Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

this… the merino armwarmers and kneewarmers are all kind of awesome

Well thats that decision at least.

So I need* to buy this lot over the winter.

Thermal pro team bibs.
Merino arm and knee warmers.
Sportswool jersey.
Gilet.

(*need being a lose term here)

Few Rapha bits for sale : http://www.lfgss.com/thread114580.html

Need to get the thread moved any one suggest the best way to get this done ?

Thank you

Well thats that decision at least.

So I need* to buy this lot over the winter.

Thermal pro team bibs.
Merino arm and knee warmers.
Sportswool jersey.
Gilet.

(*need being a lose term here)

If it's any help, the thermal bibs are great for when it's cold and dry. I wore them a LOT over the winter with leg warmers.

Well thats that decision at least.

So I need* to buy this lot over the winter.

Thermal pro team bibs.
Merino arm and knee warmers.
Sportswool jersey.
Gilet.

(*need being a lose term here)

Bear in mind the merino arm warmers aren't quite as warm as the fleece-lined type. They're more comfortable, and usable for more of the year, but on a few cold autumn days last year I was wearing base layer + jersey + bibs + winter tights + merino arm warmers, and a wind jacket on over the top, and not taking the jacket off. And that's SE England.

They layer really well though, basically they're like having a (removable) merino base layer on your arms.

Not bad. Its the sort of thing you chuck on for a downpour. So its not really designed with breathability at the top of the list. Its also not bike specific. So its probably too short at the back for normal heighted cyclists. Packs so small I keep losing it.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbcLR5fNDMs/TnCX_IAt7PI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/0S7Z-5QEmtc/s1600/extra+layers.JPG
Looks like the Montane Featherlite velo I keep stashed in a pocket for rain. Very light and keeps the chill off, though I wouldn't want to use it as an everyday winter jacket.

There are some discounted closeout shells in odd colours around town in Snow+Rock and the like at the moment.. quite tempted. eg Arc'teryx Beta SL, North Face antimatter 40% off. Still spendy but almost justified if used 5 days a week all through winter.

So. City Rain Jacket or Hardshell? I guess what I'm after is a psychological spur that sits in the corner and says, "You spent money on this" whenever it looks a bit wet outside and I don't really fancy it.

I can layer up as much or as little as necessary with either depending on their respective qualities on temperature regulation (though would also be interested in views on that).

Will the City Jacket be comfortable / do a good job on longer rides? Will it say "roadie douchebag" a bit less if I wear it to the pub?

The City Jacket, while very nice, is very warm. I only wear mine on my commute on cold days/evenings and when I can ride at a leisurely pace so as not to need a shower when I get in to work (I don't have far to go and can't be bothered carrying loads of shower stuff etc). Waterproofing is excellent but anything above 12C and you will melt. If you leave the pink zip out reflective bit at the back you tend to look like more of a wanker than a douchebag (or so my wife says).

You will love the hardshell when winter come.

Softshell or PTJ? Or are they not really comparable?

This might help;

NB: The Pro Team Jacket is not fully waterproof. We recommend packing a Rapha Rain Jacket with you as a waterproof outer layer for training rides.

NB: The Pro Team Jacket has a race fit that has been designed for riders with a lean cyclist's build. Please size up if you are not yet in peak condition!

Went with the hardshell in the end. Conveniently, they ran out of my size in the sale version of the City jacket while I was still deliberating. Will see what it's like when it arrives, but suspect it it the one that is most fit for purpose.

Corny, you can totes claim commission, mmkay?

softshell or ptj? Or are they not really comparable?

ptj

Bear in mind the merino arm warmers aren't quite as warm as the fleece-lined type. They're more comfortable, and usable for more of the year, but on a few cold autumn days last year I was wearing base layer + jersey + bibs + winter tights + merino arm warmers, and a wind jacket on over the top, and not taking the jacket off. And that's SE England.

They layer really well though, basically they're like having a (removable) merino base layer on your arms.

This is why I have a mind to get a removable sleeve jacket as opposed to just a gilet. Cheers.

Looks like the Montane Featherlite velo I keep stashed in a pocket for rain. Very light and keeps the chill off, though I wouldn't want to use it as an everyday winter jacket.

There are some discounted closeout shells in odd colours around town in Snow+Rock and the like at the moment.. quite tempted. eg Arc'teryx Beta SL, North Face antimatter 40% off. Still spendy but almost justified if used 5 days a week all through winter.

I've only worn the Montane once. Its a 'just incase' carry along.

I'd get the Arc'teryx Beta SL. Spendy. But its functions well above its weight and comfort. Been close to pulling the trigger on that exact jacket myself, and up her we take are wet weather gear very serious.

If it's any help, the thermal bibs are great for when it's cold and dry. I wore them a LOT over the winter with leg warmers.

Bought some DHB thermal bibs a while back as nice addition to the apparal bin. Use them loads.

softshell or ptj? Or are they not really comparable?

ptj

ptj +1

With the softshell/racecape in the back pocket?

There is no way I could fit my softshell in the back pocket of any jersey I own. Those things are not light or compact.

Castelli cape obvs. I'm not made of ca$h.

My lightweight softshell fits in a jersey pocket OK. Mind you, last time I took it on a ride it spent the first half of the ride in a carrier bag, tucked inside the pouch that came with a sleeping bag liner, tucked into a bottle cage. Second half of the ride I wore it for warmth, and then we never stopped for long enough to take it off and stow it again, so I was plenty warm when we rolled into Southwold.

Son #2 has taken a shine to the jacket, having borrowed it one day, but told me it needed washing. He was right - and it's come out looking lovely and new again, but no idea how showerproof it will be now.

Exciting times.

There is no way I could fit my softshell in the back pocket of any jersey I own. Those things are not light or compact.

Thats the thing. I have an awesome softshell. But the amount of times I've put it on and regretted it 30mins into a ride.

The wind jacket looks a better bet.

Unless it's pouring or stupidly cold I am better off in a long sleeved jersey and a gilet instead. I wear my softshell about 4 times a year.

Considering selling it actually (XL) as it's too big for me too.

Unless it's pouring or stupidly cold I am better off in a long sleeved jersey and a gilet instead. I wear my softshell about 4 times a year.

As I was looking to get merino arm warmers. I was thinking a thin wind proof jacket, would be better than a gilet.

http://www.rapha.cc/classic-wind-jacket

Went out in 3C last night. Just chucked my softshell on over a mesh base layer. Toastie warm. In one way its easier heading out in the evening. As you warm up the temps drop down.

I have the wind jacket and the gilet and the gilet hardly ever gets used to be honest. The WJ is great.

I have a softshell gilet - but that can get a little hot.

I'm hoping the Gabba will solve all my problems.

Got pro team bibs. Am now in love with pro team bibs. Comfort levels are off the charts.