This kit was intended for a day hovering just above freezing, overcast, and little chance of sun. Rain was unlikely, but breezes on the tops and cold mist in the valleys did mean some extra warmth was essential. I planned for a steady pace over 120 kilometers with two major passes and plenty of intermediate climbs.
The Kit
Baselayer: Sportful Bodyfit Pro Long Sleeve
No matter the conditions, I start all of my kits with a baselayer. A baselayer adds a layer of functionality to any jersey that you can tailor for any situation. The Bodyfit Pro is a lightweight offering from Sportful that adds high performance moisture wicking and breathable warmth to a long sleeve jersey. The fit is like a second skin, but the quality and finish of the fabric makes it almost unnoticeable once you're on the road. Cold weather jerseys can be muggy on long climbs which necessitates a baselayer that won't overheat you and keep you dry for the descent. This baselayer excels under a jacket or thermal jersey, but also compliments a lighter long sleeve jersey.
Jersey: Rapha Lombardia
Style and substance define the Lombardia Jersey. It has a one of a kind look, even when compared to Rapha's other limited edition jerseys. The wooden buttons and embroidered detail can make any one feel like a king of the road from the golden age of cycling. This is especially important as looking cool is as essential as going fast. The fit is relaxed, without being baggy and ideal for a long steady day. The fabric is not windproof, but the wool and polyester blend contends well with cool weather and road spray. The high collar helps to keep a draft out, especially when paired with a decent neck warmer. Without a zipper it's not suited for a ride where conditions and pace will fluctuate so riding with finesse is essential.
Shorts: Rapha Core Bib Shorts
Rapha's Core Bib is just that, a core element of a cyclists wardrobe. The chamois is substantial, but not bulky and is well-suited for a long day in the saddle. The multi-panel construction doesn't offer a premier fit, but won't hinder your performance. The mid-weight fabric is ideal for cool weather especially if your wardrobe is limited to shorts and not knickers and tights.
Leg Warmers: Castelli Nanoflex
Castelli's Nanoflex offerings are my choice for their high degree of water resistance and cozy brushed fleece interior. The water resistant treatment provides a good degree of wind protection on the front of the leg for descents while the back panel keeps you from cooking on the climbs. With the proliferation of social media in cycling, you might feel your whole kit needs to be brand unified, but a set of black warmers for arms and legs will expand your wardrobe in the cold seasons without ruining your look. Rather than buying 4 pairs of a tights from different manufacturers, a single set of quality black legwarmers will serve you far better. Sportful's No-Rain series offer the same performance with a subtler logo.
The Accessories
Helmet: Catlike Whisper
This is my standard helmet choice. It's nothing particularly special, despite it's one of a kind honeycomb look. I choose it time after time because I know it's comfortable no matter how long I wear it. All that ventilation does mean a good hat or skull cap is key for keeping the wind off.Hat: Rapha Festive 500 Winter Cap
Winter caps can be tough, too thick and you'll have sweat in your eyes like it's a summer day, too thin and you'll have a blinding frost headache. Rapha's cap is an ideal weight for true winter rides around freezing, but will be warm if you're expecting sunshine and blues skies. The ear and neck band provide essential coverage without an overly snug fit. The rainbow band provides a bit of flair to what is a utilitarian piece. The peak is modest and relatively soft so there's no pressure on your forehead even with a helmet over top,. The real benefit of this specific cap though was motivation. If I was going to own the cap; I'd better complete the challenge.Glasses: Oakley Jawbreaker Splatterfade (Clear Lenses)
I've always been a fan of Oakley; I've spent at least two prize purses buying them in the past. There's an argument to be made against expensive shades, but for me there's no price too high to protect my eyes. A pair of glasses with easily interchangeable lenses is a must, and the Jawbreakers are certainly a paragon. I chose clear lenses as it was going to be a dark day and I wouldn't be needing sun protection, just something to keep my eyes from watering and any road debris or spray out.Collar: Etxeondo
If you were an Alberto Contador fan, then you'll probably recognize this piece from his brother's clothing line. The wool collar can also double as an emergency beanie with a cinch top, but it's nice for keeping out the chill and is good as a face mask in the first 20 minutes to keep the cold air from hitting your lungs so hard. It's not tightly woven so it's not as warm as some fully synthetic options, but it does the job nicely when paired with a collared jersey.Gloves: Planet X 365 Convertible Gloves
I've owned a lot of expensive gloves, but none of them have performed as admirably as this budget pair from the discount hub, Planet X. They have a brushed fleece interior for insulation and windproof and water resistant exterior. The weight is perfect for maintaining a loose grip on the bar, and the convertible mitt means that you can cope with the real biting cold at the end of the day. The mitt does make braking and shifting in the hoods more difficult, but I tend to commit to the drops and race home if it's that cold.
