What's your choice in a vest?

[572cv]

I'm sure a number of forumites have considerable experience with, and opinion on vests ( or gillets). I'm looking for something light, packable, good fit...

Thoughts and comments appreciated!

[AngryScientist]

just finally got my hands on the Rapha gilet. look no further, it is spectacular. i can see it becoming one of my most used pieces of kit.

[verticaldoug]

It's stupid expensive but I bought a Assos sV.blitzFeder vest. It is super light, stops the wind. I was pounded by Thunderstorms during the Civil War century two weeks ago and although it isn't rain proof, it kept the wind off me and worked like a charm. This weekend for a cool morning start, wore the vest, then peeled off later in the morning. Packs up very small and weighs nothing.
Best piece of kit I've purchased in a long time.

[dekindy]

I don't consider it necessary to spend very much money on a vest. As long as it keeps the wind off and folds up compactly that is all that you need.

Something else you might want to consider is a base layer windproof layer. I wear mine over a DeFeed UnD Shirt and under a regular Summer jersey. It works great, folds up easily, and does not get in the way of my jersey pockets. I believe PI and Craft make these also and probably others.

This base layer and arm and knee and leg warmers give me lots of versatility without taking up a lot of storage space when I take them off as it warms up later in the day.
http://www.weatherwarrior.com/

[rwsaunders]

For longer rides, anything that's wind proof in the front, doesn't flap in the breeze, higher collar, vented in the rear, with a pocket or two on the rear as well. I have a couple of Hincapie vests that work real well for me.

http://www.classiccycling.com/mens-cycling-vests-c-515_485.html

I also have a PI Pro vest that's super light and super thin, which bucks all of the qualities above. When I head out on a ride where I won't need to wear it all day or I think that it might get a bit breezy later on, I stuff it in my jersey pocket...it's that compact.

http://www.pearlizumi.com/publish/content/pi_2010/us/en/index/products/men/ride/apparel/6.-productCode-11131104.html#508

[Peter P.]

I have the Mavic Vision vest. It's retina-searing visibility includes a huge amount of reflective material, yet the thing has a "pro-style" cut.

High collar with a soft lining, trim fit and airtight around the armholes, with a large zippered rear pocket.

Credit goes to dirtragmag/flickr for the photo.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5162/5349257191_289a85fce8_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtragmag/5349257191/)
Mavic Vision high-viz vest (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtragmag/5349257191/) by Dirt Rag Magazine (http://www.flickr.com/people/dirtragmag/), on Flickr

[Matt-H]

just finally got my hands on the Rapha gilet. look no further, it is spectacular. i can see it becoming one of my most used pieces of kit.

I also own this and do wear it a lot in our part of the country. It's awesome for my needs. I don't believe, however, that it meets the "light and packable" criteria of the OP.

[Hartlin]

Really like my Rapha Gilet as well, but it's a vest I reach for when I know it's going to stay on for the entire ride, ie when it's late fall, winter, early spring.

As for a light packable I use Castelli's Leggero Vest. Really light, packs down really small and is almost always in my pocket for my changing coastal climate.

[Fixed]

My cannondale vest wind proof on one side fleece lined on the inside with pockets and a extra pocket on the left (Brest ) front side that can hold a iPhone
Cheers

[Lionel]

It's stupid expensive but I bought a Assos sV.blitzFeder vest. It is super light, stops the wind. I was pounded by Thunderstorms during the Civil War century two weeks ago and although it isn't rain proof, it kept the wind off me and worked like a charm. This weekend for a cool morning start, wore the vest, then peeled off later in the morning. Packs up very small and weighs nothing.
Best piece of kit I've purchased in a long time.

+1. I have that vest and it's the one thing I almost never leave home without.

For colder days when you know you will not take the vest off or just open it I have an element zero, way warmer but does not pack very small.

[skijoring]

I have the Mavic Vision vest. It's retina-searing visibility includes a huge amount of reflective material, yet the thing has a "pro-style" cut.

High collar with a soft lining, trim fit and airtight around the armholes, with a large zippered rear pocket.

Credit goes to dirtragmag/flickr for the photo.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5162/5349257191_289a85fce8_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtragmag/5349257191/)
Mavic Vision high-viz vest (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirtragmag/5349257191/) by Dirt Rag Magazine (http://www.flickr.com/people/dirtragmag/), on Flickr

Would love to know how this vest fits, Peter. I'm 165 and 6' 1", so thinking size L for sure.

[Vientomas]

http://www.boure.com/5100.html

[holliscx]

Gore Bike Wear's Countdown AS (Active Shell) vest is great; I believe they make a heavier weight vest as well.

http://www.bowlandoutdoors.com/outdoor-clothing-store/gore-bike-wear-countdown-AS-vest-black-gilet.jpg

[tch]

Castelli Leggero for me. I use it for wind protection mostly; no warmth really in and of itself. But it's feathery light and packs to the size of a hockey puck in a nice little bag. Flyweight, wind-resistant, cut tight but not restrictive.

[tv_vt]

Pearl Izumi PRO Aero Vest, in white. Visible, packable, light, no flapping, quiet, a little stretchy for a nice fit. I like it.

Downside is that it's not vented in back, so it's less breathable than some vests that have mesh on the back.

[jpw]

It's stupid expensive but I bought a Assos sV.blitzFeder vest. It is super light, stops the wind. I was pounded by Thunderstorms during the Civil War century two weeks ago and although it isn't rain proof, it kept the wind off me and worked like a charm. This weekend for a cool morning start, wore the vest, then peeled off later in the morning. Packs up very small and weighs nothing.
Best piece of kit I've purchased in a long time.

I've got the jacket version. Excellent in every way.

[jpw]

Assos is releasing this new gilet for this fall. It's officially a 'shell' but has the appearance of a sleeveless jacket;

http://assos.com/en/19/singleProduct.aspx?cat=6,19,28&prod=431

[Lionel]

Assos is releasing this new gilet for this fall;

http://assos.com/en/19/singleProduct.aspx?cat=6,19,28&prod=431

Looks cool to me. But they have to go back to easier names to remember :)

[jpw]

Looks cool to me. But they have to go back to easier names to remember :)

You're right. Perhaps the names are aimed at the German speaking market. Has to be because Assos is based in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland.

[wasfast]

Saw this from the Eurobike coverage. Nice idea for something actually pretty simple:

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/louis-garneau-speedzone-custom-vest-first-look-33586/

I have an older Pearl Izumi Barrier and also a Capo Team issue. Both work fine.

[bironi]

I have only bought vests with 3 rear pockets the last several years. The Boure pictured in another post is my latest. I love the convenience of accessible pockets.

[jr59]

Ray (handlebra) and I seem to post this in every winter wear thread.

Do yourself a favor and contact Lou @ http://foxwear.net/

He does VERY nice work and is easy to work with.

[Gummee]

I wear vests a lot during the winter. Jackets and I just don't seem to agree. I get WAY too hot under em and start to sweat no matter how little I wear.

I'll start with a windproof base layer (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/review-base-layer/Craft-ProZero-Gore-Windstopper-Base-Layer.94.html) when I know its cool enough but need some wind protection

Then move to PI or Garneau vests. You know the type. Wind and water resistant and just layer underneath em.

I'd like to find something in a softshell vest for this winter.

M

[ultratoad]

just finally got my hands on the Rapha gilet. look no further, it is spectacular. i can see it becoming one of my most used pieces of kit.

I use to think that vests were a bit silly.... Then I combined the Rapha soft shell vest with their arm warmers.... Incredible what you can do-- temp wise.... Also very packable.... Worth every cent-- washed many, many times and still look new....

[bluesea]

Hmm, this has got me thinking as I am riding in Las Vegas early Oct., and haven't considered weather wear other than knee and arm warmers.

I have an '06 Assos Clima vest, the one where you can see the 90° woven filaments through the clear material. Looks like something best carried till needed.

What temperatures does one use these vests in dry conditions?

[jpw]

Looks cool to me. But they have to go back to easier names to remember :)

What I don't about this item, and other sleeveless gilets, is that my arms get cold too. The Assos item has a windproof front panel and is rated for winter riding, but at such temperatures my arms need more protection too.

[scrubadub]

Ray (handlebra) and I seem to post this in every winter wear thread.

Do yourself a favor and contact Lou @ http://foxwear.net/

He does VERY nice work and is easy to work with.

Another vote for Lou. He is super friendly and great to work with.

I had him make several jackets and tights of various weights and they are excellent. One of the jackets he made me didn't fit right and he paid for shipping and fixed it almost overnight. Plus no logos anywhere.

[67-59]

Hmm, this has got me thinking as I am riding in Las Vegas early Oct., and haven't considered weather wear other than knee and arm warmers.

I have an '06 Assos Clima vest, the one where you can see the 90° woven filaments through the clear material. Looks like something best carried till needed.

What temperatures does one use these vests in dry conditions?

Unless it's unseasonably cold or you ride at 5 am, I doubt you'll need a vest in Vegas in early October. The low is usually about 60 and the high about 80 at that time. In dry weather, I wouldn't even think about a vest unless it gets below 50. Frankly, I'd be surprised if you even need knee warmers at that time of the year, but I guess it doesn't hurt to pack 'em if you have 'em.

[Fixed]

Hmm, this has got me thinking as I am riding in Las Vegas early Oct., and haven't considered weather wear other than knee and arm warmers.

I have an '06 Assos Clima vest, the one where you can see the 90° woven filaments through the clear material. Looks like something best carried till needed.

What temperatures does one use these vests in dry conditions?

If you need anything I think i can cover you for riding in October in Vegas
I have a ton of knee ,arm , vest all that stuff just let me know if I can help
Cheers :)

[verticaldoug]

What I don't about this item, and other sleeveless gilets, is that my arms get cold too. The Assos item has a windproof front panel and is rated for winter riding, but at such temperatures my arms need more protection too.

The trick is warm gloves. As long as my hands are warm and my body warm, I don't notice my arms. A really really snug base layer with some compression like the craft pro warm or something from skins also helps keep the arms warm. The gilet is only for wind protection.

[bluesea]

Unless it's unseasonably cold or you ride at 5 am, I doubt you'll need a vest in Vegas in early October. The low is usually about 60 and the high about 80 at that time. In dry weather, I wouldn't even think about a vest unless it gets below 50. Frankly, I'd be surprised if you even need knee warmers at that time of the year, but I guess it doesn't hurt to pack 'em if you have 'em.


If you need anything I think i can cover you for riding in October in Vegas
I have a ton of knee ,arm , vest all that stuff just let me know if I can help
Cheers :)



Ah, thanks guys. Although I did see it once at 45° in Oct., 50°+ looks real comfy (hope, hope)! Should still have my Assos warmers from the 90's, and a cool sleeveless Campy base layer for back up.

Now I'm worrying about stem length on this 8sp Gios I'm borrowing. :eek:

[Fixed]

Ah, thanks guys. Although I did see it once at 45° in Oct., 50°+ looks real comfy (hope, hope)! Should still have my Assos warmers from the 90's, and a cool sleeveless Campy base layer for back up.

Now I'm worrying about stem length on this 8sp Gios I'm borrowing. :eek:

I can loan you one of those too :)
Cheers

[bluesea]

^ Thanks.

That's an interesting thought actually, because I suspect my brother might possibly get perturbed if I tried to change out his 1A or XA. I'm sure he's still running cork, and I don't go to Vegas to gamble. :eek:

[572cv]

Lots of great advice and useful choices. I hope this is a timely seasonal question for all, as it is for me!

[Grant McLean]

Assos is releasing this new gilet for this fall. It's officially a 'shell' but has the appearance of a sleeveless jacket;

http://assos.com/en/19/singleProduct.aspx?cat=6,19,28&prod=431

I'm looking forward to trying that one, but not sure when i'd wear it.

It's not super packable like the Assos sV.blitzFeder, and I also LOVE
my Tiburu long sleeve, which replaces my usual combo of arm warmers,
baselayer, jersey, and vest in cool weather.

I have a sV.climaSchutz vest, which looks similar to the BlitzFeder,
but doesn't pack nearly a small, but is more substantial so it's warmer.

The big difference is whether you're dressing for one temperature,
or wearing a combo for a ride when the temps or conditions are likely
to change.

-g

[Louis]

Stopping wind IMO is not that hard. The tough part is getting the fit right. I have two PI vests (I think same model, different colors) and both flap a bit. Maybe they're a tad too big, but not by much.

I have a Bergamo that fits a bit better and does not flap a much. But it's black, so I don't use it if I think the ride will go until sunset.

I'd say if you can find one that doesn't flap for your body shape you're doing well.

[pdmtong]

rapha.......on sale, had a coupon, got it for I think $100.
pockets in back. packs down small enough. looks great. does not flap and is quiet.

[Fixed]

If you think shopping for a vest is hard Try shopping for a wetsuit .
Cheers :)

[bluesea]

^ Thats why its so easy to get customs at Xcel in Hono.

[Lionel]

I'm looking forward to trying that one, but not sure when i'd wear it.

It's not super packable like the Assos sV.blitzFeder, and I also LOVE
my Tiburu long sleeve, which replaces my usual combo of arm warmers,
baselayer, jersey, and vest in cool weather.

I have a sV.climaSchutz vest, which looks similar to the BlitzFeder,
but doesn't pack nearly a small, but is more substantial so it's warmer.

The big difference is whether you're dressing for one temperature,
or wearing a combo for a ride when the temps or conditions are likely
to change.

-g

I think this is a replacement for the element zero. If so it is meant to be worn when you are not planning to remove the vest, for instance with a long sleeve jersey underneath. I wear the element 0 between 5 and 10deg C.

[jpw]

I'm looking forward to trying that one, but not sure when i'd wear it.

It's not super packable like the Assos sV.blitzFeder, and I also LOVE
my Tiburu long sleeve, which replaces my usual combo of arm warmers,
baselayer, jersey, and vest in cool weather.

I have a sV.climaSchutz vest, which looks similar to the BlitzFeder,
but doesn't pack nearly a small, but is more substantial so it's warmer.

The big difference is whether you're dressing for one temperature,
or wearing a combo for a ride when the temps or conditions are likely
to change.

-g


I'm thinking about the new iJ.intermediate_s7 with the windproof front body panel. I found the Tiburu sizing not to my liking. The medium was tight on my shoulders (and I don't have broad shoulders) and the large too loose and hanging down the front.

Time to go shopping ;)

[Lionel]

I'm thinking about the new iJ.intermediate_s7 with the windproof front body panel. I found the Tiburu sizing not to my liking. The medium was tight on my shoulders (and I don't have broad shoulders) and the large too loose and hanging down the front.

Time to go shopping ;)

I have the previous version of this and it's excellent.

[jpw]

I have the previous version of this and it's excellent.

Fingers crossed that this new one fits me :-)

A quick heads up to all Assos buyers. It is changing the design and construction of its body insulators. These new ones will be out from March '13 (too late for this coming winter unfortunately).

[Peter P.]

Would love to know how this vest fits, Peter. I'm 165 and 6' 1", so thinking size L for sure.

I wear a men's small. I'm 5'6", 135lbs. . They have a "European" fit. That is, they are very trim for a given size.

I like it because it doesn't catch a lot of air.

I certainly wouldn't describe it as roomy. I usually wear a base layer and one jersey. You could probably fit a second jersey underneath.

[skijoring]

I wear a men's small. I'm 5'6", 135lbs. . They have a "European" fit. That is, they are very trim for a given size.

I like it because it doesn't catch a lot of air.

I certainly wouldn't describe it as roomy. I usually wear a base layer and one jersey. You could probably fit a second jersey underneath.


Cool - thanks. Sounds like I may need an XL. :eek:

[jmoore]

My youngest son has one of these. It's works great, esp. with a Xopenex neubulizer but it's a little spendy. Not very aero either.

http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server4700/4ea94/product_images/z/661/TheVest105_480x360__07855_zoom.jpg

[christian]

Wind/cool weather, whole-ride: Assos Element Zero (thank you, cycle-guru!)
Wind/cool weather, part-ride: Ibex windshell vest with mesh back
Wind/wet/cool weather, whole-ride: New Hincapie eVent vest
Cool weather insulation, whole-ride/post ride: High-collar PI softshell vest (old and beat)

My favorite winter jacket with the 851 Air Jack, and my favorite hat is the Fuguhelm. Thanks for asking!

[slidey]

Go for a bullet-proof vest! :fight:

I'm sure a number of forumites have considerable experience with, and opinion on vests ( or gillets). I'm looking for something light, packable, good fit...

Thoughts and comments appreciated!