[MENTION=441141]autonomy[/MENTION] and [MENTION=381746]mcours2006[/MENTION], this is great info, thanks.

It appears therefore, that there are no magic or high-tech (not available to other kit makers for the next 50 yrs) materials that the high end cycling clothing manufacturers have that others don't and I kind of suspected this but just wanted to hear from others. Yes, there may be some differences in quality of the kit such as manufacturing or fitting or a special combination of materials that cheaper brands might not go to the trouble of creating but in terms of basic materials, they aren't really any different. I suspect therefore that the photos of pro road riders in these high end kits may not be in deep winter temperatures that some of us have to (want to) ride in.