Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California

The best bikes and clothing at the Amgen Tour of California

This is a repeat of my blog post on Team bike and team jerseys at the Amgen tour of California. Somehow I posted two versions, so in this version I have elaborated on clothing and equipment sponsors for each team.

"You look so pro!"

The look is called pro, but being pro requires a legion of support staff and dedicated sponsors and partners. I know the riders work hard but they get to race on the best bike equipment in the industry. Sponsors give huge amounts of equipment or support to the teams in hopes that the spectators will see the high level of performance and want it for themselves.

Peter Sagan, the perfect model for promoting cycling apparel.  ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

UCI WorldTour

Equipment on the bike and on the rider:

• BMC Racing Team (USA) - BMC bikes, Shimano, Mavic, Garmin, FSA, Rock Tape, fi’zi:k. Pearl Izumi clothing, Giro helmets, Oakley glasses.
• Cannondale Pro Cycling Team (USA) - Cannondale bikes, Shimano, Mavic, Garmin, FSA, Rock Tape, fi’zi:k. Castelli clothing, POC helmets and glasses.
• Dimension Data (South Africa) - Cervélo bikes, Roto Uno / Shimano, ENVE, Continental, fi’zi:k, Speedplay, Rotor, Lizard Skins. Met helmets, Oakley glasses.
• Etixx – Quick-Step (Belgium) - Specialized bikes, Shimano, HED, Rovel, FSA. Vermarc clothing, Specialized helmet and glasses.
• Giant – Alpecin (Germany) - Giant bikes, Shimano, Vittoria, Pro, Pioneer, Polar.  Exteondo clothing, Giant helmets, Oakley glasses.
• Katusha (Russia) - Canyon bikes, SRAM, Zipp, Quarq. Katusha clothing, Giro helmets.
• LottoNL – Jumbo (Netherlands) - Bianche bikes, Shimano, FSA, Selle San Marco, Vittoria. SMS Santini clothing, Bell helmets, New Balance apparel.
• Sky (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes, Shimano, PRO, Stages, fi’zi:k. Rapha clothing, Kask helmets, Oakley glasses, Asics apparel.
• Tinkoff (Russia) - Specialized bikes, Shimano, FSA, Roval, HED, Look, Prologo, SRM. Sportful clothing, Oakley glasses.
• Trek – Segafredo (USA) - Trek bikes, Shimano, Bontrager, SRM. Bontrager helmets, Oakley glasses.

Did you know Segafredo is one company making up the MZB group based in Italy, they are the world's largest coffee producers. 

Trek bikes ready to race. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

UCI Professional Continental

• Direct Énergie (France) - BH bikes, Shimano / FSA
• Novo Nordisk (USA) - Colnago bikes
• United Healthcare (USA) - Wilier bikes, Shimano

UCI Continental

• Axeon Hagens Berman (USA) - Specialized bikes, SRAM
• Holowesko – Citadel Racing Team (USA) - Felt bikes, Shimano
• Jelly Belly – Maxxis (USA) - Argon bikes
• Rally Cycling (USA) - Diamond Back bikes, SRAM
• Team Wiggins (Great Britain) - Pinarello bikes, SRAM

Bikes lined up before the stage at ATOC in 2015. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

The staff our outfitted in team clothing as well.

Getting the bikes ready. ©Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer Photography®

Buy Apparel

You can buy Amgen Tour of California apparel and classification jerseys at the ATOC Shop. Champion Systems is the jersey sponsor for the classification jerseys at the Tour of California.

Classification jerseys for the 2016 Amgen Tour of California

You can buy some of the ProTour team jerseys at www.probikekit.com or at boutique.letour.fr or find some of the old kits at www.cyclingbox.com.

Need a bike?

Of particular interest to the amateur cyclist's price point (depending on the build) would be the bikes of Team Katusha, Team Giant-Alpecin, Novo-Nordisk, Holowesko-Citadel, Direct Energie, Trek-Segafredo and Rally.

If you have no budget (or just want to drool over extravagant bikes) check out the bikes of Team SKY, Tinkoff, BMC, Etixx-Quickstep, United Healthcare, Axeon Hagens Berman, Dimension Data or the magnificent Team Wiggins team bike.

Win a BMC bike

You have a chance to win a BMC bike custom painted by Taylor Phinney, enter bike contest on VeloNews.
Guess whose bike this is? You will see it at the Tour of California in May (but you can't have it).

This is one of Peter Sagan's bikes. A very colorful Specialized Venge. Photo via tinkoffteam.com

Eighteen men's teams will compete in the 2016 Amgen Tour of California. These are the team jerseys and bikes, listed by: team website, country, jerseys, bikes and some of the equipment used on the bikes. Each team has a large group of equipment, goods and service suppliers (including cars!) which can be found on their team websites.

Read more about the WorldTour sponsors: Pro Team Sponsors – What Do They Do? By Inner Ring (descriptions of the products sponsors make).

One of my favorite sponsor combos: A Mini Cooper with Giant Bikes.

Let's take a look at what you will see as fans out on the road during the upcoming eight stages of the Amgen Tour of California. If you attend a start of any stage, be sure to walk by the team buses and check out the bikes lined up securely outside.

MEN'S TEAMS

UCI WorldTour Teams

BMC Racing Team (USA)

BMC team equipment on the bike: BMC bikes, Shimano, fi’zi:k, SRM, Continental. Pearl Izumi clothing, Giro helmets, Oakley glasses.

BMC team BMC Teammachine SLR01 Dura Ace Di2. Photo via bmc-switzerland.com

Cannondale Pro Cycling Team (USA)

Cannondale team equipment on the bike: Cannondale bikes, Shimano, Mavic, Garmin, FSA, Rock Tape, fi’zi:k. Castelli clothing, POC helmets and glasses.

Cannondale team Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-MOD. Photo via www.cannondale.com

Dimension Data (South Africa)

Dimension Data team equipment on the bike: Cervelo bikes, Roto Uno / Shimano, ENVE, Continental, fi’zi:k, Speedplay, Rotor, Lizard Skins. Oakley glasses, Met helmets.

Etixx – Quick-Step (Belgium)

Etixx-Quickstep team equipment on the bike: Specialized bikes, Shimano, HED, Rovel, FSA. Vermarc clothing, Specialized helmet and glasses.

Giant – Alpecin (Germany)

Giant-Alpecin team equipment on the bike: Giant bikes, Liv, Shimano, Vittoria, Pro, Pioneer, Polar. Exteondo clothing, Giant helmets, Oakley glasses.

Katusha (Russia)

Katusha team equipment on the bike: Canyon bikes, SRAM, Zipp, Quarq. Katusha clothing, Giro helmets.

Katusha swapped from Shimano to SRAM this year, and from Mavic to Zipp wheels this years, they also ride Canyon bikes, all products continuing to grow in tremendous popularity in the United States among amateur cyclists.

LottoNL- Jumbo (Netherlands)

LottoNL-Jumbo team equipment on the bike: Bianche bikes, Shimano, FSA, Selle San Marco, Vittoria. SMS Santini clothing, Bell helmets, New Balance apparel.

Sky (Great Britain)

SKY team equipment on the bike: Pinarello bikes, Shimano, PRO, Stages, fi’zi:k. Rapha clothing, Kask helmets, Oakley glasses, Asics apparel.

SKY team Pinarello Dogma F8. Photo via pinarello.com

Tinkoff (Russia)

Tinkoff team equipment on the bike: Specialized bikes, Shimano, FSA, Roval, HED, Look, Prologo, SRM. Sportful clothing, Oakley glasses.

Tinkoff team Specialized Tarmac. Photo via tinkoffteam.com

Trek - Segafredo (USA)

Trek-Segafredo team equipment on the bike: Trek bikes, Shimano, Bontrager wheels and parts, SRM. Bontrager helmets, Oakley glasses.

Did you know Segafredo is one company making up the MZB group based in Italy, they are the world's largest coffee producers.

Trek-Segafredo team Trek Madone. Photo via treksegafredo.com

UCI Professional Continental Teams

Direct Énergie (France)

Direct Énergie team equipment on the bike: BH bikes, Sigma, Shimano, FSA, Vision, Prologo, Hutchinson, Look.

Novo Nordisk (USA)

Novo Nordisk team equipment on the bike: Colnago bikes, Maxxis, Selle Italia, Stages, Pioneer, Catlilke helmets.

UnitedHealthcare (USA)

United Healthcare team equipment on the bike: Wilier bikes, Shimano, Maxxis, Pioneer, Deda, San Marco, Rocktape.

United Healthcare team Wilier Trestina

UCI Continental Teams

Axeon Hagens Berman (USA)
The Directeur Sportif for the team is Jonkheer ("The Honourable") Axel Merckx, son of Eddy Merckx who has been made a baron in Belgium.

Axeon-Hagens Berman team equipment on the bike: Specialized bikes, SRAM, Quarq, Zipp, Speedplay.

Axeon-Hagens Berman team Specialized Tarmac.  Photo via 2016.axeoncycling.com

Holowesko – Citadel Racing Team (USA)

Holowesko - Citadel team equipment on the bike: Felt bikes, Shimano, Mavic, Michelin, Pro, Prologo.

Holowesko - Citadel team Felt bikes. Photo via twitter.com/TeamHincapie/

Jelly Belly – Maxxis (USA)

Jelly Belly-Maxxis team equipment on the bike: Argon bikes, Maxxis, FSA, Prologo, Speedplay, Tocktape, Cateye and Jelly Beans.

Jelly Belly-Maxxis Argon 18.  Photo via @JellyBellyTeam

Rally Cycling (USA)

Rally Cycling team equipment on the bike: Diamond Back bikes, SRAM, Mavic, HED, Kenda, Speedplay.

Team Wiggins (Great Britain) (Wikipedia)

Team Wiggins team equipment on the bike: Pinarello bikes, SRAM, Zipp, fi’zi:k.

Pinarello Dogma Wiggins team. Photo via twitter.com/OfficialWIGGINS

More Pedal Dancer® race coverage 2016:

• The order of jerseys
• Taking photos at the race, and being Media 
• Top 22 tips to see the Amgen Tour of California
• How to watch the Tour of California Live in 2016
• Team jerseys and team bikes at the Tour of California
• Bikes, Equipment and Clothing at the Tour of California
• Classification jerseys for the 2016 Tour of California
• 10 UCI WorldTour Teams to compete in California
• Stage Route and Maps Tour of California 2016
• Profile Maps for the Tour of California 2016
• Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 1-4 PART I
• Tour of California Host City activities: Stages 4-8 PART II
• Tour of California Spectator Guide Page

Coming soon: Startlist and bib number Amgen Tour of California 2016;  National and World Championship jerseys at the Tour of California; and stories from the race.

Dressing for the Weather in Cycling

What to wear on the bike when it is hot or cold

Today I thought I would recycle an old post I wrote back in February 2011 about how to dress for varying temperatures in road cycling. I recently had a reader ask me about cycling in the rain in Colorado, my response was - embrocation. The warming temperatures of spring, and that conversation, reminded me that it is time to sort through my own cycling drawer of gear for those key layers that keep me safe and warm during springtime riding.

Here again is my advice for dressing in layers for cycling:

You don't need that much gear for cycling but you will need a variety of cold to warm weather gear to be ready for any riding conditions. Buying smart, while collecting good gear, will allow you to get out on your bike no matter what the temperature. I admit I am a traditionalist when it comes to road apparel - I believe in sleeved jerseys with three pockets. Everything I carry either goes on me, in my jersey pockets, or in a small under saddle bag. Still quality, comfort, safety, and usability reign supreme.

How to buy gear:

• Buy quality, wear quality, ride quality.
• Take care of your gear. Pack it and wash it with care.
• Build your own unique cycling style.
• Mix brands to collect the best gear. Not every brand makes every item well.
• Go for matchy-matchy - you will look so Pro.
• Pick a color scheme - it just adds to the fun.
• Don't buy gear unless you need the item for the temperature, and it works with your other gear.
• Buy on sale. Yes a $200 pair of shorts is totally worth it, but even more so when you buy the item for 50% off.
• Buy the best shorts/bibs for you. Don't go cheap! Everyone is different when it comes to what chamois or fit they like best. A bad pair of shorts will ruin your ride. Shorts are like socks - there are pairs that will be fine for 30-miles, but only a few brands that are fine for 100+ miles.
• Socks matter, don't buy cheap socks (or seamed or patterned where you want to avoid irritation). Own a good pair of wool socks.
• Know your clothing: practice what works best for you in different climates and stick to it.
• I prefer a couple of good layers versus layering on a bunch of clothing.
• Dress warm, warm muscles function better and recover better.
• Spend your money on a very good cycling jacket that wicks moisture and fits well.  
• Sunglasses help keep debris out of your eyes and protect from sunlight.  
• Buy an excellent helmet.
• Wear sunscreen! 
• I bring a bag of extra layers in my car just in case the weather is different at my ride starting point. 
• I have a habit of stacking everything I intend to bring with me on the ride inside my helmet: wallet, phone, sunglasses, gloves, food.
• I wear a Road ID bracelet because I like riding alone.
• In Colorado, a jacket is almost always in my rear pocket, just in case. The temperature at the top of the mountain is different than the temperature at the bottom. And descents can be cold.

Bundled up all warm, I can't find a reason not to get out and ride!  CX in Frisco, Colorado - Photo by Karen Rakestraw of Pedal Dancer

DRESSING IN LAYERS FOR CYCLING

Basic apparel layering guide for road cycling by temperature - what you should wear while riding your bike in temperatures from hot to cold:

Temperature 100-105°

• Short Sleeve or Sleeveless Jersey
• Shorts
• Light summer Socks
• ½ gloves
• Sunglasses
• Helmet

Temperature 80-100°

• Short Sleeve Jersey
• Shorts
• Socks
• ½ gloves
• Sunglasses
• Helmet

Temperature; 72-80°

• Arm Warmers (until warmed up)
• Vest until warmed up
• Short Sleeve Jersey
• Shorts / bibs
• Socks
• ½ gloves
• Sunglasses
• Helmet

Temperature 65-72°

• Vest (until warmed up then put in your back jersey pocket)
• Arm warmers (on and off as needed)
• Knee warmers (until warmed up)
• Short Sleeve Jersey
• Shorts / bibs
• Warm Socks
• ½ gloves to full gloves
• Sunglasses
• Helmet

Temperature 55-65°

• Light Jacket or Vest combo
• Long Sleeve Jersey or SS Jersey with Lycra Arm Warmers
• Leg Warmers or knee warmers
• Shorts / bibs
• Wool Socks / shoe covers optional
• Full finger gloves
• Sunglasses
• Ear band (optional)
• Helmet

Temperature 40-55°

• Jacket or Long Sleeve wind jersey
• Long Sleeve Jersey
• Long Lycra tights over shorts or bibs, or Long thicker tights
• Wool Socks / shoe covers (optional)
• Full finger gloves (might prefer a thicker windproof glove)
• Sunglasses
• Ear band or skull cap
• Helmet

Temperature 25-40°

• Warm Thermal Winter Cycling Jacket
• Long Sleeve Jersey
• Thermal singlet (if below 32°)
• Long Lycra tights over bibs / shorts, or Long thicker tights
• Wool or thermal Socks
• Full Winter Shoe Covers
• Full finger thick Winter gloves (possibly 2 layers)
• Clear lens sunglasses or rose lens sunglasses
• Skull Cap
• Helmet

When riding in temperatures under freezing:

Be sure to keep your toes, upper legs and hips warm. You'll need 1-2 layers of gloves, wind proof garment on your upper body, thicker full tights, a warm hat, wool socks, and full winter booties. Fenders for winter training are also helpful (yes even the pros use them).

When riding in rain:

Carry a rain jacket (rain cape) in your back jersey pocket in case of rain. Put it on before you get wet. Buy a good breathable rain jacket, one that will not allow your sweat to build up on the inside of the jacket. In cold rain, use lycra arm warmers and leg warmers for some protective warmth.

Embrocation products do a good job of creating a barrier between your skin and the wet rain. Also wear water proof gloves and shoe covers if the weather forecast is for cold rain all day. In Colorado it is best to find shelter and sit out a heavy rain storm, clear skies will most likely reappear within an hour or so.

When riding long descents:

Put your arm warmers & vest or jacket back ON at the top of the descent to stay warm in the wind while descending.

Only you know your gear:

I admit, one of my biggest pet peeves is when someone asks me what to wear. I fear the accusation being hurled back at me, "You said I didn't a long sleeve jersey, now my ride is ruined because of you!" Only you know the interaction of fabrics and layers of your gear. Knowing your own gear and coming prepared is the nicest thing you can do for your riding partners.

"I was so cold my bike was shaking"

My bet is most Colorado cyclists have said this at some point on an unsuspecting day when the weather turned bad. It's not good when you shiver so bad you shake the bike underneath you. No matter how well we plan, weather rules all in Colorado!

It is a pleasure having good gear I can trust outside in the elements. My Top 10 Favorite pieces of gear, totally worth the purchase (now this is a variety of brand names):

• Giro MIPS helmet
• Assos Evo long sleeve wind jersey
• Specialized gloves - any and all, summer to winter!
• Castelli Shorts (the reliable 100-mile+ shorts)
• Sugoi RS Zero winter cycle jacket
• Pearl Izumi rain proof/wind proof jacket
• Mavic cool socks, and Defeet warm wool socks
• Specialized Adaptalite sunglasses (light changing lenses, road or mountain specific), (I also like Oakley, and Maui Jim for casual wear)
• DeFeet knit arm warmers for dry days, breathable and comfortable
• Specialized knee and arm warmers

For anyone curious, the weather in the French Pyrenees is very similar to the weather in the Colorado Rocky Mountains: cold, dry, hot, windy, afternoon rains.

Classification Jerseys of the USA Pro Challenge

Who doesn't need another jersey

The official 2013 leaders jerseys were announced today. The jerseys have the same design as in 2012, but the sponsors are different. Pearl Izumi is the manufacturer of the jerseys for this stage race in Colorado. You can already buy the commemorative stage jerseys for each stage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge at the USA Pro shop online or at the merchandise trailer at the Festival Village of each stage.

Yellow Race Leader jersey USA Pro 2013

Smashburger Leader Jersey
The Smashburger Leader Jersey is awarded to the rider with the lowest cumulative elapsed time over the duration of the race. Depending on each day’s results, the rider wearing the yellow leader jersey can change from stage to stage. Because the overall winner is based on lowest cumulative time, it is possible for a rider to win the Smashburger Leader Jersey without winning a daily stage.

Sprint (points) jersey USA Pro 2013

Clif Bar Sprint Jersey
The Clif Bar Sprint Jersey is awarded to the rider that accumulates the most bonus points, which are given based on sprint line performances, as well as finishing the stage in the top 15 places. Cyclists who specialize in bursts of power and speed, or consistently finish near the top of each stage, will have the best chance to wear this respected green jersey. 

King of the Mountain (KOM) jersey USA Pro 2013

Nissan King of the Mountains Jersey
The USA Pro Challenge features the most demanding mountain terrain in professional cycling, reaching higher elevations than any other race. The cyclist who proves to be the strongest climber through steep grades at designated Nissan King of the Mountain (KOM) locations will ultimately win this jersey. The first three cyclists to reach the top on rated climbs receive points toward this award.

Most Courageous jersey USA Pro 2013

FirstBank Most Courageous Rider Jersey
Each stage of the competition will present countless obstacles for the cyclists. The rider who best tackles the challenges of the day and exemplifies the spirit of the sport – courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination and perseverance – will be awarded the FirstBank Most Courageous Rider jersey.

Best young rider jersey USA Pro 2013

Colorado State University Best Young Rider Jersey
A plethora of young talent will take to the roads to tackle the USA Pro Challenge.  These up-and-comers will compete for the distinction of wearing the Best Young Rider Jersey, which will be awarded to the rider under 23 years old that has the lowest cumulative elapsed time over the duration of the race. New to the race, Colorado State University is the official higher education partner and as such, will present the award to this emerging talent.

*Text explaining the jerseys provided via official press release from the USA Pro Challenge. 

I think they did a pretty good job of matching the feel of this classic jersey (below). Can you guess which movie this jersey is from? ... with vintage footage of the Morgul Bismark, Coors Classic and Colorado National Monument routes?

"Let 'em go Tommy - they're nobodies" ... American Flyers, 1985

The jerseys of the ProTeams at the race:

Riders in the 2013 USA Pro Challenge
Teams for 2013 USA Pro Challenge announced

Jerseys of the 2012 Tour of California

New jersey designs for 2012

The Amgen Tour of California has new jersey designs for 2012 created by Hincapie. A gold Amgen sponsored Leaders jersey, avocado green Visit California sponsored Sprinters jersey, orange Rabobank sponsored Young Riders jersey, and a good-looking Nissan sponsored King of the Mountain (KOM) polka-dot jersey. The jerseys are available for purchase online now at the official Tour of California website: buy ATOC jersey

New 2012 Tour of California jerseys

Leader jersey - 2012 Amgen Tour of California

Sprint jersey - 2012 Amgen Tour of California

KOM jersey - 2012 Amgen Tour of California

Best Young Rider jersey - 2012 Amgen Tour of California

Most Aggressive Rider jersey - 2012 Amgen Tour of California

Breakaway from Cancer Most Courageous Jersey - 2012 Amgen Tour of California

Learn the teams jerseys and more about the teams:

Hincapie cycling apparel

Hincapie is the official manufacturer of the jerseys worn by the category leaders of the Amgen Tour of California. Does the name sound familiar? Of course it does, yes the company is owned and managed by the Hincapie family. While George Hincapies is out racing bikes for BMC, his older brother Rich Hincapie is home in Greenville, South Carolina, overseeing manufacturing operations. 

Hincapie sells retail items including clothing, accessories and bags, but also specializes in custom club and team clothing. They make the clothing for Team BMC - George's team. And I gotta say Thor Hushovd, Tejay Van Garderen, and Philippe Gilbert look much more serious this year in their new BMC team clothing. 

Did you know?

• George's father, Ricardo Hincapie, moved to the United States from Columbia in 1960.
• George's first race win was at the Skippy Peanut Butter Classic in 1983. 
• Rich Hincapie started Hincapie Sports in 1998. 
• The Hincapie factory in Medellin, Colombia, has been run by George and Rich’s aunt and uncle, Marie and Jorge Hincapie since 2003.
• Hincapie also outfits the Columbian South American team Gobernación de Antioquia - Antioquia Indeportes.
• George's wife, Mélanie (Simonneau) Hincapie, can be seen modeling some of the women's line of Hincapie clothing. Mélanie's career was modeling at the time she met George at the 2003 Tour de France as a podium girl (hôtesse Crédit Lyonnais).  
• If George rides his 17th Tour of Flanders in 2012, he will set the record for most De Rondes raced, 2012 also marks his 17th Tour de France. George has competed in 5 Olympic games, and has been U.S. National Road Champion 3 times.

Hincapie at the Tour of California

The Hincapie crew takes to the road every year and sets up shop in the Expo area (festival) at the Amgen Tour of California. Traveling from stage to stage, their booth is always one of the most popular at the event.

Hincapie clothing at ATOC   Photo by PedalDancer.com

George Hincapie and his Hincapie BMC clothing at the 2011 ATOC   Photo by PedalDancer.com

After they retire from racing some ex-racers become Directeur sportifs, some sports announcers, others tour guides, some work for industry sponsors or regulatory agencies. George Hincapie is part of a family-owned clothing business started well before he ever retired from racing. Smart. He and his family will be part of this sport for generations to come.

Buy the 2012 Tour of California jerseys
Buy Hincapie cycling apparel (really great jackets!).

In fact if you look back at pictures of the 2010 Tour of Flanders you'll notice Lance Armstrong and some of his teammates wearing Hincapie rain jackets. The inside story is that on the morning of the race, in pouring rain, Armstrong went to see his friend to ask for the jackets. Hincapie sold Armstrong the jackets for retail.

Lance Armstrong 2010 Tour of Flanders in Hincapie Sports eVent
Photo by Frites en Mayo Velo Club

A very good quality Hincapie jacket at Interbike 2011  Photo by PedalDancer.com

George at Interbike 2011 promoting the Hincapie brand of apparel Photo by PedalDancer.com

George Hincapie

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Garmin-Cervelo Team Launch 2012

I'm off to a party

Tonight in Boulder, Colorado, Team Garmin-Cervelo is launching their new team for the 2012 season. We'll be at the team presentation ("Gala") at the Boulder Theater tonight. Hopefully I will have stories and photos to share from the event.

Tonight's event reminds me of the Garmin-Cervelo's short sleeve skin suit I saw at Interbike this year. That marvel of a suit which debuted at the 2011 Paris-Roubaix, was timed perfectly to coincide with the big win by Johan Van Summeren - who wore the suit. The 1-piece zip skinsuit was designed for road races and was developed by Castelli, or Garmin-Cervelo Team Manager Jonathan Vaughters, it is a bit unclear. It seems the process of product development is a growing controversy. 

Castelli - the manufacturer of Garmin-Cervelo's short sleeve skinsuit.  
At Interbike 2011, Photo by PedalDancer.com
(I think they mentioned this was the size large) 

It was announced yesterday that Craft will again be providing cycling apparel to Andy and Fränk Schleck. Notice how I did not mention the team name, but the rider name (yes, Frandy is one rider). That is because Craft (a Swedish clothing manufacturer for biking, running, and nordic skiing) worked with Andy and Fränk when they rode for Saxo-Bank. Bjarne Riis, team manager of Saxo-Bank, watched the skinsuit that the team helped Craft develop for Saxo-Bank walk right out the door on the backs of Andy and Fränk when the brothers in turn joined Leopard-Trek. 

Andy and Fränk will continue wearing those Craft designs as they walk onto their newest team - Radioshack-Nissan-Trek in 2012. So where does loyalty lie, and more importantly who owns the design rights? Is it the team manager, the rider offering feedback and promoting the product, the team, or the manufacturer? What if Castelli had abondoned Garmin-Cervelo and followed Thor Hushovd to BMC and carried all the design efforts of Jonathan Vaughters right along with them? Okay maybe not the best example, since BMC uses Hincapie clothing (the company run by George's brother Rich), and George rules the roost, but the point is a curious one. 

Every year when ProTeams shuffle configuration, more is at stake than the simple (yet devastating) transfer of riders and rider points. Sponsors leap teams, abandon or change, equipment is recombined, product spokespersons change, team and clothing logos are revamped, and the question of intellectual property and product design credit grows murkier. 

This is a trend worth noticing. For now - it is time for a party, oh excuse me, a "Gala," after all Jonathan Vaughters is throwing the party. (Of course I am going to report on what he wore!)

Team Garmin-Cervelo partying

Related reading:  

Possibly the fastest bit of clothing ever created for road racing. 
Castelli’s new road race SpeedSuit showcased in Roubaix victory 
New look RadioShack-Nissan to wear Craft clothing

Post Team Presentation Update 11/18/11: 
Read and view other photos from the Garmin-Cervelo team presentation: You can never have too much argyle
Yes, Dave Zabriskie sang: Recommended viewing: Dave Zabriskie sings!

Other reports - from VeloNews  Garmin-Cervélo’s 2012 squad presented in Boulder 
The VeloNews crew were tweeting like crazy from the party, so peruse VeloNews on Twitter or read the Ride_Argyle Tweets

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Image of the Day - Fan memorabilia

How do I decide which hat to bring to the Tour of California?

I can't go without my Skoda cap, and do you think 7 cowbells is one too many?

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Cycling Apparel

Appearance matters, at least to me

Buying the right cycling apparel makes a huge difference. I often ride a bike alone, but when I ride in a pack or with a few others, I spend my time noticing every little detail about the rider in front of me. How clean is their cog set, do they sit square on their saddle, what past injuries are showing up in their pedal stroke, did they inflate their tires, are they relaxed or nervous? I notice all these details, but what I notice most is - does their gear match, is it good quality, and am I enjoying the view?

Sure, the bike is part of the look. Last season I daringly added flashy yellow Look pedals and yellow Fizik handlebar tape to my black and yellow Scott road bike frame which has carbon looking black and yellow Mavic Cosmic Carbone wheels. I feared I had gone a bit over-the-top, but my guy friends circled in awe and raved about the new look of my bike. It was a proud moment indeed. Made better because everything on my bike was hand picked and added by me. It is not a stock bike. It is unique, and flashy. I swear my bike is faster because of it. And I know my friends are fine riding behind me - because my bike is nice to look at.

Okay that is the bike, what I am really talking about today is bike apparel.

So you've got the nice bike; it is time to dress the part. How you dress matters, well, at least it matters to me. Especially on those rare occurrences when I am riding a bike behind you. Not just the jersey and shorts, but the socks, the gloves, the helmet, the vest, arm warmers, and jacket. I used to tease my friends on backpacking trips that I appreciated them buying that purple pack and bright green jacket because it looked so nice to hike behind in the forest for 8 miles.

On a bike, we could be talking about 80 miles - and I like looking at beauty for 80 miles. It makes it fun! Fun is not riding behind a yellow playboy bike jersey, or a jersey with any words that I might likely reread 100 times over, like the "flotation device is located under your seat cushion" label on an airplane seat. I encourage good design, good colors, good fit and good looks on a cyclist.

Please think of me, think before you dress:

• Buy quality, wear quality, ride quality
• Build your own unique cycling style so I can recognize you quickly at high speeds
• Mix brands to collect the best gear. Not every brand makes every item well.
• Go for matchy matchy - you will look so Pro

You don't need that much gear for cycling; buying smart while collecting good gear will allow you to get out on your bike no matter what the temperature. I admit I am a traditionalist, I also live in Colorado, I also have preferences, but mostly I go for comfort, safety, and usability. You - I'd like you to go for STYLE! I want to see you looking good, because you are worth looking at!

Other apparel tips:

• Pick a color scheme, and don't buy gear unless you need it for the temperature, and it works with your other gear.
• Buy on sale. Yes a $200 pair of shorts is totally worth it, but even more so when you buy them for 50% off.
• Know your clothing: practice what works best for you in different climates and stick to it.
• I actually prefer a couple of good layers versus layering on a bunch of clothing.
• Socks matter, don't buy cheap socks. There are socks that will be fine for 30 miles, but only a few brands that are fine at 100+ miles.
• Dress warm, warm muscles function, and later recover much better. Recent studies indicate that keeping the legs moving gently and warm after riding will aid in recovery equal to those now popular ice baths.
• In Colorado I dress like the locals in team apparel with logos galore, but in Europe I now dress like a woman in nice colors and feminine cycling apparel. In Europe I feel awkward looking too masculine in team clothing. However, a note for American men riding in Europe: leave your all black shorts at home, in Europe, wear your team kit!

Here is the cycling apparel layers and gear you will need for differing temperatures: (this information is for beginners, or those planning to travel and ride in new climates, or planning on purchasing additional bike clothing).

Basic apparel layering guide for road cycling by temperature:
(In Colorado, and in the Pyrenees, we experience the complete range of these temperatures!)

What you should wear while riding your bike in temperatures from hot to cold:

Temperature 100-105°
Short Sleeve or Sleeveless Jersey
Knickers
Light summer Socks
½ gloves
Sunglasses
Helmet

Temperature 80-100°
Short Sleeve Jersey
Knickers
Socks&
½ gloves
Sunglasses
Helmet

Temperature; 72-80°
Arm Warmers until warmed up
Vest until warmed up
Short Sleeve Jersey
Knickers
Socks
½ gloves
Sunglasses
Helmet

Temperature 65-72°
Vest until warmed up then put in your back jersey pocket
Arm warmers (on and off as needed)
Knee warmers &
Short Sleeve Jersey
Knickers
Fall Socks&
½ gloves to full gloves
Sunglasses
Helmet

Temperature 55-65°
Light
Jacket or Vest combo
Long Sleeve Jersey or SS Jersey with Lycra Arm Warmers
Leg Warmers or knee warmers
Knickers
Wool Socks / shoe covers optional
Full finger gloves
Sunglasses
Ear band (optional)
Helmet

Temperature 40-55°
Jacket or Long Sleeve wind jersey/Vest combo
Long Sleeve Jersey (1 to 2)
Long Lycra tights over knickers, or Long thicker Knickers
Wool Socks / shoe covers (optional)
Full finger gloves
Ear band (optional)
Helmet

Temperature 25-40°
Warm Thermal Jacket
Long Sleeve Jersey
Thermal singlet (if below 32°)
Long Lycra tights over knickers, or Long thicker Knickers
Wool or thermal Socks!
Full Winter Shoe Covers
Full finger thick Winter gloves (possibly 2 layers)
Clear lens sunglasses or rose lens sunglasses
Skull Cap
Helmet

Temperatures under freezing
Be sure to keep your upper legs and hips warm. You'll need 1-2 layers of gloves, wind proof garment on your upper body, thicker full tights, a warm hat, wool socks, and full winter booties. Fenders for winter training are also helpful (yes even the pros use them).

Rain
Carry a rain jacket (rain cape) in your back jersey pocket in case of rain. Put it on before you get wet. Buy a good breathable rain jacket, one that will not allow your sweat to build up on the inside of the jacket. In cold rain, use lycra arm warmers and leg warmers for some (limited) warmth, although embrocation products do a much better job of creating a barrier between your skin and the wet rain. Also wear water proof gloves and shoe covers if the weather forecast is for a cold rain all day.

Long Descents
Put your arm warmers & vest or jacket back ON at the top of the descent to stay warm in the wind during the descent.

My Top 10 Favorite pieces of gear. Totally worth the purchase (buy quality, take care of your gear):

• Giro MIPS helmet
• Specialized Adaptalite sunglasses (light changing lenses, road or mountain specific) (I also like Oakley, and Maui Jim for casual wear)
• Assos Evo long sleeve wind jersey
• Specialized gloves - any and all, summer to winter!
• Castelli Shorts (the reliable 100-mile+ shorts)
• Sugoi RS Zero cycle jacket, or Pearl Izumi rain proof/wind proof winter jacket
• Mavic socks and Defeet wool socks
• DeFeet knit arm warmers for dry days, breathable and comfortable
• Specialized knee and arm warmers - cool days

For anyone curious, the weather in the Pyrenees is very similar to the weather in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. We need a variety of cold to warm weather gear to be ready for any riding conditions.