the new kits -- my first thoughts

I got out and rode 1:45 with Kevin and Christopher in my fabulous new kit. Well, part of it. Bibs, leg warmers, and vest...

So far, I'm feeling good about the bibs. I always feel like you need to wear and wash them half a dozen times before you really know what they're going to be like, but so far so good. And I like the "tall" option. I got the medium-tall and it seems to be just the perfect size.

I'll eat a little crow and concede that I'm digging the leg warmers. The fleecey winter fabric is really nice, actually. I wore bibs, leg warmers, and my secret fleece square today in the chilly wind and my legs were comfortably warm. And I totally dig how they sort of turn white-ish where they're being stretched the most. It's a sort of cool effect. Sizing is great. And I also love that there are no annoying ankle zippers.

The arm warmers are a different story, however. I think everyone will agree that the sizing is way off on the arm warmers. Rather unfortunate. My mediums are too big. Mike's smalls are way too big for him. So I'm going to hop on the sewing machine later and take a half inch or so out of mine. I'll let you know how the operation goes. My guess is we may all be doing that.

Few of you ordered a vest, but they're surprisingly nice. Not quite as great as the Hincapie vests (I loved the all-around stretch-ness of the Hincapie fabric, mesh back, and two-way zippers), but still much nicer than other vests I've owned and worn. The vests sport a lightweight wind-proof fabric front and back with a slick Lycra stretch panel on either side. My size small (I ordered size large jerseys, but the sizing is different) fits great. Comfortably snug. Unfortunately, no mesh on the back panel, no two-way zipper, and no rear pockets (though we may be able to order them with pockets, I'd have to check). Y'all may want to consider a vest when we do our reorder (only $40).

I haven't worn my jersey on a ride yet, but my sense is that they are made of a really great high-temperature fabric. In other words, I think the jerseys will seem better and better the hotter it gets outside. Though the collar seems a little weird...I haven't decided yet if that's an issue.

On the design, the more I see it the more I love what Mike and Chop did with the boat logo. Everyone I show loves it. I don't know how long we'll keep the "opposing hulls" design, but I think that whatever the club does in the future the modified boat logo (stripped of its oval) will be a part of it. It just looks really, really good.

I'm anxious to hear your reviews as you get out to ride...

...

FYI, I talked to Atac today and the jackets have not yet shipped. It looks like we won't have them until probably after the new year.