it most definately isn’t “like a weightier jersey
yeah, that’s exactly what it was, plus it was ridiculously easily damaged. Anyway have a look at Rukka, they’re a motorcycle clothing company that do windstopper stuff, they might have something that suits
Also Morvélo, they do a couple of things that might suit.
the Trucker, which is a flannel shirt look a like, but is stretchy windproof and water repellant and they do a more trad looking jersey the Fuse which they describe as an all weather softshell not unlike the N2S in design
In my experience, having owned the old Gore Phantom like you (washed it so much it eventually shrank!), I tried lots of different jackets before settling on a Rab Alpine Vapor Rise Jacket. It is light, exceptionally breathable and as warm as I need it to be. It feels lovely next to skin too. The new model now has a helmet compatible hood and two Napoleon pockets. It is more wind resistant than windproof but that is part of what makes it so good for cycling, climbing, walking etc.
I recently invested in a Mountain Eqpt Switch Pro. This is Alpha Direct and Pertex with strategically placed fleece on the arms and the sides. I was out on Sunday with the temp around zero and it was just the right mix of warmth and windproofness. It has two hand pockets and a stretch hood.
Compared to my old Gore, they are light years better in terms of cut, fit and performance. I always found the zip off sleeves a faff. A good idea that I never really felt the need to use.
Personally, I keep coming back to the conclusion that when it comes to mountain biking, actual cycling clothes are a bit of a let down compared to what you get from the likes of Rab, ME and Montane.
Hope this helps?
Cheers
Sanny
Oh I should add for sub zero days, I wear a POC windproof shell over the top of the Rab and it is absolutely spot on in keeping me warm without overheating and not cooling down too quickly when I stop riding. The windproof packs down to a tiny ball but as a layering system, nothing else I have tried has come close. The ME jacket is a bit warmer but given that it is designed for the likes of ski touring, is a terrific other option. Sizes small though. I should be a medium according to ME. I had to exchange for a large as the anorexic gimp fit was not flattering!
Cheers @sanny much appreciated.
Personally, I keep coming back to the conclusion that when it comes to mountain biking, actual cycling clothes are a bit of a let down compared to what you get from the likes of Rab, ME and Montane.
Very much this.
“ The closest I have come is a merino baselayer with a pertex shell but it still isn’t as good as the N2S fabric.”
Merino is hopeless when it comes to wicking etc. It soaks up sweat until it gets overwhelmed. And it’ll soak in rain until it gets overwhelmed. Good until those points but bad afterwards.
Try a Brynje base layer until a simple wind resistant shell. Mr Kirkpatrick is a fan too, review here and link to his article from there: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/clothing/baselayers/brynje-super-thermo-c-shirt-baselayer-review/
Def intrigued by brynje baselayer. Will pick one up when they are back in stock.
Brynje is excellent. Looks awful but works so damn well!
The closest I have come is a merino baselayer with a pertex shell but it still isn’t as good as the N2S fabric.
Could I encourage you to try a modern synthetic baselayer with good windproof shell?
I like Merino, I've lots of it. But it's not the best for wicking when sweating.
I'm still a huge fan of Patagonia Capeline light or midweight, ideally in long sleeve with a zip... Nothing shifts moisture as efficiently.
Personally, I keep coming back to the conclusion that when it comes to mountain biking, actual cycling clothes are a bit of a let down compared to what you get from the likes of Rab, ME and Montane.
Spot on. I'm getting De Ja Vu. We seem to have the same discussion every year. Now all it would take is some furloughed genius to take these new ClimbingWorld 'Active' fabrics and design a decent cycling cut sleeves/shoulders with some pockets in the right places...Let us know and you'd instantly sell hundreds of them, a good business opportunity. Alot of these other options are close but have an element of not quite right...
Maybe we should do a forum one 😉 didn't some forum or other do a whole bike?
@matt_outandabout what windproof do you suggest. I still have some old capilene thermals.......
Mines just a cheap Tog24 sleeve convertible running one, with mesh strip down each side.
Mrs_oab has a much better cut and nice fabric Pearl Izumi Barrier - convertible, shoulder vents, two way zip etc.
I'm buying the men's version of hers next - or Montane one...
Re base layers
A couple of years back, Aldi did an outrageous copy of a pink rapha one. It cost £6. It is thin with lots of holes and nothing comes close to being as good in terms of comfort, fit and breathability. My only regret is I didn't buy a lot more!
Thanks @matt_outandabout, I wish montane still did their wind shell in a bike cut though. Mine must be 50% duck tape now. I picked up a surface shell to replace it in a sale but it doesn't seem as good.
There is a newer Phantom Infinium jacket now: https://www.gorewear.com/uk/en-uk/phantom-jacket-mens-100645.html .
Fit looks close and not loose like the C3 version, which I'd guess is now end of line. It does have pockets on the back though.
Looks like there is stock too - unlike the Gore jacket I've been looking for.
The full monty Castelli Gabba and matching arm-warmers would also suit the brief.
Regarding the Stolen Goat colour schemes, loud and proud is where it's at. I've a Nebula Climb & Conquer jacket, it's very orange!
I’m still a huge fan of Patagonia Capeline light or midweight, ideally in long sleeve with a zip… Nothing shifts moisture as efficiently.
I always love a decent baselayer so I googled Patagonia Capilene. It looks like three different fabrics (merino blend in the Air, a polyester in the Mid and Polartec Power Grid in the Thermal). Was it one in particular you were recommending?
Capilene used to be in 4 weights, handily numbered 1 to 4
1 was for running in heat
2 was a regular weight
3 was thick like power grid
4 was just daft and expensive but ideal for alpine peaks
I think the theme here is that kit and tech moves on, sometimes not for the best
Montane Featherlite Velo is another long gone great bit of kit
🤦
“ 2 was a regular weight
3 was thick like power grid”
I think these are the two I own. 2 is really great, feels like silk, fits like a nice T-shirt. One of my default riding tops. 3 is thicker, doesn’t wick half was well, warm though. In retrospect I wished I’d bought more of the thin ones but even discounted it seemed expensive!
I've just been looking on the Ground Effect website and the Baked Alaska along with a few other tops are designed to be worn next to the skin. The price includes vat and duty so the only extra is delivery. Given some of the other comments on here, I'll say for mountain bike kit it's really well made, it's by far the best quality MTB clothing I've got.
1 was for running in heat
2 was a regular weight
3 was thick like power grid
Exactly.
I've a Light (1) t-shirt that's ace in heat.
A 1 long sleeve that's about dead and I'm wanting another.
A 2 that's got holes in, but next to my HH warm Merino mix is my 'go to' top.
Now called:
Air
Midweight
Expedition
( I think)
That Ground Effect baked alaska looks great! Will have to investigate.
That Ground Effect baked alaska looks great!
My brother in Auckland wears nothing but ground effect and Macpac gear it seems...
I too have loads of old capilene which is still my go to base layer for warmth, wicking, everything really. Patagonia actually changed the material a few years back and I am not sure it is as good.
Ps I also have two Baked Alaskas which are great but definitely not a stand alone cold weather garment. Again the older one 10-15 years old is better than the more recent one - 5 years old
Montane Featherlite Velo is another long gone great bit of kit
Mine died on the door catch, ripped open by the sharp edge. A sad day.
For added geek bonus Patagonia also used the 1-4 ratings for merino base layers too. I've still got a Wool2 long sleeve crew neck
Although I think it was 2-4 as they didn't have vapour thin wool.for a 1 variant
Correction
Capilene 3 was a heavyweight version of 2 (I bought one for skiing years ago)
Capilene 4 was the power grid style winter alpine layer (wife has a hoody version - £££s ouch!)
Interesting that you say that FOG as I have two Baked Alaska's. At least I think they are, both were bought on eBay. One of them is much chunkier and fleecier, I haven't used it yet as I prefer the other which is more fitted but thinner. I'm guessing the chunkier one is an older design.
Now all it would take is some furloughed genius to take these new ClimbingWorld ‘Active’ fabrics and design a decent cycling cut sleeves/shoulders with some pockets in the right places…Let us know and you’d instantly sell hundreds of them, a good business opportunity.
Hundreds isn't going to cover the cost though, the UK MTB scene is a small demographic, with a vast range of weather and temperatures, tbf I don't think its a particularly easy task.
Yes the older Alaska seems much thicker than the newer. I was most disappointed when no.2 arrived but it is still a decent bit of kit just not as warm as no.1
I could be persuaded to sell my older Baked Alaska in size medium.
Edit. I think what I've got is actually an old Frosty Boy.
https://bikemagic.com/cycling-clothing/ground-effect-frosty-boy-tested.html