V-Kit: Zwarte, Witte, Winter
When we designed the V-Kit in the winter of 2010, we thought we’d arrived at the ultimate Velominatus look. But, as it turns out, Spinal Tap Black isn’t for everyone. Apparently, not every climate is like that of the Pacific Northwest, where a heat advisory is issued when the mercury hits 30C (85F) and businesses close when it dips below 0C (32F). Evidently, some places get a touch warmer and colder than that.
Just like having a perfectly curated stable of bicycles ready for each and every possible weather condition, year-round Rule #9 Cycling Awesomeness requires the kit to support it. Which meant that we needed to expand our kit options. With each season comes a different array of requirements. With each climate comes a different set of boundary conditions. Each requires a different bit of kit, and all of it needs to be Rule compliant (though the very fact that any of this is being discussed begs the question whether Rule #5 isn’t being violated in heaps) not to mention that every bit should work in perfect harmony with every other bit.
It is with this objective in mind that we present you with three lines of Velominati V-Kit, Zwarte, Witte, and Winter. (I’m disappointed that Dutch doesn’t have a more exotic word for “Winter” than “Winter”. For the Love of Merckx, would it kill us to put a “V” in there somewhere?)
The obvious place to start is with the easy stuff. The first addition to the V-Kit family was the Long Sleeve V-Jersey, which was released earlier this year; a no-brainer, really. Next came the Obey the Rules Arm Warmers released in the Spring, an even less-brainer than the LS V-Jersey. Based on the realization that there is nothing more disappointing than covering up that beautiful V-Cog on your chest with a garish YJA when the weather turns unexpectedly nippy, we now have the V-Gillet; an uninsulated lightweight wind & waterproof vest that stuffs down for easy storage in your jersey pocket.
Then things got complicated, and leave it to KRX-10, our genius V-Designer, to ask distressing questions that reveal how poorly thought-out our concepts were. Why were we offering a second kit, aside from the obvious reason that the community is asking for it. What was the purpose of a white kit? Would it be a revision of the black, or is it an entirely new design? How would it relate to the overall identity of Velominati? How would it work with the existing V-Bibs? Would we make adjustments to the black V-Kit to better support the white? Would we add V-Bibs specifically designed for the white V-Jersey? Would we only offer them in defined configurations, or would we design it with the flexibility to mix and match? Finally – and perhaps most importantly, what would we call it?
Obviously, the answer to the above questions are somewhere between “9” and “yes”. An all-white V-Jersey is paired to all-black V-Bibs in what we are calling the Witte V-Kit. While the black Witte V-Bibs* are designed to go with the white Witte V-Jersey, they look smashing with the original (now re-named) Zwarte V-Jersey; the women have been rocking this combination all season with the Women’s V-Shorts. Conversely, the Witte V-Jersey looks dapper as fuck with the original Zwarte V-Bibs.
We leave you with the choice: Zwarte, Witte, Winter. However you choose, choose wisely and choose carefully. Place your order by midnight on September 15 for the next V-Kit shipment, scheduled to arrive in early November. If you have already ordered the V-Kit and would like to switch your order to the Witte Kit, please contact us.
*Please don’t attempt to distract us with the observation that “Witte” is the Dutch word for “White” and that the Witte V-Bibs are, in fact, black. They are named in parity with the intended full kit, not individually.
Ok totally off topic, but your position looks great. We had touched on this a while ago and I never got back to you on my thoughts. My thoughts are merely projected from a friend with 15 years of fitting expertise.
Your humerus is approximately 90° to your thoracic spine and that is the main indicator of proper bar position. You could pull the stem back a cm if you really wanted to.
Additionally your pelvis/sacrum is well angled over. The angle of the pelvis is usually “fixed” meaning you can’t lean over any further than you generally lean. It depends on hamstring flexibility and placement of the sensitive bits on the front of the saddle. People who can’t get their pelvis leaned over for whatever reason usually have to bend their lumbar spine way over to get low, causing back problems. You don’t look like this is an issue for you, there’s really just a gentle bend in your spine despite the low bars which are worthy of ridicule.
Resume normal discussions.
Awww, Fuck…Looks like the wife is eating ramen for the next month or so. Okay, I’ve looked about as deep into my Spinal Tap Black soul as possible, in conjunction with the sizing chart and I still don’t have a clue as to what size to order. Perhaps I could call on fellow 6’3″ 195lb (1.91m, 88kg for Rule #24 compliance) Velominati for a little guidance? I called out to Merckx and he just came back with ‘lose some weight and ask again next season…oh, and harden the fuck up while you’re at it’ I wear XL in DeMarchi, Assos and Capo – Is that the same thing I want here? Frank has me scared that I’m still too fat for an XL.
Methinks the Witte Kitte might shave a few minutes off the volcano, but this is salesmanship going in the wrong direction. Beautiful stuff, though: terrific. And I’ve even got more than two weeks to work on Mrs. Steampunk…
“It is with this objective in mind that we present you with three lines of Velominati V-Kit, Swarte, Witte, and Winter. (I’m disappointed that Dutch doesn’t have a more exotic word for “Winter” than “Winter”. For the Love of Merckx, would it kill us to put a “V” in there somewhere”
W is 2 Vs stuck together. Therefore, Winter is the season of Double V.
@VeloVita
I’ll leave the heightier Frank to comment on the length of the shorts, but at 1.75m and 88kg, I went with the XL last year. Good fit. Now 1.75m and 77kg, the XL is still looking sweet, but I wonder if I couldn’t go down to a L in the jersey…
@minion
The French call it “hiVer.”
@Steampunk
Thanks for the insight – I don’t see me ever getting down to 77kg (81.5kg is the lightest I’ve ever been in recent memory) so XL would be fine weight-wise, but I’ll wait for Frank to chime in on the height.
@VeloVita
I am 6’3″ and 195. I went with XXL bibs and XXL SS jersey, and look resplendent in them. The fit is Pro, meaning the cut is snug. The question you should ask is not between XL and XXL, but between XXL and 3XL. Fairly, I just couldn’t do that, but am not displeased with the fit. I have worn the XXL SS jersey with a base layer, but it is certainly not flapping in the breeze.
183cm / 78 kg, XL bibs and L jersey. Perfection. And great news on the gilet. Can’t wait! For those of you who have yet to experience V-Kit, this is Top. Notch. Shit.
Do it.
Rule #4a. It’s all about the kit.
Rule #12a. The correct number of kits to own is n+1. Plus it’s easier to hide than a new bike.
@VeloVita
In the photo above, I’m 1.93m (6’4″) and about 82kg (180lbs), and wearing an XL V-Bib with a Large V-Jersey. In that shot, I’m not carrying anything other than shot blocks and gels in my pockets, so keep that in mind. When I carry all my gear, the pockets bulge and sag just a touch more.
Given my current weight (I’m delighted at how light I’ve gotten, but not nearly satisfied at my weight), the L jersey is slightly loose around my shoulders and chest when I ride and only tight around the mid-section when I’m belly breathing. These days, I get the zipper-fold of a jersey that’s just about too big; I like a snug jersey fit, though, and if it gets any looser, I’ll switch to a Medium jersey.
Based on the number of V-Kit’s we’ve sent out, I would follow this advice: This is pro-fit, Italian race gear. That means the stuff is pretty fucking tight. It does stretch out a bit over time (over the course of a season) but is very snug. It is also true to the sizing chart. If you are on the verge between sizes, go up unless you like a race-fit (snug) jersey. One last point, the stuff is made for riding; jerseys feel much tighter off the bike than on it; once you get into your postion, the shoulder seams line up with your shoulders and everything feels fantastic.
As for the LS Jersey, it is made of a thicker material; the same sizing applies, but due to the fleece-lined material, it sags much less than the SS jersey; you can afford to go just a touch bigger on it than on the regular jersey. Also keep in mind you may want to layer. Same goes for the V-Gillet, though it is not a lined fabric.
We’ve rarely had people complain that the kit is too large; when we get complaints about sizing, it’s usually that the kit is too small. This kit fits snugger than most of the Castelli (and other Euro-sized kit) you’ll find at your LBS.
One last note, the arm warmers feel very tight. I went up a size at first, but they stretch a touch over the first few rides. I ended up in the same size as my jersey.
@sgt
Ooooohhhh, if it didn’t seem so damn self-serving, that adjustment would have to be made immediately. Top notch.
@Steampunk
As for the length of the shorts – I’m a leggy fuck (more girls have told me they wish they HAD my legs than that they LIKED my legs – or any other part of me) and have never known a pair of shorts that were on the long size of the Golidlocks Principle. But these are fo sho not too short, either.@Steampunk
Very, very well played.
@minion
Trudat, thanks for being my rock. That was close, funny how when you’re multi-lingual (Dutch, English, and Velomis for me) you can get your wires crossed.
In Velomiskrit, of course, the number “10” is written as “VV” – not X – since we use a base-five numbering system. So it’s not really a Witte V-Kit, it’s a VVitte V-Kit. That’s three V’s. Thats enough for almost anyone.
Sometimes, we just write a “W” because it’s easier. Just like the Dutch, rather than making people write a ÿ, we just write ij. It looks the same and raises less questions from the uninitiated.
@frank
Would socks be asking too much? I know the minimums are beastly for socks, but they’d be the icing on the cake.
@frank
That’s why I’m on a Wilier. There’s no “W” in Italian, so they use it as a contraction for “ViVa”. Cool, huh?
Awesome shit Frank. I’m am do for a new bike in he next couple of weeks. Might need to add a bit of kit as well.
@frank
Thanks for the in-depth rundown on the sizing. Race-fit is definitely what I’m after so the XLs should do. I’ve found that if a jersey isn’t skin tight, the pockets start to sag regardless of how little is in them and that is simply unacceptable. I’ll be placing my order for a Swarte SS jersey and bibs as well as a Witte jersey once the purchase order is approved by the wife.
@michael
No one has ever complimented my position here. Thanks for that. Credit where credit is due, both Oli and Rob had some good feedback the last time I rode the volcano, and due to their advice I went from a 17 degree stem to a 10 degree stem, raising the bars about 5mm (17 degree – 10 degree @ 130mm length = ~1cm delta, but my 17 had a 5mm spacer under it) and I raised my saddle by about the same amount.
Overall, I feel much better on the bike; this is the first season where I’ve had almost no knee pain in my right knee, which was operated on when I was 18.
I’ve probably never thanked those guys specifically for that – so @Oli/@Rob – thanks for your input – really helped heaps.
Frank, these kits look damn sweet. I am going to indulge for my birthday I think, or maybe sooner if I get this new job I’m angling for… I have some serious lust for a nice kit. I think the new white jersey will look awesome with the original bibs as well.
Regarding your fit, I think your position on the bike looks great; it’s just the saddle to handlebar drop when your bike is shown without a rider is what freaks me out. Do you get comments about it when out and about often?
@frank
Was thinking, mainly, that I’m not a leggy fuck but the length of the XL bib is not too long for me (though maybe on the lengthier end of the Goldilocks spectrum””the BFGs are exceptionally girthful, however””girls don’t want my legs).
What?? That’s, like, 15, which is far greater than 11.
@sgt
Nice work. ViVa Italia Liberata e Rendenta!
@frank
Is that photo from before the stem change?
Raising the bars probably had the same effect as putting a shorter stem.
I rode my bike on the roads for the first time tonight (4 miles!) and discovered I was more comfortable leaned over than sitting up, go figure.
I hate to say this, but Swart is Afrikaans… If you insist on it being Dutch, or even Flemish, you will have to call it Zwarte Kit…
@frank
And elementary German class (which I have every right to be wrong about), W is pronounced double Vow which is V, rather than Double U. Tony Martin will back me up. @Steampunk
There’s only one V in Hiver. Typically French.
@mcsqueak
I reckon. The idea of me trying to clamber aboard one of Frank’s bikes would be like getting a colonoscopy from a submarine.
@Steampunk
Still 1.75m? Are you sure? Maybe your diet helped you get taller….
Nice work on the weight loss, Steamy. I’m a similar height but stuck on 82kgs but would love to get to 77. Unfortunately my love of beer seems to overshadow my desire to shed fat…
Put me down for a LS jersey and wind vest.
@sgt
I’ve been nagging him about socks too. Actually Champ-Sys minimums for sock is WAY lower than the Sock Guy and the like. I know it would be Champ-Sys but how bad can you screw up socks?
Sweetness! A new photo is up, we can now move on from that denim madness.
Looking good Frank, lookin’ real good!
mcsqueak – Get after that new job! We all know the only reason we work & angle for better jobs is so we can afford awesome-er bicycles & gear.
Heck, the main impetus for me to finish my degree & fly the relatively comfortable life of graduate school is so that I can find a job & make some upgrades. Faux denim ain’t cheap!
@VeloVita
I’m 1.90m and 83.5 kg. I’m wishing my 2XL jersey was an XL and my XL LS jersey fits perfect. I’ll be geting the Witte in XL.
Hope that helps.
@Ron
I just scored an awesome side gig ala Velominatus Budgetatus – I whipped up a website for my LBS and I give them one weekly update for the paltry sum of $100 a month and all employee purchase benefits. Can you say “New S-Works White Princesses and Podium Shoes”?
@pakrat
Thanks, I’m definitely going with the XL – even if its a little snug at first it will be perfect when I peak in two months
@Cyclops
I didn’t realise the podium shoes were available to the general public (or are they just available to state champions?)- I would totally rock the shit out of those at the office…
@mcsqueak
Keep in mind these bad ass threads don’t show up overnight, so order early. Just placed the Witte jersey order meself.
On a related note, you definitely will get noticed while wearing your kit. Seems nearly everyone has visited the site these days. At a local TT this past weekend I had so many compliments on the jersey I stopped counting. Full disclosure: One dickhead says to me in a mocking tone in the start line “You can count my violations when I’m passing you.” I didn’t take the bait, but he didn’t pass me either (not cuz I’m fast, I simply started four riders in front of him)!
@Ron
Ron, like I said last week, if you look in the right big mass-market stores, faux denim is cheap. The nasty part is free. Also, no sizing issues – one size fits all, whether or not it looks good!
@Minion
@pakrat
Hah, yeah… it’ll be awesome to be passed while going up hills in the fancy-schmancy kit and be mocked for it at the same time. Oh well, there is no rule about having to “go fast”, you just need to be able to suffer!
I’d love to order ASAP (and if I get this new job I will because it’ll come with a nice raise), but I have some trips and car repairs (ugh) to pay for before summer is out so my fun money is spoken for at the moment. Sad face.
I’m definitely going to get the “traditional” bibs and jersey first, with arm-warmers and the gillet. But I’m thinking the white jersey would look pretty dope with the white side-panels of the original bibs as well.
@Cyclops
Ugh, I use to make websites for side money as well, but I can’t stand working with the clients. “Change this, no change this… can’t you just make it do this? That should be easy… just this one other LITTLE thing I forgot to mention…” and on and on. Bah! A bike shop site would be a good gig, though.
I think Custom DeFeet wool socks would be GREAT, but their minimum is 144 pairs. That is a lot of socks… they would probably get sold eventually, but that’s a lot of money up-front for Frank and the crew.
I actually roll the Defeet Classico in Red/White. They actually match the kit pretty well even though they are red and not orange. Plus when at speed (which is easy to do when sporting the V kit for motivation) they look as if they are made for the kit.
@Hanneke
That’s so annoying. And you’re absolutely right. I blame KRX-10, who is not Dutch and doesn’t insist on being so, for jokingly calling it Swarte because I was referring (also jokingly) to the white kit as the Witte Kitte. Swarte didn’t look right but I figured I was wrong after typing Swarte into Google and not getting an alternative suggestion. Knowing K-Dog, he was probably deliberately trying to get under my skin by using the “dirty” Dutch (Afrikaans) and I was too dense to notice.
Says something about the state of your life when Google’s suggestions are a more meaningful (and erroneous) barometer on spelling and grammar than is your education. Merckx, that’s embarrassing.
Thanks for the correction – it’s been updated.
@Cyclops
Have you ever worn good socks? Change your life. Shit socks? You’ll get blisters and other things that we really don’t need to be getting on top of all the other suffering we go through.
I’m waiting for samples from Champ-Sys, actually. They also now offer a cotton cap; although one of our community member’s mother has sent me a home made cap which is the complete bomb-digity, which means we may be offering a hand-made cotton cycling cap. How cool is THAT?
The Champ-Sys shit has to be good enough to carry the V-Name. I’ve also implored Castelli one last time to go easy on the minimums, and am waiting on a response.
The items we’d like to add, Merckx-willing, are socks, gloves, and caps. Like I said, I’m waiting on Champ-Sys which have better numbers (both qty’s and price) and if they are good enough to carry the V, we may see some more products showing up in the near future.
Cyclops: how bad can you screw up sock?
If your not careful saying crap like that you will be religated back to Cat5 shit zone. Thats a Rule of the peloton, everything matters…everything
have you ever worn a fine castelli sock that is made purposely to fit the mid-foot, with an Italian seamstress that has drank more wine and ate more cheese thinking of how to make a novel design for YOU? A sock with fabric that is purposed to make you ‘not feel a thing’ is right, then you compare that to others and you can see differences
Ok, try it, its usually a $10 bill
I prefer mine precisely 6″ above the ankles in a Euro-pro-cool w/preferred racing stripes up the Achilles
wool in winter
thin goods in summer
@frank
Agreed. Life’s too short to wear shit socks. But while we’re on the topic, I hate Castelli gloves. Too much padding, scratchy material (not good for nose wiping) and those assinine pull-thingy’s between the fingers. I like these, or these, in case anyone cares…
And the idea of a cap lovingly sewn by a V-Mom makes me positively tingly.
@Souleur
I’m a 6cm guy myself
@frank
I’m glad its Zwarte – ‘Swarte’ is just too close to ‘swarthy’, which makes me think of pirates (not the kick ass Italian kind) and I think we call all agree that this is not the look we’re after.
@sgt
I actually have both of the gloves you mentioned. The Giro Zeros were good for a while, but I found the color on the top of the hand (I have red) got really dingy quite quickly and won’t come clean so I don’t wear them anymore. The Giordana Silverlines on the other hand are cheap as chips so even though they aren’t the hardest wearing gloves I’ve used I can get usually get two pair for the same price as one of the Giros, so I’m a big fan. I like clean gloves.
I think the kit should stay as close to 100% Castelli. The pros don’t mix and match brands.
@VeloVita
Gianni at your service, how may I direct your missive? I too am those dimensions and also hung like a giant pit lemur. Oh sorry, you aren’t? My condolences. Where was I, oh right, Jersey xl. Bibs 2xl. Boom, done and fookin’ dusted jimmy!
Fret no more.
@eightzero
Mien Gott em Heimmel? you too? 6’3″, 195lbs? We rule don’t we? I’ve wondered about the 2xl jersey, my xl is quite snug and almost short, maybe 2xl is the way. Now I’m confused.
@VeloVita
Talk amongst yourself.
Speaking of kits – I had to take some stuff up to our Rexburg facility today and as I was walking around up there I caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye that seemed to have a familiar look to it…
@sgt
You’re obviously not wearing the Aero Race Glove. I have the Giro gloves you’re referencing and these kick the piss out of them. Very thin and form fitting, hardly any padding at all.
I actually don’t like Castelli’s stuff unless it’s their absolute top-end, but I’ve probably been overly spoiled.
It happen’s to be @Souleur‘s V-Mom.
Starting the countdown timer now on when someone will comment on my kickass sandals.
@RedRanger
Right you are. We’re doing our best.
@VeloVita
You should be able to get them at fine podium shoe store everywhere. Or at least Specialized/S-Works dealers. My cost on them will be about $85 so they probably retail around $150.
@frank
What about that kickass book on your cafe table? Glad you have been studying for the exams.