Strip away all the fancy layers we wrap ourselves in to get on our bikes, and what are you left with but the basics. Enter Rapha's supremely comfortable 2008 Bibs and silky-soft merino Base Layer. OK, nobody said the basics couldn't be fancy.

In 2007 I bought my first pair of Rapha bibs and loved the fit and finish. Rapha's shorts were soft and stretchy where other brands were tight and claustrophobic. The shoulder straps were broad and didn't pinch or bind. They dried quickly. In a word they were flawless!

So how do you improve on perfection? I hadn't a clue until Rapha's 3/4 bib tights arrived last Fall sporting a new Cytech chamois. Compared with the engineered Nalini pad this new chamois seemed incredibly simple, but it only took a couple of rides to recognize it was an improvement. The Cytech was softer, wicked moisture better and dried faster after washing. When I realized the 08 bibs had the black Cytech pad, it wasn't long before I was online ordering them.

And they haven't disappointed. Last year's model is still in regular rotation, but the new bibs are the go-to shorts for big rides. The matte lycra again offers just the right amount of compression to keep my legs happy. While the top of the 08 bibs are edged in contrasting white; the Rapha logo is still classically presented black on black. I love wearing them. Currently they occupy third place on my revised Top 10 Kit list behind the everyday versatility of the Rapha Gilet and sleek Rapha Lightweight Jersey. They may yet displace their siblings and gain the top spot.

The Rapha Bib Shorts are priced at £120 $195 €175

Whatever the weather, hot or cold, I'm of the school that believes a baselayer helps keep you running at optimum temperature. A while back I wrote about my winning experience with Campagnolo's short-sleeved technical baselayer C281. The Campy piece fits like a second skin in the best Euro tradition.

That review didn't go unnoticed and shortly thereafter I received a note from Slate Olsen encouraging me to give the Rapha merino baselayer a try. I'd been hesitant to go that route because I feared 100% wool would be itchy, I was happy to be proved wrong.

Rapha's baselayer (I wear Large) is a featherweight throwback. The styling evokes memories of a working man's undershirt circa the 1920's, think Jim Braddock's story in Cinderella Man. The ideal fit is slightly looser than skin tight, and that's what I get with the Large. My fears of itchiness were unwarranted. Wisely, both the branding at the neckline and the care labels are sewn on the outside of the garment. No tickling included.

The New Zealand merino wool is incredibly efficient at wicking moisture and the slightly relaxed fit (I've chosen) is actually cooler than the Campy technical baselayer. Paired with Rapha's own Lightweight Jersey you have a superb combination for the hottest summer rides. And that's good because the temperature in the Bay Area today is going to hit 95 degrees F. I'm off to put on the basics for the ride to work.

The Rapha Merino Base Layer is priced at £45 $80 €65

Australia's Knog is probably best known for their tiny Frog LED lights; clever loops of silicon that wrap themselves around handlebars, seatstays, chainstays and in my case, the light loops of my Rapha Fixed Backpack.

Of course, Knog has a lot more to offer: powerful lights, urban bags, laptop bags and the subject of this report, some choice leather gloves. The Knog vibe is urban, hip and edgy. Under the theme of Bike Love, their site pushes boundaries and buttons (and then undoes them). Male or female, the experience will surely boost your heart rate.

The aptly-named Ride Hard Gloves are hand-stitched from fine-grained goatskin and available in three colorways: solid black, cream and olive, and cream and ruby. I have two of the three. A pair of black gloves came in the post from Knog's flagship Chapel St. store in Australia with the cheerful help of store manager Andrew Wood, nickname &ndash Woodie. A cream and olive pair arrived from U.S.-based SmartBikeParts.com and an equally helpful Eric. Both pairs look fantastic.

If it doesn't fit you must acquit! OJ's ham-fisted performance nearly fifteen years ago goes down in history as evidence of prosecutorial incompetence and the fact you can't judge the fit of leather gloves when they've been soaked in blood and dried badly. New leather gloves can appear equally uncooperative on first try. I say CAN because the black gloves were decidedly stiffer than the supple cream and olive. Woodie attributes this to the shrinking properties of black dye, something he's noticed over the years in production of garments in many different fabrics/materials. Persevere and you'll be rewarded.

After a few rides and a couple of break-in sessions working on the black gloves, both pairs (size medium) are now a good fit. The perfect fit is still a few miles down the road as the leather continues to be shaped by heat, sweat and the oils from my hands. Nice when something gets better with age.

The Ride Hard gloves are more substantial than most synthetics with the extra padding of suede inserts on the palms and in the web between thumb and forefinger. The knuckles are reinforced with dime-sized leather discs with embroidered lettering: the left hand reads H-A-R-D; and the right, R-I-D-E. With an occasional wash, thorough rinse and still damp re-stretch these stylish, hard-working mitts will never steer you in the wrong direction.

In the U.S. The Knog Ride Hard gloves are priced at $59 from SmartBikeParts.com, outside the U.S. you can order the gloves online, directly from Knog. If you prefer half gloves, Knog has you covered with the L-O-V-E, H-A-T-E series.

For a moment, wearing Rapha's Touring Shorts, I'm an Edinburgh schoolboy again. The Moray House uniform: shorts; shirt and tie; jacket and cap. That was the last time I wore shorts as beautifully tailored as these, though in a smaller size and much heavier fabric.

The touring shorts are cool, light and wonderfully constructed in the best Rapha tradition. I love details like the horizontal rear pocket just below the waistband (perfect for ID and cash, or your cell phone if you've not stashed it per design in your Rapha bibs) and another on the right hip, purposely cut shallow to avoid any interference with your thigh while pedaling. Both pockets are almost invisible and closed with tiny tear-shaped fobs.

The fabric has a little bit of stretch to it and dries quickly. The fly doesn't bulge or open on the bike, meaning the zipper is perfectly fitted. The satin-lined hems slide frictionlessly over your legs. Inside, there's a touch of signature pink edging the pockets and branding is quintessential Rapha; understated black on black.

As life slowly comes full circle, I find myself wearing the Touring Shorts as part of a new uniform on my daily bike commute. Worn over Rapha bibs and baselayer, they strike a stylish balance between street fashion and cycling kit. I'm even tempted to put them on for a big weekend ride, there's nothing wrong with violating the lycra-tic oath occasionally.

Come the fall it's rumored that Perren Street's range will truly cover the long and short of it with a full-length trouser (Touring shorts, fixed shorts, full-length). Then, as US GM Slate Olsen joked "we'll only need to design pajamas to keep you in Rapha round the clock." Slate, Luke... pajamas are not a bad idea, and the sewn-in-story would naturally involve some of Anquetil's nocturnal palmarès.

The Touring Shorts are priced at £70 $110 €100

Coming from someone who turns ordinary socks inside out because even the smallest seam itches me what designer's skin isn't that sensitive, Rapha's Lightweight Jersey is smooth perfection.

As usual Rapha is thinking about epic rides with the generous pocket configuration, including a vertically zipped ID/valuables pocket and a full-width ballast pocket. The back of the LW has a central mesh strip that makes the jersey particularly well-suited for the hottest days and for riding with the Rapha Fixed Backpack. It's a fantastic canvas for righteous salt stains.

Paired with the Touring Shorts as pictured, it cuts a classic, urban silhouette that is as timeless as it is modern. Like all Rapha kit, the price point is heady, but to my mind any piece of theirs is worth two or three of anything else. With care, following basic washing instructions (cold water, inside out, Woolite) you should enjoy countless centuries (in miles of course) of enjoyment from them. Highly recommended.

The Lightweight Jersey is priced at £100 $170 €150

I pulled up to Brendan's place at 6:20 am, and loaded his bike onto the Raxter while he gathered the last bits and pieces for a long day together on the road. His giant Soulcraft was sporting a new, but recycled, Brooks saddle that had only seen limited action on his commuter. He must have caught my eyebrows on the way up because he was quick to reassure me he wasn't going to suffer because of the late substitution.

Twenty minutes later we parked the car at Lucky's supermarket on Foothill, hoping our choice of starting venue would prove auspicious. We discussed last minute kit choices, opting to discard the arm warmers and gilets we'd packed. Our destination, the aptly-named Cliff House where San Francisco meets the Pacific just South of the Golden Gate Bridge, is often chilly. Today's forecast promised 90 degree temperatures inland all the way there – if anything we were worried about overheating – ocean breezes would be a welcome relief on the 88-mile loop.

I figured this would be the litmus test for the long-distance capabilities of the Enigma Eulogy and my continuing attempts to improve my hydration/nutrition strategy. I stuffed my jersey pockets with Cup of Golds, Pro Bars, Sport Beans and tucked a couple of GUs in the leg band of my bibs. My bottles were filled with Vitalyte. I hit the start button on my pixel-challenged 305 and the two of us rolled out heading for Peets where we'd pick up TJ and Curt.

TJ was sitting out front as we rode up. Curt hadn't appeared yet, so Brendan pulled out the toolkit and used the time to adjust the position of the Brooks.

Curt arrived momentarily and with Brendan satisfied he had the saddle dialed in, we circled back onto Foothill for the Woodside run to rendezvous with Nicolas – the final member of the peloton. The pace rose steadily until we were cruising along in two-by-two formation at 22 mph on good pavement. We slowed on the steady climb up Sandhill but made good time finding Nicolas waiting at the intersection of 84 and Canada Road. The full team turned North on Canada and the real ride began.

The day was steadily waking and warming up. Riders in ones and twos appeared to be prepping for a TT up the road. We passed a surreal scene... two male cyclists standing over a third female lying prostrate and vulnerable in the roadside dirt. It looked like she'd bonked badly. Perhaps it was the fact it was 8 am and she had friends nearby... we shot by without a serious thought of stopping. I hate to think she might have been badly hurt.

TJ, Curt and Nicolas pushed the pace with Brendan and I a couple of hundred yards back before we regrouped for a drink and a photo in a parking lot on Skyline (Hwy 35).

We continued on a tree-lined Skyline paralleling 280 for the next four miles. Then we faced the decision. Legally we could have taken our chances on the highway shoulder to the next exit but wisely declined, opting for a residential maze through steep backstreets and a pretty section of the Sawyer Camp Trail that skirts the Crystal Springs Reservoir.

Exiting the trail we returned to Skyline where the pace again quickened. Nicolas and Curt were riding like they had a tee time to catch at the Presidio. I didn't think of it at the time but having them shoulder a bag of clubs would have been an effective way to slow them down.... As Skyline rolls along it gets wider and faster. Several times we topped 40 mph descending. The shoulder was generously salted with patches of loose stuff and the unusual litter that only cyclists see. At some point Brendan reminded me we'd have to climb these hills on the way back. It hadn't occurred to me yet.

I drank the Vitalyte and snacked religiously. I'd consumed a Pro Bar (380 cal), a Cup of Gold (193 cal), two GUs (200 cal) and a package of Sports Beans (100 cal) in the first two hours. I kept after Brendan to do the same, knowing we'd need plenty in the tank for the journey back.

I was really enjoying the Enigma. Its Record drive train ran like clockwork and the Pave wheels from Competitive, though a far cry from my plush Topolinos, were smooth and comfy. Every now and then I’d look down at the silver soldered wires spinning in the front wheel, it makes the wheels look fast, even when I'm not.

The groove was fun while it lasted, and of course, it didn’t. We passed Lake Merced and my rear tire punctured. I checked the Fortezza Tricomp carefully inside and out and found a small hole in the sidewall. Whatever I hit was sharp but gone. I dropped in a new tube, shot it with CO2 and we were ready to ride again.

In traffic we awkwardly wheeled around to make the Great Highway left we'd overshot for the last three miles to the Cliff House. From the top of the first rise, we could see our destination perched precariously in the distance, and though it was still warm, we got a nice cooling breeze from the Pacific. The great highway lived up to its name in the views department but a liberal dusting of sand and sketchy pavement on the final stretch required our undivided attention.

When we pedaled up to a sunny Cliff House it was under siege by a flotilla of curious tourists with cameras. My wife Juli was somewhere en-route with SAG, while we waited we emptied our bottles and began eating whatever was in our pockets. And then, with my Enigma leaning peacefully against a wall, my rear tire blew a second time, startling the tourists and the seagulls. Pinch flat, shoddy first-time repair. That explains why I’m holding my rear wheel in the opening picture.

Juli arrived in the nick of time with water, ice, fruit, and fresh rubber. Everyone tucked in while I made the necessary repairs and used a pre glued patch on the sidewall for a little extra insurance. We didn’t waste much time, after a couple of pictures we said our goodbyes to Juli and started back along the Great Highway. Half way down the beach we passed a fire department ladder truck, fully extended. The crew in the bucket were scanning the surf for something: a surfer, a shark; cheap carbon clinchers. We rode on.

Brendan decided to avoid a rough section of highway without a shoulder. I followed him across the road to the bike path on the leeward side. TJ, Curt and Nicolas who were following us stuck to the highway and immediately gapped us. By the time we rejoined the highway, missing a couple of lights the other three were out of sight. Back on Skyline we spotted them part way up the first serious hill... we never saw them again. Funny how that happens. No matter, we settled into a good pace and forgot about where the other three were.

As we started climbing the big rollers the temperature on the road was reaching into the nineties. Six or seven miles along we stopped at a liquor store for a cold drink and topped off our bottles against a soundtrack of gangster rap shaking the windows of cars making stop-and-go liquor runs.

Back on the road we found our rhythm again. With me on point we steadily wound our way back, retracing our tracks. In the mid-day heat we noted the Trail was now empty of the walker and joggers we'd passed in the morning and our bottles emptied quickly to the point where we were almost out. Then to our delight we found a couple of kids who'd set up a water/lemonade stand at the Trail head. We refilled and I stuck a third water bottle in my back pocket.

At Canada Road and 92 we caught up with Juli shading herself in the open trunk of the Audi. Out came the cooler, ice water and cold towels. The others had missed this luxury. Now we were back in familiar territory and twenty short miles from the Lucky's parking lot. Refreshed we set out again, ticking off the miles. Brendan chatted with a cyclist whose 12-year old son was completing a 250-mile week on his bike. As we passed him Brendan reached out and shook his hand.

We passed through Woodside to pick up Whisky Hill Road and the high speed drop to Sand Hill. We climbed the hump and flew down and over 280 towards Foothill and the home stretch. I used the extra water bottle to fill my Rapha cap and rode a couple of miles with my helmet on the bars. I believe in helmets, but it's easy to forget as a kid I rode my bike everywhere without one. It felt good.

The parking lot at Lucky's felt even better. While Brendan sat on a curb and took on some fluids, I retired to the dairy section of the supermarket to begin my recovery with a vitamin water and a six-pack of chocolate pudding. I only ate two.

We loaded the bikes and took stock of a great day together. The Enigma had proven itself century friendly, Brendan's Brooks had kept the faith and we'd both found a way to stay sufficiently hydrated and fueled to go the distance on a scorcher of a day.

I swear I've not abandoned my beloved Specialized Trail 120s but I was immediately attracted by Jenson USA's deal on the Lake MX400 shoes. The MX400 is a premium, full-carbon, customizable model that weighs in at a trim 350g. Originally priced somewhere north of $400 they were reduced to a more palatable $149. They're heat mold-able, just pop in the oven at 180 degrees for five minutes and then shape to taste, but what really got me was the fact they were available in silver and that made them a sparkling match for the Enigma – admittedly I'm out of my accessorizing mind. User opinion suggested the Lake's fit required going up a size and there was some negative opinion about the longevity of the boa closure system but I fancied I'd be faster in silver shoes.

I've had them for about two weeks and turned about 300 miles in them. The baking and shaping which can be repeated if necessary worked perfectly with the result they feel very solid around my heel. I don't know how the boa system will hold up long term but it provides a very easy way to snug the shoes with the added flexibility to do this while riding. Replacement reels and laces are available from Lake. The full carbon sole is stiff and the ventilated uppers keep the toe box nice and cool.

I've been reading some of Steve Hogg's advice regarding mid-foot cleat position on cyclingnews.com and decided to mount the SPD cleats on the Lakes in the rear set of holes. This does increase the toe overlap on the Enigma, but the net is still less overlap than I'm used to on the Cervelo SLC-SL. It's not far enough back to really qualify as mid-foot but I'm hoping it's going to reduce the tendency of my calves to cramp late in long rides. I can feel the position engages my quads and hamstrings more.

In summary I think the Lakes are a half size smaller than other brands. Since I liked the silver so much, I ended up ordering a pair in white and went with my regular size 43 on the second pair I can't resist a good deal. Removing the optional liner provides an even better fit on the smaller size. Conclusion... I'm a perfect 43.5 in Lake shoes.

I've yet to wear the white ones, pending the arrival of the appropriate matching white/silver cycling socks.

After some reconnaissance last Friday evening I decided to shoot the Pescadero Road Race from a couple of positions on beautiful Stage Road. The pro peloton was scheduled to start at 8:00 am so I was up and out the door by six for the hour plus drive out to the coast. Typical for Northern California this time of year the coast was blanketed by fog and cool when I arrived and parked the car.

My strategy was to ride my hybrid out on to the course with a minimal amount of camera gear and see what I could get moving up and down Stage Road between pelotons for the various categories.

The racing was great, but it took a while for the light to improve. Locations like the Eucalyptus grove would have been incredible with filtered sunlight and ground fog. I think I'll be back shooting this for a few years before I luck into that dream combination of atmospherics.

Andy Clark's latest video review of the new Shimano Dura-Ace 7900 gruppo is exceptional, and continuing evidence that CC really has the passion and knowledge to earn our cycling dollars. Given that this comprehensive review is up and running within a week of the major publication's reporting of same, and Andy has a busy day job, it's impressive.

Production values are solid and the simple studio setting puts the focus on Andy's easy, seemingly effortless delivery. The fact he's sporting a little stubble, is likely more of a fashion statement than the fact it took him 23 takes to get it right.

Off-the-cuff I could see Andy doing a great video spoof explaining the benefits of a Gillette Fusion razor (for face or legs). How about it Andy?

This weekend I photographed the Enigma Eulogy in two very different locations. The European inspired atmosphere of San Jose's upscale Santana Row made a great early morning backdrop for the bike. Late in the day, Juli and I drove up to the horse pastures off PageMill Road, armed with camera gear and two big bags of carrots. You've got to feed the four-legged models to get any cooperation.

View a gallery of larger images, and additional selects from the shoot.

Bolinas Road ascends out of Fairfax California and winds its way over the picturesque hills of Marin before spiraling down to the stillness of Alpine Lake – from there it climbs through a garden of redwoods to West Ridgecrest Blvd and the Seven Sisters of Mt. Tam. For all it's beauty its not a road to be taken lightly. Blind corners, pockmarked pavement and forest litter insist you keep your wits about you.

On Friday I arrived to photograph Hunter Ziesing, founder and executive director of ZTeam, a national cycling club with several chapters in the Bay Area. ZTeam's mission is to encourage cycling at many different levels, from the camaraderie of group rides with fellow members, support for rider development programs, training and competition to the long term goal of fielding the next premier U.S. Continental Cycling Pro Team.

It was a landmark day in ZTeam's history as it prepares to send a very competitive team to the 2008 American Eagle Outfitters Tour of Pennsylvania, the world's richest Espiors Race, June 24-29, 2008. More exciting still was the announcement that Frankie Andreu, nine-time Tour de France rider, will lead the team as director sportif during the six-day stage race televised on Versus.

Andreu was in attendance, filming an upcoming review of the Ridley Helium for broadbandracer.com. At the scheduled start time of 9am, the hills still wore a thick blanket of fog. Arm warmers, knee warmers and gilets were the order of the day until the sun finally broke through for good at about 11am.

While the video production rolled I got plenty of shots of Frankie riding with the team from the roadside and out the back of a team car. At 6'2" Andreu is an imposing figure on the bike. After an hour, he and the video crew left to film elsewhere on the road, leaving the ZTeam peleton to continue on the road to Mt. Tam. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and the company of photographer Ronnie Lenzi who was also shooting. By 1pm we were done and I was back in the Audi heading for the Golden Gate Bridge and southward to San Jose.

Two additional observations on Bolinas Road. First, struggling for 90 minutes to keep the viewfinder on the team while swinging from side to side through endless hairpins eventually had me feeling just a little green. Second, the Rapha Occidental Continental ride followed the same route in February. They definitely had me in the pain cave because after Alpine Lake, I couldn't remember any of the climb and descent into Fairfax.

I think we'll be seeing lots of these custom rim graphics on the road soon. The company, called Wheeltags, is a collaboration between three friends: Kevin Koval - Sales; Matt Tanner - Design and Jenn Vona - Queen Bee. The designs are produced on adhesive backed vinyl panels making installation (there's a video) a clean and simple process.

Devotees of Dave Z and the Slipstream boys will love the Argyle tag. Series 1 designs are available now with a Series 2 release targeted for Interbike 2008. An edge-to-edge (full rim coverage) installation of 38mm tags will cost $152 (with 10% discount for 4+ cans). A similar application of shallower 16mm tags would total $137. Considering how much we spend on custom wheels, the collateral damage is acceptable.

I'm already dreaming up some ideas for a custom Velodramatic rim tag.

Here are the first studio shots of the completed bike. Seventy five miles and 7,000 vertical feet of road traveled are enough to declare her beauty is more than skin deep. Wearing the 1850g tied and soldered wheels from Competitive Cyclist she weighs a svelte 17lbs, cages and pedals included. Mykle Kong's exceptional build has her handling and shifting with sublime precision.

On Memorial day Brendan and I climbed Mt. Hamilton. On the way up the Eulogy felt light and responsive. I didn't need the last two gears of the 13-29 cassette for the steady 6-8% gradient, but they'll come in handy on steeper climbs. A second, all carbon wheelset with 11-25 gearing is in the works. Those wheels will bring the Eulogy down to 16lbs... more details when they arrive. Coming down was where the Eulogy truly excelled.

I've never descended as confidently as I did on the Eulogy. The Hamilton descent is a seemingly endless series of tight hairpins (many blind and dusted with loose rock at their apexes). The asphalt is buckled and broken throughout so it commands your full attention. I found it easy to take a line and hold it. Even under hard braking the Eulogy stayed true and well mannered. Enigma's Mark Reilly has somehow found a way to infuse the Sean Yates inspired Eulogy with some of his legendary downhill prowess.

I think the Eulogy will help me become a better rider. You can't ask for more than that from a bicycle.

Build day, Friday May 23rd. I rolled into San Jose Trek at 9 am, two hours before the shop officially opened and met Tech Manager, Mykle Kong, motorcycle helmet in hand, at the door. Mechanic Joe Duffey and Owner Bill Ruffner were already in the service center getting a jump on the day's lineup of repairs, tuneups and favors. Our arrival and a fresh box of Noah's bagels brought them down to the front shop for the carbs, and a coffee run.

Two builds were planned. Mykle and my Enigma Eulogy dressed in Campagnolo's finest were first up, Bill would follow with a Madone 6.9 with Dura-Ace. I was there to Record (no pun intended) the proceedings in words and pictures. Along the way I hoped to gain a broader perspective on the mechanical merits of cycling's two great religions from the business end of the wrench.

Neither Bill or Mykle had seen an Enigma Eulogy until I introduced the brand's website to them a few weeks earlier. While they both liked the looks of the bike, professionally they weren't about to put much stock in pretty photography. They seemed more impressed with the frame when it emerged from its shroud of bubble wrap, like a fighter shedding his robe for the ring introductions. Clearly Enigma had done the roadwork, made the weight (1500g with integrated seatpost) and deserved to be in the ring.

We spent an hour taking pictures, primed the bagels and Mykle readied his work stand and bench for the "Pro Build" – it's listed that way on the store's service menu – not an everyday event. Mykle Kong's soft spoken manner can't disguise his deep passion for high-end frames and componentry. I hoped the Eulogy would satisfy both.

Over the next five hours Mykle's meticulous efficiency brought the Eulogy to life with almost surgical precision. It's confidence inspiring to watch a real craftsman at work; particularly if you're about to trust your life and limbs to the thing they're working on. He made it look effortless.

You can see that for yourself if you follow the 85-image build sequence in the gallery. In the course of the next week I'll have much more to report, including Bill's Madone build which is part of a larger opinion piece.