2008 Cycling Kit Top 10

Since we're now well into 2008, I thought it was time to issue a midterm update on the Kit Top 10. Some of the favorites remain the same, with a little seasonal bias shuffling the deck. All of that will eventually work itself out in the year-ending list.

01 :: Rapha Gilet

Climbing to number one, the 2007 Gilet is my most versatile piece of clothing and since the first cool days of spring, it's been a constant companion. Layered over a baselayer and jersey it provides essential wind protection for your core, and even in summer it's handy for fast descents from the big hills. In the gray half-light of morning commutes it adds needed visibility.

It's featherweight, dries incredibly fast and, when necessary, washes beautifully. I expect to have a 2008 model in the not-too-distant future.

02 :: Rapha LW Jersey

The LW, in designer black or white, is as clean and minimalist as it gets. Call it the male equivalent of the classic little black dress. The sleeves flatter the biceps without resorting to constricting silicon or elastic. When you pull off this jersey your body doesn't look like a serigraph of the Nazca desert.

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. See review

03 :: Rapha 2008 Bib Shorts

For 2008 Rapha switched from a Nalini pad to the same Cytech pad used in their 3/4 bibs. This was a great decision. While the Nalini was good, and the 2007 bibs are still in regular rotation, the Cytech 08s are that much better. The go-to shorts for any long rides.

Again Rapha's uncanny knack for selecting fabric is evident. Where other bibs are stiff, compress too much or feel restrictive, Rapha finds a better balance. The material is very soft and very light. The shoulder straps are far more comfortable than any thing else out there.

04 :: Rapha Classic Softshell Jacket

I love wearing this jacket on and off the bike. The styling is razor sharp, set off by an asymmetrical zipper and shoulder pad. Having worn more than my share of golf rain gear in the past, I appreciate how quiet the fabric is. Get the right size and you can forget about any other outer layer.

05 :: Giro Ionos Helmet

It's probably not wise to think of your helmet as a fashion accessory, but with all the Rapha black I'm wearing, adding a matching Ionos to the helmet lineup was a natural. It's a little larger than its predecessor, the Atmos, but it fits beautifully, weighs almost nothing and channels even more air flow over my head (this is important because I'm often wearing a Rapha Cap underneath).

06 :: Rapha Touring Shorts

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. See review

07 :: Campagnolo Multi-Season Base Layer

Campagnolo's short sleeve base layer is the best fitting, finished and styled piece of base layer I've worn to date – I've recently been trying Rapha's baselayer so things may change. It's actually a shame that something this nice is going to be covered by a cycling jersey, it looks that good

It even smells good right out the box, and that's rare. I usually have to launder base layers before I wear them the first time. See Review.

08 :: Rapha 3/4 Bib Shorts

There's some real magic in the way Rapha bibs fit; compression and stretch in perfect harmony. These 3/4 bibs are the newest item in my wardrobe. They've not yet seen the miles that confirm the ranking of the other garments here, but it's inevitable.

For comfort, the seamless CyTech pad in these shorts actually outperforms the Nalini pad in the regular Rapha bibs shorts.

09 :: Oakley Radar Pitch Sunglasses

They protect my eyes everyday. Their anti-fog coating and lense venting lets me see where I'm going first thing in the morning. My old Rudys steam up like a lover's lane windshield. Changing lenses is literally a snap and they fit nicely in the vents of my Ionos.

10 :: Rapha Winter Jersey

Unbelievably soft. If we didn't have a couple of Abyssinians running around shedding cat hair, I might never take this off. My favorite details are the full-length pink zipper lining, recessed zippered vents on either side of the chest and smartly angled cuffs.

The generous rear pockets could provision a picnic big enough to satisfy even the hungriest Badger. Get the jersey and read the sewn-in inspiration of Hinault.

All Rapha Icons are respectfully lifted from the Rapha site