for some time...

time now i've been meaning to get these up for a little review. these are just some products that i've picked up that i have really enjoyed so far.

first up is castelli's rosso corsa bibs:

i picked these up at the end of the last season, and never really got a chance to wear them until this season. they have wider straps the 'hug' around the chest, instead of coming straight up over the chest. what i've noticed is that they feel less constrictive in the chest area. the inner padding feels great. multi-layer, and all that other fun stuff. the cuffs at the bottom of the legs are snug, without being overbearing. it just feels great. and rides great. the only 'issue' is the logos are coming off, just after a season; but no worries there. oh, they are also surprisingly warm too. they feel great in the mid-thirties weather.

next up is pearl izumi zephrr shell glove:

these go on great right over almost any existing glove. they are wind and waterproof, and they work great. keeps your hands warm and dry during the ride. however; i've found them to be a bitch to get on, but once they are on, they work great. another thing too is, i wear a medium glove...so i picked up a medium here, and they are a little too big; but i suspect that they would work great with a heavier winter glove. even with this issue; once i'm riding i don't even notice it. hardly any pading on the palm of the glove; another good thing about them.

speaking of wind and water resistance; we have the endura stealth softshell jacket:

fully waterproof, and breathable. i just can't put into words how great this jacket really is. two rear pockets, one is ipod compatible. zippered cuff. underarm vents. just a great jacket. i've been wearing it in thirtyish degree weather with a base layer, and a light wool jersey; and it has been great. nice and warm. highly recommended.

another product that i highly recommend are the pearl izumi barrier gtx winter shoes:

these are nice. gore tex lining for waterproof protection. nylon sole. thinsulated for warmth. internal lacing for a snug fit, and zippered exterior with a velcro ankle top. they came with toe spikes; which i always welcome. these shoes fit and feel great.

amitabha...

we here...

have two essential things for winter riding this year.

what we have first is the swobo merino wool jersey. it's a great light weight wool jersey. great comfortable fit. the cuffs are double stiched, and so is the collar. the collar comes up a little on the neck; which is nice. three rear pockets, as normal. i have a couple of wool jersey's, and they don't fit and feel like this one. i don't wear one of my wools; because it itches like crazy, and that's not fun. my other synthetic is fit for colder weather; which hasn't been the case lately here in cleveland.

this other swobo product is their merino beanie. i was able to use this on a cold road ride about a month or so ago. i opted to take this instead of my skull cap; which i've been looking to replace with another skull cap. my old cap just doesn't fit right, and i don't know if that is because it is because of age or the way that it was made. also, as i sweat it really bothers my head; again that comfortable issue as i ride. however; this was amazing. it didn't bother my head as i rode, it kept my head warmer than my old cap, and it goes down the neck further than the cap.

so if your looking for some really good winter or cool riding gear; these are my recommendations.

enjoy the ride...

namaste...