I actually prefer modern shorts, yes Manon, for padding, and retro style tops for loose fit. Comfort is the key for me being I'm a ye olde velocipedist.
I am old as well but prefer the skin suits. And I will stay away from these suits myself as I might look like a 'Presswurst' in them. Though sporty and athletic people look great in skin suits. So there should be a Hank Edition™of this video. 😉
Great video, Manon is such a professional! I really like the sit down debrief, sometimes in the boys videos they just debrief on their bikes and it always feels rushed and like the video has just suddenly ended!
Wool - specifically merino which that old kit is not made from - has evolved massively in the last 50 years as well. It can be skin tight, with a modern chamois, and it looks great!
How ever - the job is choosing the gear..... I think as well, merino is much better for the every day use - maybe even for training - but for the race - lykra is at the moment the best you can get.....
@@gcntech Also it's more sustainable because in the end, all these new clothes made from high-tech materials will eventually become micro-plastic. I don't want to be the party pooper here, but that's just how it is.
Not sure you'll learn it from this video. 10 seconds over 3 minutes is well within the range of what you would expect amateur riders such as this one to vary from run to run. A real comparison would have been to measure power input at identical speeds (not sure how one would go about measuring this).
I Raced on those Old Jerseys & Shorts for years. A Lot of Riders would get Saddle Sores. Most would use a Special Gel in the Shami. It did help but the Comfort was never there.
I was actually just talking to someone today wondering how much of a difference it makes wearing a skin suit vs a jersey and shorts. I think this video more or less answers that question for me, so thanks!
I love the color scheme of the "modern" kit the only thing ruining it is the solid black crotch panel which is so out of place: it looks like it was tacked on because they forgot to make one for the specific kit and didn't realize it until it was almost done.
@@k.e.reidfitness3032 So true. I am usually quite sensitive to the quality of a person's speaking voice, but somehow, it hadn't occurred to me that Manon's dulcet tones were a big part of her appeal. Now that you point it out, it's immediately obvious. Quality content and soothing content: what a combo.
I was used to compete with these (now considered) retro outfit back in the 80s and still keep my old school jerseys from my former teams. But I'm quite comfortable with modern outfit now and I wouldn't go back unless for L'eroica's riding once in a while.
Totally agree. I wore wool in the 70s and do so now in the winter but wool today is way better. And wool shorts were never good. Ever. Modern kit is so much better in warm weather (and cold too, but hey, I do love my jerseys)
There are companies doing amazing reproductions of the old kit. Looks really good, and feels good too. I've even become a fan of having the old front-2-pockets, that jerseys up to the sixties had. They're actually really practical for unsupported cycling (i.e. everyone outside of higher level racing).
@@hondasaurusrex6998 check out magliamo and 2velo. My favourite jerseys now. 2velo are slightly less expensive but very good. 2 front pockets are very retro but *really* useful for gels and stuff.
@@gcntech I've got a bunch of old jerseys, yeah. Reproductions and originals. ;) Mostly 70s to 80s. Wool, wool-acrylic, and a few of the early polyester from 80s - when they still did striking designs. Modern jerseys are either bland and boring, or dog's breakfasts. ;) I've got jerseys from St. Raphael and Groene Leeuw (repros) through to the cool 80s triangle based Sammontana jersey. (That I wear).
What a fun video! I forgot the old kits were FULL WOOL! I couldn't imagine riding in wool shorts. I do have a wool Swobo jersey from the 90's and I still love it... but only for winter riding. Not scratchy, but also nothing I would want to wear during warm rides, or indoors like a velodrome.
LOVE the look of the retro stuff. Something I could actually see myself wearing when just riding (although...maybe not *wool*). I do love the look of the modern stuff in its own way though, even if I wouldn't wear it - I vastly prefer 2-piece if nothing else, since I don't race. It's amazing to me that it's even lighter and thinner than the unisuits I USED to wear when rowing
Even 10 years ago, Manon where you ever issued the red white and blue Sky BC kit from Adidas, I've still got mine from nearly 10 years ago the jerseys were kind of tight but not like the razor fabric now and the skinsuit was tight with long sleeves but non of the aero trip contouring on the arm, it was like something Mr Motivator would wear lol
That old velodrome and its history, let's hear more about it--did it evolve into a motorcycle velodrome, too, the sort that eventually were banned and replaced by flat track motorcycle racing here in the States? And nice presentation here by Manon on the differences between classic wool jerseys and shorts and the latest one-piece skinsuits. But what about splitting the difference and showing us the times for modern jerseys and shorts, too? One-piece suits have their place, no knock, just more for racing and specialty applications, I'd imagine.
Interesting and maybe more relevant comparison for road as retro track kits had silk jerseys and would have been custom made at that level. My cousin was the 1924 US National track champion and his father at the turn of the 19th century toured the US with Major Taylor in head to head competitions - Willie Fenn Sr and Jr.
Back when I was around 16 yo in 1968, (now 70+) I was in a cycling team and my mum thought it a good idea to knit me a cycling jersey with normal every day wool. As you can imagine it was quite itchy and not really suited for riding.
I was only thinking about my old kit a few days back. Back in the late 70s my jersey has the high collar like that shown, nice and scratchy round the neck. My shorts were wool and ended up becoming baggies. The chamois was some form of animal skin which, as I did not know about treating it, became like a poppadom only less comfortable. I had a nice winter jacket which was nylon at the front; wool at the back, it weighed a ton but went for £40 on eBay a few years ago, way more than what I paid for it. Mits were string and eventually rotted away!
Oh yeah, I haven't thought about those old crocheted bike gloves in forever! I remember having the crochet pattern in the tan lines on the tops of my hands. Surely somebody still makes them?
Neil deGrasse Tyson (of Star Talk podcast fame) had an episode recently with a group of scientists who had sensors woven into clothing. They could measure body temp, oxygen saturation and heart rate. All things we can do now, but they added measuring angles. They started with following a baseball pitcher. To measure their form. Much better than with high speed cameras. Data like this for a track cyclist could help them hold the ideal position using feedback from their shirt!
I still have most of my retro kits from the 70s 80s and 90s. I don't wear my wool shorts anymore but I do wear my jersey's and everybody comments how much cooler they look.
when i raced as a junior in the 1971-1978 or so period i believe most (or all) of my shorts were wool. Jerseys mainly thick cotton. we word tshirts underneath... when you crashed it really saved the skin. I did have one fast nylon track jersey. Also got one fine Italian wool long sleeve top. Omg I though things were so expensive then (vs my ability to buy they certainly were!!!). How the heck ordinary folks afford kit and bikes now is beyond me!!
Really interesting video. Tech has come a long way, but I do still wish I had my old, itchy woollen jersey that was Campag branded that I bought from a proper old school bike cavern back in the late 80’s! It was in a bargain bin and looked like it had been there since the early 60’s!
The thing is that today it would be made out of Merino wool and if you know anything about the subject you would know that it's not itchy in the slightest. To the point you can buy Merino wool underwear.
As a Tourer & Audax rider who doesn't race. I miss the old cycle gear. The gear was warmer, the clothing didn't stretch out of shape & pockets could be filled without splitting. Knicks had removable Chamois & on extended over night rides you could stay clean by carrying spare chamois. Mildly overweight riders look terrible in the modern racefit clothing & Manon looks great in the retro clothing, as well as in the modern clothing.
The old school look is cool in my book. It can be updated with the new tech too though. For the future, I think we should go for sculpted aero, where the body is integrated and shaped into the most aero shape possible. But then again, a part of me wants it to be about the rider only, everyone should be on the same playing field, so the strongest rider is the winner.
Always ride in wool on top. Base layer and mid layer in winter and merino T-Shirts from decathlon are great for the summer. Merino socks from smartwool too come to think of it. Bottoms though have to be synthetic until someone finds a way of incorporating merino. I even have a wind jacket from Ortovox which is about 50% merino wool but you would never know as it looks and feels like a synthetic wind top. Suits me but then I ride slow and not that far anyway with a couple of commutes a week.
In swimming there was a transition to full cover to reduce drag. I think this could also happen in cycling if the material allow for proper cooling of the body
I'm old school and prefer retro... I love the modern look, but my heart and soul will always go with retro. Plus, I don't compete so I feel no need to go with skinsuits. I probably look a bit odd riding down the road on a Canyon Aeroad, an Abus helmet, and a kit from the early 2000's. Haha!
I can't recall what material the kit was made from back in the 60s, except that the chamois was real chamois. And I don't recall any issues with comfort for shorts and jersey, even in a 12 hour TT when it had rained all morning, so it can't have been too bad. (I guess that could be down to an eroding memory, but how would I know?)
@@gcntech I wouldn't say I enjoyed the old kit - it was all there was in those days. We only wore racing kit, (club jersey and shorts), for TTs and road races, and we'd change out of it immediately after an event. Except during races, we wore street clothes - jeans, shirts and sweaters. Some club riders wore cycling-specific jackets. They were black. The jackets, that is. (I guess that was a hang-over from the days when cycle racing on the roads was illegal in the UK.) Modern kit is really comfortable, and it's great to be able to wear it, whenever one is out on the bike, without feeling too conspicuous. (Even at my age.)
If you hung the shorts outside to dry in Australia the chamois used to be really dry and would take serveral mile to soak up some sweat and start to be comfortable. Got to love that modern "chamois" dont have that problem.
As a tech outfit junkie (i began skiing in 70's.. trekking.. motorbikes... bikes..) i can say that modern material..design...sewing...are far better than old. But the combination from wool (merino) underwear and modern fit are a bingo. Ah.. you are cute!
I've still got some of my 1970s clothing. I've still got some of my 1970s bikes :-) Must admit. I have 1950s kit for my 1950s bikes. :-) Front chest pockets :-)
I've got a Raleigh wool jersey with front and rear pockets for riding my 1974 Raleigh International, and some Raleigh Team jerseys for riding my 1982 Raleigh Team bike (with Reynolds 753 tubing). The wool or wool/poly blend jerseys are too warm for a hot day, but they are wonderful for cool weather! Look good too! No wool shorts, though, and I'm okay with that!
Still have some of my early 80's Protogs kit. Couple of jerseys and a pair of wool tights. A few souvenir jerseys including a TI Raleigh jersey my dad picked up for me in France. Good selection of old cycling caps too that were tres stylish in the day.
I have raced in seventies for time trial and track we had the shorts that you have presented but the jersey was different it was made of silk (or artificial silk) without any pockets
The wool had a MUCH wider comfortable temperature range; snuggy when it's chilly and cool when it's damp with sweat. On the other hand, hand washing after every ride did get old.
If your out for a Sunday cycle to a mountain café, the wool would probably by warmer if the weather changed. Lycra is probably not recyclable but defiantly faster. Saddles were more comfortable in older bikes, but then again comfort wasn't a thing in the old days. The only way to test the efficiency would be to maintain a power level on the crank and measure the relative speed. Maybe a battery bike would do the trick?
Used to wear the woolen kit in the 70's. The chomois in the shorts was basically the same as what dried your car off with, more for absorbing sweat than a bit of cushioning. After a wash, they would take a couple of kilometres to soften up with the sweat... maybe dear skin chamois didn't have that problem...
Rossi made beautiful bicycle frames, Columbus SL and Cinelli investment case lugs and chrome plating,,,,,,,,lovely. God I must be old I remember racing in those old hats as a school boy and junior.
I'm getting used already to the jersey with no collar anymore but they removed the back pockets in cup racing jerseys now? But I will always hate long socks on cycling
Wool stops itching once you get used to it. Really great material for colder days, just add wind protection and you will never be cold, even when wet. Was that leather helmet from Gusti leder? They make really nice leather bags for bikes, but that "helmet" is absurd, a bit dangerous that they sell it, some one might think it will protect their head, then crash and just die.
Great video! I am wondering, i noticed you were wearing a gopro on your chest. This will conflict with the test results I think right? Because they catch a lot of wind
Wool is way better for day to day cycling. Works much better across a range of temperatures. Wicks sweat away much better to keep you comfortable when it's warm out; and keeps you warmer when it is cold, even when damp with sweat or rain. Wool is a wonder material, and we should be moving back to it. Woollen base layers are absolutely great all your round, for comfort and warmth - you can get different weights of wool for different times of year. Woollen long-sleeve jersey-jackets are great for autumn through to spring. Merino arm warmers are great, and merino leg warmers are _essential_ in my book for the winter. You can get merino bib shorts, which are great when it's really cold. Also, the old school jerseys just had much better designs. They couldn't just slap some patterns, textures and text into a computer and print it out. They had to stitch together different coloured panels, and embroider text on - which had to be done much more sparingly, so they had to think a lot harder about making a good design. There are a couple of companies out there making really good modern reproduction woollen jerseys of old race designs, and they look and work _great_. The big down side to wool is it is more fragile. It tears and breaks more easily. Especially light weight jerseys. They may not last as long. However, when you throw them away, they become food for bugs and microbes - which you can't say for "modern", oil-based synthetics, which are terrible for the environment (shedding microfibres into water courses when you wash them; and not degrading when thrown away). We really need to go back to natural, biodegradable, plant and animal fibres, inculding wool, if we want to consider our cycling to be environmentally friendly. Wool... wonder material.
A previous version of this comment, I mentioned some of the brands selling merino gear and reproduction jerseys, but it seems GCN don't like that - comment got deleted.
Btw, some wool can be scratchy, and some people are more sensitive to wool than others, but good quality merino is super-fine and not itchy at all. Even old jerseys, the good quality ones were not itchy (and I have a few jersey from the 70s).
An odd perspective here. In 2018 I bought a modern bicycle. I can say this year I have finally gotten close to comfortable with saddles and cycling kit. The saddle shape and coverings were very different (I still have a bike with one on it) so the deer skin was very different. I must say I learned what a saddle sore is, something I never experienced before. I feel the kit and saddle are systems. For casual riding the old system would be preferred by me. For modern racing the aero gains would win hands down. Another note I am procrastinating about going for a ride at this moment. In my head I can’t seem to figure out the best way to dress. Wool just works. I can very easily get it wrong today. 10-15’ C. Oh well just kit and go!
I expected a comparison to the commonly used modern jersey and shorts, or jersey and bibs - or at least in addition to a skin suit. How would a moderately priced modern jersey and shorts compare to the old retro ones? And how far back do we go in time - lots more changes have happened, yes?
I think the only changes we will see in the future will be in the fabric types used. Likely continued improvements in wicking and anti-bacterial chamois materials.
Talking about tech - I have just thought of an idea for a presenter challenge - for GCN, GTN and your European presenters too. You know Rouvy, right? Well do you remember a few years ago when Si and Matt suffered at the Taiwan KOM challenge? Rouvy is currently hosting the same challenge for the next 22 days (today is Saturday 26th Nov) - however it is split over 3 or 4 routes (I forget which). so the challenge .. teams of 3 riders 1 person per team on each route. All routes to be completed on the same day Each team can choose their own route order. Do you do the easiest route first to get an overall head start or start with the hardest to give yourself a way to catch up. Teams are picked by putting everyone's name in a hat. (gonna copy this over to GTN too - for their records)
I think as these suits develop in the future the material will be groomed even more for the direction of the airflow. Maybe even shaped to compensate for the "imperfections" of the human body.
Do you prefer the retro or modern look? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Depends on who's wearing it
Our favorite cycling lady looks gorgeous in any kind of equipment. 🥰🤩❤️😊👌
Retro please!
I actually prefer modern shorts, yes Manon, for padding, and retro style tops for loose fit. Comfort is the key for me being I'm a ye olde velocipedist.
The retro look looks better.. but I'm turning to technology!
Where did you find such a beautiful model 🥰
I'm old so I like the 80s and 90s look. I also like GCN for having the sense to use Manon in this video.
I am old as well but prefer the skin suits. And I will stay away from these suits myself as I might look like a 'Presswurst' in them. Though sporty and athletic people look great in skin suits. So there should be a Hank Edition™of this video. 😉
We also love a retro kit 👌 Manon is great isn't she! Really knows her stuff 🤯
Manon is a total smokeshow!
You've answered my question on Manons purpose that I feared my have been taken in the wrong context. I guess as I am retro it is reason I am slow.
Well she is the best track rider
The old velodrome looks like something built during the roman empire 😊
Great video, Manon is such a professional! I really like the sit down debrief, sometimes in the boys videos they just debrief on their bikes and it always feels rushed and like the video has just suddenly ended!
Santini - the kit suppliers "back in the day" ahh - that lovely (now retro) GCN original kit ;-)
Wool - specifically merino which that old kit is not made from - has evolved massively in the last 50 years as well. It can be skin tight, with a modern chamois, and it looks great!
Yeah, ultrafine merino is a whole different beast. Use it for my winter baselines.
How ever - the job is choosing the gear..... I think as well, merino is much better for the every day use - maybe even for training - but for the race - lykra is at the moment the best you can get.....
Very true, Wool ain't dead 🙌
@@gcntech Also it's more sustainable because in the end, all these new clothes made from high-tech materials will eventually become micro-plastic. I don't want to be the party pooper here, but that's just how it is.
@@marctestarossamany companies only use plastic that's already been in circulation which delays the inevitable until we figure something else out.
Very interesting! Always wondered how much of a difference it really makes. Thanks Manon!
Great to hear you enjoyed it 🙌 Fancy taking a deep dive into the Jersey, GCN+ has got you covered 👉 gcn.eu/TheJersey
How much difference does Manon make 🤔.
Ooh that may taken in the wrong context.
Not sure you'll learn it from this video. 10 seconds over 3 minutes is well within the range of what you would expect amateur riders such as this one to vary from run to run. A real comparison would have been to measure power input at identical speeds (not sure how one would go about measuring this).
Thanks. I prefer the technology and fit of modern kit but I prefer the look of the retro kits.
Can't disagree with that!
Cool segment especially for those of us who are newer to cycling. Blast to the past and learned a bit of history.
Glad you enjoyed it. If you fancy furthering your kit knowledge check out this GCN+ doc 👉 gcn.eu/TheJersey
I Raced on those Old Jerseys & Shorts for years. A Lot of Riders would get Saddle Sores. Most would use a Special Gel in the Shami. It did help but the Comfort was never there.
I was actually just talking to someone today wondering how much of a difference it makes wearing a skin suit vs a jersey and shorts. I think this video more or less answers that question for me, so thanks!
I love the color scheme of the "modern" kit the only thing ruining it is the solid black crotch panel which is so out of place: it looks like it was tacked on because they forgot to make one for the specific kit and didn't realize it until it was almost done.
Obviously done to preserve the riders modesty. Unless you are a pervert, nobody wants to see sports stars displaying any camel toe or their wangers!
Love the 2022 suit and specially the little dance 😍
Manon, you are a rock star. Such a fun (and informative!) video.
I love Manon...such a pleasant voice 😍
@@k.e.reidfitness3032 So true. I am usually quite sensitive to the quality of a person's speaking voice, but somehow, it hadn't occurred to me that Manon's dulcet tones were a big part of her appeal. Now that you point it out, it's immediately obvious. Quality content and soothing content: what a combo.
Loved seeing Manon on the track!!! Lots of fun :)
Her happy place 🙌
She looked so awesome/fast in the modern kit!
Superb video Manon. Great explanation love the fact that you sat at the ending. No rush just great content.
I was used to compete with these (now considered) retro outfit back in the 80s and still keep my old school jerseys from my former teams. But I'm quite comfortable with modern outfit now and I wouldn't go back unless for L'eroica's riding once in a while.
Totally agree. I wore wool in the 70s and do so now in the winter but wool today is way better. And wool shorts were never good. Ever. Modern kit is so much better in warm weather (and cold too, but hey, I do love my jerseys)
Manon is so watchable - thanks!
Nice one Manon. The old kit brings back many fond memories...miss the loose fit of the old stuff.
There are companies doing amazing reproductions of the old kit. Looks really good, and feels good too.
I've even become a fan of having the old front-2-pockets, that jerseys up to the sixties had. They're actually really practical for unsupported cycling (i.e. everyone outside of higher level racing).
@@PaulJakma Paul, can you give me their names?
@@hondasaurusrex6998 check out magliamo and 2velo. My favourite jerseys now. 2velo are slightly less expensive but very good. 2 front pockets are very retro but *really* useful for gels and stuff.
Are you still rocking the retro look? 👀
@@gcntech I've got a bunch of old jerseys, yeah. Reproductions and originals. ;) Mostly 70s to 80s. Wool, wool-acrylic, and a few of the early polyester from 80s - when they still did striking designs.
Modern jerseys are either bland and boring, or dog's breakfasts. ;)
I've got jerseys from St. Raphael and Groene Leeuw (repros) through to the cool 80s triangle based Sammontana jersey. (That I wear).
Great vid Manon very interesting 👍🤩🚴🏅 ride on 😊
Thanks Pete! Glad you enjoyed it
What a fun video! I forgot the old kits were FULL WOOL! I couldn't imagine riding in wool shorts. I do have a wool Swobo jersey from the 90's and I still love it... but only for winter riding. Not scratchy, but also nothing I would want to wear during warm rides, or indoors like a velodrome.
I really enjoyed the slomo footage of the nopinz pocket at 4:44
LOVE the look of the retro stuff. Something I could actually see myself wearing when just riding (although...maybe not *wool*).
I do love the look of the modern stuff in its own way though, even if I wouldn't wear it - I vastly prefer 2-piece if nothing else, since I don't race. It's amazing to me that it's even lighter and thinner than the unisuits I USED to wear when rowing
In the 70's I wore Hind wool everything, and it was so much better than everything else, hail rain wind cold, (sorry no snow) it was great.
We did usw silk track jerseys which must have had a more aerodynamic effect.
Even 10 years ago, Manon where you ever issued the red white and blue Sky BC kit from Adidas, I've still got mine from nearly 10 years ago the jerseys were kind of tight but not like the razor fabric now and the skinsuit was tight with long sleeves but non of the aero trip contouring on the arm, it was like something Mr Motivator would wear lol
Since the skinsuits are tailored to each rider, I'm honestly surprised that the numbers aren't printed directly onto the jerseys.
They don't necessarily have the same number from race to race.
That old velodrome and its history, let's hear more about it--did it evolve into a motorcycle velodrome, too, the sort that eventually were banned and replaced by flat track motorcycle racing here in the States? And nice presentation here by Manon on the differences between classic wool jerseys and shorts and the latest one-piece skinsuits. But what about splitting the difference and showing us the times for modern jerseys and shorts, too? One-piece suits have their place, no knock, just more for racing and specialty applications, I'd imagine.
Velòdrom del Tirador
You have Google?
@@johnnunn8688 I do, yet here I am, slouched on a couch for GCN to entertain us.
Interesting and maybe more relevant comparison for road as retro track kits had silk jerseys and would have been custom made at that level. My cousin was the 1924 US National track champion and his father at the turn of the 19th century toured the US with Major Taylor in head to head competitions - Willie Fenn Sr and Jr.
I love Manon...such a pleasant voice 😍
Back when I was around 16 yo in 1968, (now 70+) I was in a cycling team and my mum thought it a good idea to knit me a cycling jersey with normal every day wool. As you can imagine it was quite itchy and not really suited for riding.
sweet of her though
Hope you've still got it somewhere! 🙌 Sounds amazing!
That leathery helmet looks friggin' glorious! Just wow
Very cool video. Good job presenting Manon!
I was only thinking about my old kit a few days back. Back in the late 70s my jersey has the high collar like that shown, nice and scratchy round the neck. My shorts were wool and ended up becoming baggies. The chamois was some form of animal skin which, as I did not know about treating it, became like a poppadom only less comfortable. I had a nice winter jacket which was nylon at the front; wool at the back, it weighed a ton but went for £40 on eBay a few years ago, way more than what I paid for it. Mits were string and eventually rotted away!
Oh yeah, I haven't thought about those old crocheted bike gloves in forever! I remember having the crochet pattern in the tan lines on the tops of my hands. Surely somebody still makes them?
Neil deGrasse Tyson (of Star Talk podcast fame) had an episode recently with a group of scientists who had sensors woven into clothing. They could measure body temp, oxygen saturation and heart rate. All things we can do now, but they added measuring angles. They started with following a baseball pitcher. To measure their form. Much better than with high speed cameras. Data like this for a track cyclist could help them hold the ideal position using feedback from their shirt!
Banned by the UCI in 5... 4... 3...
That retro jersey is cool
I still have most of my retro kits from the 70s 80s and 90s. I don't wear my wool shorts anymore but I do wear my jersey's and everybody comments how much cooler they look.
Can't beat that old school look 👀
sick dubstep beats @7:06 takin me back
What an enjoyable video to watch. Thank you.
great vid Manon! The skin suits of the future will be thin and made of synthetic spider silk
Spider silk! Sounds interesting 👀
Nice job Manon !! What an enjoyable and informative video.
Ken, on the Hudson River 🙂
when i raced as a junior in the 1971-1978 or so period i believe most (or all) of my shorts were wool. Jerseys mainly thick cotton. we word tshirts underneath... when you crashed it really saved the skin. I did have one fast nylon track jersey. Also got one fine Italian wool long sleeve top. Omg I though things were so expensive then (vs my ability to buy they certainly were!!!). How the heck ordinary folks afford kit and bikes now is beyond me!!
Really interesting video. Tech has come a long way, but I do still wish I had my old, itchy woollen jersey that was Campag branded that I bought from a proper old school bike cavern back in the late 80’s! It was in a bargain bin and looked like it had been there since the early 60’s!
Bet it looked cool though 😎
@@gcntech it did! But a tad itchy!
The thing is that today it would be made out of Merino wool and if you know anything about the subject you would know that it's not itchy in the slightest. To the point you can buy Merino wool underwear.
Manon seem have more power but a little bit less aero nowadays. Like you video!
I wear a ton of merino wool when biking, but wool has also come a long way in 50yrs
As a Tourer & Audax rider who doesn't race. I miss the old cycle gear. The gear was warmer, the clothing didn't stretch out of shape & pockets could be filled without splitting. Knicks had removable Chamois & on extended over night rides you could stay clean by carrying spare chamois. Mildly overweight riders look terrible in the modern racefit clothing & Manon looks great in the retro clothing, as well as in the modern clothing.
"Mildly overweight riders look terrible in the modern racefit clothing..." C'mon dude, I'm sitting right here. Geez.
@@iammarkstewart Yep. I took that one personally also.
On the money comment.
Guys are just more insecure now
The old school look is cool in my book. It can be updated with the new tech too though.
For the future, I think we should go for sculpted aero, where the body is integrated and shaped into the most aero shape possible.
But then again, a part of me wants it to be about the rider only, everyone should be on the same playing field, so the strongest rider is the winner.
Great video Manon. Thanks for that.❤😃👍
Always ride in wool on top. Base layer and mid layer in winter and merino T-Shirts from decathlon are great for the summer. Merino socks from smartwool too come to think of it. Bottoms though have to be synthetic until someone finds a way of incorporating merino. I even have a wind jacket from Ortovox which is about 50% merino wool but you would never know as it looks and feels like a synthetic wind top. Suits me but then I ride slow and not that far anyway with a couple of commutes a week.
I love you GCN
Judging by your profile pic, you prefer retro suit?
Lol
In swimming there was a transition to full cover to reduce drag. I think this could also happen in cycling if the material allow for proper cooling of the body
wonder what times would have been if the old kit was worn on the first run?
I'm old school and prefer retro... I love the modern look, but my heart and soul will always go with retro. Plus, I don't compete so I feel no need to go with skinsuits. I probably look a bit odd riding down the road on a Canyon Aeroad, an Abus helmet, and a kit from the early 2000's. Haha!
Manon...you crashing @ a velodrome...you crack me up!!!!!
Hebden Cord underpants: those were the days!
The look on Manon’s face when she says she never wants to use deer skin again, classic!
I think Santini has found a new magazine model for their product line.
I can't recall what material the kit was made from back in the 60s, except that the chamois was real chamois. And I don't recall any issues with comfort for shorts and jersey, even in a 12 hour TT when it had rained all morning, so it can't have been too bad. (I guess that could be down to an eroding memory, but how would I know?)
Great to hear you enjoyed the retro kit 🙌Maybe in comparison to the modern stuff it doesn't quite hold up?
@@gcntech I wouldn't say I enjoyed the old kit - it was all there was in those days. We only wore racing kit, (club jersey and shorts), for TTs and road races, and we'd change out of it immediately after an event. Except during races, we wore street clothes - jeans, shirts and sweaters. Some club riders wore cycling-specific jackets. They were black. The jackets, that is. (I guess that was a hang-over from the days when cycle racing on the roads was illegal in the UK.)
Modern kit is really comfortable, and it's great to be able to wear it, whenever one is out on the bike, without feeling too conspicuous. (Even at my age.)
If you hung the shorts outside to dry in Australia the chamois used to be really dry and would take serveral mile to soak up some sweat and start to be comfortable. Got to love that modern "chamois" dont have that problem.
Shows a lot more than it should 😀
As a tech outfit junkie (i began skiing in 70's.. trekking.. motorbikes... bikes..) i can say that modern material..design...sewing...are far better than old. But the combination from wool (merino) underwear and modern fit are a bingo.
Ah.. you are cute!
Loved my old woolen stuff but don't miss having to try and keep real chamois soft. Modern stuff really is easier to care for.
Great point, Makes all the difference if the Kit is easy to look after 🙌
I've still got some of my 1970s clothing. I've still got some of my 1970s bikes :-)
Must admit. I have 1950s kit for my 1950s bikes. :-) Front chest pockets :-)
Oh my! That would be cool to see. Would you consider posting some videos talking about your bikes and jerseys?
I've got a Raleigh wool jersey with front and rear pockets for riding my 1974 Raleigh International, and some Raleigh Team jerseys for riding my 1982 Raleigh Team bike (with Reynolds 753 tubing). The wool or wool/poly blend jerseys are too warm for a hot day, but they are wonderful for cool weather! Look good too! No wool shorts, though, and I'm okay with that!
Still have some of my early 80's Protogs kit. Couple of jerseys and a pair of wool tights. A few souvenir jerseys including a TI Raleigh jersey my dad picked up for me in France. Good selection of old cycling caps too that were tres stylish in the day.
Looking at thin skinsuit became I'm worried that in ten years it's going to be sprayed on.
Get video Manon, love you experience and love your presentation style
I have raced in seventies for time trial and track we had the shorts that you have presented but the jersey was different it was made of silk (or artificial silk) without any pockets
The wool had a MUCH wider comfortable temperature range; snuggy when it's chilly and cool when it's damp with sweat. On the other hand, hand washing after every ride did get old.
Thanks for sharing this information 😁✌️❤️
No worries 🙌 If you fancy going a bit deeper into the history of kit then check out this GCN+ doc 👉 gcn.eu/TheJersey
If your out for a Sunday cycle to a mountain café, the wool would probably by warmer if the weather changed. Lycra is probably not recyclable but defiantly faster. Saddles were more comfortable in older bikes, but then again comfort wasn't a thing in the old days. The only way to test the efficiency would be to maintain a power level on the crank and measure the relative speed. Maybe a battery bike would do the trick?
Manson would look awesome in overalls ❤
Manon would look even better.
😍😍😍Mannon....and the aerodinamic glamour😎🌼
I feel like the chest mount camera likely affected the skinsuit more than the retro kit too. It's not letting it do its full work.
Used to wear the woolen kit in the 70's. The chomois in the shorts was basically the same as what dried your car off with, more for absorbing sweat than a bit of cushioning. After a wash, they would take a couple of kilometres to soften up with the sweat... maybe dear skin chamois didn't have that problem...
3:27 Inside that skinsuit she is completely naked! She even mentioned in previous videos that she is not wearing underwear inside bike clothing!
Rossi made beautiful bicycle frames, Columbus SL and Cinelli investment case lugs and chrome plating,,,,,,,,lovely. God I must be old I remember racing in those old hats as a school boy and junior.
Sounds like you had some great fun! Do you prefer the new modern kit? Or still kicking it old school? 🔎
I'm getting used already to the jersey with no collar anymore but they removed the back pockets in cup racing jerseys now? But I will always hate long socks on cycling
I like my ebike motorbike style kit. Aerodynamic functional and protection all rolled into one.
Wool stops itching once you get used to it. Really great material for colder days, just add wind protection and you will never be cold, even when wet.
Was that leather helmet from Gusti leder? They make really nice leather bags for bikes, but that "helmet" is absurd, a bit dangerous that they sell it, some one might think it will protect their head, then crash and just die.
Retro does not have to be loose and fluffy. One piece cat suit, with low-cut neck, puts guys in Victoria Secret!
I prefer the modern look. Your comment at the end about never wanting to ride with a deer skin chamy was funny 😊.
Great video!
I am wondering, i noticed you were wearing a gopro on your chest. This will conflict with the test results I think right? Because they catch a lot of wind
3:42 Testing aero position?
Man, I love track bikes.
Wool is way better for day to day cycling. Works much better across a range of temperatures. Wicks sweat away much better to keep you comfortable when it's warm out; and keeps you warmer when it is cold, even when damp with sweat or rain. Wool is a wonder material, and we should be moving back to it. Woollen base layers are absolutely great all your round, for comfort and warmth - you can get different weights of wool for different times of year. Woollen long-sleeve jersey-jackets are great for autumn through to spring. Merino arm warmers are great, and merino leg warmers are _essential_ in my book for the winter. You can get merino bib shorts, which are great when it's really cold.
Also, the old school jerseys just had much better designs. They couldn't just slap some patterns, textures and text into a computer and print it out. They had to stitch together different coloured panels, and embroider text on - which had to be done much more sparingly, so they had to think a lot harder about making a good design. There are a couple of companies out there making really good modern reproduction woollen jerseys of old race designs, and they look and work _great_.
The big down side to wool is it is more fragile. It tears and breaks more easily. Especially light weight jerseys. They may not last as long. However, when you throw them away, they become food for bugs and microbes - which you can't say for "modern", oil-based synthetics, which are terrible for the environment (shedding microfibres into water courses when you wash them; and not degrading when thrown away).
We really need to go back to natural, biodegradable, plant and animal fibres, inculding wool, if we want to consider our cycling to be environmentally friendly.
Wool... wonder material.
A previous version of this comment, I mentioned some of the brands selling merino gear and reproduction jerseys, but it seems GCN don't like that - comment got deleted.
Btw, some wool can be scratchy, and some people are more sensitive to wool than others, but good quality merino is super-fine and not itchy at all. Even old jerseys, the good quality ones were not itchy (and I have a few jersey from the 70s).
retro for sure . I ride wool jerseys toe clips and leather shoes with tiny black cuts outs all over .
An odd perspective here. In 2018 I bought a modern bicycle. I can say this year I have finally gotten close to comfortable with saddles and cycling kit. The saddle shape and coverings were very different (I still have a bike with one on it) so the deer skin was very different. I must say I learned what a saddle sore is, something I never experienced before.
I feel the kit and saddle are systems. For casual riding the old system would be preferred by me. For modern racing the aero gains would win hands down.
Another note I am procrastinating about going for a ride at this moment. In my head I can’t seem to figure out the best way to dress. Wool just works. I can very easily get it wrong today. 10-15’ C. Oh well just kit and go!
Sounds like you need a deep dive into cycling kit! GCN+ has you covered 👉 gcn.eu/TheJersey
Looking fit, Manon!
What make/model of handlebars are on Manon’s bike? I like the “brake lever” grips for alternate hand positions.
Best looking skin suit I’ve ever seen!! Think I May go buy one now 😉😉
Go do it 🙌
@@gcntech obv question, but where from ? or is it 2023 kit ?
I expected a comparison to the commonly used modern jersey and shorts, or jersey and bibs - or at least in addition to a skin suit.
How would a moderately priced modern jersey and shorts compare to the old retro ones?
And how far back do we go in time - lots more changes have happened, yes?
The white flashing border on the veledrome would erive me insane 😭
This video should have featured Ollie and Hank in white cycling kits w lots of full length shots standing up.
be it in retro or in modern clothing Manon still🥰
Have two long sleeve jerseys from doper teams.Infamous Festina and less so Banesto. Have held up well.
I think the only changes we will see in the future will be in the fabric types used. Likely continued improvements in wicking and anti-bacterial chamois materials.
Very Nice Video ❤😊
Bet that retro kit itched like crazy
Not the comfiest 😬
Talking about tech - I have just thought of an idea for a presenter challenge - for GCN, GTN and your European presenters too.
You know Rouvy, right? Well do you remember a few years ago when Si and Matt suffered at the Taiwan KOM challenge?
Rouvy is currently hosting the same challenge for the next 22 days (today is Saturday 26th Nov) - however it is split over 3 or 4 routes (I forget which).
so the challenge ..
teams of 3 riders
1 person per team on each route.
All routes to be completed on the same day
Each team can choose their own route order. Do you do the easiest route first to get an overall head start or start with the hardest to give yourself a way to catch up.
Teams are picked by putting everyone's name in a hat.
(gonna copy this over to GTN too - for their records)
Moment of silence for all the deer who had to be sacrificed for the highest dishonor of becoming a chamois pad
I think as these suits develop in the future the material will be groomed even more for the direction of the airflow. Maybe even shaped to compensate for the "imperfections" of the human body.
Manon, would Cervelo Test Team kit count as super retro for this video?
Wouldn't see us in those white shorts 🤢
@@gcntech very wise