Simply Cycle: Less is more except for holiday sales.

A few months ago I mentioned there would be fewer posts on this blog since I am not the type to be repetitive, and once traveling season is over, and I start pretending to work, the commuting process does get repetitive and you guys have heard it before. Less must mean more . There's no real goal or number here but when I cut down my drivel, readership went up. In fact it tripled. No coincidence, word must have gotten round that there is a lot less bullshit to sift through so it might be worth it. Or there is some other sensible reason, but sense is not part and parcel to my program so we'll just move on and get over it.

I went on a shopping spree for the holidays.

I've developed an unnatural affection for Chrome products but I can't help it.

They make stuff that works and lasts and fits the way I ride and the places I go. They had a lot of useful items marked down and a big bonus discount for ordering during the holidays. From the left, I got another Duramap hoodie, a work shirt, new IKE wind shirt and a pair of boots.

The hoodie is just like the grey one I have just a different color but for a cycling hoodie they are ideal and the hood actually fits over a helmet. The new shirt is a novel and reversible quilted work shirt. It has buttons for closure. One side is a quilted beige color while the other is a smooth blue slate. It weighs practically nothing, is warm, wind resistant and the rear pocket doubles as stuff sack.

I have a feeling this is going to be a traveling staple.

The windshirt is the same design as one I have in blue, but a second one at this price is a great idea. I got the farmer plaid color to go with blue jeans and, like the other, this has a double zipper and zippered cuffs as well as vented pits and reinforced wind block on the inside. I love it.

The new shoes are quilted and lined with fleece for cold weather as well as having secretly reflective black trim.

They have the same forged soles and stiffened insoles as do their other bike shoes. They seem to be really warm and waterproof. Altogether this little self induced Christmas present was a real bargain. If you don't keep an eye on Chrome products, you probably should. Their stuff is made for cyclists who actually go places other than their car. At regular prices I would have paid nearly $500 for these four items, between the clearance markdown and the special holiday incentive I paid only $160.

Now I'm all replete in my new kit with the plaid wind jacket and Rivendell pants I look like a real biker and will probably embarrass any number of spandex hamsters, for any number of reasons.