Orders for longsleeve items (jerseys, wind jackets, etc) and armwarmers are due by Tuesday 10 August 2010. You have a choice of how to order: on-line or paper. In either case, please review the detailed information on this page. Most of the information also appears in the August 2010 Wheel Truth. If you have any questions not answered here, please email email us Clothing at Grizz dot Org.
ON-LINE ORDERING. The Voler Online Ordering System ("VOOS") ordering link is no longer active. For the record, here are the notes and instructions.
We prefer that you use on-line ordering if possible, because it is easier for us as well as for you.
PAPER ORDERING. Use the paper order form. You can get it here or get it from the August 2010 Wheel Truth. Instructions are on the form. Even if ordering online, this form is a convenient reference for prices.
Voler sizing information is here. However, the comment on that page about free sizing exchanges does not apply to special-ordered GPC bike clothing.
Go here for general info on GPC bike clothing.
This section of this page contains the same information as in the August 2010 Wheel Truth.
In early August, GPC will place a bike clothing order from our usual vendor, Voler, for longsleeve items (jerseys, wind jackets, etc) and armwarmers. This is your ONLY chance to order non-stock items such as: longsleeve jerseys, longsleeve thermal jackets, or special sizes such as XS or XXL.
The design matches our shortsleeve jersey design. Here is our new longsleeve / armwarmer design.
Orders are due to GPC by Tuesday, August 10. You can order by paper using the form printed in the August Wheel Truth and mailing it in. Or, you can order on-line by following the instructions at the top of the page.
Of the items ordered in August, the only items which GPC plans to stock in inventory for later purchase are armwarmers and possibly wind jackets. Everything else is a special order. You must select your size and style in advance from the choices listed on the order form.
Even if all you want is a stock item, we ask you to place an order so that we don't have to guess quite so much about which sizes to stock. Also, you will likely a better price if you order now rather than buying later from stock.
(We will also order “Ride Leader” wind jackets, because we are out of stock in some sizes. These are a special design, with the logo “Ride Leader,” intended to honor those who have lead at least 8 rides. They are available as a ride leader premium only — not for purchase — and may be earned only once per member. If you are waiting for a ride leader jacket in your size, be sure to tell Debbie Miskell by August 10. There is no order form; just tell Debbie.)
The remainder of this article covers many details.
By the way, Voler is pronounced “voe-LAY”, as in French.
PRICING, RIDE LEADER CREDITS. Prices shown on the order form include sales tax and shipping from Voler to GPC. You need to pay in advance. After GPC receives the items, you need to pick yours up.
You can use ride leader credits (RLC) for your items, one set of 8 credits per item. If you plan to lead rides during the in the coming year, you may order one item using an incomplete set of credits. You will receive your item after you complete the set of 8, and you have until the end of June 2011 to do that. If you have not done so by then, you're expected to pay for the item instead. For questions about this or any aspect of ride leader credits, contact Debbie Miskell at LeaderCredits at Grizz dot Org or (415)789-1068.
SIZES AND SIZING KIT. If you want to order GPC Voler clothing but need to find out your size, the best way is to try the sizing samples. We expect to have a sizing kit on loan from Voler for two weeks, from July 28 to August 10. You can try it at the home of Kirk Hastings, in North Berkeley. For an appointment, contact him at kirk dot v dot hastings at gmail dot com or (510)527-9937.
If you are unable to try the sizing kit, the manufacturer's sizing info is on the web. Go to www.velowear.com and click on “Sizing Charts” at the bottom of the page. Note that special-order items cannot be exchanged or returned, and Voler's sizes may be different from what you're used to — especially if you are new to quality road bike clothing, which is intended to fit snugly — so you are best to try the sizing kit.
JERSEY CUTS. There are two different cuts of jersey: club-fit and race-fit. The sizing kit includes samples of both, in all sizes. Race-fit is more snug, particularly so around the belly and waist. Also it is about 2" shorter in the rear. (As measured, for men's size M longsleeve.) For example, Men's race-fit size L is about as long as Men's club-fit size M, but the former has a narrower belly and waist.
JERSEY FABRICS. The longsleeve jersey is available in two different fabrics. “SQ Pro” is the same fabric as the Voler shortsleeve jerseys — good for mild weather. “Geotherm” is somewhat thicker and probably better if you seek an outer layer for cooler weather. The sizing kit should include samples with each type of fabric, so you can decide for yourself. The longsleeve jersey is the same price for either fabric.
JERSEY ZIPPERS. You have a choice of “20-inch hidden” or “full-length exposed” zipper. “20-inch hidden” is the style that we stock for shortsleeve. It looks more photogenic, to my taste anyway. But “full-length exposed” has several practical advantages, especially for winter riding when you may be wearing several layers. It allows you to put on or take off the jersey like a jacket, instead of like a pullover, so you need not remove your helmet, fuss with your hat, etc. It is less delicate and has larger teeth, so you can zip or unzip faster with less fumbling while your bike is in motion and/or while wearing (some) long-fingered gloves. The full-length exposed zipper adds $2 to your price, unless you are using ride leader credits. The sizing kit should include samples with each type of zipper.
UNDECIDED? If you want a longsleeve jersey but are undecided about the choices above, I would suggest that Geotherm fabric with full-length zipper is the most flexible and appropriate option for cool weather.
WIND JACKETS. These are full-zipper nylon shells, like so many other bike jackets.
THERMAL JACKETS. These are a very warm fabric, distinctly thicker and more windproof than even the Geotherm. It's the same fabric as the thermal vests. It is good for the perhaps coldest riding conditions we experience in the Bay Area. However, I have found them to be somewhat long in the arm so (as always) I recommend you try the sizing kit.
If you have questions not answered here, contact me at Clothing at Grizz dot Org or (510)524-1294.
— Mark Abrahams
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The Davis Bike Club has some useful comments on Voler sizing, zipper options, and bib shorts.