First Impressions: Rapha Women's Jeans

When I found out last year that Rapha had starting offering women's jeans I was on their site looking at them faster than you can say "Ciocc."  My male friends had always spoken so highly of their Rapha jeans, and I swear that one of them has worn the same pair every day since I've known him and they still look like new.  So I was excited, and then I saw the price tag and was sad, but hey, this is Rapha we're talking about.

So imagine my surprise when my Christmas gift this year turned out to be a pair of these (thanks Mom and Dad for fueling my addictions), and after a bit of a wait to get the proper size, I finally got them to try out.

The only jeans I have to compare them to are REI's Novara jeans, which I absolutely love.  I've been meaning to write a proper review of those since I've been wearing them for well over a year, but I digress.  I was also supposed to have a pair of Ryb Denim jeans to compare these against, but I'm 90% certain I'll never actually see those.

So, here's an awkward shot of me trying to take a photo of myself wearing these jeans while riding the Feaux-khion.

Not a real Takhion.  Not even close.

These are, by definition, skinny jeans.  Rapha's site describes them as such, and for someone like me who had never worn skinny jeans ever, there was a bit of a shock factor putting them on.  They're skin tight, but not in a constricting way, more of in a fit-like-a-glove way.  Admittedly, I was at first sure that I wasn't going to like them and that they weren't for me, but after wearing them for about ten minutes I was fine.  

One thing I do want to note here is that I tried two sizes: 30 and 28 (sizes are based on waist measurements).  I tried the 30 because I wanted the jeans to be a bit bigger in the legs, but to me it didn't feel like the leg sized changed at all from the 28 to the 30, just the waist size.  And the 30s were comically big in the waist, so I ended up with the 28s.  

The material is really nice, and like all Rapha products these are high quality and extremely well made.  Little touches like the reflective Rapha logo inside the leg, the pink stitching, and the lining inside of the pockets really make these feel like way more than just your average pair of jeans.  And, off the bike, they look great and are really comfortable as well - these are definitely nice enough to use for multiple occasions.

As far as on the bike goes, I was a bit worried at first because these jeans lack the seamless crotch that other companies sometimes use.  This is made up by the fact that because these jeans are a tighter fit, there's no loose fabric to bunch up and rub and cause friction, and these really do feel like riding in cycling tights!  The seams are also offset, so even if they are a bit looser on you there won't be a problem anyway.  Plus, there's no worry about catching anything in your chain, and the material isn't cloying so these can be worn on moderate as well as cooler days.

One foot on the ground because trying to take these while riding would have inevitably resulted in my death.

 I did notice that there didn't seem to be a lot of room in the knees when I was pedaling, and that the back of the jeans (which are mid rise and supposedly come up higher in the back) sat lower than I'd like them to.  Also the pockets are sort of wimpy - I can't fit my phone in the front, which is a bummer.

So far I've done only fifty-ish miles in these on three different bikes, so I really don't have a good idea of how they'll stand up to wear and tear or if there will be any sort of break in just yet.  Here's what I can say about these compared to Novaras:

Pros: Much better looking and much more flattering.  Skinny cut means no chainring eating jeans and no irritation from loose fabric.  Comes in black and blue (I'm wearing the blue here).  No blue dye residue. 

Cons: Three times the cost.  Skinny cut might not fit all body types.  Less reflective bits.  Don't keep you quite as warm as the Novaras (and difficult to layer beyond tights underneath).  Not as much freedom of movement.  

Both jeans are comfortable, that's for sure, and both are versatile.  I feel like the Novaras are rugged enough to wear camping, and the Raphas are nice enough for a night out.  My first pair of Novara jeans lasted over a year with daily use, so I'm curious to see how well the Raphas hold up in comparison.  The biggest let down for me on these is the price, but I do know that Rapha stands behind their products and does offer repair if something like a crash happens, so there's at least that peace of mind.  

I'm just really happy that there are starting to be more options for women.  Thanks for acknowledging us, Rapha!!

Giro Hoxton LF: First Impressions

I know, I know.  Winters out here are wimpy.  It's getting to be in the 40s when I leave for work and head home at night, and of course my weekend rides don't see too much of a temperature increase during the day this time of year.  I decided to try out the Giro Hoxton LF gloves this year to keep my fingers from freezing to my levers, and I have to say so far I'm pretty happy! 

Plus, a great color to keep you visible! 

The Hoxton LF is technically a men's glove, but I have gigantic hands that usually can't fit into women's gloves.  I also really liked the bright red color that these came in - it's called "glowing red," and it certainly lives up to its name!  I think the Tessa or Rulla is the women's equivalent, though I recall seeing a Hoxton collection for women at one point that doesn't seem to be showing up on Giro's site anymore.  

Giro gloves have always worked well for me, and the Hoxton LF (for long finger, long fingered, or something close to that) is no exception.  They're comfortable and lightweight, but seal in warmth pretty well, and so far have kept my digits toasty down to about 40 degrees.  They wash well and are easy to put on and take off, though to be fair I only have about 100 miles with them so far.  

They're super comfortable - seriously. 

As far as riding goes, there's no bunching or uncomfortable seams that I've found, and they seem true to size (I wear a men's small, for those wondering).  They're honestly like the flannel pajamas of cycling gloves - I've never owned anything softer or more comfortable.  From three miles to thirty, they've consistently been comfortable.

My few initial critiques mostly have to do with the tech compatibility.  Giro advertises these as tech compatible - which is *technically* true.  But it feels like your fingers are ten times as big as before, and getting the tech compatible thread to hit where you want on the screen is about as easy as trying to use a seatpost as a stylus.  Sure, you can do simple actions like click on app icons, but typing e-mails, selecting one item out of many, or writing anything...unless your hands get super sweaty, then forget it.  Moisture does help conduct whatever magic is used in touchscreen technology, and after riding in a rainstorm I did notice that I was able to do just about everything on my phone.  On another note, these are not waterproof, but they're not advertised as such and I certainly didn't expect them to be.  

I also would like to see some reflective bits on these.  The grey areas on the gloves could have had some reflective piping just to add a bit of extra safety when you're signalling at night.  They're impossible to miss during the day, but with the shortened days and stormy dark weather we've been having, I would feel a lot better with reflective areas.   

So far though, I'm happy with how these have worked and impressed with the quality and comfort.  Hopefully they will keep going through the next few seasons, and as long as they stay holding up as well as they have been, there should be no problem.  

Bike Month: Bringing out the Bikeyness in Everyone

With May as Bike Month now being recognized in more and more places, I'm starting to see more companies and people doing little things here and there to celebrate it.  I have to admit, it's pretty awesome that all of the places that I frequently visit are now in bike mode, and even if it's only for a short while it at least gets people aware and might even get a few more out riding.  Here's some of what I've seen recently!

Mint, a fairly popular budgeting website, has finally caught on that biking can (surprise) save you money.  If you log in, you're given a financial tip about biking that will take you to an infographic, which you can check out here.  They talk about the cost of a bike vs. a car, and even though many of us still own vehicles, the cost of filling up multiple times a month compared to filling up every other month or so does add up.  And with all of the money you save using your bike instead of a car, you can spend it on more bike stuff!  

The health benefits of cycling are also mentioned, and with cyclists taking less sick days, getting exercise, and other benefits overall, it sure beats sitting in a gym on a spin bike!

Modcloth, a vintage themed clothing site, is also celebrating bike month with a whole section of cycling-inspired clothing and accessories.  Modcloth mostly caters to women (sorry guys), but looking at their featured bike gear shows a lot of fun stuff with even a few mens t-shirts included in the mix.  It might seem like a small thing, but I'm glad that Modcloth has chosen to promote cycling, especially in such a casual, welcoming way.  People don't need to be intimidated and think that you need a full kit and a bike that costs more than your soul to ride, and the more people feel comfortable riding casually on whatever bike they love, the better!  

Timbuk2 is also celebrating with some nifty new commuter bags, and they've started a Bikeshare program.  Plus they have a whole slew of bike related products all made in SF.  They're also having a Facebook giveaway - enter here!

And what better way to get people to ride by having them compete against each other?  Team Bike Challenege is a Bay Area competition where your company and your team can compete for points against others.  Points are based on miles and trips, with more rewarded for trips that would replace a car and frequency of riding.  There are some prizes from REI for the winners, though it looks like Apple is in the lead and is going to beat everyone...again.

REI of course is celebrating bike month with classes and events, depending on your area.  REI has always been a big advocate of cycling anyway, and also supports Bike to Work Day/Month in the Bay Area with incentives for those that pledge to ride (and do) for the first time.  Last year they sent me a $40 gift card just because I rode every day!  They have also expanded their commuter line quite a bit, so if you've been looking for good clothing to use on your rides to and from work, check them out.  

And, surprisingly, Walmart - yes, Walmart is having a Bike Month sale, with their bikes and bike accessories all marked down.  Now, I don't support box store bikes, but if it makes their customer base aware that Bike Month is a thing, and maybe gets a few more people out riding...then I might allow it.  

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great (and bike-full) Memorial Day Weekend!  Get out there and ride!

Not Quite Monday

There was a feature a while back on Prolly's site for these excellent Eddy Merckx shirts.  I managed to e-mail the artist just in time and snag one of the very last smalls!  

Too cool.

I don't get into too much cycling history on here because there are many other blogs that do it much better than this one, but that's not to say I don't love and respect it!  Eddy Merckx has always been one of my favorites, and this is actually the second Merckx shirt that I own.

Unfortunately these were a limited run and the artist doesn't have anymore right now, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't check out the rest of his awesome work here.  

It's About Time

Slowly but surely, the answer to Where the Hell Are Cycling Jeans for Women is being answered.  REI's Novara brand recently released their full length cycling jeans for women (and men!), which I have to say I've been living in since I got them (no, really) and I'm beyond happy with them.  

I've also recently learned about an IndieGoGo campaign for RYB Denim Jeans, which was featured on Reddit and Cupcake Ride.  Check out their video below.



They've reached their goal already, but you can still donate to get a pair of these jeans at a discounted price.  

In my opinion, they look very similar to REI's design...but having not worn them yet, I don't want to jump to any conclusions too soon!  I'll save that side by side review for later down the line.

So I'm grabbing a pair while I can, because these jeans look amazing and this is definitely a company I'd like to support and see more from in the future...perhaps a pair of jean shorts for the summer?  Or a faded pair?

Anyway, there are only six days left to donate and get these jeans at the promotional price - if not, you'll have the opportunity next year when they're released.  

I do have to say to any ladies that are reading this that would like a pair of jeans right now - I cannot recommend the REI jeans enough.  The photo on their website doesn't do them any justice.  They're perfect.  Get a pair.  Really. 

Women's (And Men's) Cycling Jeans Now At REI!

Looks like they won't be in store until September, but they're online!  If they're the same as the capris from earlier this year then I assume sizes will transfer pretty well.  It's still too summery here to move to long pants just yet, but I've been wearing the Novara commuter shorts all summer long and really dig them.

The rest of the fall line is available too, with a plethora of jackets, long sleeved shirts, and what looks like some rain and snow resistant gear as well.  There's plenty more where that came from, and everything is available for both men and women - so go online or check your local REI if you're looking to snag some new gear this winter.

I feel like a hybrid commuter with my full kit and all out speed demonry in the mornings and my relaxed clothing and leisurely jaunts in the evenings.  I'm sure that breaks some rule somewhere.  Kind of like how I enjoy both the bay area and Los Angeles.  

Going back to the theme of seasons, summer brings out some awesome people.  

It's ultra absorbent.

Seeing a bit of wackiness brought to the peninsula is always refreshing.  Like the slew of yarn bombings that have hit San Mateo recently.

I'm all for this - it protects my frame!

And now I give you Chris Froome Looking At Stems.

At Least This Time I Remembered Pants

I haven't ridden a bike with a chain in a considerable amount of time, so my guess is that I was probably hugging molesting moving someone's bike on Caltrain when this happened.

My calves eat small animals.

Strangely enough there was rain here over the past two days, which was nice for me because there was hardly anyone else out and I'm terribly awkward around other people.  The sun came out today though, and everyone that's afraid of melting in the rain or something was back out to ride, along with what seemed like a horde of other new riders.  Maybe summer vacation has something to do with it - suddenly you don't have to drag your kid to school every morning, so hey, biking seems like a nice option.  

It's definitely summer in the bay.  The days are warm, the nights cool down to light jacket weather, and the days of lamenting a lack of AC are upon us.  Perfect riding weather, if you ask me.  Here in the bay summer means riding to all sorts of events and festivals, enjoying the last flowers of spring, long shadows of bikes and their riders, and of course lots of mint lemonade.

And of course awkwardly trying to take photos of shadows without getting your fingers in them. 

Summer for me will also mean finishing up this bike, which ideally will be done sometime in mid August to get ready for lots of fall riding.  I'm down to the very, very last thing that I need - the group.  At this point I've even got the bar tape.

In the meantime, I'll just continue to ride to work while forgetting things like shoes, which means that I went around the whole day like this.

I try to keep it classy.

If UPS isn't lying to me, I'll have some new Takhion headset cap prototypes tomorrow.

Hats

While enjoying the San Mateo Summer Fest today (with perfect riding weather, nonetheless), I ended up over at Talbot's Cyclery and was looking at their selection of Walz Caps.

I'm a sucker for matching colors.

Seeing as I've always wanted a Walz Cap anyway, and I like riding with cycling caps under my helmet every so often, I couldn't pass this one up.  

I have no shame.

There's quite a bit of debate in the cycling community regarding cycling caps, it seems.  Personally, I say wear what you like, however you like.

Hope everyone's Sunday involves some good riding and good wrenching.  Preferably both!

My Kitchen Smells Like Frame Saver

I'm not sure if most of the Frame Saver ended up in my frame or on my face, but frame, fork, and stem are all properly frame-saved and now drying after the second application.  It was only after I finished everything that I noticed the bottle has a warning about doing everything outside and wearing eye protection, but I haven't died yet, so I'll consider it a victory.

Once the headset arrives, that will be the next step.  

In all of its paper towel stuffed glory.

Another victory today when I was pointed to this site.  Their jeans are currently sold out, but they have plenty of shorts for both men and women.  Along with some other really cool gear, they have a neat try-before-you-buy policy, where they don't bill you until you confirm with them that you're keeping your order.  Otherwise, you send it back to them in the pre-paid packaging.  

I've no idea how I've managed to go so long without discovering this awesome Tumblr, but now I'm worried on what else I am missing out on.

If you're in the Bay Area, Commute.org is doing a thing where you can pledge to take alternative transportation at least 8 times during May and April.  This includes biking, walking, trains, boats, what have you.  You get prizes, so sign up.

I'm a sucker for bike related household objects, so I will probably break down and get one of these bike plushies because it's adorable.  And speaking of awesome Etsy finds, here is a wonderfully offensive bike poster (safe for work, unless your boss has zero sense of humor).

Probably most of you know about Chainlove - a Woot of sorts for bike components and gear (with some tri stuff thrown in) but if not, now you do.  You can get some killer deals - I got 3T Ergonova Team Bars for something like sixty percent off.  My coworker told me that they had a full SRAM Red group early Sunday morning for $1200, and I told him that if that ever happens again and he doesn't call me we can't be friends anymore.  Regarding this - I try to buy locally as often as possible and support my lbs, which I do often, but if I find a killer deal, I take it.  

Next few days are going to be slightly nuts, so in the meantime here's a pseudo black and whiteish photo (I have no shame) of my cat guarding my District Carbon.  

He always knows when I'm about to leave and gets mopey.

Small Victories

//Super awesome update: I wrote to Novara about how awesome they are, and in less than a day heard back from the Product Line Manager, Cyndi! Here's some of what she had to say in her e-mail (used with her permission):

"This collection was conceptualized back in October 2011 – yes, that’s how long it takes to bring new product to market. The buyer, designer, and I (all women) collaborated to put the collection together, then the designer worked her magic to bring it to life. Our developer (another woman) like the rest of us is a cyclist. We all wore the samples as much as we could to make sure they fit and were comfortable."

"We are doing a full length jean for women for fall. Look for it around August.
We are also adding a car coat length quilted (primaloft) jacket in red and long sleeved plaid shirts that like the short sleeved version have a reflective thread woven into the plaid design. We’ve just finished our spring 2014 line and are well into fall 2014 development. I can’t talk about what’s coming yet, but stay tuned as we’ve got more fun styles on the way!!!"

Cyndi, thanks for being awesome and for being kind enough to write back to me! I'm excited for what exciting things are to come (through 2014, I might add) and will be checking back for cool new designs and the fall and winter gear in August.
//Update End

I've bitched a lot about the lack of women's clothing for commuting.  It's a subject that will send me into a crazy feminist rage way moreso than any sandwich comments, kitchen jokes, or 1950s housewife similes.  Today, however, I have good news for my fellow commuters.
A friend of mine last week showed up to dinner wearing women's commuter jeans.  No, they weren't men's jeans.  No, they weren't overly custesy and lacking functionality.  And no, she didn't have to travel to the ends of the earth and collect the tears of orphans to get them.  Intrigued, I went to the source: REI.

As it turns out, REI's Novara brand has launched commuter lines for men and women alike.  But the best part - the very best part - they are 100% equal.  Men have nice commuter shorts made for them, and so do women.  Jeans?  Got 'em.  Jacket?  Yep.  Nifty t-shirts?  You bet.  In fact, everything offered for men was also offered for women, and with just as much style and functionality.  That's right ladies - no more ultra cutesy jeans that sacrifice function - these clothes are built for commuting.  You can't see it, but I'm doing a victory dance.  

I would personally like to thank the person who realized women also ride bikes.

Everything is available online, but still I recommend going to your local REI and reveling in the fact that the men's and women's rack look identical - though I was informed by Novara that some stores don't have it available yet, so call first.  If you can't get it locally, I can let you know that things run pretty true to size.  Don't be fooled though - the clothes are definitely made for women and not just rebranded as "women's."  Usually I have to go up a size to get jeans that fit my legs, but the shorts and jeans I tried on were perfectly made for my 20-mile-a-day thighs.  And well made, too!  Reflective bits and pinstriping, quality fabric, U-Lock holders, a bit of a liner that doesn't make you look like you're wearing Depends, and a higher rise on the back so the rest of the world doesn't see The Eye of Mordor make these a must have.  

It's the little things.

Though I fell in love with just about all of the clothing, I settled on two pairs of shorts to get me through the inevitably wicked summer, but I do plan to go back for the jeans when California stops spitting out 100+ degree days for the year.  The shorts themselves are also work friendly - they can convert from cargo or Bermuda style to a shorter inseam, but worn either way are long enough to not be considered offensive by people who have nothing better to do with their lives than to judge everyone else.  Also, they're pretty flattering.  Pretty much the best of all words here.  

A reflective Novara logo on the dressier capri style commuter pants.  These were not only well made, but classy looking enough for a semi formal workplace or gathering. 

The t-shirts had some nice designs as well, and were printed on quality shirt bases (is that a thing?) with good inks/silkscreening/whatevers.  Here are a few of the offered designs for women, with a similar or same design offered also for men.  Really, the only non-equal thing was that there is a skirt/skort option for women, and a long sleeved overshirt for men, which is pretty unisex anyway and has the nifty reflective pin striping and I want one.  

A real road bike, not a "cutesy girl bike." Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it's refreshing to see this!

One of my favorites.  I love the derailleur!

My plan is to wear the crap out of the shorts I got and do a formal review, but don't wait for my opinion - ladies, if you need commuter clothes, go check them out for yourselves!  And gentlemen, I recommend you do the same.  

On that note, Happy Mothers Day!