Cycology Summer kit

Being original in cycling clothing can be difficult. There are many brands in different styles. And because we are al not equal, everyone is looking for something they like. A couple of months ago I reviewed the Cycology Long sleeve jersey and since it is summer It’s time to review a full Cycology summer kit. This includes a short sleeve jersey, a bib-short and arm warmers .

The jersey.

First time you look at the jersey, in person or on the website you have to say the designs are unique and different then what other cycling clothing companies are doing. I’m reviewing 2 jerseys here. That’s because I now Cycology is constantly trying to make their products better and I was curious to see how this evolved after a while.

Let’s go through the basic stuff:

• 2 way stretch Italian thermal fabric
• “Miti” Italian Gripper elastic on sleeves & hips
• 3 rear pockets + one zippered valuables pocket
• Reflective strips on rear pockets
• Full length “YKK” zipper with Cycology logo puller.
• Flat stitched seams to keep chafing away

The fit is very good, I have a size S and M. The Size S suits my body better but could be a bit longer. The size M feels a little wide but the length is good. The grippers on the arms are very good, I like the length of the sleeves. The gripper on the back does a good job on keeping the jersey from sliding up. Of course the jersey has 3 back pockets and a zipper pocket for your valuables/keys of money). The pockets are tight and firm. So you don’t have to be afraid loosing you stuff. The zipper is top notch. But I never had troubles with the YKK zippers.

The jerseys have different fabrics. The front is a more solid fabric, the back is a more mesh fabric. This really helps letting body heat out, through the jersey.

The designs speak for themselves, some are more bold others are more neutral. Cycology is constantly adding new designs.

The bibshort.

The bibshorts are more standard looking than the jerseys. This concept Cycology is doing, of matching bibshort and jerseys together is a good way of combining your style in any way The fit is very Italian style, with a good length inseam length. It has very comfortable pad that feels good also on long rides. The “Miti” gripper on the legs has a good grip. It has multiple panels to secure a good fit on the body and are made of 4 way ply lightweight fabric. The mat finish style logos are very stylish.

Doing rides every day in every style of weather got me a good idea of what this bibshort is capable of. It has some good sun protection to, up to a factor 50. Not something you think about but is very helpful. It’s also very good at expelling excess heat through the textured perforations. The way it’s priced you don’t expect this quality.

Arm-warmers.

These are hot of the press. I just got these 2 months. Made from the so called “Roubaix” fabric and some very bold Cycology Logos in silver. Fit is good just like you would expect on armwarmers. Of course there is a gripper on the top. These are, good priced and a must have for your wardrobe.

Conclusion:

Cycology really is a brand that almost has the full package deal for a very good price. They are constantly adding new products and designs. Also just not adding but rethinking every detail of every single product.

Part 41: The end.

It’s been a very long while since I last posted on the subject. But this has two reasons. First, I’m doing big construction on my house which takes a lot of time.

And second, the commuter bike has retired. I could not manage to maintain two bikes to a high level, for the cost. I found out the wheel set needed to be replaced and there were lots of other things that needed work. So the wear-out test came to a stop. Too bad because I could have driven a lot of more kilometres on it. I will try to do a good enough recap of what I have done.

The chains:

Starting with the chain that wore out the least, the KMC chain. This is also the chain with the most kilometres (4100km). I measured it at an average of 133.6mm. For further details see the picture below. This chain was good throughout the hole test. Now errors in shifting and very reliable. To clean this was also know problem. This is because the chain is smooth and polished.

The Shimano chain was in between, I measured it at an average of 133.6mm, with 3900km ridden with it. Cleaning of this chain was more difficult. I think this is because the raw metal so dirt and grease stick better.

The Miche chain was worn out the most. But this could be due to the effect that it was ridden 3 times in a heavy rain period. I measured it at an average of 134.2mm, with 4000 kilometres ridden with it. Cleaning was good on the chain since it’s completely polished.

KMC (Top), Shimano (Middle), Miche (Bottom)

The Cassette:

When I first started the test I really was in doubt using a Shimano Dura-Ace. But it turned out pretty good. The cassette is worn but could have taken some kilometres. This shifting got a little worse in the last months, but that’s all. The cassette has had 13000km ridden on it.

The Chainring:

This was for me a little question mark. The Narrow wide chain rings are almost al made of Aluminium (hard anodized). The anodizing helps a little in the beginning in terms of wear. But after a while it wears of. The Wolftooth components chainring was really good. It never dropped my chain, even in the last months when the wear was visually more. The wear of the chainring surprised me in a positive way. It still could have taken a couple of more kilometres. The chainring has had 13000km ridden on it.

Lube:

As for this test I exclusively used Pedro products. The Bio cleaner was nice to work with. Defiantly not aggressive and easy to use. For the chain I used the Syn-lube. A good lube, but one drawback I found that you have lots of access dirt on the chain sides. But more on this later.

Recap:

KMC chain 132.2mm (0km) > 133.6mm (4100km). That’s  1.4mm of wear.

Shimano chain 132.3 (0km) > 133.6mm (3900km). That’s  1.3mm of wear.

Miche chain 132.4mm (0km) > 134.2mm (4000km). That’s  1.8mm of wear.

All in all they are very close to each other with the most wear on the Miche chain. But this is also not a very good compromise due to the ever changing weather circumstances.

Conclusion:

So what is there to learn about this, I think the method of using 3 chains and cycle them can really help save money in the end. But this need further examine. That’s why I will start another test later this year. This will be with 1 chain, cassette and chainring. I’m currently testing other lubes methods for the chain which I will be adding to this test.

Unfortunately the MTB test with the 3 chains also stopped. I’ve had a couple of not so good experiences with the Miche chains as all 3 chains have broken on me and had several cracks on them.

And since my MTB is know my main bike for commuting and MTB I will blend the new test. So I will be back soon with the new test later this year.

Thanks for reading as this has been 1,5 year of collecting data.

 

Bye

 

 

 

 

Review: Cycology Longsleeve jerseys

There are lots of cycling kits available today. You can wear a casual style kit, or go extreme with graphics and colours. When I came in contact with Cycology, an Australian (Sydney) based cycling kit maker, I found some very unique cycling kits. Their Style goes from stylish to extreme in designs. Having a Italian fit on their jerseys and bibshorts it almost fits everyone. The constantly ad new designs and improve their cycling kit. So this is a company to look out for when buying your next kit. Big advantage, now shipping cost worldwide.

Long sleeve jersey:

I have ridden these throughout the winter. Made of 240g/m thick Fabric that has the ability to stretch in all 4 directions gives you a very snug fit. In the winter I just whore 1 base layer under it, sometimes 2. And that was enough to keep me warm. The zippers are made by YKK, with the Cycology Logo on it. I had some very good experiences with these and they don’t disappoint.

It has 3 back pockets + a zipper pocket on top of the middle one. Reflective tubes on the front make sure you can be seen more. One of the best features is the silicone hem around the whole bottom side of the jersey. This makes sure the jersey stays in place when riding. Also the back is a little longer than the front.

Impressions:

I have never ridden a jersey that fits so well. Because of my length (1.96cm) sizing is always an issue for me. But I even wear a size M and feels comfortable. For me the length is good. It’s warm enough for chilli mornings/evenings. And with a good base layer good enough for below zero riding. The back pockets are tight, so you don’t have to be scared to lose your stuff.  These jersey are made with high standards with good value for money plus unique designs.

Part 40: KMC 3800km, Miche 4000km, cassette/chainring 11700km

Spring is already 1month on the go. But the temperatures are far from stable know. There have been days where it was 20°C and know it’s around 8°C here. There is one plus, it’s been fairly dry.

The test.

I have ridden the Miche chain for some more kilometers than I normally do. And It struck me how much more wear it has. I did had a few days with rain, but I didn’t expect these outcomes. See the picture below and you can see the big differences between the Miche chain(134.2mm) and the Shimano chain(133.5).The KMC chain was on my bike so not in this picture.

Here’s a shot of how the cogs know look and also the chainring. Note on the chainring, some tooth are worn out more than the others.

Of course the test still continues. The chains still shift well, but you can feel the difference when riding with a fresh set. I don’t have any problem with the chains skipping over the cogs. And the chain doesn’t fall of my chainring as well. Currently I’m riding with the KMC chain.

Here’s a recap:

Shimano = 3750km (Measures, ±133.5mm)

KMC = 3800km (Measures, ±133,4mm)

Miche = 4000km (Measures, ±134.2mm)

Cassette & Chainring = 11700km

And here are some pictures, just to show you all what I’m currently doing for the commuter bike. Carbon brake (Magura) bracket for the back. And a carbon seatpost/saddle.

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Part 6: Chain 1 (500km), Chain 3 (680km), Cassette/Chainring (1560km)

After the new year started I haven’t got much time to ride my MTB. The winter season is always a time for me with less MTB hours, due to the short days (sunlight). I did however rode a very nice new MTB trail here in the east of The Netherlands. And I did some commutes with my MTB just for fun.

But its spring time and the days are getting longer so this gives me the opportunity to ride my MTB more again. Last Sunday night I could ride my home trails again. It was great to be back there, I have seen lots of deer and rabbits. It’s so nice to enjoy nature on the MTB.

The chain.

I have ridden some commutes on chain 3, and did the last MTB rides on chain 1. The conditions on the trails (ridden with chain 1) where not bad, some muddy/wet sections. Tried to clean the drivetrain after every ride. But on the image below you can clearly see chain 1 has had a hard time.

Chain 1 (top), Chain 2 (middle), Chain 3 (bottom)

I’m also giving this new lube a try. It’s from Boca Bearings. Let’s see if it works for MTB riding.

The chainring.

The Wolftooth chainring did very well. I did however dropped my chain twice on a difficult descent. The wear on the chainring is normal for the miles ridden with it.

The cassette.

The cassette is doing good also, shifting is still smooth. You can clearly see my third cog from bottom is used the most.

Because the cassette is chromed dirt does not attach to it as much. My commuter bike with the Dura-ace cassette attracts a lot more dirt.

Recap.

Chain 1 = ±500km (±132.8mm)

Chain 2 = ±380km (±132.6mm)

Chain 3 = ±680km (±132.6mm)

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Part 39: KMC 3800km, Miche 3150km, cassette/chainring 10950km

Birds are singing, the flowers pop out of the ground. Yes finally Spring is coming. I love it when this happens. You can just smell it. It’s so much nicer to ride your bike in the early mornings. The last 2 weeks been like this. Only one rain ride last week. Other than that it was completely dry. I had some problems with my bottom bracket. The bearings had gone bad. So new ceramic bearings for the USA are on its way.

The chains.

I started last week with the KMC chain, but after the very wet ride I changed to the Miche chain. The Miche chain still rides the smoothest. In wear it’s the same as the Shimano and KMC but there is something what this chain has that feels smoother.

The measurement.

The Miche chain only needed a quick rub with a cloth and no re-lubbing. It measured ±133.5mm so still the same as it’s last measurement. I will continue riding the Miche chain for another 500km.

Miche (Top), KMC(Middle), Shimano(bottom)

So here’s a the recap:

Shimano = 3750km (Measures, ±133.5mm)

KMC = 3800km (Measures, ±133,4mm)

Miche = 3250km (Measures, ±133,5mm)

Cassette & Chainring = 10950km

Be sure you check my latest Blog on Showers Pass Skyline Pants.

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Showers Pass Skyline pants

Rain pants in cycling are a difficult subject. Where rain jackets are very normal to wear, rain pants are not. Most of the time they are made of full rain jacket fabric which lacs of breathing and comfort during riding. So in order to make a good rain pants you have to really think it over and make choices in fabric, stretch and breathability.

Showers Pass is one company who really thought the concept of rain pants over. They created the Skyline pant that has only rainproof fabric in the most needed places. The rest of the pants has softshell fabric which is breathable and provides enough stretch so it’s comfortable. It’s not a tight fit, more a loose fit around the legs. It can be worn with a bibshort under it like I do. It does not provide enough room for you normal paints to be tugged in. The pants are not fully waterproof. After a while water will pour through the soft shell fabric.

The placement/design of the waterproof fabric also asks for a bike which has Fenders. But it’s located it the right places. On the front its around your crouch and the upper legs. And on the bottom legs it’s around the sides to keep out water coming from below. The transitions between the rain fabric and the softshell fabric are fully taped on the outside, really clever.

The knee area is made of softshell fabric for excellent movement. Also the back of the pant and the sides are made of soft shell fabric. It has a side pocket on the right, but I find the zipper to delicate. Around the waist you have a lace to pull it tight, and also the opportunity to wear 4-Point Suspenders.

Riding with it

I found the pant very comfortable to ride with. It took me some time to get used to it because I’m used to ride with tights. But after a while the feel natural. You also do not only have to wear them as rain pants. The work very well in winter/freezing conditions. As stated before, they are not fully rain proof. One draw bag is that with the loose fit you feel the water poring over your legs. That’s something you don’t have with tights. All in all great pants to ride with and keep you protected, with very clever solutions to make a rain pant stylish and comfortable.

Part 38: KMC 3700km, cassette/chainring 10450km

2 very windy days (winds between 60-70km), 6 days of rain and very wet roads and 2 days of sunny rides. And all that in 2 weeks’ time. It’s been really “Dutch” like weather.  But you don’t hear me complaining. I love to ride, no matter how the weather is. As I always say, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing.

Luckily my knee is getting better, although I have to be careful not to ride with a big gear. I like to ride in a big gear but this is also killing for my knee. So as long as I’m not doing that too much it’s okay.

Here’s an update on the bike to, I have build my own Carbon saddle from scratch. Still needs some work as this was straight out of the mold. I’m building my own seatpost too.

As these 2 weeks been very demanding for bike and drivetrain I took extra care for it. Checked if the chain needed to be rubbed with a cloth (removing the water and dirt) and if it needed some new/extra lube. Al that to ensure the chain was doing okay and there was no extra wear caused by bad lubrication or dirt.

The Pedro’s Syn lube is a great lube for wet circumstances I did need to apply new lube after very wet rides. Other lube have that as well so I’m not worried here.

The measurements:

After putting the KMC chain on the strip I was surprised that it was still shorter than the Shimano and Miche chain. I think that had to do with the way I kept the chain lubed. The chain measured 133.4.

Shimano (top), Miche (middle), KMC (bottom)

So here’s a the recap:

Shimano = 3750km (Measures, ±133.5mm)

KMC = 3700km (Measures, ±133,4mm)

Miche = 2850km (Measures, ±133,5mm)

Cassette & Chainring = 10450km

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Part 37: Shimano 3750km, cassette/chainring 10000km

It’s been since a while since I Blogged about this subject. That had its reasons. The Commuter bike needed some changes. My Mavic Crossmax wheelset broke down on me and I didn’t like the colour of the bike anymore. And since I was already started making parts for the big cosmetic change I started re-painting the bike. I also wanted to ride with 700c wheels. I have bought some nice Tubular cyclocross tyres (33mm wide) which fit the frame. But unfortunately I haven’t found a wheelset or rims to my liking and wallet jet. So I made a clincher set with DT-Hugi 240 hubs and some old Wobler rims and used 23mm road bike tyres for now. All these reasons caused that I started riding the Commuter bike to work again 2 weeks ago. Still work in progress, because I have lots of plan for this bike. Currently I’m making a customized front fork with the Magura clamps attached to it, and I’m also making a handlebar/stem combo again with integrated lights. So stay tuned for more on this bike, it’s going to be great I promise.

The weather.

The weather was bad on the bike and me also. I’m having a knee injury for 3 weeks know, which is getting better everyday. Last week we had temperatures above zero. Due to the melting ice and a little snow, the roads where wet in the beginning combined with the salt from the weeks prior to this. I had to keep good care of the bike and the chain also. Tried to rub the access dirt of the chain every day, and check if the chain needed lubrication again. This week it was cold again with temperatures around zero, cold winds and rain. Not very pleasing but I think it’s still better to ride my bike every day then going with the car.

The chain.

Because of the weather the Shimano chain had a hard time. But it’s still not more weared out as the Miche chain. But that one was ridden through 2 weeks of rain almost every day. The chain rode very well though. I had to re-lube it a couple of times.

The Measurements:

Looking at the picture you can see the Shimano chain is closing in on the Miche. The averaged measurement was 133.5mm for the Shimano. Next up is, you guess?? Yep the KMC because it is the shortest know.

Top (KMC), Middle (Miche), Bottom(Shimano)

So here’s a the recap:

Shimano = 3750km (Measures, ±133.5mm)

KMC = 3250km (Measures, ±133,1mm)

Miche = 2850km (Measures, ±133,5mm)

Cassette & Chainring = 10000km

Be sure to check my latest Blog about Winforce nutricion.

• Winforce Endurane concept

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