Is more expensive really better? Premium vs Budget Winter Cycling Kit.

🎁 Here your Siroko bonus discount link: srko.co/technoandbikes
00:00 Intro
01:50 My First Winter Kit
03:37 Siroko
09:30 Assos
14:35 Pas Normal Studios
18:16 Conclusion
19:10 Keeping Feet Warm
21:29 Keeping Hands Warm

[@CFAuugh]

Here is my, perhaps eccentric winter kit: Assos Winter bib (seriously work well). Switch clipless pedals+ shoes to MTB flat pedals and MTB shoes, spray said MTB shoes with some waterproofing spray each winter; as a fellow Berliner, I wanted flat shoes in winter... due to rather fishy riding conditions sometimes. I use a hiking merino wool base layer, that I happen to have. Siroko or Van Rysel Winter Jacket (Yes that 55 Euro thing from Decathlon). Works to about -5 C.

[@klein-concept]

Great and very functional setup. Makes a lot of sense actually to swap pedals for winter. Didnt think of that before 🫶

[@darkotto5044]

Vam Rysel ist Mist.

[@roadcyclist1]

I am in the US and I import siroko. It is all I wear. I would also argue, siroko is a premium brand. The quality rivals all the other brands.

[@klein-concept]

It is definitely high quality stuff and i would agree when you compare it to a PNS or a Maap but Assos is a couple of steps ahead of all these brands from my perspective when it comes to the way they introduce new technologies and fabrics into their products.

[@marcmancycling]

Always GoreWear for me on colder months! Basic but definitely gets the job done and they have their stuff on sale most of the time. Im able to ride in 40-35°F real feel and still feel comfortable!

[@klein-concept]

Nice one. I see a lot of GoreWear out here in Berlin during winter. Always looks high quality and their designs also come in these highly visible colors 🫶

[@kevinmchugh5310]

Super insightful review! I want to try these Assos bibs. I mainly stay warm in the winter by biking indoors 😅

[@klein-concept]

Thanks a lot Kevin. Nothing is better than a Kuku Penthouse while out on a ride 🫣

[@charlesmansplaining]

I'm into my second cold weather season using Assos Mille GTO Winter kit. I have been cycling for more than 30 years and reluctant to buy Assos because of the cost, but I started with bibs because I needed a new pair one Summer and they worked so well and so comfortable I started adding to my wardrobe as the days got colder. I am stunned at well the stuff works. I would say it is worth the money for sure. I can ride at 30F and be totally comfortable. I won't ever buy anything else now.

[@klein-concept]

Happy to read about your experience. I agree Assos is really worth the money and exceptional comfort.

[@bobzuidema3560]

great video and I feel exactly the same about Assos, I also bought the GT3 Millet jacket and I bought it for Ice skating (true story) and strangely enough I haven't wore the jacket this winter-season although I did a heck of a lot could winter rides already and it never crossed my mind that I have the perfect winter jacket lying around lol. Well for summer gear I wear mainly Cafe du Cyclist just because they make great jersey's and being a company based in Nice they prob know what works during summer and they do, for winter from first experience, don't go there not suited at all. Anyway back to Assos for a moment because I hear a lot of raving stories how great these bib's are from anyone who has experience with Assos, thing is that it doesn't appeal to me at all, it's just not my cup of tea but I almost feel forced to try it anyway even if it was just for the experience and I risk that I don't want to wear anything else ever again?? The thing is that I am very picky about cycling clothing and the jersey and bib has to be of the same brand or I don't ride at all, that may seem childish but it is a fact nevertheless. Now do I take a chance on Assos prob yes but there is another thing with Assos and that is why one bib costs 'only' 145€ whilst another bib will set you back 310€ ! What is that all about then... choices choices...

[@klein-concept]

Hehe. I know the problem. Jersey and bibs need to match 🫣. If you go for the assos bibs dont go for the basic one. I think you have to go for the high end ones to appreciate it and to notice a significant difference to anything else. Especially in the area of male part management 😂😂 they are outstanding. It is something i really wish the PNS bibs would have for the summer.

[@66mikkim]

The Assos bibs are what i am lookin for, my noodle always gets numb on long rides...and i have tryed everything. The GripGrab are the same ones i have been useing for the last 3 years, they are good for me down too about -5° C for the price a bang for the buck. My winterbibs are the GORE C3 and C5, the C5 i only use when it´s wet cause they have a waterrepelling surface, good against roadspray. For my feet i jsut wear thick socks and some water/wind proof overshoe.

[@klein-concept]

The Assos bibs are a real gamechanger. Heard a lot of good things about gore but nothing beats the Kuku Penthouse 😂😂

[@PsykonVideot]

For the Scandinavian winter here in Finland I have collected quite the arsenal during the past few years. Castelli Alpha Ros 2 has changed my winter cycling altogether. For warmer transitional season I have eveything Perfetto. I really like that and how windproof all their stuff is. For bibs I have Pearl Izumi something (very warm), Castelli Polare 3, Sportful Infinium and Fiandre, And finally Assos Ultraz. I think the warmest and my favourites for my use are The Castellis and Fiandres. For colder than -10 celsius I need to start thinking of putting an extra layer.

[@klein-concept]

Thanks a lot for the tips. Didnt know a lot of them yet. Will have a look for the colder winter days again. 🤜🤛

[@PsykonVideot]

@@klein-concept Ice and cold are not a problem with proper gear. It's the layers of thick and/or wet snow and sleet that create the biggest challenge. Cold = dry. Dry = easy. Close to -20 it starts to become annoying. And with studded tyres you shouldn't have any problem tackling ice. It's much slower but very safe. For shoes I have Lake MX146 that are good enough for my commute however cold it is. Over 45 minutes, I think I would struggle because they are not made for extreme cold. Yet, thick sock and them. Very easy. When it's cold, my butt and thighs usually get very cold so for next winter I'm looking some shorts to combine with bibs I mentioned. Btw, I really enjoyed the video. Just the kind of information I would have personally needed a couple of years ago. Comparing and namedropping other brands was great. Siroko feels like the kind of brand that you will be happy with unless you're able to buy the Assos or something similar premium and notice that it's impossible to go back. I have some of their summer stuff and think it's very decent or even good.

[@klein-concept]

@@PsykonVideot i actually never tried studded tires. Maybe once the snow comes in. But now its time for some sunny rides ahead. Thanks a lot for all the tips on the hardcore winter gear 🫶

[@Jimmidoesstuff]

Sick lighting. 🏆

[@klein-concept]

Thanks a lot buddy 🫶

[@fede1275]

I might be biased, but I genuinely love my Siroko winter kit!!

[@klein-concept]

It is great. Looks cool, keeps you warm and is very comfortable to ride. I m going to be gifting this kit to a friend of mine for his first winter season. 🎁

[@gunarstreikals2099]

Proper winter cycling shoes are much much more comfortable to use comparing to summer shoes with overshoes. Extra time to get them on and getting them off after the ride as well can be a struggle with frozen hands. If budget allows, then it is a good investment, if you live in a place with colder temperatures and you insist on going out no matter what And for hands, not sexy, but bar mitts work really well and then combine them with your gloves of liking.

[@klein-concept]

I fully agree. my feet are already freezing at 5 degrees so i love a good set of winter shoes. 🫶

[@G60syncro]

Cool stuff!! Some of it might be too light for our really cold Canadian winters but for the in-between days or some of the oddball warm days we get during winter it would work great! If you want to try riding when its slightly colder and you're worried about icy/snowy conditions, try a set of Schwalbe studded winter tires... They suck the watts right out of you with their rolling resistance but the grip is incredible! Even for Canadian urban riding they're overkill 80% of the time. I'm considering getting a spare set of wheels with non-studded tires for general riding and swap over the studded ones when the weather turns to real crap! Craziest I've done last year in Feburary, it was -44* and before heading to work I shot video of me starting up my car to prove to my co-workers that the car indeed worked and I rode to work just for fun!!

[@klein-concept]

Oh yes Canadian winters are another level. Assos has another middle layer for extra cold days so maybe that would get your stamp of approval. Thanks a lot for the tire recommendation. Might actually get these as i want to give the festive 500 a try this year and guess with these tires even freezing temperatures would be no excuse. 🤜🤛

[@G60syncro]

@@klein-concept Awesome! If you do get around doing the festive, a video would be a must!! Even if it's just ride footage with a voiceover, I'm sure it would be a fun watch!!

[@klein-concept]

@@G60syncro deal. If i actually give it a go i will bring the camera along 🤜🤛

[@LeoDube9]

I live in Canada as well and i was thinking the same, a bit too light for our winter. Quick question, what you run on your feet? I just bought the same exact same the fiziks artica 5. Have you triedif yes are they good for our winter?

[@klein-concept]

@@LeoDube9 also curious to hear that. Here without the proper socks even the Fizik shoes have not been warm enough. But i struggle with keeping my feet and hands warm in general.

[@celestialemissary4934]

winter mtb shoes and those single use warmers that you shake. You can buy them for feet. They stick on top of your toes. I thought there would not be much room for that but it was and it did not bother me. My water froze on the bike so yeah it was cold and snow was deep in some places. Only my hands were suffering

[@klein-concept]

That is a great idea for the really cold days. Thanks a lot for sharing 🫶

[@keven-matthewlarrivee-font2678]

As some others have mentionned this might be too light for Canada. Next time you do a video about winter, define what "winter" is for you from the get go. That way every viewer can have a better idea how the video relates to them. Cheers mate!

[@klein-concept]

Wow. I was not aware I have so many viewers from Canada. Thanks for the feedback. Will of course make things more clear from the start next time 🫶

[@EstelonAgarwaen]

My winter kit is currently a normal outdoor/activewear type longsleeve thermo shirt thats not cycling specific with a summer jersey over top and over that one of those 10€ decathlon rain racket hoodie things. Works great. Bibtights are the rcr winter tights from decathlon. Just need overshoes now, my feet froze on my last ride

[@klein-concept]

Very happy to hear you got this very uncomplicated sounding setup working for you. Unfortunately with me sweating so much i guess this would be tricky. But i heard a lot of good things about the rcr series of tights. Sounds like best price performance ratio on the market. 🤜🤛

[@EstelonAgarwaen]

@@klein-concept when the new summer version drops ill snatch some and report back :D

[@klein-concept]

@@EstelonAgarwaen yes please. Would be very curious how they compare against the Siroko summer ones. Guess price wise they will be similar.

[@EstelonAgarwaen]

@@klein-concept ive got the rc500 bibshorts. theyre comfortable. cost 50 bucks, 35 when on sale. the rcr ones were like 70 i think.

[@crack0n]

My winterkit: assos GT winterbib, siroko base layer + winter jacket, "Bundeswehr Sturmhaube", agu overshoes. All good down to -10C 😊

[@klein-concept]

Great combo. Didnt try the Agu overshoes yet. Would you say they are way better than other brands? If so might give them a try 🫶

[@crack0n]

@@klein-concept Actually they are my first overshoes. They are made of neoprene therefore completely windproof. Germanys winter are more like fall/spring anyways 😅

[@klein-concept]

@@crack0n haha thats true compared to lots of other countries ⛷️

[@ivarbrouwer197]

Bought a decathlon heavy winter jacket, padded bib-shorts and overshoes. Quality innovative stuff, pretty low prices and you can fit it in the store if there’s one in your town.

[@klein-concept]

Decathlon is really stepping up their game. Building amazing bikes and as it seems also great cycling clothes. There is one close by so will have a look. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

@@klein-concepttheir RCR line is top notch. Unbeatable for the price.

[@klein-concept]

@@SamuelBlackMetalRider will have a look later this week. Buddy if mine actually wears their bib shorts and is very happy with them.

[@darkotto5044]

Van Rysel clothing is not good. Heavy and not warm. Sold it and bought Rapha. If you buy cheap you buy twice.

[@ivarbrouwer197]

@@darkotto5044 too bad, for me some stuff definitely works. I’ll grant you that some stuff was either too ‘race-fit’ or baggy cut.. i wouldn’t advise to buy there online, try before you buy. As for heavy? I don’t care about my deep winter jacket being heavy in winter time, it’s warm! They also had merino wool like arm and leg warmers, and those were choice I tell ya!

[@caet49]

Cut open the Pas Normal overshoes - however They are not for winter use but for spring/Fall when is a bit cold in the morning or evening and or if you just want to make sure that you don’t get roadspray on your white shoes :) Spatzwear is the best winter gear, even better than gripgreb

[@klein-concept]

Thanks a lot for the tip with the socks. Will keep them ready until it gets a bit warmer. Never heard of Spatzwear before but their stuff looks really amazing. Thank you so much for the recommendation 🤜🤛

[@robertcrvc]

I actually also bought those at PNS and mine came with two holes: one for the cleats and one for the heels. So make sure they delivered the right piece of clothing ;). By the way, great review!

[@klein-concept]

@@robertcrvc thanks for letting me know. Seemed a bit weird.

[@donttouchthisatall]

Quick question - are you really supposed to wear nothing underneath the bib shorts? I get that for summer bibs, but it seems kinda "unprotected" for winter rides.. I am struggling with that on my winter rides..

[@klein-concept]

Yes that is right. I mean nobody will stop you from wearing something underneath but for me it is most comfortable without another layer. The winter bibs also have special wind proof material in the main areas to keep it warm.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

Ultimate winter tip: put TOE-COVERS under SHOE COVERS. Works like a charm and cheaper than dedicated Winter shoes. Toe Covers are awesome down to 6-7 degrees, 0 to 5 Shoe Covers (ASSOS ones are classy, efficient and slim) and below 0 the killer combo

[@klein-concept]

Amazing idea 💡. Will give that a try on my regular cycling shoes.

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

@@klein-concept don’t forget to TAPE the openings of your carbon soles using black electric tape. Castelli’s Toe Thingy are cheap & awesome Toe Covers but thicker than Assos ones. Shimano S-Phyre have a pair of toe covers that seem awesome: thin & super long thus protecting / covering almost all your shoes!!

[@klein-concept]

@@SamuelBlackMetalRider ah right. Good idea. Thanks for all the recommendations. Will have a look tomorrow and add to my shopping list 🤜🤛

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

@@klein-concept rode 160km today with friends in the countryside West of Paris by -2 degrees and feet were ok. Doubled the gloves like you said but the outer pair I chose wasn’t my warmest so even doubled it got a bit cold… also Windvest on top of the Winter Jacket works great as illustrated on the Strava pictures 😎

[@klein-concept]

@@SamuelBlackMetalRider nice one. And no ice on the road at -2?

[@NickPavlenko]

Warm hands on a budget: liner and fleece gloves from Decathlon. Layering as a principle is the key for warmth, not brand name.

[@klein-concept]

Thanks a lot for the tip. 🫶

[@logojones96]

PAS is my go-to in general. What they offer for winter kit is solid but Jesus the cost is insane. Their new mechanism thermal jacket looks good though!

[@klein-concept]

Love the PAS stuff but i wish they would sometimes be a bit more technical and strategic with the fabrics they use.

[@Felix521]

Their taped seams are absolutely terrible - dissolve after a couple of washes.@@klein-concept

[@klein-concept]

@@Felix521 oh no. you mean on their summer jerseys? Never had that problem and been riding and washing a lot of their stuff.

[@Felix521]

NoNo, that particular jacket, maybe from a season ago or so. Returned it twice...@@klein-concept

[@klein-concept]

@@Felix521 damn. Thanks for letting me know. Will keep an eye on it. Think i only washed it two or three times so far.

[@bicivini]

Really like the PAS stuff. But may check ou Passione winter jersey/jacket…really liked it 10-0 degrees for a ok price

[@klein-concept]

Yes the Passione stuff is also great. Have some bibs and a vest from them. But a bit on the pricy side when i was comparing it to Siroko. But that has also been 2 years ago so maybe things are wat better these days.

[@bicivini]

…and Siroko, sorry but no my most preferred - then better go for Dike (AliEx PNS copy, same factory…just saying…Bibs better than my Rapha and Rosti original stuff 🫣). But functional winter/waterproof wear…Passione & Castelli (my sponsor when pro, but now as I have to pay…great, but too expensive). Siroko too much YT supported (I spare what I’d like to say…) but limited real functionality by my experience at least. NoPinz for aero one piece stuff any time. But as always, just my 5 cents and no Sell-out 😉💜 Cheers mate

[@klein-concept]

@@bicivini dont know Dbike, will have a look. And i have a Castelli rain jacket which i really love. Best jacket i have found so far. I addes Siroko here as they really helped me to get started back then with me not knowing anything about cycling brands and not wanting to drop so much cash. Now i will be able to donate this kit to a friend of mine to push him through his first winter.

[@bicivini]

@@klein-concept Passione has quite some good deals from time to time, paid with 60% discount was fair compared to looks, quality, functionality. Would never pay full price for any brand 😅

[@klein-concept]

Hehe thats the right mindset 🤜🤛

[@littlevo9]

Siroko est très bien, juste déçu d’un bib short dont la bretelle s’est décousue mais pour le reste très bien. Je mixe avec des tenues Specialized qui sont un peu plus haut de gamme et fantastiques niveau confort.

[@klein-concept]

Hope you have been able to get a replacement for the Siroko ones. The Specialized gear is top as well 🫶

[@littlevo9]

@@klein-concept il est décousu mais pas inutilisable,j’avoue ne pas avoir pris le temps de le remplacer…malgrés celà je recommande vraiment siroko car j’ai des vestes,des chaussettes ,un cuissard et on est vraiment pas loin de ce qui se fait sur des marques 2 à 3 fois plus chères ! En tous cas tres bonnes vidéos j’ai découvert votre chaîne il y a pas longtemps et je trouve votre jugement très juste et bien argumenté.

[@klein-concept]

@@littlevo9 thanks a lot. Glad you are enjoying it. Wish you happy winter riding 🤜🤛

[@AutoCAD681]

No other sports have cloths this expensive £100 is cheap for cycling its nuts

[@klein-concept]

Maybe golf 😂😂

[@Technotranceism]

I wouldn't say no other sports, as I have seen elite gear for many sports, costing hundreds, to over 1,000usd for a single article.