Specialized Winter Gear Review

Alright, full disclosure, I am a fan of Specialized equipment and apparel. Yet, as an avid cyclist and ambassador of the cycle industry, as well as an advocate of the brand, I feel the I make unbiased judgment of their product. I would never recommend a product to a fellow cyclist that I felt was rubbish. Moreover, Specialized is neither paying me nor giving me free product. I purchase my equipment and write honest reviews for fellow cyclists who are also spending their hard earned money. As the days get colder out there, of course all of us diehard cyclists are looking for the proper apparel to keep us rolling on two wheels through the winter. This year I have invested in some specialized product to keep me warm through the New York winter. Currently, as we have not hit the frigid winter months of January and February, I am riding the Specialized Deflect H2O Mountain Active Shell Jacket an the Specialized Deflect Gloves. Images of these items are below, and following is my honest review.

Granted, it has not generally been really cold yet, these products have worked out very well for me. Even those cold nights in November when it hit the low 20s, I was still out riding while others were indoors curled up by their space heaters. The Deflect H2O Mountain Shell works great for layering. Of course, when layering remember to begin with a good base layer that will wick away moister. This is essential because as you ride, you will warm up and sweat a bit in even the coldest of conditions. Ergo, a good moisture transferring base layer will wick the moisture away from your body, preventing you from getting cold later. I recommend the Specialized Merino Layer Long Sleeve for the winter.

Nonetheless, with however many layers I have felt necessary temperature depending, the Deflect H2O Mountain Shell has been great at everything that it advertises. The Gore® WINDSTOPPER® Active Shell breaks the wind, deflecting that super cold bite that Manhattan and Brooklyn are known for, and it effectively deflects light rain as well. Note that this is not a fully waterproof jacket, yet it works very well as a water resistant shell. The vents are perfect for when you start to heat up a bit, and the internal SWAT pockets come in handy surprisingly more than you would expect them to. Even as it has dipped below 30 degrees, I have worn this jacket with a base layer and then a sweatshirt and been plenty warm once riding, anything more and I would have been overheating.

Now, toes and fingertips are always a different story aren’t they. As mentioned, I have been using the Specialized Deflect Glove. Specialized advertises “Deflect offers great breathability and comfortable protection for temperatures down to 45°F/7°C”. And this statement I can vouch for. I have even been riding these gloves in the low 30s and been comfortable with them. In those November nights when it dipped into the low 20s, honestly my fingertips were a bit cold, yet not freezing off. Yet for these temperatures and even colder, specialized still offers three levels of gloves above the deflect, these are the Element 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0. The Element 3.0 is designed to handle even the most harsh of weather conditions.

The Hydrophobic Ax Suede fit palm of the Deflect gives great handlebar feel, especially for a cold weather glove. The wiretap technology, designed to use smartphones and other touch screen devices, is surprisingly effective. And this is a handy tool to have for those navigating maps or doing messenger work. Yet, my favorite feature of this glove is the Slip-on cuff for minimal bulk and snug fit. I would highly recommend these gloves, and when it gets brick cold out there you can always use the Mesta Wool Liner underneath or of course upgrade as there are numerous other options in the specialized line.

Thanks for reading, any and all questions I am happy to answer.

 

Winter Cycle Training!

More and more we see it here in Brooklyn, it is sad really. Hints of cold and people hang up there bikes to for the winter. People hibernate and, trade their clip-less shoes for boots, bibs for parkas, and rest their legs until the warmer days of April where they will have to start over again, losing all of the progress they have made in the previous season. If only people knew that with the proper gear, apparel, and training regimen, they could emerge from the winter like a spring chicken, ready to take on whatever the road or other riders have to offer.

Not only can one progress as a cyclist during the winter months, it can be loads of fun doing so.  Of course, your winter training program should be focused to achieve goals related to what type of cycling you do or what type of cycling you are planning to do in the upcoming season. For example, if you plan on doing mainly sportives or distance cycles then your training program should naturally be endurance focused. If you race criterium or are training to do so in the upcoming season, intervals to increase speed and strength should be the emphasis of your training. That being said, one doesn’t work without the other. Mixing up your training regimen will make you a stronger cyclist in both disciplines, not to mention keep your  regimen interesting and preventing burn out.

It is widely agreed upon that the best conditioning is of course on road training. Yet, as a great number of us are plagued by slushy winter roads and biting air, without the luxury to travel constantly and follow the warmth, an indoor trainer combined with strength training is a good way to stay in condition until the next season. Fluid trainers are recommended as they are significantly more quiet than mechanical trainers, a good fluid trainer can be found for as low as $315. When using the trainer it is important to vary your cadence to mimic real road conditions, often listening to music or watching something such as a suspense film can help facilitate this.

When utilizing weights for strength training, it is most important to maintain aerobic strength as opposed to putting on unnecessary mass. The best way to do this is to reduce the weight and increase the reps in your exercises. Your muscles will be much more apt for cycling come spring, and you wont have excess unnecessary bulk that you must push up hills later.

Many pro cyclists recommend utilizing other activities and sports to maintain fitness. Two of the most recommended are swimming and jogging. All of this information is of course valuable, yet if you are like myself and prefer the feel of the bike on the road cold air or none, make sure to wear the proper apparel to stay warm, healthy, and prevent cramping. Your local bike shop can assist with this. Train hard my friends! Reject those natural instincts to hibernate and gain weight.

For you cyclists who are very serious about their winter training program, a purchased winter training plan such as that provided by The Sufferest, is highly recommended and a great investment or Christmas gift.