This is an excellent jersey. It's hard for me to order an XL in a jersey as I am 5'9 inches tall and usually below 165 pounds. I do have wide shoulders relative to most Euro type cyclists. This jersey is very form fitting. I would definitely recommend adding one and possibly two sizes. I plan to try an XL next time I order one. Otherwise the jersey looks and feels great. I enjoy not having to spray sunscreen, legs fine but arms make me feel sticky and uncomfortable. I've tried sun sleeves but they never seem to fit comfortably.
This jersey is 100% better!
I used the helmet for one year before the crash and it was perfect for fit, comfort, and breathability.
I landed on my back, and the back of my head immediately whiplashed onto the pavement hard with so loud a sound I thought the helmet would be trashed. While there are four markings on the helmet from the impact, it wasn't destroyed as expected.
Most importantly, I didn't get a concussion. I had a crash three years ago that involved a bad concussion, and you don't ever want to get one trust me. I could not believe how softly the impact was on my head, especially considering I cracked a rib.
For me, the choice is clear. The helmet must have Spherical Tech. I bought an Eclipse to replace the Aries for my road riding and will continue to use the Aries for gravel because it doesn't appear to be compromised.
There are other helmets that I think look way cooler, and I wish the Eclipse didn't look so heinously Martian Domed. I had just bought a Utopia Y on backorder, then right after the crash canceled the order and bought an Eclipse. Funny how priorities can change in a NY minute.
Whilst I am no longer riding competitivly I still like to use good quality clothing that fits well and remains comftorble throughout the ride. The Expresso jersey satisfies my needs very it has become my jersey style of choice over the past couple of years (I now have ablut 3 of them).
I have used them throughout the heat of a Texas summer and find they will be good with an undershirt and arm warmers on cooler days.
A great buy, more relaxt fit than a full on race jersey so ideal for group rides, training rides and of course the coffee shop.
Having ridden in a pair of Shimano R320s for many years I decided it was time for a new pair of road shoes. A positive experience with a pair of Giro Techlace mountain bike shoes informed my choice here. I went with a size 44 the same as my other Giro shoes and they are perfect. I have been told by ski boot fitters that I've got a very average foot, in size width and arch and typically wear a U.S. men's 10 in athletic shoes. The Empire SLX II's lace system is excellent for dialing in a comfortable fit and the middle sized arch supports (orange) that come pre installed are perfect for me. The shoe is very well ventilated and great for Southern California. I've got several hundred miles on them and haven't had any issues. My only critique is that I would like to see black laces on the white shoe, just for stain resistance.
