tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501437224497800843.post6909543843490343415..comments2024-01-19T00:51:29.523-08:00Comments on Cycling Spokane: 2011 Ibex Breakaway 2- Initial ImpressionsJohn Spearehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187638368645707099noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501437224497800843.post-83197455794949185702011-10-07T16:14:36.995-07:002011-10-07T16:14:36.995-07:00Jon: if you're talking Value Village merino sw...Jon: if you're talking Value Village merino sweater + O2 shell, it's hard to beat that value.<br /><br />The money part here is the wool back -- which lets the heat escape. And the high-zoot schoeller-y front, which makes for light and warm wind/rain block.You can get that functionality from sweater + vest.<br /><br />I think the closest value option would be the thin merino sweater with a generic windblocking vest -- that has the mesh back. I think those start at around $50. So assuming a <$10 merino sweater, you're doing OK for around $60. <br /><br />I initially guessed the price for the ibex jacket at around $225, so I was a bit surprised that it's $275. But it's made in Canada. So that may explain a $50+ (retail) premium.<br /><br />Shit's expensive, no doubt. But when I buy super nice commuter stuff, whether it's bike or clothing -- I justify it by doing math on the car expenses I save. If you're biking every day in all weather, excellent gear is a no-brainer -- if you can swing it...<br /><br />I burn through gloves and hats -- mostly by loosing them, so I buy cheap there. But for shoes and jacket/vest: I'll spend the money to get the right stuff.John Spearehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07187638368645707099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501437224497800843.post-13231467351272121532011-10-07T15:56:08.749-07:002011-10-07T15:56:08.749-07:00I want to like this jacket so badly but I just can...I want to like this jacket so badly but I just cannot get over the price. How do you think it compares to a wool sweater with a windblocking vest?Jonathan Eberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01221878732234029511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4501437224497800843.post-6922418251255596552011-10-07T04:30:14.763-07:002011-10-07T04:30:14.763-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jonathan Eberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01221878732234029511noreply@blogger.com