Pro kits

[jon avery]

What are peoples veiws on the replica pro kits, for or against? Personaly i like them, but i know some people think it's a cheap way of advertising for the manufactures.

[Elliot M]

i think

1. like football kits, wearing the jersey is OK, but matching shorts and socks as well is going too far unless you are actually in the team

2. advertising an insurance company isn't made any cooler by it being an italian insurance company

3. avoid graphically fussy designs, too many logos or clashing colours the simpler the better.

i have bought tops and sold them without wearing them

I think my favourite is the red Saeco Cannondale (not the later one with the ugly Longoni logo); notable for lack for minor sponsors -- just a bike co and a coffee co.

[-Adam-]

You gotta have shorts that match a little though, a disco jersey with yellow shorts is just not going to work...

My view is you should only wear a kit if you actually support the team, same as any other sport. i wouldn't wear a newcastle shirt just because i like it!

Unless the kit is an old sponsor since withrawn from the sport, ie postal. I also think wearing your shops team kit is fine, especially if you want them to sponsor you! (though until they do, no racing in it!)

[Graham O]

See what you're saying Adam.

This year, I am well impressed by the T Mobile team. A like their change in attitude towards teamwork etc. However, their strip is pink. Need I say more.

Now Iles Balaers has valverde who's fantastic and the strip aint half bad.

However - I'll probably wait to get some cheap stuff that's not massively offensive. I actually think its quite good to wear your club strip, even if it is mustard yellow..

[Stu Merckx Man]

i like team kits, if i wasnt saving to slowly up grade my bike i would love to own the csc jersey, t-mobile jersey, and the 2003 bianchi jersey.... seaming as i only really support anyone in a break away, i recon its ok to wear any old team jersey if it looks good!

[Dominic]

Not a great fan I'm afraid, apart from the retro ones that Prendas are doing at the moment.

One of the things that attracted me to Addiscombe was the kit. So when I begin the yearly ritual of buying new kit it will probably be all Addiscombe. It helps that it is made by Santini, of course

[-Adam-]

Is santini really that good!? My addiscombe jersey is coming apart at the seams after only 6weeks... and know its not because i need to lose weight... more that i race too damn hard!

Im a real fan of anything made by sportful, top quality kit, trust me!

[Ian A4size]

Santini make great shorts- esp the fluid gel ones, but the stitching is a little likely to unravel. The ACC kit is a little more likely to come undone tho im my experience.
Sportful do top quality gear.
I like the pro kit, but would not wear it- faves are Casse/Illes- CSC-Quickstep and of course rapha/condor.

[Dominic]

Always liked Santini, never had any problems with them. I have been using their £35 bib shorts for the past two years and they have been great. May even push the boat out and move up to the gel ones this year.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I never used to wear team kits at all - I only possessed ACC kit until a few years ago when I started commuting and realised I needed a lot of pairs of shorts and tops for when the others are in the wash etc, and couldn't see the point of "free" advertising, but got some cheap stuff in GB's sale, and somehow the wardrobe keeps on growing

I like the Iles kit and have the matching shorts, cap etc, and an "Alpe D'Huez" outfit, which works better in France

At the end of the day, you pay the money and make your choice.

Might go for Quickstep this year

[quote]Is santini really that good!? My addiscombe jersey is coming apart at the seams after only 6weeks... and know its not because i need to lose weight... more that i race too damn hard!

[Andrew G]

Never has a problem with Santini,ACC or other, might just have got caught on a zip in the wash Adam.

For shorts, including the ACC ones, go for the twist-gel ones. They are excellent.

[Dombo]

If a 20 stone lardo can wear a footer shirt with Beckham No 10 across the back while staggering from the pub to the kebab van, then I can wear a yellow jersey with Armstrong No 1 pinned to my bottom while getting spat out the back of the Gentlemen's 18 CR

[Ian A4size]

[quote]If a 20 stone lardo can wear a footer shirt with Beckham No 10 across the back while staggering from the pub to the kebab van, then I can wear a yellow jersey with Armstrong No 1 pinned to my bottom while getting spat out the back of the Gentlemen's 18 CR

[Marek]

I also have found that the ACC kit comes apart very easily at the seams. The shorts are awful, I think I wore a couple of times and I stringy bits dangling around my legs all over the place.

In terms of bib-shorts I think that the Northwave Zpeed are very good. I think Assos are a rip off and not actually that great. They also unravel a bit around the leg grippers and they are not as comfy as the Northwave ones.

Of course the best kit is that blue and white stuff those Mosquito boyz wear, fantastic.

Cheers

Marek...

p.s. And I do have the full Zebra outfit worn by Cippolini a few years back and I love it. Only comes out on special occasions, like when the sun comes out, or my first ever time trial.

[Ian A4size]

[quote]Of course the best kit is that blue and white stuff those Mosquito boyz wear, fantastic.