I really should have just trusted my instincts on this one. I've never been a small in my life but the sizing chart said otherwise.

So, I ordered an '07 Pearl Izumi Kodiak long sleeve jersey and a Gore Bike Wear Shark jersey from Nashbar.

The PI jersey was so small it looked like children's clothing when I pulled it out of the box. Did it fit my chest when I tried it on? You bet! Just barely though. The arms, though the right length were WAY too tight and the cut of the jersey was just barely long enough to hit my waistline if I pulled it down. It would have rode up my back in riding position and overall it was just too tight to put a base layer underneath. The good part is that it's well constructed, very nice looking, and the material is quite comfy which means I know I'll like it for when I find a good deal on a medium (which Nashbar doesn't have in stock).

The Gore Shark jersey was kinda the same deal. Great looking but too small. I know I'm not really used to a form fitting jersey, but they're supposed to be snug and not overly tight, yeah? It looked painted on, which visually was a plus, but it was so tight that the seams caused discomfort and I could barely get it off of me!

On the bright side, I'm very much pleased with the other stuff that I ordered. I got:

2 Blackburn Chicane bottle cages
2 Polar water bottles in 20oz size
A Delta Mega Rack Universal rear rack
One Nashbar Deluxe trunk bag
A pair of Defeet Woolie Boolie socks (very comfy!)
And a Chaos Windbloc Fleece Skullcap

The Blackburn Chicane cages are featherlight and hold bottles really well. I have to take water with me to work because the tap water here is pretty gross and I refuse to pay a premium for bottled when I can filter it myself at home. I was very pleased to see that my favorite 1 liter bottles fit snugly in these without having to bend them. They also, with the help of a doubled up tube sock, secure my thermos very well. The only thing that's worse than the tap water at work is the coffee! The Chicanes keep a tight but not too tight fit on the smaller Polar bottles as well.

The Polars I haven't given a good workout yet, but I was happy to see that despite reports to the contrary, they are not too difficult to squeeze water out of. I'm drinking out of one right now and it does not taste plastic-y.

The Delta Mega Rack is a mixed bag for me, but my only negative experience with it is really my fault anyway. Firstly, working in a hardware store I should know better than to use the junky fasteners that came with it. I stripped the heads of three of the galvanized allen head screws before going and getting stainless fasteners. It added another five bucks or so to the cost of the rack but it's worth it.

Fastener fact: Metric fasteners are graded for strength with a different number scale. Grade 8.5 in metric is NOT as strong as Grade 8 (hardened steel) in standard. In fact, metric 8.5 is weaker than standard Grade 5! Stainless steel, though, is almost as strong as Grade 8 hardened steel and wont rust, so if whatever accessory you're trying to mount doesn't come with stainless hardware, go get some.

Secondly, I tried to adjust the height of the rack after it was already bolted on which again I should have known better. I chose this rack because it didn't have a needless third strut which only serves to add more weight while adding no strength (I'm talking cheap racks here, not better quality ones like a Blackburn Expedition and the like). Plus it had a rear reflector mount. By the way, whoever it was here who thought to use 3/4" PVC and fender washers to mount a blinkie to a rack is brilliant. It works great!

The Nashbar Deluxe Trunk Bag is great. It's sufficiently sealed against the elements that in a drizzle I wouldn't bother with the supplied rain cover, which is strapped to the bag and has it's own zippered compartment on the bottom. It has three storage compartments. A larger main compartment, a top one which is a few inches in height and fits a base layer nicely, and a small rear compartment which features a hook for keys and plenty of space for cellphone, wallet, lip balm, or other small stuff. Also has strapping on top which is nice for when one needs to shed layers. There is a strap in the rear to clip a blinkie onto, but as I mentioned I mounted mine permanently to the rack. I'd use it if I were using a cheaper blinkie, but I don't want to lose my Superflash when I get jostled about, and the compartment needs to be stiff to really keep the blinkie in place.

The trunk attaches with four velcro straps which only take a second to undo, after which one can carry it off the bike by the front handle or the shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is REALLY nice to have because I live in a third floor apartment and the bike is easier to carry when it's not back heavy.

About the Woolie Boolies there isn't much else to say besides they're comfortable and warm. I'll be buying more pairs in the future.

I was a little skeptical of the Chaos skullcap at first because it feels very thin, but it blocks wind very well and keeps my head warm in the low 40 degree temperatures I've worn it in thus far. I have no doubt that it would be sufficient down into the upper 20's where below that you'd want more coverage for the face and neck.

The final thing of note is that it is so bleeding wonderful not to have to wear a backpack anymore!!! I used to carry one or two liter bottles of water in there, plus water in the hydration pouch for the ride, then lunch, Having the rear trunk is great for my commute and I'll probably be adding some lightweight panniers soon to carry clothing.