I’m with you on SPD cleats & Shimano shoes and boots, I feel that and the Assos “Pants” are definitely sorted. I have two Kask helmets, nice to wear but I have broken one before so might look further next time.
Oakley helmet (it was on offer in Belfast), favourite was my Catlike Whisper strap broke so got binned. My first got destroyed in a MTB accident, like completely split and squashed. I don’t honestly believe I’d have survived the crash without serious head injuries. Rapha jacket, 1 breast pocket and 3 small back pockets. Rapha leg warmers and arm warmers for chillier starts. Galibier socks both their Winter and summer, lad has a few of their tops and it’s good gear at reasonable prices. Mavic road shoes with Look Keo cleats and pedals. Galibier gloves for Winter and some non brand Roubaix lined cycling longs with Sidi Winter boots. https://www.galibier.cc/
Favorite shorts are Endura FS260-PRO, which seem to out last the others I have in terms of comfort on longer rides. Jerseys are mostly cheapies from ALi Express (there, I said it ) which are staggeringly good quality for the £ and have some mad colorful designs, which I prefer over the current Rapha led dullness. Although lately I've taken to riding with a floppy, breathable wicking tee shirts. I never put stuff in the back pockets of the jerseys.
If I’m on the road bike Cervelo S5, there is a Burrito bag and that only has the necessary puncture & tool kit, so I’m reliant on jersey pockets for phone, snacks, keys etc. Winter tops have plenty of options it’s the summer that’s the issue. I ordered Le Col & DHB jerseys from Wiggle last night so will be trying them on soon.
I use a handlebar bag for my phone etc, the weight weenies and aero mob won't like it... I just don't like the sensation of 'stuff' on my back, I don't know how MTBers cope with a camel pack.
They sweat, a lot, I used to put a waist bag on my handlebars when MTB riding. Road bike just put gubbins in my back pocket. There are plenty of options to not have the need to use pockets though as you’ve found. Don’t worry about the ‘purists’ it not their ride.
It's not a bad as you'd think. I use camelbak and the bag is contoured in a curve, leaving a cavity for air. I don't notice the sweating, the sweat running down your forehead takes more of your attention On the road, i put gels and snacks in back pockets and maybe waterproof coat. Can't say I've got any issues with it. Tools and tube live in a small saddlebag tucked under the seat.
Steaming hot gels I found to be the pits a necessary evil at the time, if it’s a long ride wine gums are more palatable.
Got absolutely soaked today on a 50 mile solo. It was spitting when I set off, became torrential at about 30 so stopped and took cover under a tree and later a bridge over the A303. Bike now washed and dried awaiting lubrication.
just got back from 12 mile cycle ride unassisted so quite pleased. I didn't take phone so no pictures.
