Cycling tops

(Recommended items are starred. Disrecommended items are X’d. Product names noted where known.)

Susan:

• *2 pa. REI breathable all-purpose exercise t-shirts
• Louis Garneau Women’s Speed Jacket (windbreaker)
• REI zippered fleece with breathable underarm panels
• Red Ledge hooded soft-shell jacket
• (X)Marmot rain jacket shell with zippered underarm vents

The list above is somewhat misleading because the Red Ledge softshell replaced the REI fleece, which I tragically left in a North Dakotan motel room. I bought the softshell at the Farm ‘n’ Fleet in Bismarck; I’d meant to get another fleece, but they didn’t have any non-cotton fleeces in small sizes. The softshell is heavier than my fleece was, so it wasn’t an exact replacement, but I made do. One note, the softshell was significantly cheaper than the equivalent jacket would have been at REI or another yuppie outdoors store. I’ve always heard that to save big on outdoorswear, you should look for the same product in camo; although the Red Ledge jacket is a pretty blue, I bought it in a store that caters to hunters, farmers, and people who work outdoors, which seems to have the same effect on the price. In short, this softshell is not perhaps ideal for bicycle riding since it’s not built with underarm vents or other features for extreme exertion, but it’s a great jacket for all-around outdoors and everyday use. Look for a Farm and Fleet or similar store in your area to shop for this sort of clothing and you’ll save big.

The REI exercise shirts were cheap and I’ve had them for a few years. Being all-purpose, they didn’t have the little back pockets or the tight fit that cycling jerseys have. They worked absolutely fine and I would wear them again, especially for the few bucks I paid for them on clearance. There’s no reason you need anything fancy for your base layer as long as it’s made of a breathable, quick-dry fabric meant for sweating in. The main downside is that the smell doesn’t really wash out; don’t plan on wearing them to meet the Queen.

I loved my LG windbreaker and I wore it every day that the weather was a little nippy. The fabric was very breathable but kept a good amount of heat in as needed. The reflective spots washed off with use and in the washing machine, however, even though I washed it on cold and delicate cycles. Also, putting it on shortly after applying sunscreen caused the fabric on the arms to discolor in an ugly, but ultimately trivial, way. I could see myself getting the jacket again but there may be something better out there.

My stupid Marmot rain shell was the most disappointing thing ever and I plan on returning it to REI next time I have reason to go there. (That is the best reason to shop at REI, other than the dividends—you can return anything at any time for any reason.) It had just one job—to be waterproof—and it wasn’t. Even after I re-sprayed the thing with waterproofing spray, it still soaked up rain, instead of letting it bead off the fabric. In addition, the fabric is that non-breathable plastic-y stuff that makes you feel instantly sweaty as soon as you put it on, despite unzipping the vents. Brice had a really really nice rain jacket that he really liked so check that out instead.