ROAD TEST

I finally got the Cinelli Vigorelli built up as I’d wanted –as a fixed gear time trial bike. I was somewhat skeptical about riding an aluminum frame, but am very happily surprised with its ride quality and stiffness –the carbon fork, bars, post and saddle help to dampen what would be an otherwise bone-jarring ride. The bike handles more like a road bike (even with a different bar set-up), than the traditionally aggressive track frames I am used to riding. Perhaps most importantly, it is fast and stiff in the sprint. I threw a Cervelo time trial fork on in order to run a front brake (Another first, that I am happily taken with!!! Who’d have guessed?!). I look very forward to riding this bike in the winter months to build a solid foundation of miles for the coming season (this one will probably only be ridden while wearing lycra). I’m VERY happy and pleased! Grazie mille a tutti a Cinelli!!!

Cool off-shore breezes herald the coming of Fall here, in Berkeley and beyond. It’s not so cold as to don the complete scuba costume yet, but, things like a windvest and base-layer can help take the edge off the chill. On today’s ride, I got a chance to try out some of the pieces RAPHA sent for our ride in Europe.

Worn under one’s jersey, their merino wool base-layer adds the twofold benefit of added insulation and allowing perspiration to be wicked off the body’s surface, thereby increasing its evaporation –it’s counter-intuitive, but an extra layer has the ability to keep one cooler during periods of effort. The Rapha eye for detail is legendary, and is not given shortshrift on this, their most humble offering. The cut in the shoulders is such that when in the riding position, the garment lays flat, and unbunched. Care instructions and labeling are beautifully staged, and positioned on the outside of the shirt to mitigate agitation against the skin. The length of the piece is sufficient enough to remain tucked in under bibshorts. However, the length of the arms could perhaps benefit from shortening to fit better under a jersey.

Folded and tucked into the back pocket of one’s jersey, a windvest can be quickly donned as a simple and effective means to cut the chill on a descent. Rapha has added such things as self-locking elastic drawcords at the waist; a beautifully concealed slash pocket above the hip; an offset, wind-gusseted front zipper and reflective piping on the armholes to round off their take on this crucial piece of cycling equipment.

_garrett chow