Triumphrat

Harley · 02-19-2008

Hi Guys,

went out and did a circular from York to Scarborough, up to Whitby, over to Pickering then onto Helmsley and back to York last Saturday on the Girlie with the girlfriend.

Trouble was that we were absolutely frozen by the time we got back. Areas particularly affected were toes!!, fingers and towards the end, body.

I have been looking at the Vanucci kit at GetGeared.com and they seem ok. However, has anyone else tried these out before i chuck them best part of £500.

Cheers

Harley

iansoady · 02-20-2008

People whose opinions I respect and who ride for long hours all year round (advanced instructors and the like) all recommend electrically heated gear, eg Gerbing. Being an old softy myself these days I can't comment from personal experience, apart from saying that waxed cotton was rubbish when it was the best thing available.....

itchyfeet · 02-22-2008

Hi Harley,
I have not had the Vannucci clothing from Get geared but I do have the Cycle Spirit clothing which is the Vannucci's cheaper cousin. The Cycle Spirit clothing is excellent very warm and worth more than the cost. German/ European clothing seems to be more about function than Brand name and I can't praise them enough. I'm sure I read Cycle Spirit clothing was developed by a then small Helmet manufacturer called Uvex. These are now one of Europes main distributers. If the Vannucci is anything like its cheaper stablemates you won't be dissapointed. (IMO)

Ithchy

Harley · 02-22-2008

Hi Itchyfeet,

sounds and looks really interesting on the web-site. How are they in the wet?

Cheers

H

BoneyMalloney · 02-22-2008

Hi there Harley,

You should try the layering system used by outdoor enthusiasts. Get a thin base layer on first, one that wicks moisture away, never wear cotton next to your skin. I usually have a couple more fleeces on - one of which will be a 'windstopper' fabric (try cold killer), with my bike jacket over the top of the lot (the fleece traps air and insulates you). Same with the feet, no cotton socks! I use a thin pair of hiking socks with a pair of 'seal skinz' over them.

Get rid of the drafts from your neck with a good neck scarf - not these freebie things from bike mags!

The problem on bikes is that you are not physically working enough to keep warm, so no matter what you spend on clobber - you'll always be cold - (except with heated clothing of course)!

Good luck.

itchyfeet · 02-23-2008

H,
I've found them to be pretty reliable in the wet. Average downpours to even heavy have still seen me dry. I have always tried to weigh up cost against ability and the difference is you could spend quite a lot £300+ and get a reasonably waterproof jacket that is still on average (i'm sure there are exceptions) is only going to stay watertight for 3 years or so. Some are better than others at excepting re-waterproofing products. The very best stuff Hein Gericke £350+ or Rukka £450-600 is good gear but such an outlay.
Vanucci, cycle spirit, uvex and the like do good jackets waterproof in all but the heavyest downpours for £150-250. Pack a lightweight overjacket under your seat and your away. Don't forget even the dearest of clothing still has a finite age and it doesn't always last longer than cheaper stuff. Plus if you use your kit daily just normal daily wear, ie zips fasteners, poppers still wear out taking the shine of your £600 jacket.

blacktiger · 02-23-2008

The answer to this is simply that you need another set of kit for the freezing times.
You need an electrically heated jacket liner (I have a Gialli, it has heated sleeves as well) which takes the place of the original jacket lining.
Underneath that, take a look at the "Paramo Trail shirt" http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/garmen...SHIRTTRAILMENS
It's furry on one side and is as warm as a woolly but very thin. With this combination I have ridden 400 mile days in freezing weather. Also, you need heated grips. You need a pair of boots one size too big so that you can get thick woolly socks inside.

Harley · 02-24-2008

Thanks very much for the time guys - some great thoughts. Am offa shopping.

Much Appreciated , H.