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Category Archives: Bicycle Clothing

Reviews of bike clothing (jerseys, jackets, tights, socks, helmets, glasses, shoes)

Penguin Brands Sport-Wash

It doesn’t take a long bike ride to leave your clothes smelling like a locker room. The moisture wicking fabrics used in cycling clothing does a great job at moving moisture away from the body, but they can’t move odor-causing bacteria out with it. The bacteria left on your clothing reproduces incredibly fast and the odor it creates is not easily removed by normal laundry detergents. If you really want to keep your cycling clothing from stinking you need to wash it in Sports-Wash by Penguin Brands, Inc.

Sports-Wash is an unscented, biodegradable laundry detergent that reduces odors and prevents color fading. It is also residue-free and non-allergenic. In addition, it restores the factory-applied Durable Water Repellent (DRW) finish to clothing.

Sports-Wash is also notable for what it does not contain. It contains no bleach, fabric softeners, or scent. I have noticed a slight smell as the clothing is being washed, but it rinses right out and leaves no residue.

Penguin Brands, Inc. claims that Sports-Wash will remove blood and grass stains. Fortunately, I have not had the opportunity to test this claim, so I will have to take their word for it.

My dear wife is kind enough to hand-wash all of my cycling clothing (yes, I am a lucky man). She uses one capful of Sports-Wash per sink full of dirty clothing. Sports-Wash retails for $18 for a 42-ounce bottle. I buy Sports-Wash at a local Dick’s Sporting Goods store, but it is also available on Amazon.com. Sports-Wash is more expensive than normal laundry detergent, but your expensive cycling clothing will last a lot longer if you wash it in a quality product like this.

36 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on May 6, 2013 in Bicycle Clothing, Health And Hygiene, Product Reviews

Tags: bicycle, bike, clothing, cycling, exercise, sports

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey

25 Mar

I own more pieces of Pearl Izumi cycling gear than any other brand because they consistently offer high quality clothing that shows evidence of meticulous attention to detail. Between shorts, tights, jackets, jerseys, vests, gloves and base layers I probably own 60 to 70 pieces of their gear. A lot of their clothing carries a small tag to tell you when the clothing was manufactured. When you look at almost any piece of their clothing you can see small changes that take place from year to year—and always for the better. One of the finest pieces of cycling wear I have ever purchased is the Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey—and if spend a lot of time cycling in cool weather this thermal jersey will make your rides a lot more enjoyable (and you’ll look better too).

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey

The Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey is made from a fabric composed of 63% polyester, 27% Minerale polyester, and 10% elastane. I don’t know exactly how they form the polyester into this thermal fabric, but it is extremely comfortable, highly breathable and incredibly warm—and yet it is very lightweight. This jersey also dries quickly after washing and is odor resistant.

Full-length zipper with draft flap

This jersey has a full-length front zipper with an internal draft flap with a zipper garage to seal in the heat. There is a drawstring around the neck that adjusts in the back—you can open it up a bit if you start to overheat.

Zippered front pocket with reflective piping

The front pocket on this jersey is large enough to easily hold an iPhone or other cell phone, and there is an opening in the back of the pocket that allows you to pass a headphone cable through. Around the zipper is a piece of highly reflective material (and this jersey has several other pieces of reflective piping as well).

Three rear pockets plus a zippered sweat-proof pocket

On the back of this jersey you will find three full-length pockets along with a small sweat-proof zippered pocket. In addition, there is a piece of elasticized gripper material on back of the jersey to keep the hem in place. You will also notice that the back of this jersey is cut longer than the front to keep your backside warm (and to keep you from offending anyone riding behind you). The Pearl Izumi Website says the recommended temperature range for this jersey is between 45˚F and 55˚F and I think these numbers are correct. You could also use it in slightly cooler weather if you wear a thin thermal base layer under it.

The Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey is not cheap! The men’s version retails for $160 and is available in three colors (Red, Black, and White). The women’s version is $10 cheaper and comes in four colors (Red, Black, White, and Hi-Vis Yellow). Prices for this jersey on Amazon.com range from $110 to $150. If you just can’t justify spending that much money on a thermal jersey you might want to consider the Pearl Izumi Select Thermal Jersey—it is missing a few of the nice finishing touches the P.R.O. jersey has, but will certainly keep you warm (and save you about $50).

18 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on March 25, 2013 in Bicycle Clothing, Product Reviews, Spring And Fall Cycling, Winter Cycling

Tags: bicycle, bike, cycling, jersey, winter

Walz Cycling Caps (Product Review and Giveaway)

11 Mar

When I was a young man (back when the planet was still cooling and dinosaurs roamed the earth) my best friend and I had a lengthy conversation about the worst automobile drivers in America. We came to the conclusion the most dangerous drivers were “old men who wear hats” (by the way, my friend is nearing retirement age, now lives in Florida and wears a hat—just sayin’). That being said, I try to avoid wearing any sort of head covering except for my bicycle helmet. However, when the folks at Walz Cycling Caps sent me one of their products for review I had to reconsider my opinion about hats and caps. While I will never look as good wearing a cycling cap as Yehuda Moon does, there is something about them that is just plain cool. If you would like to see how cool you can look in a cycling cap just read the last paragraph of this article to find out how to enter our latest contest.

Walz Cycling Caps

Walz Caps is located in Oceanside, California and they specialize in manufacturing quality cycling caps—in fact, that is all they make. The cap they sent me (the one in the photo above) is made of 100% wool and is incredibly soft. Walz Caps makes these wool caps in over two dozen different colors and patterns, including tweed, houndstooth, herringbone—they even have a few that only mad dogs and Englishmen would love. If wool is not your style, Walz Caps also makes caps in cotton or a moisture wicking 100% circular knit polyester. These caps are thin enough to be worn under your cycling helmet.

The majority of caps sold by Walz Caps retail for $20, but you can have your cap personalized for a small additional charge. If you really want to get fancy they can customize your cap with embroidery, screen-printing or even full dye sublimation (great for cycling clubs). Walz Caps offers free shipping in the United States and they will ship internationally via USPS first class international mail.

Regular readers know that I seldom keep the products that are sent to me for review. While my grubby little hands did touch this cap while I was photographing it, I did not wear it because I wanted to be able to give it away (and no one wants a used cycling cap). In prior contests I had readers choose a number within a certain range and then used a random number generator to select the winner. However, because the snow biking season is almost over I am in a strange mood—so the rules for this contest are a bit different. If you would like to win this beautiful cycling cap then leave a comment below telling me why you need this cap. The contest ends at midnight (CST) on Friday, March 15, 2013. After the contest closes I will read through the comments and choose a winner based solely on my incredibly subjective mood at the time. I probably won’t respond to the comments left below, but I promise to read and consider every one of them. This contest is for U.S. residents only and only one entry per household allowed. I will send this product to the winner via U.S. Mail at my expense. Good luck!

50 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on March 11, 2013 in Bicycle Clothing, Product Reviews

Tags: bicycle, bike, cap, contest, cycling, fashion, style

ZANheadgear Coolmax Extreme Balaclava

01 Feb

I am always on the lookout for new winter cycling gear and the colder it gets the less likely I am to wear products that were specifically manufactured for cyclists. Some of my winter gear was designed for hunters, while other pieces of clothing were meant for cross-country skiers. One of the coolest looking balaclavas I’ve purchased, a ZANheadgear Coolmax Extreme Balaclava with a skull on the face, was as intended for motorcycle riders.

ZANheadgear Coolmax Extreme Balaclava

The ZANheadgear Coolmax Extreme Balaclava has a full neoprene face mask, but the rest of the material is thinner which makes it perfect for riding with a helmet on. The thinner material around the head and neck seem to breathe well and not retain moisture. The thicker neoprene face mask area really blocks the wind well. This product is only available in one size (“one size fits most”), and it fit me perfectly.

Close-up of the ZANheadgear Coolmax Extreme Balaclava

The main concern most cyclists would have about this mask would be how well you can breathe with it on. If you look carefully at the close-up photo you can see the small holes which allow air into and out of the mask, as well as the opening for the nose. Personally, I think this mask is fine for recreational riders, but if you are riding at top speed you are definitely going to have difficulty breathing with it on.

Balaclava and Airfoil Goggles

I own a dozen or so balaclavas and I bought this one for one reason, i.e., it looks cool! If you are stopped at an intersection with this mask on you are going to have some fun! Some car is going to pull up next to you and a little kid is going to point at the mask—then you can hear his mother tell the child not to stare and watch her burn rubber as she flees the intersection. I am a totally harmless person, but I do have a rather warped sense of humor.

The ZANheadgear Coolmax Extreme Balaclava retails for $27, but you can find it on Amazon.com for only $16. If you want to make this product even cooler looking you can always couple it up with the Airfoil 7617 Goggles I reviewed last year. However, while this balaclava is fun to wear, I would high suggest you refrain from entering your local bank with it on. By the way, the folks at ZANheadgear make a lot of other cool balaclavas and other forms of head gear—some of their products even glow in the dark (how cool is that?).

22 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on February 1, 2013 in Bicycle Clothing, Product Reviews, Winter Cycling

Tags: bicycle, bike, cycling, snow, winter

Chaos Thermal Regulation CTR Howler Multi Tasker Pro Windproof Balaclava

21 Jan

Cyclists and other athletes who love exercising outdoors in extreme winter conditions often wear a balaclava to help them cope with the low temperatures. A balaclava is not just for keeping your face warm—it also helps keep your skin from drying out in the dry winter air (just like freezer burn). A few weeks ago I bought a Chaos Thermal Regulation CTR Howler Multi Tasker Pro Balaclava and it quickly became my favorite balaclava of all time! This balaclava offers incredible face and neck protection, in part due to the hinged design that prevents gaps in the fabric, and it easily drops down off the face when you need to get a drink. This product also has a soft fleece interior to help wick moisture away from the skin.

Howler Multi Tasker Pro Windproof Balaclava

Howler Multi Tasker Pro Balaclava

For a winter athlete the most important feature of this balaclava is the mesh breathing panel that covers the mouth area. One of the biggest complaints most cyclists and runners have against balaclavas is that they restrict air flow. I am happy to report that this balaclava did not impede my breathing in the slightest!

Because of the way this balaclava is designed you can cover nearly your entire face, leaving only your eyes exposed, or you can open it up a bit if you start to overheat. If the weather warms up you can pull the face mask down and use it as a neck gaiter. Like every other balaclava I’ve ever owned this one can cause your glasses to fog up. Since this balaclava is extremely warm you might save it for days when it is so cold you need to wear ski goggles instead of regular cycling glasses—in which case you won’t have to worry about anything fogging up since the goggles will seal the balaclava against your face.

How does the Howler Multi Tasker Pro Balaclava stack up against the other balaclavas? Well, it is considerably warmer than two of the other balaclavas I’ve reviewed in the past (the Bontrager Balaclava and the Seirus Combo Clava). In addition, the Howler Multi Tasker Pro Balaclava is 100% windproof and has a water-repellent surface that sheds rain and snow.

We all have different tolerances for cold weather, but let me tell you how well this balaclava works for me: I’ve used it several times when the temperature was below 20 degrees Fahrenheit with the wind blowing at over 20 mph. Even when riding my bike at 20 mph into a strong headwind my face was perfectly warm.

The Chaos Thermal Regulation CTR Howler Multi Tasker Pro Balaclava is available in three sizes (Junior, Small/Medium, and Large/X-Large). This product retails for around $35, but you probably will not find it at your local bike shop. However, it is available at many ski shops and online retailers like Amazon.com.

23 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on January 21, 2013 in Bicycle Clothing, Product Reviews, Winter Cycling

Tags: balaclava, bicycle, bike, cycling, snow, winter

HooRag Seamless Bandana

14 Jan

Because I ride in just about any weather condition I have accumulated a large collection of cycling caps, bandanas, hoods and balaclavas. Most of these items are one-trick ponies, i.e., they are only designed for one specific weather condition. A few weeks ago the folks at HooRag sent me one of their products for review and it has turned out to be a very versatile piece of outdoor wear.

The HooRag as a Balaclava and a Pirate Rag

The basic design of the HooRag is fairly simple: it is an 18″ long tube constructed of 100% polyester microfiber and it is open at both ends. You can pull the entire HooRag over your head and slide it down your neck and wear it as a neck gaiter—you can also pull it up halfway for a face mask or pull the top all the way over your head and use it as a balaclava. I need to point out that this material is fairly thin, so it is not a substitute for use as a deep winter balaclava. You can also quickly fold the HooRag and wear it as a pirate rag or beanie rag. If you just want to keep the sweat out of your eyes you can wear it as a head band, and if your hair is long enough you can use it to wrap your ponytail (sorry, but I couldn’t try this one myself).

The HooRag as a Neck Gaiter and a Face Mask

The target audience for the HooRag is pretty broad, i.e., anyone who engages in outdoor activities. The polyester microfiber on this product wicks away moisture extremely well and it is small enough that you can stow it in your pocket when not in use. The HooRag is not just for athletes—fisherman or even fans sitting in a stadium for fall sports would enjoy it.

The HooRag retails for $15 or less and they are available from the HooRag Website. They offer free shipping for orders mailed to within the continental U.S. The HooRag I tested was Tactical Black, but they come about fifty different styles—from numerous camouflage patterns to bright colors and paisley designs.

11 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on January 14, 2013 in Bicycle Clothing

Tags: balaclava, bicycle, bike, cycling, exercise, fitness

Terramar Tech Skins Polypropylene Thermal Base Layer

09 Jan

Staying comfortable in inclement weather is all about layering. Anytime you wear two or more layers it is imperative that your base layer is good at wicking moisture away from your body. The Terramar Tech Skins Thermal Base Layer is lightweight (only 140 grams), extremely breathable and does an amazing job of keep your skin dry during strenuous outdoor exercise (like cycling).

Terramar Tech Skins Polypropylene Thermal Base Layer

The Terramar Tech Skins Thermal Base Layer is made of 100% polypropylene—this fabric is stain-resistant and provides a decent amount of odor control. Terramar makes three different thicknesses of crew neck base layers and this one is the thinnest. I’ve found that this base layer adds about 6 or 7 degrees of effectiveness, i.e., if you have a cycling jersey that will keep you warm down to 50 degrees, when you add this base layer you should be able to stay warm down to about 43 degrees (your experience might vary). One of the nicest things about this product is that if you get too warm you can take it off and stuff it in a jersey pocket.

There are many clothing companies that sell base layers, so what makes Terramar different? That’s a great question and one that is easy to answer: most companies sell base layers as a sideline, but at Terramar it is their only business! For over forty years these folks have specialized in manufacturing high performance base layers for climbers, cyclists, skiers, hikers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts. I own a lot of their products and they all show evidence of being well thought out.

The Terramar Tech Skins Thermal Base Layer retails for $20 and is available from many different kinds of stores—from bike shops and ski shops to places like Gander Mountain (that’s where I bought mine). This product is available in five sizes for men (S, M, L, XL, and 2XL). Terramar also has a version of this product available for women, the Women’s Polypropylene Baselayer (S, M, L, XL, and XS). This product is manufactured in China.

28 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on January 9, 2013 in Bicycle Clothing, Spring And Fall Cycling, Winter Cycling

Tags: bicycle, bike, clothing, cycling

DeFeet Woolie Boolie Winter Socks

28 Dec

DeFeet Woolie Boolie Socks

If you exercise outdoors during the winter you already know how difficult it can be to keep your feet warm. While there are many good winter socks on the market, the only one that I will wear for “heart of winter” cycling is the DeFeet Woolie Boolie Socks. These socks are advertised as being “multi-purpose” and I think that any cyclist, runner, skier, hiker, snowboarder or snowshoer would really enjoy them. In the fall and early winter I wear Pearl Izumi Elite Thermal Wool Socks, but the Woolie Boolie is meant for use when the temperature is below freezing (at least).

These socks are made of high quality Merino wool and while they have thick padding on the soles, they are not bulky (DeFeet calls it mid-weight cushioning). Even after four or five hours of exercising in the snow these socks are still warm and dry. DeFeet, a North Carolina based company, has been making quality socks for nearly 20 years. Even after several years of use these socks still look like brand new—the wool really holds up well.

DeFeet Woolie Boolie Socks are not cheap—they retail for $16 a pair for the 4″ cuff and $17 for the 6″ cuff. These socks are available in four sizes (S, M, L, and XL) and in my opinion they are a bit smaller than advertised. Since these socks are unisex in design, you might want to consult the DeFeet Website if you have any questions about sizing. A few years ago I bought four pairs of these socks in the large size, and this year I bought another four pairs in XL. Tight clothing in the winter is a real killer, and with looser socks I can always wear a pair of RedHead ThermoLite Liner Socks under the Woolie Boolie socks for added warmth.

17 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on December 28, 2012 in Bicycle Clothing

Tags: bicycle, bike, cycling, exercise, socks, winter

Bontrager Unisex Balaclava

21 Dec

Even though I own several different brands of balaclavas, I am always on the lookout for one with better features. A few weeks ago the owner of the local bike shop showed me the Bontrager Balaclava and I decided to try it out on a few cold weather rides.

Bontrager Balaclava

The feature that appealed to me most about the Bontrager Balaclava is the way the front folds down so you can get a drink or eat a carbohydrate gel. The Bontrager Balaclava fits well and offers full head, face and neck protection. It is thin enough to easily fit under your helmet, but thick enough to provide real warmth. The flatlock seams on this headpiece means that, unlike some balaclavas, you won’t have the imprint of a seam on your forehead for several hours after your ride is finished.

Some balaclavas are so thick that they restrict your ability to breathe (not a good thing during aerobic exercise). I had absolutely no problem breathing while riding with this balaclava. However, the fabric around the mouth held moisture like you wouldn’t believe! All of the balaclavas I own hold moisture to some degree, but this one held a lot more than most. One other negative with this item is that because it holds moisture it will also fog up your glasses every time you stop. On the other hand, the way this balaclava folds down in front makes me love it anyway.

While Bontrager does not usually have “top of the line” clothing, I do think their products are reasonably priced and offer a decent value for the cost. In addition, Bontrager offers one of the best guarantees you will find anywhere for cycling product: “If for any reason you’re not satisfied with the comfort of your Bontrager saddle, shoes, or technical apparel, return the item(s)—along with the original sales receipt—to the place of purchase within 30 days of purchase date for exchange or store credit.”

The Bontrager Balaclava retails for $25 and should be available at any bike shop that sells Trek bikes. If there is not a Trek dealer in your area you can order it online from hundreds of different Trek bike shops. This balaclava only comes in one size and one color (black).

If you are looking for a higher quality balaclava I would suggest the Seirus Combo Clava—it is lightweight, extremely warm, quick drying and highly breathable. The main body of this clava is made of Polartec fleece and the smaller face mask part is made of contoured Neofleece. Neofleece is really five layers rolled into one. The first layer is the outer shell, the second is a waterproof liner, and under that is fleece lined Neoprene, followed by Thermolite insulation and finally a wicking Microfleece lining next to your skin.

20 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on December 21, 2012 in Bicycle Clothing, Product Reviews, Winter Cycling

Tags: bicycle, bike, bontrager, cycling, snow, winter

Spyder Outbound Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater

10 Dec

The key to staying comfortable during winter bike rides is proper layering. For temperatures from 10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit I wear three layers of clothing on my upper body. The first layer (closest to my skin ) is an Under Armour ColdGear Fitted Longsleeve Mock. For the middle layer I wear a Spyder Outbound Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater, and for the outer layer I wear the Showers Pass Touring Jacket (one of the greatest pieces of cycling gear ever made).

Spyder Outbound Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater

The Spyder Outbound Men’s Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater was designed with snow skiers in mind, but that is fine with me. If you ride your bike in the winter and depend on cycling clothing manufacturers to make all of your cold weather gear then you either live in the deep south or you are going to freeze to death. Clothing that was designed for winter cycling in Europe won’t even come close to meeting the needs of winter cyclists in the Upper Midwest of the United States.

This sweater is thicker and heavier than most lightweight fleece sweaters you will find, but it is not bulky and it will not impair your mobility. Spyder’s Website says this sweater was “made with engineered fabrics that deliver both the dry warmth of wool and the caress of cotton.” The advertising folks got it right this time—this polyester sweater is very warm, incredibly comfortable, and breathes far better than cotton. The sweater closes in front with a half-zipper, so you can regulate your temperature (those of you in Florida might find this hard to believe, but even when it is 10 degrees Fahrenheit outside you can overheat).

This will be the third winter I’ve used the Spyder Outbound Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater for cycling and I simply love it. Even after repeated washings the sweater still looks like new.

The Spyder Outbound Men’s Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater is available in six sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL) and appears to be true to size. This sweater comes in seven different colors, and since I don’t like the way Spyder names their colors I will tell you what they look like: Black, White, Red, Yellow, Tan, and two shades of Blue. The Outbound sweater is cut for men—if you are looking for a similar product for women I would try the Spyder Valor Women’s Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater.

Both the Spyder Outbound Men’s Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater and the Spyder Valor Women’s Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater are available at numerous sporting goods stores and from online retailers. I purchased my Outbound sweater from a brick-and-mortar Dick’s Sporting Goods store. The Outbound sweater has a retail price of $99 and the Valor retails for $89.

19 Comments

Posted by All Seasons Cyclist on December 10, 2012 in Bicycle Clothing, Product Reviews, Winter Cycling

Tags: bicycle, bike, cycling, exercise, jacket, winter

All Seasons Cyclist

Category Archives: Bicycle Clothing

Penguin Brands Sport-Wash

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey

Walz Cycling Caps (Product Review and Giveaway)

ZANheadgear Coolmax Extreme Balaclava

Chaos Thermal Regulation CTR Howler Multi Tasker Pro Windproof Balaclava

HooRag Seamless Bandana

Terramar Tech Skins Polypropylene Thermal Base Layer

DeFeet Woolie Boolie Winter Socks

Bontrager Unisex Balaclava

Spyder Outbound Half Zip Mid Weight Sweater

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