BicyclingHub.com owner Doug Duguay and Dan Kaufman of PDXK Productions are heading down to Bend, OR this weekend for three full days of cycling festivities in one of the most premier road cycling, mountain-biking, hiking and cross-country skiing areas in the country. Be warned: they've got bikes and cameras in tow, and aren't afraid to use them.
Can't travel to Bend this weekend? Keep in touch via our Facebook and Twitter accounts for pics, video and live updates--all the news that's fit to be posted, tweeted, and shared with our readers and fans.
No longer will women have to steal their husbands' or boyfriends' long-sleeve jerseys, or purchase a men's cut and hope the difference in arm, torso and hip dimensions won't prove too cumbersome or uncomfortable to the female form. Castelli, an Italian cycling clothing manufacturer known for its superior fabrics and tailored fits, parlayed the success of last year's Trasparente Wind Jersey to create a women's specific version in a league of its own.
Light, warm, comfortable and stylish, this jersey is perfect for those chilly fall and spring days that hover between 50 to 65 degrees. Windstopper fabric in the front panels prevents cold gusts from penetrating through and freezing your core, while the Warmer fabric on the back ensures high breathability. Committed to riding in and testing the same products we sell, BicyclingHub.com staff members Kevin and Melissa take the Castelli men's and women's Trasparentes out for a spin.
Melissa says:
This jersey is my absolute favorite piece in Castelli's line. Don't think of it as a jersey--think of it as a jersey and jacket in one. With the Windproof front panel and the fleeced back, this jersey keeps you warm in the Winter and is also perfect for cool Spring and Fall riding when it's often windy. It features a flip-up collar for extra neck protection. I love the thumbloop feature on the sleeves which mean that they will never creep and leave your wrists exposed to the cold-brilliant! Well worth the investment when you consider the features and how much it will extend your wardrobe.
I had to follow Melissa’s lead and get one of these for our Autumn/Winter here in Portland. We enjoy mild Winters for the most part, certainly by comparison with some other parts of the country. On top of that, you can encounter several microclimates during one ride whether you are in the West Hills of Portland or heading into the Columbia Gorge. Okay – it has been known to rain consistently through the cooler months here in the Northwest, but we can still ride. I like my Trasparente jersey for the warmth and comfort it provides, with the jersey-like feel, lack of bulk and freedom of movement. The windproof fabric on the front does a great job of protecting my chest and core from windchill and offers a little splash resistance. If it is colder than 50 degrees out, then I usually add a layer and if the skies open, then the rain cape goes on top – but my Trasparente does get plenty of use at this time of year.
Our friends at Crossbikereview.com share our philosophy that one should ride bicycles in both comfort and style. They've just published a review of Castelli's Endurance Bib Shorts, a BicyclingHub.com staff pick and customer favorite. Read on to find out why they've earned a full 5 out of 5 cowbells rating.
We went over to the Castelli faciliy here in Portland, OR and visited with the President of Castelli Greg Cowen and picked up a pair of these shorts. I could tell right away that these shorts were very high quality and very well made. And after several months of riding in them on a daily basis I can say that my inital impressions were spot on. The Endurance bib shorts have Castelli's Progetto X2 padand it was truly a experience. I am usually good for a 3 hour ride and then I start getting uncomfortable in the saddle. Not so with these shorts. This pad really works. You can truly spend hours in the saddle with this pad.
The other thing that was innovative about these shorts was the gripper. Grippers started out as elastic with thin rubber threads that were exposed and gripped the leg. Then they went to silicon at the end. The Castelli Endurance bib shorts have it integrated into the fabric so the actual fabric cuff is grippy. There is no raised section from the gripper to the fabric. This means a better fit and no more silicone or gripper marks on your leg after your ride. No more funny shapes aorund your thigh from the shorts!
Other nice features are 4-way flat lock stitching that ensures a smooth transition between the different sections. The micro-fabric is truly high quality and very form-fitting without being constrictive. There are also reflective inserts on the back of the leg on the cuff that adds a level of safety to the shorts. All of these are very nice touches that you would see on shorts costing much more.
Castelli is a company that has been around a long time and prides themselves on making high quality and innovative cycling clothing. They stand behind every single piece of clothing that they sell--so much so that Greg made a point to take me back and show me the returns that they have recieved for the year. If you're not happy with it for whatever the reason, they will exchange it. Oh and there were only a handful of things in the return bins. I saw 4 bins and they each had about 4-5 items in them. Not a lot considering the scope and volume that they do. So the company rocks customer service and so do the shorts. I wanted to see if Willy Wonka was back in the back working with these guys because this short is the "All Day Gobstopper" of the short world. Get a pair and they will become your favorite short.
Jay Suburb says, "Never let a little snow keep you from riding."
Autumn typically ushers in a transitional season for cyclists with cooler temps, stiffer winds, additional layers, hunting for the trail under fallen leaves (while trying to recall where the singletrack USED to be), group rides planned around fresh donuts and hot apple cider rather than ice cream, and/or racing 'cross.
While diminishing daylight and distinct chill in the air has some hanging up their bikes for the winter or heading indoors for a spin class, other riders remain resolute in their determination to ride year-round and are stocking up on warm layers, rain gear and good lights to see and be seen.
Here are our Top 10 Tips for Year-Round Riding, courtesy of your fellow cyclists and BicyclingHub fans.
10. Move to California!!!! ~Angie Achen
Castelli's Wool Cycling Cap in Grey Plaid keeps
your head warm--and hides helmet hair nicely.
9. Ride all winter in Charlotte, North Carolina...Embrace the cold and wear layers, particularly a cap...you need to wear just enough clothes so that you are chilly the first 10-15 minutes. ~Jr DelVasto
8. Dress for the weather.. might be slow riding in the winter with snow but get in your base miles. If it is really cold make sure to not have straight water it freezes faster, mix in an electrolyte. And put your Camelbak under your jacket so it doesn't freeze. ~Kristhal Portugal
7. Don't decide whether to ride in the morning - commit every day before you commute - prep everything the night before and it's always time to ride. ~Max Slade
Winter events like Portland's annual Worst Day of the Year Ride are a great way to stay motivated and have fun with friends.
6. I take my bike to work and get a ride in during my lunch break. A short ride is better than an hour on the trainer!~Scott Trombley
5. Petition your city, county, boro to install MORE bike lanes, especially in the busy central district. It can encourage more road-sharing and actually saves lives. ~Mark Flanigan
Would you ride your bike in THIS? Photo courtesy of MSN.com
4. For up north, studded tires take the worry out of wiping out in the snow and ice. Dress up warm and go out in a snow storm, no cars on the roads and enjoy the beauty of the stillness in the snow, except you pedaling! ~Mary Connor, Marquette, MI
3. What about cake? Cake's got layers. The keys for me are my head for overall comfort, and good stuff for my hands and feet. Best hand comfort comes from a good-fitting bike (which will help you keep blood flowing to your fingers). The rest of my body is easy to manage with layering. ~Roger Barr
2. I figure it's as cold out here whether I ride, walk or take the bus. Where I live, in Philadelphia, it's far easier and quicker for me to ride to work on my 2 mile commute to the office. It takes tops, 15 minutes. But if I walk or take the bus, it's much longer and I'm out in the elements getting colder or wetter. I wear thinner layers so I'm not bundled up like the little brother in A Christmas Story. I don a beanie cap under my helmet and an earband over my helmet. I save at least 4 bucks a day, save time and aggravation and I get some exercise while logging about 20 miles a week that I otherwise wouldn't have. All by allowing me a fancier coffee and/or a pastry treat once in a while with the bucks I save and the calories I burn. ~The Bicycle Chef
1. Fenders, a good hose and lots of chain lube!~Scott Sherman
Hosted every September since 1995, workers in Oregon and SW Washington have competed to see who can bike to work more in 30 days. Individuals register on their workplace’s team, log their bike commutes online, and at the end of the month the BTA does the math and honors the winning companies.
Kevin "squishing" Mt. Hood while showing off the cycling love
"[Commuting by] bike is still the best way to travel…Beats sitting in the car, no matter how far or short you've got to travel," BicyclingHub staff member and "professional commuter" Kevin Langton states. "Beats taking the bus, too--and I always get a seat."
Langton can opt to take short route--which is 20 minutes and 4 miles--or, on days it's nice out and/or cares to stretch his legs, he extends his commute to take the scenic way home. That extra hour or two "gives you a little more exercise, or turns it into a training ride for a couple of hours...Fighting into the wind, hills or flat: it's all there for you, any time you want it."
According to the BTA, in 2011, 1452 workplaces and 12,063 riders participated in the Challenge, logging a total 1,372,619 miles biked. More than 2,000 participants identified themselves as new bike commuters, making 2011 a banner year for the program. With new online features to track the miles, form Leagues and issue challenges to would-be competitors, as well as weekly prize drawings and discounts at participating shops, the Commuter Challenge does a great job inspiring and motivating people to go by bike.
Mail delivery by bike: BicyclingHub staff member Adrian Richardson
tests just how much mail hisBlack Star cargo bag can really hold
Zak Kovalcik, a track racer in BicyclingHub's shipping department, lives car-free and commutes year-round. "I've only ever been a bike commuter, so I don't have much to compare it against…but it definitely beats taking the bus," he remarks. "Plus, it's a good way to wake up. When you get to work, you're already energized and ready to go, instead of still being asleep."
As a competitive cyclist, he feels making daily short trips by bike help with training--especially on "days where I'm tired from training and I don't actually want to ride…It helps get me on my bike and spin my legs."
A majority of BicyclingHub.com staff commute by bike year-round, ensuring the products we sell get rigorous testing (especially our Showers Pass rain gear) and impartial reviews. A League-recognized Bicycle Friendly Business, BicyclingHub.com looks forward to participating in the 2012 Bike Commute Challenge and giving their cohorts a run for their money.
When it comes to cycling gear that's good for bad weather, BicyclingHub.com and Bicycling Magazine agree: Castelli's Nanoflex fabric routinely outperforms other brands and wins many fans for life.
A favorite BicyclingHub staff pick since the revolutionary Nanoflex fabric was introduced last year, Castelli engineered its NanoFlex stretch with millions of tiny silicone nano-filaments to create the most water-repellent fabric known to man (or woman). Just watch our YouTube video below and watch in disbelief as droplets of water bead and roll off the surface, rather than permeating the outer membrane and soaking through.
Apparently Bicycling Magazine agrees, as Castelli Nanoflex arm and knee warmers got the nod in the October 2011 issue. "These comfortable, flexible warmers will keep you toasty on cool spring or fall mornings, but are so light you'll forget they're in your pockets after you've shed them for the day. Water-repellent nano fibers won't keep you dry in a downpour, but light drizzle beads on the surface, giving you a chance to seek shelter before the skies open."
NOTE: While the editors ofBicyclingadvise,"The fit is slightly large, so size down,"the manufacturer recommends ordering arm and knee warmers in the same size as your Castelli jersey or Castelli shorts. For example, if you wear a Castelli jersey in size Medium, order Castelli arm warmers in size Medium; if you wear Castelli cycling shorts or bib shorts in size Large, order Castelli knee and/or leg warmers in size Large.
BicyclingHub.com staff are well-versed in navigating through Castelli sizing to help you find the optimal fit. For additional questions, call our cycling clothing experts toll-free at 1-888-817-8060 or e-mail us at customerservice@bicyclinghub.com .
Founder of http://www.BicyclingHub.com, Doug Duguay tells the story of his cycling apparel business and what it offers customers who are interested in bike jerseys, shorts, and other bicycle clothing products. Take a ride with Doug through Portland's beautiful Mt. Tabor Park and see the products, brick-and-mortar and Internet store close up. Plus watch a reenactment from Doug's childhood (well kinda).
Jaime Jay Nava and Dan Kaufman on assignment at
Filmed by Bike for Pirate Satellite TV.
A collaboration with locally-based filmmakers Dan Kaufman and Jaime Jay Nava of PDXK Productions, we wanted to share not only the short film itself but also a behind-the-scenes look of how the project came to fruition. "Portlanders expect and encourage creativity and free spiritedness," observes Kaufman. Two of the qualities he admires most about the city are reflected in their work.
BicyclingHub: How did you decide where and what to shoot the promo?
DK: After a couple rounds of coffee and brainstorming with Doug we determined he should be the focus, spokesman, and face of the company. We all felt that's what sets BicyclingHub.com apart from some of the other cycling apparel outlets is the passion for cycling. We wanted to show Doug in action and wearing the gear.
BicyclingHub: Why Mt. Tabor? Does it hold a special place in Portlander's hearts?
DK: I have spent countless hours on Mt. Tabor and Washington Park. Both have great views of the city and I consider the reservoirs to be gems that make great backgrounds for video and photographs. Much of Mt. Tabor it is low-car or car-free so we can be free to ride and shoot bit more care free. The federal government is also trying to force the city to cap the reservoirs so the water shots may someday be a historical view if the city can't find a solution. I suppose there is a subtle message to Portlanders that we need save these treasures.
Doug Duguay proudly sporting the BicyclingHub Team Jersey
during a recent Cross Crusade cyclocross race.
BicyclingHub: Why did you feel it was important to feature the owner actually riding his bike in the video?
DK: We wanted Doug's passion for cycling to be self-apparent. It's one thing to say it. It has more impact to show it.
BicyclingHub: Can you describe the collaborative process you employ when working with clients to capture what you/they might be looking for to convey to their audience?
DK: We always begin with the end in mind. We ask questions like who will be watching and what will they want to know. What is the medium and how long will people pay attention?
Video is usually more a more visceral, emotional medium so it's important to try to reach the viewers that way. But we also want the message to be clear from the outset. Then we open it up to brainstorming where nothing is off-limits. We come up with a few ideas and then narrow it down based on what we think will be the most entertaining and effective in getting the message across.
Jaime Jay Nava armed and ready for action
Working with Doug was a real treat - we tried to keep his scripted lines to a minimum and then just let him riff on the story of BicyclingHub and his passion for cycling. Jay and I always have fun working together... finding shots, cracking jokes and just enjoying the act of movie making in the moment and Doug jumped right into that.
Thanks for your all your great work, Dan and Jay! After 10 years in business, we're just as passionate about cycling as the day we started.
Can you do us a favor?
We're trying to hit 1,000 YouTube views. Share this link with your friends: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL99iwWz9n8 and spread the cycling love!
Melissa says:
