skulboep

I have recently reinvigorated my interest in cycling after moving from crummy overcrowded and overpriced Chicago to beautiful Madison, WI. As such, I am looking to make a major investment in cycling clothing. This is also fueled by the fact that I will be commuting to work almost every day of the year (yes....even during the winter). I am therefore particularly interested in top-notch rain and cold weather gear.

I have always loved the fit and finish of Specialized clothing (especially their more relaxed COMP-fit). Unfortunately, almost EVERYTHING desirable on their website is out of stock. I am particularly interested in the Deflect series of jackets and pants (rain protection) and the Therminal series of long-sleeve jerseys and tights (cold weather protection). I am not joking, literally EVERYTHING in these series is out of stock on their website (except for off-colors and absurdly small/large sizes). I realize that it's still summer, but several mornings here in Madison have gotten into the low 50s. I have no explanation as to why their rain gear would be out of stock.

Does anyone have any tips on how to locate said clothing and/or have any reasoning as to why it's not available. Specialized customer service was not of much help in answering these questions. I was also unable to locate this clothing via 3rd party retailers.

I am kind of in a pinch regarding the rain gear (i.e. Specialized Deflect series), as several rides to work on damp days this summer have proved particularly annoying. I would consider any other suggestions regarding solid rain gear (relaxed fit is a must as I plan on wearing it over business clothes), but would prefer to wait it out for Specialized if it will become available relatively soon.

What is one to do?! Help!!!

PhotoJoe 

Have you tried ebay? They have some Deflect jackets. I didn't look any further, sorry.

skulboep

Haven't checked the bay, but am still perplexed as to why Specialized it out of EVERYTHING. Should I consider another brand? I guess I'm just partial to Specialized because I know their sizing fits me well.

PhotoJoe 

I can't help there. I know nothing about the Specialized supply chain. And I live in SoCal, where my winter cycling gear consists of full finger gloves and a jersey with sleeves. Sorry. There are plenty of others on this forum who are fortunate enough to have snow and stuff during the winter. You'll get opinions.

LesterOfPuppets

I'd probably check out one of Erik's physical locations.

Erik's Bike and Board Shop | Voted USA's Best Bike Shop | Specialized, Raleigh, Wilier, Pinarello Bicycles | Downhill Skis | Snowboards | Repair

They have online ordering too if you prefer to click and pray when it comes to clothing.

linnefaulk

Seems like it is end of season. I would try places that carry specialized.

Anthony.L

Two reasons, end of season and model year so last year's stuff is drying up and the next model year is inbound this fall. Second a lot of companies fiscal year ends July 30th. It's advantageous in regards to taxes for companies to have as little inventory on hand as possible at their year end, so they purposely starve inventory to make this occur. I deal with this in my IT job this time of year each year.

TL : DR You picked the absolutely wrong time of year to get back into the sport.

metz1295

give 'em a call...

1. Customer service: 1 (877) 808-8154
   

RollCNY

Just as a for what it's worth, I used to use Specialized jackets and cold weather gear, until I figured out how inferior it was against, well, almost anything. Check out Endura products for cold and wet weather stuff. Night and day difference.

skulboep

That explanation actually makes a ton of sense. As today is July 30, I guess I'll wait it out a little longer in hopes that the new stuff comes out soon.

knobster

I bought a pair of Defroster Trail boots a couple days ago. They had about half the sizes in stock.

Anthony.L

I have to agree. I recently bought a Endura cycling jersey and socks, both I'm very impressed with the quality and performance.

surfjimc

It's the end of the season for cycling gear. Interbike is the first week of September and everyone will converge in Vegas to see the new bikes and gear and do their ordering for the coming year. I love going to Interbike, although it's been a few years. Cool to see everybody's full lines, and all the bling and glitz that goes with it. I read on one of the forums here however, that interbike is slowly losing its place in the cycling business. Who knows?

ConGrUenCy

The best rain jacket is the Castelli Gabba. Everyone in the pro peleton uses it, irrespective of their sponsor, because it is so damn good.

I <3 Robots

They do have some stock. Not sure about the colors though.

FIVE ONE SIX

he's right, but at least 1 LBS in my area already has gotten in/is able to order their 2015 stuff, so if you have a LBS by you and they're a Specialized dealer than see if they have/can get their 2015 stuff. a little fyi though, the price on the 2014 frame and fork i was looking at went up $95 for 2015 and is pretty much exactly the same thing, so don't be surprised if their prices went up a bit for the 2015 stuff...

metz1295

I concur with this comment. I went into my LBS looking for a sirrus for my son's birthday in july 2013. I didn't think he'd like the colors available, but the salesman said we could check the colors for the '14's. he was able to order a kick arse red 2014 that my son is crazy about. and there was no price different between the 2 years.