It’s fall now and in the interest of timeliness, we’re reviewing fall/early winter gloves. And since it’s also the off-season we should also be reviewing beer and cake, but we haven’t talked anyone into sending those items to us yet. So a gloves review it is! We are once again thankful for the generosity of Mark Alden at Campmor for getting us 4 sets of gloves to test.
I’m going to do this review as a head to head or more accurately “hand to hand†comparison of the gloves against each other, and I also feel some puns coming on here so let me take the gloves off! Zing! That’s quality writing! Very handy, don’t you think? Man, I’m on fire!
I’ve come up with 4 categories for comparing the gloves: durability, warmth, padding and nose wiping.
The first category, durability, is pretty self explanatory. I am a compulsive tire scraper, as I enjoy not having flats. I scrape my tires with the notch between my thumb and index finger. If I wear a set of gloves without extra protection in the notch; I wear them out pretty quickly. This feature is especially important in colder weather as there is more debris in the road; with leaves and winter grit cogging the gutters. I scrape much more in the winter time, and wearing glove with a worn out notch is no fun.
If durability is pretty obvious, then the next category, warmth, is tremendously obvious. Gloves are supposed to be warm. Alert the media! I will try to predict how cold I can wear each set of gloves without getting cold fingers.
I place a heavy emphasis on having a soft, absorbent section on gloves for nose (and brow) wiping, as this keeps my nose clean and keeps sweat out of my eyes. I realize it’s colder out there this time of year, but it’s still possible to sweat at this time of year – especially if you’re being mighty.
I tested the gloves in a very scientific manner; I rode my bike with different gloves on each hand to compare them. That’s it – it’s not like we’re searching for dark matter here.
Cannondale L.E. Gloves $54.99
These seem to be the most sturdily built of all of the gloves, with lots of leathery material in the palms and good notch reinforcement. On the promotional card provided with the gloves, Cannondale says the gloves are made of “thermal carbon hydrogrid max fabric†because you know, they can charge more for gloves with a 10-syllable fabric, and the fabric provides “water and wind protection with 4-way stretch and superior breathability.†I can agree with that claim. These are warm gloves, and it seems that the layers of fabric provide a lot of the warmth.
The gloves have a decent nose wiping section, it’s a kind of rough terry cloth, but it’s there. The gloves also feel really comfortable (despite lacking any padding other than the leather reinforcement). They fit like a pair of hockey gloves as they are “pre-articulated for intuitive fit†– finally, gloves that can intuit my thoughts! It will come as no surprise that after putting these gloves on, I immediately scratched my butt.
Pearl Izumi Gavia Glove $39.99
These seem to be a pretty light weight glove. In the side by side glove tests; these seem to be the least warm. I could feel the breeze most with these gloves. They don’t have a lot of heavy material in the palm. They opt instead for some “silicon screened†material that seems grippy, but looks kinda thin, really. There’s no notch protection, but the gloves’ saving grace is that they have ample wiping areas – on both the thumb and the back of glove. And their wiping surface is definitely the best of the bunch. The wiping area is very fleecy and soft. So satisfying. Oh, and these are the only gloves with a zipper enclosure.
Louis Garneau 2/1 Vital Gloves $29.99
The defining feature of these gloves is that you can convert the gloves to lobster mittens by pulling out a “retractable stopzone finger cover†from a pocket on the back of your hand. Things that can convert into other things really catch my fancy. I just love morphing items like the Transformer Toys, those flip out Leatherman tools, Swiss Army Knives and, of course, Strom Thurmond. Well, Southern segregationist Demo-publican baby daddies aside, I think these gloves will appeal to those of us who like gimmicks and tricks and think that we’re being impressive when we flip out a set of lobster fingers seemingly out of nowhere. For me, it’s the closest I can get to being either Siegfried or Roy – as I am, sadly, allergic to sequins.
These are the warmest of the gloves in the test, as the finger covers help to put them over the edge. The palm and fingers are reinforced with a rubbery material that constitutes the “fish grip zone.†And I will now astound frequent readers by not making an off color remark about that oddly named feature – I am nothing else if not complex. The gloves seem very durable and they have a nice notch area (that sounds sooo dirty). The have a palm vent also, so they can charge more. The wiping area on these gloves is almost as nice as the Pearl Izumi’s is. It’s also a fleecy material that’s nice on the nostrils.
Spiuk Thetwe M2V Gloves $59.99
These are the lightest weight gloves in the test. They are more of a fall glove as opposed to an early winter glove. They are however, the only gloves in the test that come in colors, instead of just all black. They have a very durable material in the palms and in the notch areas – it’s almost sandpaper-ish. It has some grit to it and it seems like it will last a very long time. The have a palm vent also, so they can charge more. (Did you notice I cut and pasted that from above?) They lack any sort of nose wiping surface, which leaves my drippings nowhere to go.
My Glove Rankings:
Durability
1. Cannondale
2. Spiuk
3. Garneau
4. Pearl Izumi
Warmth
Temperature prediction
Spiuk 40 degrees
Pearl Izumi 37 degrees
Cannondale 35 degrees
Garneau 30 degrees
Scrapability
1. Spiuk
2. Cannondale
3. Garneau
4. Pearl Izumi
Padding
1. Cannondale
2. Garneau
3. Spiuk
4. Pearl Izumi
Nose wiping
1. Pearl Izumi
2. Garneau
3. Cannondale
4. Spiuk
Overall rankings:
1. Garneau
2. Cannondale
3. Spiuk
4. Pearl Izumi
In the interest of balance, Andy also reviewed the gloves. And this may be the first and last time I out word-count Mr. Shen. I win!
Andy’s Review
First of all, I want to point out that Schmalz sent me three left gloves and one right glove, so the Cannondale stayed on my right hand for all the tests while the other three rotated. So when Schmalz calls you a dumbass, he isn’t implying he’s better than you, he’s saying he’s just like you.
In terms of warmth, I’d rank them from warmest to least warm Garneau/Cannondale/Pearl/Spiuk. None of them did well below freezing. In terms of comfort, from most comfortable to least, Spiuk/Pearl/Garneau/Cannondale. The Cannondales restricted my fingers the most.
The feature I really want from winter gloves is a long cuff. I like to tuck my sleeves into the cuff to keep the wind out, and the Pearls were the best by far for this. They were the only ones that kept my sleeve tucked in. The Cannondales were the worst in this regard, with a short cuff that was very narrow, even for my skinny wrists.
So, overall I’d rate the Pearls #1 and the Cannondales #4. Garneau and Spiuk tie for second, since they’re really for different conditions. The Garneaus are good from freezing to about 45 degrees, while the Spiuks are suited for conditions about ten degrees warmer.
some descente gloves? They have a long knit cuff this year just like your old ski gloves! Also, i just got into neoprene gloves, specialized makes them and they keep my hand sweating all day (that is somewhat of a miracle since i wear long gloves in the summer, i am such a woman). The upside is they are super warm, the downside is you look like you are wearing rubber dishwashing gloves. I am told they are very Euro Pro…
Anyone ever try neoprene socks??
I’ve tried waterproof neoprene socks. Not worth it at all, plus they’re uncomfortable. Instead I’ll use a plastic bag between shoe and bootie if it’s going to be a wet one.
Did you try glove liners? I bet that would add 10 degrees of warmth to all the gloves?
Worst: Habitat
It used to rain every year, without fail, at Jiminy Peak. But not any more. Global warming? El Ni
Wanna pump out 5,000 watts on your bicycle?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/nyregion/29bikes.html
Pearl Izumi Infernos
Individual index and Middle fingers, “lobstered” ring and pinky fingers. Good wiper. Your hands will still be warm when the rest of you gives up. We (I) could really use a discussion on how to keep the feet warm in the worst conditions. That’s what puts me off the bike first. I just can’t keep the toes from getting near-frostbite when the temp gets below 30 deg F. My current system is P.I. Toester booties, chemical toe warmers and heavyweight Craft XC ski socks. I can go about 2 hours like this in sub 30 deg, but then its game over.
surprise! the canadians made the best glove
Try silk undersocks, then merino wool oversocks, with neoprene booties over shoes.
I have silk gloveliners that were less than $10 at paragon sports. I use them with the LG gloves and can ride comfortably (relatively speaking) all the way down into the 20’s.
A recent article in some science journal suggests that the very act of observing dark matter hastens the end of the universe. So please, Schmalz, no looking…
try chemical warmers below and above your toes, between the sock and shoe
The pre-installed spd cleat mechanism makes a click sound as the fall around inside the sole but the shoes are great and has a great boa lace system. They are warmer than any shoe / bootie combination and apart from being rather pricey, they are great. Sidi makes a similar shoe. If you put chemical warmers inside them, your toes will be toasty all the way down to some very cold temp I don’t even want to think about.
Best: Conrad’s
Worst: Metro or Larry & Jeffs
You know what helps? A tiny kitten in each glove. Keeps you very warm. Then you can eat it at the Runcible.
Buy a trainer and ride without gloves
With the kittens eaten at the Runcible, do hands stay warm enough from the digesting fur?
i’m blown away by some of these methods to keeping fingers and toes dry. chemical warmers, bags, lobster gloves. i use defeet over-shoe socks and some cheap fleece gloves. the fleece are good for wiping my nose which seems to run nonstop in the cold.
i found that if i ride harder, i don’t get as cold. i, too, was shocked to stumble upon this truth.
Are these OK for carbon soled shoes? From what I understand they get pretty hot.
Assos sells socks made entirely out of habanero peppers
Im gonna chime in again with the suggestion that you just stay the hell inside under 30 deg. I have tried really cold weather riding many times and just come back with the conclusion that its just plain sucky. Cold, miserable, shaving of years off my life and draining of overall riding motivation. Why endure all that pain just to ride in weather that doesnt even let your legs really open up to begin with? Im not even sure the workout is effective at the speeds that most people ride in those conditions. OK, one exception: Its 25 deg but really sunny and likely warming to 30 plus so it starts cold and ends warmer. Thats kinda nice – feels better as you go, like a perverse reward for the effort. Me: I learn to love the spin bikes and trainers in winter – more fun to watch movies and actually sweat than freeze my gonads for no reason outside. Skiing is more fun in cold weather – you can dress properly in many layers and still have fun!
How about kicking your softie asses when it warms up??
off the topic but quite funny for those for anyone who has lost to anynumber of NE sandbaggers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cyclocross-cross-upgrade-points-from-Verge-sandbaggers_W0QQitemZ330193492270QQihZ014QQcategoryZ2904QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
i find the one thing does’nt do the job for me. so i try a combo a 3eights thick insolators from campmor $7.99,thin dry fit socks,neoprene sock assos,toe warmer then my booties.good for 3-4 hour rides depending on your tolerance.
hands & feet not the problem, cannot keep my upper body warm no matter what i’m wearing.
Any good spin classes around that don’t require a gym membership? BYOB would be preffered, but I just want something intense.
that Schmalz didn’t sink to his usually low levels and have at least one, ONE!, obscene gesture on the displayed gloves. Sheesh…
it feels like winter.
Chemical heaters will definitely ruin your carbon soles. You should rush out and buy a pair of plastic soles for the winter.
I’ve also heard that the new DMT magnesium soles can get you electrocuted if you wear them on a wet day and use an SRM. Be careful out there.
Climb off and jog uphill for about 30 seconds. It warms the feet quickly.
America’s Hat
I ain’t worried about the hands and feet; but ya better take care of your favorite appendage. My wife started to wonder why she kept coming up with an odd sock in the wash after the winter rides; one for the left leg, one for the right, and one for the middle. I tried a tyvek mail envelope once to cut the wind; but it tore the shit out of my thighs. Ain’t nothin’ worse than a frost bit pecker!
Hey Captain,
“frost-bit pecker”? or
“frost bit-pecker”?
It matters.
For the sake of clarity……how ’bout frozen pecker?
Albin – thats funny shit
Eugene – SAGE advice. Easy, and it works.
I have had to turn back in shame from rather short rides in winter due to a chillin’ package myself, and turned to a solution that works perfectly. I place a spare head cover (one of those light black cycling head covers) ‘down there’ as a localized extra layer, and it keep my boys toasty right down in the low 20s. I get too hot even in the freezing temps with the really heavy pants, so now I use regular medium pants with the extra layer — plus it makes my package look HUGE.
Overshare
these look hot.
I like sids best but liked it better when zoltan was there. also like toga west.
renaissance the worst. downright contempt for the customer
Toga West is definitely the best.
I have to agree on Renaissance, I thought it was just me.
I stopped by Renaissance three times when I lived nearby. Each time I was ignored until a sullen salesman looked at me as if thinking, “why don’t you leave?” before asking what I wanted. What a nasty dump.
Toga West erratic–their people are either like the wankers in Renaissance or wonderful. Conrad’s is excellent but they’re overwhelmed and the wait is endless. The best: Darius at Sid’s. The mechanic at Larry & Jeff’s on East 81 is also is always helpful.
have to disagree. Toga west employees are awful. Sullen, and when you get their attention, they don’t know their stuff.
Its so funny that NYrs, with likely the highest service expectations on the planet, feel that bike shop employees are going to treat them like the maitre d’ at Le Bec Fin. Do you realize how much they get paid? And how busy they can be on a typical day? Stop whining – you are the wanker! To get top service at a local shop, you need to cultivate relationships with specific people and give them business. Shocking concept, I know. It sucks to see shops spoken of badly just because they didnt kiss your feet like the Pope. Its a gritty, thin margin business, so give them a break and use your local shops regularly instead of running all over town and you might even be recognized and welcomed the next time you walk in. Sheeeeeesh.
Contempt and kissing ass are both well, contemptible. How about just plain old customer service, something I’ve never received at Bicycle Renaissance.
Customer service at Renaissance is truly the worst of the worst! There are corns from turd’s I have taken that I liked better than the folks there.
I have to disagree with posts about Toga I have found the staff there the last few years to be helpful and nice.
I’ve stopped going to my S&M dungeon on the West Side and started going to R&A. Surprisingly similar experience.
I don’t expect anyone to kiss my feet. It’s pretty clear bike shop employees make very little. But does that mean they should treat customers poorly? At Conrad’s, John and Yee know what they are doing and they take pride in their work. Ditto Darius at Sid’s. It’s a pleasure to deal with them, and they prove that lousy service is inexcusable, and Renaissance is the nadir.
Bravo, Chris M — that’s the ticket! Bike shop **customers*** are a bunch of overpampered d—cks! That’s totally true – every time I walk into a NYC bike shop, all I see are a bunch of ***holes who want to spend their money in the store! What losers! Next thing you know, they’ll be asking questions about the products, and asking the sales people for advice!!! Why can’t they just spend all their money online, instead of daring to support a local business?!?!!!
Darius at SIDs is a saint, and a damn good mechanic
True on all counts……Darius might actually trump Zoltan on all things bikes/parts/and products – even stuff in development!
Zoli is the man on the fitness side though!
Hey now. All Im saying is we might consider putting our high service expectations in perspective when we deal with these people, who for the most part are willing and able to help customers, but sometimes get overwhelmed. Ive “hung out” in a few bike shops and have been astounded at the sheer pace of activity – very different from a typical clothes store or whatever – in that people come in and want almost immediate help and often take a lot of time from the salesperson to make decisions while others are coming in. On a slightly busy day, shop personnel can be easily overwhelmed. I might get a little terse myself under the circumstances. The point I made is that if you are a “real” rider, you should cultivate relationships carefully to get the best outcome in service and price.
What do you guys think about R&A Cycles in Brooklyn?
No one could disagree with you. I’ve worked in the retail trade, and it’s no fun dealing with jerks who demand instant attention. Most customers aren’t like that. All a salesman has to do is show a little civility. IMHO the criticism of Renaissance holds: the people there clearly don’t give a damn about customers. I went there once when they were busy, and I waited until the place cleared out before asking if they stocked cleat covers. I could have been shouting, “I have the plague.” The place doesn’t deserve to stay in business. But maybe they have changed. I doubt it.
And another thing Chris M?
For an example of a fancy restaurant you choose a place in Philadelphia?
Please leave you password at the door and get the hell out of NYC.
Thanks.
I’d rather by 6,000 individual cans of tuna on a Sunday morning at Duane Reade than shop at R&A.
I dont’ use bike shops often enough to be able to cultivate relationships.
But I recently when to Champion (the shop on 105 and Amsterdam) and the owner was great – strightforward. That’s all I want in a shop. A guy at R&A straight-up lied to me, and Renaissance just seemed to want me to leave. If a shop doesn’t have something I want, I’ve got no problem with that, but don’t give attitude. Toga is good that way – i was in a pinch once and needed something and the guy said “No, we don’t have it.” No problem. Or a guy at Sid’s didn’t know, so he checked. Cool.
Whereas R&A and Renaissance have started questioning me, like I’m wasting their time by coming in to buy something. They suck.
I live a couple blocks from Renaissance and bought something there one time. After I paid and was turning to leave the owner or manager asked me if I was in CRCA. I said yes. So she starts telling me that she normally gives discounts for CRCA but can’t put up with people not telling her in advance they are members. I guess I sorta should have been thankful for her to tell me that, but she was berating me for not pulling a card out with my purchase. I wasn’t even asking for a discount. I just wanted to leave and instead got a lecture. WTF????
I think they get a lot of foot traffic – that location has good feng shui for business.
Thats Marco at Championship bikes on Amsterdam and 104th, across from the youth hostel. Good guy
(Not Championship, err, I’m pretty sure anyway) is the bomb for any mechanic work and Marcos is a hell of a nice guy. Just go already.
Dude, lay off those supplements. They are clearly laced.
Renaissance = Dragon Lady. Nastiest saleswoman ever.
R&A has what you need, today. That’s their thing. No need to go browsing there, just figure out what you need on line and go buy it at R&A, my experience is they can get almost anything in less than a week. They don’t want you walking around asking a million questions about 10K bikes or what brand of tubular has the least rolling resistance and will get you 25th place at the Floyd TT, especially if you ain’t buying and like to hear yourself talk and make believe you are an expert.
shapeshifters rule. their liek transformers with skin.
But one time I went in there to buy a pair of shoes and they didn’t have the color I wanted. I told the guy what I wanted and he said “They don’t make them in that color” which simply was not true. He wasn’t saying he didn’t know if they made them in that color, or he didn’t have them. He was telling me, with certainty, that they didn’t exist in that color so I should take what they have. No thanks.
Another time I wanted a stem in a certain length. It exists, but they didn’t stock it. No problem, but the salesperson started trying to convince me that that size was too long. He’d never seen me on a bike and is trying to get me to buy a 1cm shorter stem because that will work better.
And another time I was looking for a cheap set of clipless pedals and they suggested I get some pedals marketed toward hybrid riders. Cool suggestion, but would they work with my shoes I asked, telling them the shoe and the model (which they carried as well). Certainly they said. So I bought them. Didn’t work.
I used to live near that shop but can’t stand it. I’m not a big questioner/talker in stores, but giving out wrong info is no good. Admit you don’t know. Don’t lie or pretend you know if you’re not sure.
Good shops I’ve been to in the city include Toga since Dave/Lou took over, Verranzano in Brooklyn, Champion in UWS. Larry and Jeff’s, though I haven’t been there recently.
Sid’s was good but slow — they were almost too friendly with every customer, which is nice, but I just want to buy and leave. Conrad’s is superb. The old Conrad’s when it was on 2nd Ave had harsh attitude but good service — they didn’t take any crap from customers but were straight and upfront with good knowledge.
Also, not a cycling shop but for cycling clothing for the ladies esp. check out Slope Sports in Brooklyn.
Charlie has these:
http://stores.ebay.com/Spa-Sport-Professional-Cyclewear_WindBreaker-Lobster-Gloves_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ6QQftidZ2QQtZkm
long cuff, soft wiping surface, inexpensive, etc.
Cadence. Hands down, the best shop in the city. They will definitely provide you with the best service that money can provide.
R&a sucks cock!they don’t want to relate to the little guys.and most of attetion goes to mail order.my friend spend 20 years doing business until he got fucked
In NYC – Sids hands down (nice and knowledgable)
North of NYC – Pelham Bike shop and Danny’s but very busy in the summer
Going to R&A is like going to the soup nazi
Cadence has really impressive customer service, especially their main (maybe only?) mechanic Mark. That guy is one of the best ever.
Mark and Cadence fucking RAWK. Best bike shop and repair experience ever.
they dont care
they got voted worst bike shop in NYC by time out new york
then they sold two colnagos on the phone and had a big laugh
he never worked for anything in his life.earned it while holding his cock.thats why he can’t relate to the little guys.
is funnier than he realizes.
adios muchacho!
full of hate as I prepare to mount the trainer
Haha. Litty gets best laugh of the month. Too much.
Whose up for renting the big hairy blow-up rat and protesting in front of R&A? Why should we stand for this indifferent service? We are the customer, damn it!
What happened to the “statement” that was supposed to be issued?
wrong thread, 10:37. Now go home and beat your wife.
Anyone know when Jared is going to release that “statement?”
Thread may be gone, but issue doesn’t go away so easily.
Anyone know when Jared is going to release that “statement?”
Thread may be gone, but issue doesn’t go away so easily.
wrong thread, 10:37. Now go home and beat your wife.
What happened to the “statement” that was supposed to be issued?
Haha. Litty gets best laugh of the month. Too much.
Whose up for renting the big hairy blow-up rat and protesting in front of R&A? Why should we stand for this indifferent service? We are the customer, damn it!
full of hate as I prepare to mount the trainer
he never worked for anything in his life.earned it while holding his cock.thats why he can’t relate to the little guys.
is funnier than he realizes.
adios muchacho!
they dont care
they got voted worst bike shop in NYC by time out new york
then they sold two colnagos on the phone and had a big laugh
once in 20 years as long the is not you.i like to go to a place were my money is respected.they should have a voting how many people hate the shop.not cause we want to,but cause is how they make us feel.
“my friend spend 20 years doing business until he got fucked”
Once in 20 years doesn’t sound bad.
Mark and Cadence fucking RAWK. Best bike shop and repair experience ever.
Cadence has really impressive customer service, especially their main (maybe only?) mechanic Mark. That guy is one of the best ever.
In NYC – Sids hands down (nice and knowledgable)
North of NYC – Pelham Bike shop and Danny’s but very busy in the summer
Going to R&A is like going to the soup nazi
R&a sucks cock!they don’t want to relate to the little guys.and most of attetion goes to mail order.my friend spend 20 years doing business until he got fucked
Cadence. Hands down, the best shop in the city. They will definitely provide you with the best service that money can provide.
Charlie has these:
http://stores.ebay.com/Spa-Sport-Professional-Cyclewear_WindBreaker-Lobster-Gloves_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ6QQftidZ2QQtZkm
long cuff, soft wiping surface, inexpensive, etc.
shapeshifters rule. their liek transformers with skin.
But one time I went in there to buy a pair of shoes and they didn’t have the color I wanted. I told the guy what I wanted and he said “They don’t make them in that color” which simply was not true. He wasn’t saying he didn’t know if they made them in that color, or he didn’t have them. He was telling me, with certainty, that they didn’t exist in that color so I should take what they have. No thanks.
Another time I wanted a stem in a certain length. It exists, but they didn’t stock it. No problem, but the salesperson started trying to convince me that that size was too long. He’d never seen me on a bike and is trying to get me to buy a 1cm shorter stem because that will work better.
And another time I was looking for a cheap set of clipless pedals and they suggested I get some pedals marketed toward hybrid riders. Cool suggestion, but would they work with my shoes I asked, telling them the shoe and the model (which they carried as well). Certainly they said. So I bought them. Didn’t work.
I used to live near that shop but can’t stand it. I’m not a big questioner/talker in stores, but giving out wrong info is no good. Admit you don’t know. Don’t lie or pretend you know if you’re not sure.
Good shops I’ve been to in the city include Toga since Dave/Lou took over, Verranzano in Brooklyn, Champion in UWS. Larry and Jeff’s, though I haven’t been there recently.
Sid’s was good but slow — they were almost too friendly with every customer, which is nice, but I just want to buy and leave. Conrad’s is superb. The old Conrad’s when it was on 2nd Ave had harsh attitude but good service — they didn’t take any crap from customers but were straight and upfront with good knowledge.
Also, not a cycling shop but for cycling clothing for the ladies esp. check out Slope Sports in Brooklyn.
Renaissance = Dragon Lady. Nastiest saleswoman ever.
R&A has what you need, today. That’s their thing. No need to go browsing there, just figure out what you need on line and go buy it at R&A, my experience is they can get almost anything in less than a week. They don’t want you walking around asking a million questions about 10K bikes or what brand of tubular has the least rolling resistance and will get you 25th place at the Floyd TT, especially if you ain’t buying and like to hear yourself talk and make believe you are an expert.
Dude, lay off those supplements. They are clearly laced.
Thats Marco at Championship bikes on Amsterdam and 104th, across from the youth hostel. Good guy
(Not Championship, err, I’m pretty sure anyway) is the bomb for any mechanic work and Marcos is a hell of a nice guy. Just go already.
I live a couple blocks from Renaissance and bought something there one time. After I paid and was turning to leave the owner or manager asked me if I was in CRCA. I said yes. So she starts telling me that she normally gives discounts for CRCA but can’t put up with people not telling her in advance they are members. I guess I sorta should have been thankful for her to tell me that, but she was berating me for not pulling a card out with my purchase. I wasn’t even asking for a discount. I just wanted to leave and instead got a lecture. WTF????
I think they get a lot of foot traffic – that location has good feng shui for business.
I dont’ use bike shops often enough to be able to cultivate relationships.
But I recently when to Champion (the shop on 105 and Amsterdam) and the owner was great – strightforward. That’s all I want in a shop. A guy at R&A straight-up lied to me, and Renaissance just seemed to want me to leave. If a shop doesn’t have something I want, I’ve got no problem with that, but don’t give attitude. Toga is good that way – i was in a pinch once and needed something and the guy said “No, we don’t have it.” No problem. Or a guy at Sid’s didn’t know, so he checked. Cool.
Whereas R&A and Renaissance have started questioning me, like I’m wasting their time by coming in to buy something. They suck.
I’d rather by 6,000 individual cans of tuna on a Sunday morning at Duane Reade than shop at R&A.
And another thing Chris M?
For an example of a fancy restaurant you choose a place in Philadelphia?
Please leave you password at the door and get the hell out of NYC.
Thanks.
No one could disagree with you. I’ve worked in the retail trade, and it’s no fun dealing with jerks who demand instant attention. Most customers aren’t like that. All a salesman has to do is show a little civility. IMHO the criticism of Renaissance holds: the people there clearly don’t give a damn about customers. I went there once when they were busy, and I waited until the place cleared out before asking if they stocked cleat covers. I could have been shouting, “I have the plague.” The place doesn’t deserve to stay in business. But maybe they have changed. I doubt it.
What do you guys think about R&A Cycles in Brooklyn?
Hey now. All Im saying is we might consider putting our high service expectations in perspective when we deal with these people, who for the most part are willing and able to help customers, but sometimes get overwhelmed. Ive “hung out” in a few bike shops and have been astounded at the sheer pace of activity – very different from a typical clothes store or whatever – in that people come in and want almost immediate help and often take a lot of time from the salesperson to make decisions while others are coming in. On a slightly busy day, shop personnel can be easily overwhelmed. I might get a little terse myself under the circumstances. The point I made is that if you are a “real” rider, you should cultivate relationships carefully to get the best outcome in service and price.
Darius at SIDs is a saint, and a damn good mechanic
True on all counts……Darius might actually trump Zoltan on all things bikes/parts/and products – even stuff in development!
Zoli is the man on the fitness side though!
Bravo, Chris M — that’s the ticket! Bike shop **customers*** are a bunch of overpampered d—cks! That’s totally true – every time I walk into a NYC bike shop, all I see are a bunch of ***holes who want to spend their money in the store! What losers! Next thing you know, they’ll be asking questions about the products, and asking the sales people for advice!!! Why can’t they just spend all their money online, instead of daring to support a local business?!?!!!
I don’t expect anyone to kiss my feet. It’s pretty clear bike shop employees make very little. But does that mean they should treat customers poorly? At Conrad’s, John and Yee know what they are doing and they take pride in their work. Ditto Darius at Sid’s. It’s a pleasure to deal with them, and they prove that lousy service is inexcusable, and Renaissance is the nadir.
I’ve stopped going to my S&M dungeon on the West Side and started going to R&A. Surprisingly similar experience.
Customer service at Renaissance is truly the worst of the worst! There are corns from turd’s I have taken that I liked better than the folks there.
I have to disagree with posts about Toga I have found the staff there the last few years to be helpful and nice.
Contempt and kissing ass are both well, contemptible. How about just plain old customer service, something I’ve never received at Bicycle Renaissance.
Its so funny that NYrs, with likely the highest service expectations on the planet, feel that bike shop employees are going to treat them like the maitre d’ at Le Bec Fin. Do you realize how much they get paid? And how busy they can be on a typical day? Stop whining – you are the wanker! To get top service at a local shop, you need to cultivate relationships with specific people and give them business. Shocking concept, I know. It sucks to see shops spoken of badly just because they didnt kiss your feet like the Pope. Its a gritty, thin margin business, so give them a break and use your local shops regularly instead of running all over town and you might even be recognized and welcomed the next time you walk in. Sheeeeeesh.
have to disagree. Toga west employees are awful. Sullen, and when you get their attention, they don’t know their stuff.
I stopped by Renaissance three times when I lived nearby. Each time I was ignored until a sullen salesman looked at me as if thinking, “why don’t you leave?” before asking what I wanted. What a nasty dump.
Toga West erratic–their people are either like the wankers in Renaissance or wonderful. Conrad’s is excellent but they’re overwhelmed and the wait is endless. The best: Darius at Sid’s. The mechanic at Larry & Jeff’s on East 81 is also is always helpful.
I like sids best but liked it better when zoltan was there. also like toga west.
renaissance the worst. downright contempt for the customer
Toga West is definitely the best.
I have to agree on Renaissance, I thought it was just me.
Albin – thats funny shit
Eugene – SAGE advice. Easy, and it works.
I have had to turn back in shame from rather short rides in winter due to a chillin’ package myself, and turned to a solution that works perfectly. I place a spare head cover (one of those light black cycling head covers) ‘down there’ as a localized extra layer, and it keep my boys toasty right down in the low 20s. I get too hot even in the freezing temps with the really heavy pants, so now I use regular medium pants with the extra layer — plus it makes my package look HUGE.
Overshare
these look hot.
For the sake of clarity……how ’bout frozen pecker?
Hey Captain,
“frost-bit pecker”? or
“frost bit-pecker”?
It matters.
Climb off and jog uphill for about 30 seconds. It warms the feet quickly.
America’s Hat
I ain’t worried about the hands and feet; but ya better take care of your favorite appendage. My wife started to wonder why she kept coming up with an odd sock in the wash after the winter rides; one for the left leg, one for the right, and one for the middle. I tried a tyvek mail envelope once to cut the wind; but it tore the shit out of my thighs. Ain’t nothin’ worse than a frost bit pecker!
that Schmalz didn’t sink to his usually low levels and have at least one, ONE!, obscene gesture on the displayed gloves. Sheesh…
it feels like winter.
Chemical heaters will definitely ruin your carbon soles. You should rush out and buy a pair of plastic soles for the winter.
I’ve also heard that the new DMT magnesium soles can get you electrocuted if you wear them on a wet day and use an SRM. Be careful out there.
hands & feet not the problem, cannot keep my upper body warm no matter what i’m wearing.
Any good spin classes around that don’t require a gym membership? BYOB would be preffered, but I just want something intense.
i find the one thing does’nt do the job for me. so i try a combo a 3eights thick insolators from campmor $7.99,thin dry fit socks,neoprene sock assos,toe warmer then my booties.good for 3-4 hour rides depending on your tolerance.
How about kicking your softie asses when it warms up??
off the topic but quite funny for those for anyone who has lost to anynumber of NE sandbaggers.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cyclocross-cross-upgrade-points-from-Verge-sandbaggers_W0QQitemZ330193492270QQihZ014QQcategoryZ2904QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Im gonna chime in again with the suggestion that you just stay the hell inside under 30 deg. I have tried really cold weather riding many times and just come back with the conclusion that its just plain sucky. Cold, miserable, shaving of years off my life and draining of overall riding motivation. Why endure all that pain just to ride in weather that doesnt even let your legs really open up to begin with? Im not even sure the workout is effective at the speeds that most people ride in those conditions. OK, one exception: Its 25 deg but really sunny and likely warming to 30 plus so it starts cold and ends warmer. Thats kinda nice – feels better as you go, like a perverse reward for the effort. Me: I learn to love the spin bikes and trainers in winter – more fun to watch movies and actually sweat than freeze my gonads for no reason outside. Skiing is more fun in cold weather – you can dress properly in many layers and still have fun!
Assos sells socks made entirely out of habanero peppers
Are these OK for carbon soled shoes? From what I understand they get pretty hot.
With the kittens eaten at the Runcible, do hands stay warm enough from the digesting fur?
i’m blown away by some of these methods to keeping fingers and toes dry. chemical warmers, bags, lobster gloves. i use defeet over-shoe socks and some cheap fleece gloves. the fleece are good for wiping my nose which seems to run nonstop in the cold.
i found that if i ride harder, i don’t get as cold. i, too, was shocked to stumble upon this truth.
Best: Conrad’s
Worst: Metro or Larry & Jeffs
You know what helps? A tiny kitten in each glove. Keeps you very warm. Then you can eat it at the Runcible.
Buy a trainer and ride without gloves
The pre-installed spd cleat mechanism makes a click sound as the fall around inside the sole but the shoes are great and has a great boa lace system. They are warmer than any shoe / bootie combination and apart from being rather pricey, they are great. Sidi makes a similar shoe. If you put chemical warmers inside them, your toes will be toasty all the way down to some very cold temp I don’t even want to think about.
try chemical warmers below and above your toes, between the sock and shoe
A recent article in some science journal suggests that the very act of observing dark matter hastens the end of the universe. So please, Schmalz, no looking…
I have silk gloveliners that were less than $10 at paragon sports. I use them with the LG gloves and can ride comfortably (relatively speaking) all the way down into the 20’s.
Try silk undersocks, then merino wool oversocks, with neoprene booties over shoes.
surprise! the canadians made the best glove
Wanna pump out 5,000 watts on your bicycle?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/nyregion/29bikes.html
Worst: Habitat
It used to rain every year, without fail, at Jiminy Peak. But not any more. Global warming? El Ni
I’ve tried waterproof neoprene socks. Not worth it at all, plus they’re uncomfortable. Instead I’ll use a plastic bag between shoe and bootie if it’s going to be a wet one.
Did you try glove liners? I bet that would add 10 degrees of warmth to all the gloves?
some descente gloves? They have a long knit cuff this year just like your old ski gloves! Also, i just got into neoprene gloves, specialized makes them and they keep my hand sweating all day (that is somewhat of a miracle since i wear long gloves in the summer, i am such a woman). The upside is they are super warm, the downside is you look like you are wearing rubber dishwashing gloves. I am told they are very Euro Pro…
Anyone ever try neoprene socks??
Let’s talk about The Best and Worst Bike Shops in NYC…
Best: Toga West Side
Worst: R&A Cycles
You might as well ask the wind to not blow. I roll tuffies + 25s – I enjoy very clean tires…
They are however, the only gloves in the test that come in colors, instead of just all black.
In winter, get some Mr. Tuffies and cheap, thick tires. Keeps your hands dry and your gloves clean and unscuffed.