Cold and Wet Weather Bike Wear: Giordana's Roubaix Bib Tights and Silverline Long Sleeved Jersey

Dressing for a northeastern winter ride. Giordana thermal bib tights.

Winters are somewhat of a brutal affair here in the NYC/Metro area. Add in a bit of precipitation like snow and you have a valid reason to park your bike and stay home. All the same, if you're like me, you LIKE to ride and if I'm dressed right, I don't mind the cold weather. That's why I was so interested in trying a pair of bib tights this year. Yes, I have the usual thermal cycling tights with the built in chamois but after trying Giordana's Gita Women's Bib Shorts (Road ID), two years ago, well let's say I'm a bit spoiled! You can read my review of these phenomenal bib shorts HERE.  I also wore a full Giordana FR Carbon Kit for my first Rapha Women's 100 Sportive. So let's start with the Silverline Long Sleeved Jersey which completes this cold weather cycling kit.

Silverline Long Sleeved Jersey and Roubaix Bib Tights

Silverline Women's Long Sleeved Jersey
I have a few thermal cycling jerseys but some of them are a bit too thick and do not give the freedom of movement I'm looking for. They also don't allow moisture to wick away as well as they should. The Silverline Women's Long Sleeved Jersey features ERG200, which is a new moisture transferring winter fabric. The inside of the jersey is SO soft due in part to the brushed inner surface which effectively traps warm air next to your skin. The full zip front offers a taller collar for extra insulation. There is reflective piping down the back and three open rear pockets which are easy to access.

Bottom hem of the Silverline has a gripper band.

The bottom of the Silverline has a gripper band which helps keep the jersey down when you are in the drops. The overall styling and accents on this women's cycling jersey are incredible. One of my favorite features in a cycling jersey is a zippered rear pouch which the Silverline does not have. This is a minor gripe as the rear pouches are very easy to get at. 
I was out in the rain in it today and it was extremely comfortable to wear, keeping me quite dry. However for a major downpour I would wear something more water repellent as this jersey's forte is primarily beating the cold. It's a tricky trade off because you will often sweat more in a completely waterproof cycling jacket/jersey. The Silverline Jersey seems to offer a happy medium between the two. This jersey has their patented WCF (Women's Contour Fit) so it is very aerodynamic. Made in Italy. 

Gore Bike Wear's Countdown Windstopper Lady Vest

You can also top this jersey off with a windproof shell like this Countdown Windstopper Lady Vest from Gore Bike Wear. Once you heat up, take it off and stuff it in your jersey's rear open pouch. Works great for road work when you are expending a lot of heat and energy.

Giordana FRC Roubaix Bib Tights

Giordana FRC Roubaix Bib Tights
This is my first pair of bib tights but as I mentioned before, I've already had the pleasure of wearing Giordana's Bib Shorts with their uniquely comfortable chamois system. The W Cirro Omni Form Insert is included in Giordana's top of the line tights/bib shorts as it offers varying thickness throughout the chamois. Aloe Vera is permanently incorporated into the upper most layer of the pad which helps head off chaffing before it happens. The chamois has a second layer of memory foam with a waffled texture which aids in aeration.

Aqua Zero Seat Panel 
This is the area of your tights that is usually the "receiving end" for rain and puddle splash ups. Giordana has thought of this with their Aqua Zero Seat Panel treatment which make the tights quite water resistant.

Giordana Jersey and Bib Tights drying after being in the rain.

Fit and Feel
The inside of these Italian made bib tights are soft brushed like the Silverline Jersey so they are a dream to wear. Even the straps have the same brushed softness detail. I'm a size 6 so that corresponds to a Medium in these bib tights. While getting into some of my bibs requires using a shoe horn, I found that these weren't that much of a struggle. The ankles have reflective zippers which makes them even easier to get on and off. They are very lightweight yet warm for very cold days on the road. The black fabric has a UPF of 50+ blocking out 98% of UV radiation. 

Giordana Roubaix Bib Tights in the rain

The coldest I've ridden was about 28 degrees. When you factor in windchill, the skin feel is going to be even frostier, like 5-10 degrees colder. This winter kit would be ideal for about 35- 40+ degrees. If I need extra warmth due to wind, I would add a cycling vest and/or thin Merino Wool base layer like this Outdoor 160 Shirt by Bluey Australia. Wool is naturally wicking and so would work well with the Silverline Jersey's moisture managing fabric. 
I did an 8 mile ride in 41 degree weather with substantial wind and was comfortable with the Silverline Long Sleeved Jersey, a wool base layer and Windstopper Vest (shown above). I did have to stop halfway and take off the vest but overall I was very comfortable!

Bluey Australia's Outdoor 160 Merino Wool Baselayer

These pieces are really a necessity if you plan to ride this winter. It can be raw and foreboding out there and being exposed to the elements is no ride in the park. Bib Tights also prevent wind from blowing up your back and chilling your core.

Riding in this kit in sunny but windy 41 degree weather.

A cold weather cycling kit like this from Giordana can be the difference between enjoying the road vs freezing to the pavement. See all of the current Giordana cycle wear at GiordanaUSA.com or GitaBike

Don't let this be YOU this winter.

Rapha Womens 100: The Ride, Wildlife & Kit of the Day

On the highway for the FIRST ever Rapha Womens 100 Sportive

Somewhere in the wilds of NJ:Today is the day! I've been training for this first ever women's sportive and was awake at 4:30am. I was so excited! Training last month saw not one but two rear flat tires. However when I checked my computer this morning it seemed it wasn't reading anything but the time! I didn't have time to consult the "pit crew" so I took off as the sun was rising along with the heat.

Training for the Ride
I didn't go crazy with training but simply used my heavier Nishiki Sport Touring bicycle for most of my rides. With added bags, panniers and rear trunks, it's at least 20 lbs heavier than my Terry Symmetry. I've enjoyed smoothies with Rainbow Light Protein Energizers and that's really all I had before my ride today. I wasn't hungry nor did I "bonk" on the many hills I took along the way. It also gave me a bit of a head start on the hydration I was going to need because it's supposed to be over 90 degrees (again) today. I also trained in the heat to acclimatize myself to the hot weather.

Hydration Issues
The logistics of doing more than half a century ride includes taking along enough water. My Womens 100 route is a very rural one so refilling once you're out there was iffy. I took along a 24 oz and 12 oz Thermal Polar Bottle and stuck the smaller one in my rear jersey pouch. Filled with ice, they stay refreshingly cool for extended rides. The other problem is that us women need restroom facilities, (at least I do), as what goes in must come out. So riding in open country can be an issue there too.

Wildlife Challenge
I did see a group of other women cyclists while I was stopped to take some pictures during my ride. I asked if any of them were doing the Rapha Womens 100 today and they all said "No". So that was the first time I'd seen a group of all women riders out. What I saw more of was all this crazy wildlife!  First a snapping turtle was in the road and I stopped along with a police officer to shuffle him over.  Here's Mr. Snappy ready to blow a hole in my front tire.

Snapping turtle about the size of a dinner plate that I nearly hit during the Womens 100 today.

Not only was Mr. Turtle obstructing the road but I also saw wild turkeys and their chicks running along side the highway. There were also goats and horses, (they were NOT in the road thank God), a low flying hawk and a turkey buzzard. This was SO beautiful but you have to get up early to see wildlife like this. I think if I had left too early, I might have missed seeing them as most cycling eye wear can be a little too dark to wear before sunrise. I knew this was going to be an issue so I left at about 6:15 am.    

Refueling
Having had a liquid breakfast, I was doing really well energy and hydration-wise. However as the sun was rising ever higher, so was the temperature. It was already in the 80's and rather humid when I left. So when I finally did stop to refuel, I had my Chocolate #9 Agave Gel and lots of cool water.  This is a low glycemic energy gel for a slow burn but it revived me very quickly so that I was able to sprint for the last leg of my ride home.

I keep  Chocolate #9 in my Medical Kit for bonking emergencies.

Space Issues
The thing is that on my touring bicycle, I have a rear rack which can accommodate all sorts of trunks, panniers and baskets. My Terry Symmetry is a sport bicycle so I only have the bare minimum of carry on luggage. I have a little wedge seat bag hung onto my aero bars and that's it! Still I am able to fit this Ultralight-Watertight Medical Kit .5, extra medicines, feminine supplies, my cell and a few gel packs. I also keep a few packets of Topricin homeopathic pain cream and some Bayer aspirin. Trust me, these small items offer a major comfort when you're out on the highway away from civilization. Travel light but right.

A horse farm as seen from the roadway on my Womens 100 ride today.

My Kit of the Day: Giordana's Womens Trade FRC (FormaRed Carbon)

The NYC Metro area is in the middle of a heatwave with temps in the mid 90's and humidity almost as high. At 6:15 am it was already above 80 degrees as the night time temps did not cool things off very much. So I picked a high performance kit which offered lightness, wicking action and a UPF of 50+.

My Giordana Kit washed and drying on the clothes line.

The Jersey
The Giordana FRC Trade Jersey has everything I love in a cycling top and more. Made in Italy these garments offer a WCF or Women's Contour Fit.  They totally get that we are not flat like the guys and this kit fits like a second skin. Not only that, even riding in the heat and humidity was a joy. So light and airy. Built in sun protection also kept things from heating up. Three rear open pouches made it easy to carry an extra water bottle which I needed today and a little zippered pocket can hold some cash or your cell. I especially like the wide arm bands which were comfortable while staying put. They are covered with reflective material so night riding in this kit will be no problem.


The Bibs
The Giordana FRC Trade Bib Shorts had just the right amount of padding without being bulky and uncomfortable. Long rides in the saddle can tire anyone but I was very much in charge with their flexible chamois called the W Cirro O.F. Pad. This was designed for their top of the line women's bibs and is incorporated with Aloe Vera to cool, protect and fight bacteria. The memory foam has a waffled texture and helps in venting and perspiration management. In fact after my ride when I took them off, the chamois was surprisingly dry! The shorts are made of the same high tech FormaRed Carbon material that makes the matching jersey so light and wicking. Same thing for the wide leg bands that stay in place while giving you a smooth leg line.

My kit of the day included Rudy Project's Wind Max lid, also being worn by Peter Sagan in the TDF.

  
The Wrap
All in all I am very pleased and thankful for the day as I logged a personal best and was treated to an amazing show of woodland and water animals. While I have done many charity rides and a mountain bike competition, I have only done about 14.5 miles at a time. Today I did 20.9 miles and could have done more. My original route for this sportive was detoured due to a local bridge being out, so I had to be a bit creative in re-mapping a ride that was both safe and scenic. I believe I succeeded on both and I'm happy that I didn't hit any animals or have any accidents or flats. Those women riders whom I saw on my ride don't know what they just missed. An opportunity to participate in a worldwide event that pushes us women to reach a goal...together.  Well, maybe next year?

Giordana Gita Women's Bib Shorts

Having an epiphany...Bib Shorts DO make your ride better, especially if they are made by Giordana. XENON 2.0 Cycle Jersey & Signature Cap by Gore Bike Wear

NEW for Summer 2012 Xenon 2.0

I've always wondered just what men cyclists see in their bib shorts.  I mean they look like they are wearing white stretchy suspenders to hold up their cycle tights. I did try a (unisex) team racing set by LOOK a few seasons back but as I am, let's say NOT flat chested, I found the straps to be really uncomfortable and bothersome.

So it took quite a bit of doing to test drive this new set of Women's Bib Shorts by Giordana for Road ID.  Since these are actually women-specific, they are already quite a bit ahead of the unisex version by LOOK.  Now I'm not saying that I am a chamois snob but my bottom has been treated to some very fancy ones by Terry, Pearl Izumi and Gore Bike Wear to name a few. This season, however, I was introduced to a whole new level of road comfort.

Giordana Gita for Road ID Women's Bib Shorts

Now I'm not above asking, "Do these shorts make my butt look big?" but really there was no need with these. Stretch Moxie Power Lycra with silicone leg grips keeps everything in place. Black is well, slimming!

  

Flat-lock seams smooth out your leg line and the Road ID graphics are very flattering. It was quite hot so I topped these bib shorts with this sleeveless Gore Bike Wear Xenon 2.0 Lady Singlet cycling jersey with lots of mesh and airflow to match the comfy straps on the bibs. These bib shorts are also made with 50+ UPF fabric and offers excellent UV protection. This means you won't need to apply sunblock to the area that the shorts cover although I do use it on the exposed part of my legs.

Matching Women's Giordana Cycle Jersey has UPF of 38+

The chamois itself is gender specific OmniForm TM and seamless so it doesn't interfere with your saddle positioning. Really everything is so smoothly put together that you don't see the outline of the chamois from the outside of the shorts. Sweet!  More specific details on the Giordana insert:

These bibs feature Giordana’s WMC3 O.F. insert. This chamois is specifically designed for use by women and is the result of a focused study on female body movements while pedaling. It is a single, seamless insert with differentiated thickness to contour to the female body and allow full range of motion. The WMC3 is molded using Giordana’s High Frequency OmniForm technique that shapes the chamois using high frequency waves instead of heat. This ensures that the pad remains soft and extremely flexible throughout its lifetime.

  

Take a tour inside the Giordana factory in Italy showing how the chamois insert is sewn into the bib shorts:

The Best Chamois Butter

The padded insert used to be made of deerskin, hence the name chamois.  Some hardcore cyclists of old used to put a steak inside their shorts for long rides. These days, most are made of easy to wash synthetic, high performance materials. The Giordana Gita Bib Shorts chamois, WMC-3-O.F. is a women specific one piece insert that is very lightweight, flexible. Like the shorts, it is made in Italy using a polyester microfiber.

Either way, you will need something between you and your bib shorts. I wear a minimalist thong under my bib shorts (ExOfficio's Give 'n Go Lacey Thong), and use a tiny dab of Mission Athletecare's 5 Hour Anti-Chafe Cream.  Silicone and botanically based, (infused with Aloe & Vitamin E), it has a super light feel but is waterproof/sweatproof. You can even do like the pros and apply this "chamois butter" directly to the pad as it contains no petroleum or parabens. You'll have to experiment to see what works best for you but for me, this Mission Anti-Chafe is the balm!

Exofficio's Give 'n Go Lacey Thong- like wearing nothing under your bibs

The Road Test

I've taken the Giordana Gitas out on my Terry Symmetry Road Bike (see photo below) at least three times for a 7-8 mile trip each time. This bicycle came with a very comfortable but road-worthy Terry Butterfly gel saddle. It is a comfortable saddle but not a "comfort - saddle" and I've always ridden it with some sort of chamois insert.

The Giordana's stayed in place and didn't slip over the seat.  The chamois is so much a part of the fabric of the shorts that it doesn't stick out or feel bulky between the legs. It conforms so well to the female form that all you need focus on is the ride, not pulling up or adjusting your shorts.  So there is my epiphany.  Bib Shorts when done right for your gender and anatomy can make a huge difference in the quality of your ride. These Giordana Gitas are amazing. Check out Giordana for Road ID's Team Cycling Jersey too!

Giordana Gita for Road ID Men & Women's Bib Shorts are available from Road ID