Annual Kit Review

• BEST OF 2009

  The CRAFT proZEROextreme Wind Stop Base Layer is a luxury's luxury for sure. At $120, a garment needs to be durable, perform magic, and look fantastic. Especially if that garment is a base layer. Even competitors concede CRAFT's superiority when if comes to Layer One -- but in recent years, the imitators have inched closer. A few years ago CRAFT adapted its Wind Stop technology from its outerwear to base layers, resulting in what has been state of the art stuff that almost seems uniquely designed for Chicago's blustery, but not always frigid, autumn and spring riding conditions. If there was any weakness to these base layers, it was that because by their very nature they weren't as breathable as a standard base, their optimal temperature range was fairly narrow. The new PZE WS garments have solved this problem by pairing summer (wicking and cooling) material with winter (wicking and warming) underneath a more subtly shaped thin Gore Tex shield. I was leery of the claims, but now can't imagine *not* wearing one for much of Chicago's riding conditions between October and April. You'll remain dry. You'll remain warm. And most importantly, you will laugh at 45km/hr headwinds. Paired with a long sleeve wool jersey, I have an effective temperature range of at lease 25 degrees, and layering an unlined shell adds 10 more.

  Whether you're a synthetic or natural fiber fan, both CRAFT and Ibex have workable solutions for the indelicate issue of frozen groins. This is a problem that kinds of sneaks up on you, and can often occur on windy, moderately cold morning rides. But as anyone who has endured the condition will tell you, it's something that you never want to experience more than once. CRAFT's Gunde Shorts ($40) run a little tight as boxers go (at least for cyclists), so if you have thunderous thighs, you'll want either to size up or use the briefs. Ibex's Zephyr Wind line ($45-55) runs true to size.

  Earlier this year, Italian shoe manufacturer Gaerne changed distributors. For years, Gaerne has languished in Sidi's shadow, despite virtually identical corporate histories, shoe technology, and pre-war era factories separated only by a few kilometers. I too had overlooked Gaerne, though in the past couple of years, I have found their designs more attractive than offerings from Northwave, Carnac, or Sidi. And so I loaded up with several dozens pairs, and was pleasantly surprised to find them received with uniformly glowing reviews (myself included). On the road, I have a pair of the G.Fora ($325) in white and in the dirt, some silver G.Wallaby ($400). The shoes are plenty stiff, easy to clean, reasonably comfortable over very long rides, and most importantly -- look fantastic. As a bonus, the aluminum toe spikes for the recessed cleat shoes are the most effective I've found for icy conditions. Unfortunately, TATI will not be carrying over Gaerne for 2010, as (a) the prices have jumped and (b) BONT is now available in North America, offering lighter, stiff, heat moldable shoes... at a lower price point.

  I was really sad to see Ibex Pingo jacket ($225) discontinued last year. It seemed like the perfect on-and-off the bike softshell. The cut is attractive. The softshell exterior is water resistant, but does not appear plasticky and cheap as many shells do. Lined with an ultra-thin merino wool layer, the Pingo wicks and breathes, making it the perfect second layer for spirited early spring and late autumn training rides. There is no obvious sequel to the Pingo, but the new Tuck and Vim lines look promising.

  They will make you and/or your bike look like a Sleestack, but Bar Mitts ($60) are proven technology in arctic climes. I knew they were great after a single one hour ride. It was a few degrees below freezing, with a slight headwind, and I ran Bar Mitts with absolutely bare hands and lived to tell the tale. But their real value is enabling longer rides deeper into the winter -- precisely the type of base mileage that can be so painful indoors.

  HONORABLE MENTIONS

  My teammate Patrick has shone so brightly this year, on a similar sleep schedule as mine, that I've no choice but to join him for the complete 2010 Chicago Cyclocross Cup masters series. Sure, I dabbled a bit this year, but I wouldn't really call what I was doing *racing* exactly. I spent most of my 45 minutes ensuring that the leaders wouldn't crash whilst lapping me. Which brings me to my 2010 goal: race the entire series without getting lapped. A perennially powerless racer, I know that this means I'll have to go extra gonzo on the technical stuff, and actually get into running shape. Realizing this, and poking into my closet, I discovered that I didn't own anything even slightly resembling running shoes. And so how fortuitous that in this same month, Team TATI's podium shoes -- the excellent Karhu Fluid Fulcrum shoe ($105) up at the shop. These kicks surely won't be seeing any podiums, but I suppose they'll see a mess of kilometers around parks Jackson and Washington next year. Oh yeah: they're very light, reasonably supportive and extremely good looking.

  It's not only because they sponsor my team that I mention Ibex's entire cycling line here. To be honest, when I was first looking into a wool apparel vendor for our uniforms, Ibex was not on the short list. Outside of their excellent El Fito knickers ($145) I really couldn't see any value in the rest of their line. I'd always viewed Ibex as something dentists might wear. It wasn't as edgy as Rapha, or as retro as Woolistic or hip as Nau. But unlike their competition, Ibex is sewn domestically. Over the past three years, they have innovated by adding new pads, new cuts, and new materials to the cycling line. And most importantly, Ibex offers a lot more than pure cycling apparel -- allowing for very intriguing and cool layering possibilities! I love my Ibex knickers, and especially love the new Giro full-zip jerseys... and just wait until you see what's coming for 2010!

  The Basque company might be a pain in the pintxo, but I have to admit that Spiuk makes a damn fine helmet. And try as I might to find a more reasonable alternative: I can't quit you, Baby! My Nexion ($145) fits like a, um, glove. Or better than a glove, really. Over the years, I've had decent luck with Specialized, Catlike, and even a Giro or two... but nothing has just plain *worked* as well as the Spiuk Nexion. Its ratcheting rear compression is simple and (unlike the popular dial systems) durable and low profile. Its profile is slightly aggressive, but not cartoonish. It's light enough at 290g to not really think about. And of course, it uses a streamlined, washable and replaceable combined bug netting/pad unit. Now, if only my teammates realized that the reason they designed it this way was to *encourage* users to wash them more often...

  I still have love for perennial classics Defeet Woolie Boolies ($15 - on my twentieth pair!) and the full line of CRAFT Gloves... although I will admit that CRAFT really needs to add a true waterproof thermal glove. Running Bar Mitts has drastically reduced the need for such an animal -- but I'm likely to run Enduras (see below) in the wet stuff next year. And last but not least, if I could live in my Gator Icelander Neoprene Socks ($38), I would. (OK, I do) These are not your grandfather's neoprene socks, mind you. They are lined with a soft and wicking fleece fabric and unlike 99% of the neoprene socks on the market, these do not have seams, which is a very important feature on longer rides when abrasions can lead to blisters, or worse. For those of you who don't dip too deep into winter riding, these socks make much more sense than neoprene outer bootie as they are more affordable, will last longer, and can be used for activities other than cycling! Also: TATI striped socks, CCC t-shirts, custom orange prescription eyewear, Wabi Woolens jerseys...

  LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2010

  BONT Shoes are coming to TATI this spring. These shoes are the lightest on the market, infinitely heat moldable (just ordered an orange toaster oven for the shop) and extremely fly. And at $180-400, they are actually quite a value, which is not at all what I expected.

  Longtime Team TATI sponsor Ibex will be busting out with some really interesting new products for 2010. But it's a secret! For now.

  My MTB buddies (yes, they do exist) have sworn by gloves, shorts, and rainwear by Endura of Scotland for years. And it's because of this that I (foolishly) wrote off the brand as unstylish and frankly, homely. Turns out, I couldn't have been further from the truth. Endura's entire line is refined, with an unmistakable Continental flair. In fact, several of their pieces would not look out of place in the Rapha catalog (albeit at half the price). I am especially excited to try their welded seamed, fully waterproof and breathable rain tights.

  I am still on the hunt for a perfect pair of short finger summer gloves, better prescription sunglasses, and a gilet that doesn't look stupid.

  What did you love or hate in 2009? Let me know.