the mid-teens. As I arrived at the rallying point, my hands were toasty warm. No problem.
As the ride rolled on — hills, wind, the whole bit — it got warmer. Even when we were rolling into town with temperatures in the mid-30s, my hands were great. Plenty warm, yes, but not so hot that I wanted to peel off the gloves.
The ability to excel in a wide range of temperatures is what makes the Softshell glove worth the money. For something more like upper 30s and 40s, I think you'd still need something a bit lighter. But the Softshell might be able to take care of the rest.
A little lower
Because I tend to get warm quickly and stay warm, I use knee warmers more than leg warmers or full tights. If the coldest it's going to be is, say, 25, I'll go knee warmers and embrocation. By the time I feel any chill on my legs, the embrocation is doing its thing and I'm warmed up from the effort.
Like my glove choice, I went with Pearl Izumi knee warmers. In general, Pearl Izumi stuff is reasonably priced, easy to find and tends to work pretty well. Sexy? Not really. Practical? Yes.
Previously I had a pair of PI Thermafleece knee warmers ($35). Very stretchy, very fleecy. Good enough. This time, I upgraded (there's the discount again) to the Mircrofleece version ($45). There's a little more tailoring involved, so the Microfleece version fits a bit better. And it's plenty warm.
But here's the strange thing: Thermafleece knee warmers have a gripper on the bottom cuff, which goes on the upper (or mid) calf. Microfleece knee warmers have a gripper on the top cuff, but only a thin elastic band on the bottom.
On one hand, you could have to reposition the top cuff under your shorts, which is kind of a pain. But on the other hand, you could end up with less coverage on your legs because the bottom cuff creeps up too high.
Frankly, I'd like to have grippers on both cuffs. Doesn't that seem to make the most sense anyway?
Like most cool-weather gear, you should be able to find the gloves and knee warmers on sale. Ours are heading out at 40% off, and I doubt we're alone.
No surprises
I've had Oakley sunglasses for about 12 years now, back to my baseball playing/coaching days. Yes, they're slightly cliche — pretty much everybody has them — but they're also damn fine sunglasses. In a yardsale-type crash in the spring, my elderly M-Frames took a beating. Well, technically they broke. But money was tight and I held onto them through the season.
They've been replaced now with the Oakley Jawbone. I mentioned them here before Christmas, but now that I have a few rides in them, I can tell you a bit more. First, yes, they're nice. The lenses are clear, sharp and have the same precision as other Oakley lenses.
What I was most interested in was the fit. With M-Frames and other large lenses, you get a "full wrap" around your eyes — corner to corner. What you can't see in pictures is that the Jawbone has essentially the same wrap. There's very little in the way of exposure.
Because of the depth of the "jaw" portion, there is sometimes contact on the upper cheekbones. I thought this would be annoying at first, but it's a non-issue. That, of course, will vary with the user, but I've only noticed it once or twice.
Add in the Oakley Custom option (full color choice plus a second lens and a case), and it's a pretty compelling package. Now, if only I wear them in a non-bike setting without looking like a bug ... .
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In addition to being GamJams Tech Editor, Bryan Redemske manages the Trek Bicycle Store of Omaha, is a professional writer and a Cat 3 racer. He drinks a lot of coffee.
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