More stuff....
With my birthday being a few weeks ago, I was showered with gifts from Rapha. Actually, since the stuff is so freaking expensive, I was showered with like 3 gifts that made of the majority of gifts received from all parties. In any case, I added my reviews above for the merino hat, winter socks, overmitts, as well as the merino base layer, deep winter tights and classic winter tights, which I fleabayed at some point.
Merino Hat
I have lusted over this hat since last year and finally got on. Thin merino wool hat that is doubled up over the ears. Doesn’t get too hot in the low 40’s and feels good in the mid 20’s but have not tested lower than that to date. It’s a hat, not much to say other than that it is exceptional craftsmanship and is exactly what I expected and was look for in terms of temp range. Reversible so it looks like you spent $110 on 2 hats and not just $55 on one! Win, win!
Winter Socks
Similar to the merino socks, they are exceptional quality and out of the package just feel softer then your regular wool sock. Noticeably thicker wool on the foot and toes of the sock and they come up to about mid-low calf. Haven’t tested much yet but they are warm and feel nice.
Overmitts
A few years ago, I bucked up for the Assos glove system and haven’t looked back since. The glove systems are superior for so many reasons (we layer every other part of our body, why not the hands?) and I can’t say I didn’t get alittle chub when I saw the raphe ones debut. One thing about the assos lobster shells and the pearl izumo lobster mitts is that when it rains, they turn into 10oz boxing gloves since they absorb water like a sponge. Actually I am fairly certain Assos outer fabric is design to absorb water. Enter Rapha’s glove, which is covered in a thin rubber and has a rubber palm. Out of the box they feel stiff and may need some working in. Haven’t really had a chance to test them in the rain, but they didn’t feel like they had the temp range of the assos gloves when worn with a light glove and liner (assos ones), but more testing is needed. No doubt they will be superior in the rain. They also have a fabric thumb for wiping snot, which is far better than the sandpaper exterior the assos gloves have. However, the snot wiping fabric is on top and base of the thumb, which makes it alittle weird for wiping your nose. Even in Rapha’s picture with the chick wiping her nose, it looks awkard. I wanted to try them with the winter glove, but they are all sold out and probably will be through the season.
Merino Base Layer
Super thin wool, like super, super thin. Not snuggy like craft base layers but after you get warmed up the warmth retention and sweat removal is superb. Not to be worn other than for a base layer and durability may be an issue because so super thin.
Classic Winter Tights
Super soft Roubaix fabric and very fitted. If you are on the border of M/L, size up. Compression is good and these are warmer than other tights I have for some reason, probably because of how fucking hot I look in them.
Deep Winter Tights
More robust version of bib tights compared to the classic tights. Wind blocking panels on the front and similar to other tights with wind blocker, this decreases the flexibility of the fabric a little bit. Just fleabayed these and got them yesterday. Only tried them on and pranced around the house for a while and they felt good, I would say slightly less form fitting than the classic tights. Updated review to come after some cold weather.