Chris Lipnickey posted on October 26, 2010 12:13
We're huge nerds when it comes to clothes.
Instead of a shotgun approach to stocking merchandise, we pick each item because it has a roll to play. We put a high premium on items that can be used in different climate conditions.
Below we've combined items from Rapha and Endura to address DC's unpredictable Fall / Winter weather.
You'll notice that in the example below we almost always have:
- A wicking layer
- An insulating / thermal layer
- A protective layer (either wind, rain, or both)
Arm and leg/knee warmers are often overlooked. It is important to keep these joints warm and warmers provide a lot of flexibility when riding for longer periods of time.
Give winter riding a chance! We always find it a bit ironic when someone complains about the cold, and then leaves town for a ski trip. The right gear makes riding in the cold fun!
Visit the store. Our retail stuff is always more than happy to walk you through what we have on the floor.
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Temperature: 60-70 degrees
Conditions: Sunny
- Rapha Merino Short Sleeve Wool Base Layer
- Rapha Classic Jersey
- Rapha Bib Shorts
Even on a warm day, wear a base layer! If the temps dip down below 60 degrees, you're likely to get a chill without a wicking layer.
The shorts use a Cytech chamois. This will mean something if you follow the incredibly fascinating world of pro-tour chamois (don't we all?), but suffice to say it's comfortable.
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Temperature: 45-55 degrees
Conditions: Sunny Fall Day
- Rapha Merino Short Sleeve Wool Base Layer
- Rapha Classic Jersey
- Rapha Bib Shorts
- Rapha Arm Warmers
- Rapha Knee Warmers
- Rapha Cap
- Rapha Pro Team Mitts
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Temperature: 45-55 degrees
Conditions: Fall. Chance of rain.
- Rapha Merino Short Sleeve Wool Base Layer
- Rapha Classic Jersey
- Rapha Bib Shorts
- Rapha Arm Warmers
- Rapha Knee Warmers
- Rapha Cap
- Rapha Pro Team Mitts
- Rapha Rain Jacket
The offset zipper on the rain jacket doesn't bunch up around your adam's apple. Nice touch!
The base layers are 100% Merino Wool and are "naturally anti-bacterial and odour resistant." (Note the Queen's English).
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Temperature: 35-45 degrees
Conditions: Sunny. Early winter, late fall.
- Rapha Merino Long Sleeve Wool Base Layer
- Rapha Winter Jersey
- Rapha Bib Shorts
- Rapha Winter Tights
- Rapha Cap
We really like the Rapha Winter Jersey. It fits well, has a windproof lining, a water resistant treatment on the chest area, hidden side vents, and a large convertible rear vent / pocket.
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Temperature: 35-50 degrees
Conditions: Blustery. Slight chance of rain.
- Rapha Merino Long Sleeve Wool Base Layer
- Rapha Winter Jersey
- Rapha Bib Shorts
- Rapha Winter Tights
- Rapha Wind Jacket
- Rapha Cap
The tights have stirrups. This might sounds trivial, but pants that ride up on your ankles get very annoying. Add a shoe cover, and you'll really appreciate them.
The fully-lined zip is nice when you have to take a nature break on a cold day!
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Temperature: 35-45 degrees.
Conditions: Rainy commute. Low light.
- Endura BaaBaa Sleeveless Baselayer
- Endura FS260 Pro Jetstream Jersey
- Endura FS260 Knickers
- Endura Flyte Jacket
- Endura Superlight Trousers
- Bell City w/ Blinky
The Flyte jacket is great because it doesn't feel like a raincoat, but it keeps you plenty dry. I've also worn it on really cold days as a shell.
These pants are light enough to be stowed in a pocket.
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Temperature: 35-45 degrees.
Conditions: Early winter / fall commute.
- Endura Zip Neck BaaBaa Long Sleeve Jersey
- Endura FS260 Knickers
- Endura Gridlock Trousers
- Endura Gridlock Jacket
- Bell City w/ Blinky
The Gridlock Trousers are affordable, but keep you dry for an hour long commute even in the rainiest of conditions.
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Temperature: 45-55 degreres
Conditions: Sunny
- Endura BaaBaa Sleeveless Baselayer
- Endura FS260 Pro Jetstream Jersey
- Endura FS260 Knickers
- Endura Thermolite® Headband
I think this jersey is "pretty rockstar". It just feels right. Couple these with the knickers and you'll be sold.
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Temperature: 45 degreres
Conditions: Clear and windy.
- Endura BaaBaa Sleeveless Baselayer
- Endura FS260 Pro Jetstream Jersey
- Endura FS260 Knickers
- Endura Laser Gilet
You don't see this in the picture, but the back of this vest is vented and has a clip for a light. The drawstrings keep it from flapping around.
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Temperature: 40-55 degreres
Conditions: Showers in the morning. Clearing.
- Endura Zip Neck BaaBaa Long Sleeve Jersey
- Endura FS260 Knickers
- Endura Convert 2 Jacket
Super versatile! You can remove the sleeves of this waterproof jacket and turn it into a vest. Great for unpredictable conditions.
The FS260 knickers keep your knees warm with a CoolMax double layer knee panel.
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Temperature: 45 degreres
Conditions: Sunny
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Temperature: 35-40 degrees
Conditions: Clear.
- Endura BaaBaa Long Sleeve Baselayer
- Endura Windchill Jacket
- CycleLife Bib Shorts
- Endura Stealth Light Bib Longs
- Endura Baa Baa Merino Flat Cap
The Windchill has a great feature ... a fully waterproof rear pocket. We tested this by pouring water all over the jacket. Our cell phone survived.
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Temperature: 30-40 degrees
Conditions: Wind. Chance of drizzle.
- Endura BaaBaa Long Sleeve Baselayer
- Endura Windchill Jacket/Jersey
- CycleLife Bib Shorts
- Endura Stealth Light Bib Longs
- Endura Rebound Showerproof Jacket
- Endura Thermalight Skull Cap
The jacket will resist a light rain, and can stuff into its own pocket for easy transport. Enough to get you through a quick shower.
CIn this context, the Windchill Jacket serves as more of a jersey. Combined with the Rebound, you stay warm and dry.
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