Cycling Gear

[Robyn]

Okay, so we have ski gear area but no place to really discuss cycling gear so I thought I'd start a thread.

I'm not hard core. I enjoy it but I don't go all out crazy (I mean that in a good way) about components for my bike, gear etc. I was proud of myself for doing an on the fly, side of the road brake adjustment this weekend.

I just purchased this jacket for multi-sport use but think it will be especially good for early morning chill while cycling. It has zip off sleeves with a back stow pocket for them and necessities (although I have an under saddle bag on my bike). It's wind resistant with mesh side panels for ventilation. And, for once, I didn't buy black. Actually, I always try to have a bright top on while cycling so that I am more visible to cars.

In addition, I think it will be great for spring skiing (A-Basin!) since it gets warm so fast and for running/hiking.

 

[itri]

What are the details on that jacket, Robyn? I was actually poking around Sierra Trading Post and REI outlet last night trying to find something...it was chilly yesterday morning, but my fleece was too warm, I just needed something to cut the wind. Mind sharing brand/model/price/etc?

 

[Robyn]

It's The North Face Vedder Jacket. I'm paying a ridiculously low price because I have a friend that works for North Face and gets it for me but it lists for $99. The North Face store in Boulder had it in black, white and blue but I see the REI also carries a red. Those are the exact type of mornings that I bought this for, it's chilly, especially when moving on the bike but you know you're going to warm up quickly.

 

[Kimmyt]

I have a cheap windbreaker I got on sale. It's totally not sexy at all and is actually kind of big for me but it works for commuting, plus it's retna-burning yellow. Something like this:

 

[Robyn]

Yeah, I was going to get one like that but loved the zip off sleeves on the one I got so much that I couldn't resist. Especially with the price break I go.

 

[itri]

So I have the opportunity to get this jacket: https://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=105&product_id=1160557
on sale for 20% off. So in other words $80-ish. What do you think? Good deal? Or should I keep looking around? They had two or maybe three colors (wanna say orange, retina-burning yellow, and maybe the rose-type color). The sale was supposed to end today, but the very nice manager at Outdoor Divas said that since DS was not cooperating with my shopping, if I came back later in the week when she's working, she would honor the sales price. I like the look, but am not completely sure about the functionality/price. Opinions?

 

[vanhoskier]

So I have the opportunity to get this jacket: https://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=105&product_id=1160557
on sale for 20% off. So in other words $80-ish. What do you think? Good deal? Or should I keep looking around? They had two or maybe three colors (wanna say orange, retina-burning yellow, and maybe the rose-type color). The sale was supposed to end today, but the very nice manager at Outdoor Divas said that since DS was not cooperating with my shopping, if I came back later in the week when she's working, she would honor the sales price. I like the look, but am not completely sure about the functionality/price. Opinions?

I love the Pearl Izumi jackets. They have a great fit for cycling, and break the wind. It looks like this one has removable sleeves so it converts to a vest, which makes it even more practical. I never go out for a ride this time of year without a jacket or vest like this.

 

[Robyn]

I think it's a great jacket, I'd go for it! And, personally, I'd go with the orange. I have a pretty strict rule that I don't cycle in muted colors as I think the brightness helps with safety. Just out of curiosity if you can get down there you might check Bicycle Village to see if they have it for cheaper before heading back to Divas.

 

[itri]

Thanks, ladies! I have a hair appt in CC Wednesday morning anyway, so I think I will swing by there afterwards to check it out again and probably buy as long as they have my size!

 

[tradygirl]

Anyone familiar with bike-specific wrist braces? I'm looking forward to getting on my bike in a few weeks, but it would be nice to have some support and protection. I'm not sure what's out there.

 

[Little Lightning]

When I had a torn ligament in my wrist I used this.

https://www.medspec.com/OnlineProducts.cfm?ID=9

It fit over my cycling glove and allowed me to use the shifters on my road and mtn bikes. There are removeable stays that control the amount of protection and mobility needed.

 

[itri]

Reporting back that I am now the proud owner of the Pearl Izumi jacket. Woohoo! I decided to go with the orange...it's bright, but a "nice" bright IYKWIM. The only other color they had was the lime, which was MUCH brighter than it looks on the website. I liked it, but decided that it would be much easier to get sick of the superbright lime than the orange. I'm excited to try it out, although since I'm running a half-marathon on Sunday, I probably won't get back on my bike until at least late last week. Thanks for the advice, ladies!

 

[Robyn]

Which half are you doing on Sunday?

 

[itri]

I'm running the Colorado half up in Fort Collins. I'm excited! It's supposed to be a beautiful course and it's all downhill (but not HUGELY downhill). I'm a little nervous about going to a race out of town all by myself, but there's a girl from my track group that's running the full and her fiance and roommate are both running the half. They're staying at the same hotel and we're going to try to make plans to meet up for dinner the night before, so at least hopefully I won't be sitting in my hotel room all by myself twiddling my thumbs!

 

[Little Lightning]

I just got this Cannondale jacket for 20% off from a new bicycle shop in our neighborhood called Treads.

https://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=27815

I've been looking for a vest and couldn't find one to fit. Now no more debates over do I wear a jacket, or do I wear a vest.

I'm going back tomorrow because they have Sidi bike shoes for 40% off.

 

[itri]

Reporting back that I gave my new jacket it's first action yesterday morning, although not for cycling! I had my group track workout and even though I called our coach hoping she'd say we weren't running due to the rain, we were! I have absolutely no wet weather running gear, not being one of those crazy run-in-any-kind-of-weather people. So, I busted out my new cycling jacket and it worked great! Kept me nice and dry. And I gotta say, running in the rain wasn't that bad! I may actually be one of those crazy run-in-any-kind-of-weather people now!

 

[Consuela]

Specialized Pitch vs. Santa Cruz Heckler

Anyone riding the Specialized Pitch or Santa Cruz Heckler?

What are you likes and dislikes for climbing and downhill? Do you like the coil fork in the Pitch or is it not fluid enough?