Workhorse Pieces
What’s a workhorse piece? This is an article of cycling clothing which you depend on day-in day-out. You’ve had them for years, washed them hundreds of times, subjected them to the worst conditions; and yet they continue to deliver without fail. Here are some of the pieces I depend on:
Tights
Pearl Izumi AmFib Bib Tights (no chamois). These things provide excellent use in a wide range of temps. I wear them on the coldest of days all the way up to mid-40’s and sunny. They are durable, wind proof and keep me nice and warm.
Hat
I have a ton of cycling related things that go on my head and under my helmet. Most are disposable and get pretty beat up with frequent wear and washing (I almost always wear some kind of hat while cycling). The piece that sticks out far above any other hat is my Capo Retro Wool Cap. This is a six panel hat that some might call a ‘mutt’. I wear it starting late Fall and don’t take it off until the temps hit 60. So versatile, so stylish. Awesome workmanship. Wool is magic stuff.
Arm Warmers
I’ve had these Defeet arm warmers for years. They are red and are a sock like material. The closest product Defeet has to these, today, is the Armskin. They are the perfect weight, don’t keep a stink and never fall down. Perfect, simple.
Knee Warmers
I have these Trek branded knee warmers. I have no idea who actually makes them or why Trek was branding knee warmers. I think they’re like seven years old. They work and fit me perfectly. I won’t replace them until they completely wear out. Like any good piece, you set em and forget em.
Socks
Defeet makes awesome socks. Aireator, Wooleator, The Blaze. I’ve got em all and they keep me dry, cool, warm – whatever is called upon them. Our sweet Threshold socks are Aireators. Too bad it still hasn’t been warm enough to make the Wooleator to Aireator transition.
Base Layers
Like hats, I almost always wear a baselayer. Either to keep my dry and cool in the Summer or dry and warm the rest of the year. All my favourite base layers are Craft. Here’s the list:
- ProZero Long Sleeve (Late Fall-Early Spring
- ProZero /w Windstopper Long Sleeve (Great alternative to a vest!)
- ProWarm Sleeveless (Fall and Spring)
- ProCool Sleeveless (Summer, indoor trainer)
What’s your workhorse piece?
April 9th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
great post, Mover. My workhorse piece? My two PI wind jackets. Yes they are yellow, not fitted very tight, and exude a lot of ‘fredness’, but in cold temps keeping wind off of the upper body is key. and while they are not water proof they keep any road splash off of absorptive thermal jerseys which saves laundry loads. One of the jackets has a bit of insulation for those extra chilly mornings.
April 10th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Great post Jason. I think I have two workhorse pieces – one is a Mutt like yours that I wear all winter, the other is the Defeet Slipstreams. My feet get cold and these are great when temps are 50-60 degrees. When the temp drops below 40 I usually wear them underneath a PI bootie for extra warmth.
April 10th, 2009 at 8:51 am
My Craft Windstopper thermal tights. I’ve had them for 4 years, and use them almost every day once the temps get below the mid-30’s.
April 10th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I think BB forgot to mention his Pepperidge Farm Baggies.
My workhorse items:
Craft Windstopper knit hat. Super thin and really effective down to 25F. Cotton CSC cap if it’s above 40F
Giordana Windtex Gloves. Great down to 35F.
Descente Wind blocking base layer with mesh back. Good down to 30F. Great wicking on the back
Craft ProZeroextreme L/S base layer. Super warm. I wear it for anything outside in the winter
Giordana Windtex Jacket. Has a wide range of temps. With a base layer – good to 25F and without – good to 50F. Very snug and great use of wind-blocking fabric.
I’m happy to report that I have broken up with the Giordana bib tights as we have irreconcilable differences. After being together for 3 years we have parted ways. You served me well but at the end you really caused a lot of friction in the relationship.