Good performance clincher, but fragile

Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX Tire - Clincher

Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX Tire - Clincher

Rating for this product: 4 November 22, 2011

I'm now finishing off a second set of these tires. They are good from a performance perspective: low roll resistance, good cornering in both dry and wet, good ride. Again, I said good. They aren't tubular quality on any of this, but pretty close. However, I have found these tires to be more fragile. They tend to flat when I wouldn't expect there was a compelling enough reason. And I've found they damage fairly easily with fairly minor hazards. I have now moved my current set off my race wheels and onto my training wheels. Don't expect I'll get high mileage, but will get through the winter.

I've gone to Tufo tubular clinchers on my race wheels. And these are true tubular level performance, and candidly they are holding up better as well. So these are good tires. But for what you get invested with tubes and tires, check out the Tufo tubular clinchers. If you can get them on Bonktown, a great value. But also have to be cautious to not get too light of versions of these.

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Great cool weather jacket

Castelli Podium Collection - Bormio Jacket - Men's

Castelli Podium Collection - Bormio Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 27, 2011

Just out on a ride in Colorado. High forties. The jacket was great. Very wind proof. Great fit. Just enough insulation to be warm enough but not bulky. Also, fit true to sizing. I hear a lot of comments about ordering a size up and maybe that's ok if you don't want a cycle fit. I ordered large and I am 5'10 175 ibs, 42 chest 32 waist and this is a perfect fit.

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Great cool weather jersey

Castelli Podium Collection - Bormio Jersey - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Castelli Podium Collection - Bormio Jersey - Long-Sleeve - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 11, 2011

We have a chill in the air in Colorado now. Had this jersey out on three rides. Very happy with it. Great fabric and quality. Just enough insulation and wind resistance for a cool ride. LIke the style and features.

Sizing. I'm 5'10", 175. 43 chest, 32 waist. I was influenced by all the sizing comments here and upsized to a XL. I generally prefer more of a race fit, and the XL is just slightly large. I'm not sure the L wouldn't be a bit tight in the chest and armpits. But with the XL the sleeves are a bit long, and there is a bit of loose fabric. OK for a cool weather jersey, but if I was to order again I might try the L. As it is, I'm going to try a warm wash and dry to see if I can shrink a bit.

Given that these fit issues are often tricky, I'd highly recommend this jersey. Now watching BT to see if the Jacket and Short sleeve come up!

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Outstanding bibs

Capo Verona Bib Short - Men's

Capo Verona Bib Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 11, 2011

Extremely happy with these bibs. Have now had out on two rides ... a 20 and 30 miler, so haven't been out for a long time. But very happy. The chamois is uncommonly comfortable, without a bunch of bulk. I like the leg bands. Similar to the LG Equips I've been riding, but I actually like the chamois in the Capo's better, not nearly as bulky. Also, the fabric inside the legs and on the butt seems a bit tougher and more abrasion resistant. I know these aren't particularly advertised as compression shorts, but I think they provide the support. Finally, nice style. Black bibs with a little style accents. Traditional with a bit of flair.

Now on to what seem to be a never ending topic: Sizing. I know many think the italian brands run small. And they probably do a bit, but I think the issue is really more of a race fit versus a looser recreational fit. Disclaimer, I'm on old crit race guy (read over 50 but still race), so I fall on the side of "race fit". Here are my two cents on the fit on these bibs. I'm 5'10", 175. 43 chest, 32 waist. I ordered the mediums. I'd say perfect fit. Appropriately snug and compressive. Yes, the shoulder straps are a bit on the shorter side. But again, when in riding position it's perfect. And isn't that the point. My comment to many of the sizing comments here is if you want bibs that are comfortable for walking around, and gives you lots of room in the middle, then buy a different kind of bib. There are lots of loose fitting recreational style bibs around. If you want a compressive, more race style fit, then buy according to size chart. Hope that helps. But again, I am surprisingly happy with these, particularly since I scored them on BonkTown.

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Outstanding compression bibs

2XU Sublimated Cycle Bib Short - Men's

2XU Sublimated Cycle Bib Short - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 11, 2011

I've been riding compression bibs for some time. These are great. The chamois is a very advanced design with multiple thicknesses and densities. Very comfortable without being bulky. Nice styling on bibs. I particularly like the texture of the fabric. It's both compressive, but I suspect it will hold up very well. I'm 5'10", 175 lbs. 43 chest, 32 waist. M is a good fit, though non too small ... possibly because I'm used to riding compression bibs. If anything, I'd say the straps are slightly long. I found a bit more slack in the top than I'm used to. Still, very happy with these.

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Great vest

Castelli Podium Collection - Bormio Vest - Men's

Castelli Podium Collection - Bormio Vest - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 October 11, 2011

I've had this vest out on a couple rides now in cool weather. Great, lightweight. Really a wind barrier, so don't be looking for insulation. Packs small so easy to put in a jersey pocket. Nice quality. Really like all the features.

However, a couple points. This is a bit larger than all of the talk about Castelli being small, but then again, I'm an old crit racer who tends to like more of a race fit. I'm 5'10". 175. But with a 32 waist. So I'm a bit of a triangle build. 43 chest. I ordered the XL since I usually wear L, and I have another Castelli jersey that's an XL and a good fit. The vest in XL is slightly larger than I'd prefer. At about 30mph the vest starts to catch some air. Much above and I'm getting some flutter. It's possible the L would be a bit too tight. I'm going to try washing and drying on medium to see if I can get a bit of shrink.

Other than this slight sizing issue, a super vest ... especially if you get off BK

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Zero RH + Distance Bib Tight - Men's

September 30, 2011

How in the world does this sizing work. Not sure how useful the lay out a garment and measure given the stretchy nature of my compression cycling gear. More useful advice? I'm normally a medium bottom.

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Best down vest for outdoor activity on market today

Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Down Vest - Men's

Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero Down Vest - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 January 4, 2011

I've been an outdoor person for a bunch of years (climber from junior hi to now, read I'm grey haired) Rock climber and mountaineer. Skier. Tri-Athlete. And so on. I've been looking for a down vest that has enough fill to truly keep my core warm during winter days here in Colorado. And one that has key features. Significant down fill, but light weight and compact pack. Hand warmer pockets with zippers. A breast pocket for valuables I need to access without "opening up" to the cold. A high, warm neck. Long enough to cover the lower back. Freedom of movement. AND elastic arm gaters to keep the wind from blowing through. The Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero is the only vest I've been able to find that meets all the requirements. I'm extremely pleased with it. Excellent product.

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