TheKillerPenguin

1/2) The blue pads that come with Reynolds wheelsets are AWESOME. As I am quite lazy I can confirm they also work quite well on alloy rims. Note that I haven't gone carbon -> alloy -> carbon with the pads so I don't know if they retain brake track debris.

revchuck 

I've also had good results with the Reynolds blue pads. They seem to work better than the SwissStop Black Prince pads, though I haven't used all rim/pad combinations.

globecanvas

I was amazed at how many little aluminum shards the black prince pads picked up when I accidentally ran them on alloy wheels for a single ride. I spent about 15 minutes trying to clean them up, then just gave up and threw them away. So don't use those pads on alloy wheels if you ever want to use them on carbon wheels again.

shovelhd

#1 - Swisstop Black Prince. I like them way better than the Reynolds Cryo Blue.
#2 - Dunno, don't run alloy anything on the main bike.

TMonk

Thx for the tips guys.

I have the blue Reynolds Pads on the front right now and I can confirm that they are nice, it's just time for new ones. Maybe I will source more, or tryout the Black Prince. In regards to the rear, the jury is still out.

Wesley36

Another +1 here

carpediemracing 

I don't train much outside anymore but I use the Koolstop Salmon / black / salmon+black pads while switching between my Ardennes/Bastognes, Jets (alum brake), and Stingers (carbon). No problems 2010 -> 2014 (2015 I only trained outside 4 or 5 times, otherwise I only rode Stingers; currently on black/salmon).

In fact my 2010 Stinger 6s probably need to be re-rimmed not because brake track wear but because a spoke pulled through on the rear (never trued it so it's a factory thing) and there's a chip on the corner of the rim up front (from hitting something apparently, although I first noticed it after I lent my wheel out to some random racer at one of my races). Brake tracks look fine.

I'm going to PM you as well.

TMonk

Hi all,

Can someone recommend me a good wind vest? I need a generic one as the only two I own are from past teams or clubs.

What I want:

*neutral color: black, white or gray
*lightweight - no insulation
*under $100

Also, if you do provide a recommendation, could you tell me anything about sizing? I fit into a "club fit" S or a "race fit" M.

Thanks,
Tmonk

Ygduf

I suggest you add double-zipper to your requirement. being able to unzip up from the bottom is clutch in a good vest.

I have no recommendations for you but I do have like 5 vests that all suck.

revchuck 

One to consider is this. Even though it's a jacket with detachable sleeves, it's thin and wind resistant. I use mine in the winter as an outer layer with a long sleeve jersey and base layer, and so far it's been good down to 25 degrees. I also have an excellent Specialized vest, but everything's out of stock in your size on their website. If I didn't have that vest, I'd be happy with the jacket with the sleeves off. I wear a large in Champion Systems stuff and the same size works with Specialized.

wens

I hate those double zippers. There's an actual reason for them? Can you explain like I'm five why I would want that? I think I might be missing out on the killer feature that makes it worth being harder to zip without looking.

Ygduf

I like the double zipper so you can unzip the bottom when you're descending or going fast and tucked so the vest lays flat and doesn't flap in the wind.

hack

Doesn't parachute either ... my capo has a double zipper and my castelli does not. I use the capo much more for this feature alone.

burger0014

This one. Best piece of kit I own. Get the medium https://www.voler.com/browse/product/li/1010H69

caloso

+1

I would also add pockets. You're more likely to be carrying more stuff when it's cold, so if you can double your storage, that's a plus.

caloso

News out of Morgan Hill: front derailleurs are useful components on a race bike. Week in Tech: Specialized Allez, Liv Ambassadors, and more - VeloNews.com

Wylde06

You know, for the majority of the races and riding I do (like...99%) I don't need the front derailleur. And if I do need to shift up front ive probably been dropped already

caloso

I wish I could say the same. If I could justify a crit-only bike, I'd be all over that Allez Sprint 1x11

Flatballer

For the majority of the riding I do (like...99%) I don't need the front derailleur either. Because I don't need the big ring...

hubcyclist

I need new/better shorts. I had some Garneau ones that I returned because they started to get worn and uncomfortable and I was using some old Pearl Izumi and Sugoi shorts I still have around. It's actually more comfortable/less painful riding without shorts than with these (I rode for a bit without shorts yesterday). I know there are a ton of threads on shorts, so I need to wade through those, but if anyone has any advice on chamois designs that may suit people who ride a bit more leaned forward, I'd welcome that

mike868y

not sure which garneau ones you had but i love these: https://www.amazon.com/Louis-Garneau-...eau+fit+sensor

cheap and comfy for me. the material is thick so probably not ideal for summer but they last forever in my experience.

topflightpro

I had some Pearl Microsensor bibs that lasted several years. I was quite impressed with the quality. I'm sure they changed they changed the lines/names since, but they would be in the $150 range.

My wife has been very happy with Specialized bibs. I haven't used them, but they quality seems pretty good to me.

My team uses Hincapie's Velocity line. The Plus versions fit well but they aren't terribly durable.

revchuck 

Most of my bibs are either the Champion Systems ones that we use as team kit or Specialized RBX Comp. They're both good for 100-mile rides IME.

Homebrew01

Tires ? I need some non-racing clinchers. 25 or maybe even 28 (rear), for my son's bike. Focus on comfort, durability and hope it helps his back which gets sore after 20 miles. (Needs to work on posture too). He's on a 1988 Cannondale which is a bit harsh.

Vittoria Open Corsa CX 25 only
Michelin Pro4 Endurance V2 25, 28
Schwalbe One 25, 28
Clement Strada LGG 25, 28 (only 60 tpi)
Other ?
All pretty much the same ?

revchuck 

I've gone through several sets of Michelin Pro4 Endurance (V1) in 700x25. I really liked them, good flat protection and wear and grippy enough to race on. I got 2500-3000 miles from the rear, lots more from the front. The V1 version of the 25s measured 27+mm on 19mm wide rims, don't know if the current version measures the same. I have no experience with the others.