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theflatboy
xDOMx
Having received my package in Japan the night before my Restrap Solstice Century ride last weekend, it gave me a perfect opportunity to test quite a few bits I bought:
STRAVA LINK
Insulated jacket 3.0
Three season pocket tights
Winter socks
Merino riding hat
The temperature was 4 Celsius when I set off and raining a bit (roads were pretty wet).
I combined the Albion bits with a mesh base layer and my team long sleeve jersey, Assos winter gloves and some knit overshoes (spoke to @Chopsicle that night and we were - coincidentally - almost mirroring clothing choices!). In short, with the Albion items, I was probably the most comfortably warm I’ve ever been on the bike.
The jacket didn’t get too hot at all and felt pretty breathable, likely because of the fit and placement of the baffles, plus the DWR coating meant I didn’t get wet. The three season pocket tights were also spot on for longer distance (good pad, thoughtful placement of the warmer fabrics, rear mesh “tunnel” was perfect for when I did take the jacket off later), albeit the tights got a little wet in spots and this caught the wind slightly, which meant a bit of chill.
My main mistake was knit overshoes (hadn’t been forecast to rain) that got a bit wet. Socks handled the wet very well (weren’t drenched) and with some little foot warmer pouches / patches my feet soon warmed up once dry.
Merino riding hat fitted well under my helmet and, again, was warm but not overly hot. Just about covered the tops of my ears, which is my sweet spot as I get too warm otherwise.
Anyhow, apologies for this post being so long, but just wanted to give some feedback on my first larger Albion purchase as I know some were considering the 3.0 jacket.