Verge Sports Custom Gear Review

Been meaning to write a quick review of the Verge Sport Custom Gear that we sampled recently. Hopefully it will help you with your Gear Order!

It’s worth noting that I have been around a long time, and every couple years the gear changes. It’s never perfect. We’ve had Voler, Squadra, Pearl Izumi, Sugoi…and now Verge. I’ve ordered something every year and been happy – especially when we all match! Some of it lasts a long time, some of it doesn’t. There’s always an issue with fit or zipper or timing or something. It’s just the way it goes.

But let me tell you: receiving new gear feels like Christmas, no matter what! I promise you, it’s so fresh. Do it. You will love it. Don’t miss out!

A lot of work goes into the “Gear Order Process”, so please thank Judy DeSherlia when you see her for all of her efforts! Order your gear now: https://kainperformance.mystore.vergesport.com/.

Cycling Gear

Loved the Triumph line (Women’s samples were pink, for reference and they are pink on the order site). Loved Primo even more, but samples were only available in Men’s. Primo samples are grey. The main difference between Primo and Triumph is the arm length (Primo, longer euro style) and fabric (Primo is thinner). Both have a pro fit and the preferred type of tension grippers on the arms/legs. Primo’s tension grippers are more subtle & premium. There’s about a $30 difference between Triumph & Primo items – so I’ll probably order Triumph. My husband will order Primo, as he likes the longer arm coverage and it looked really good on him!

Note: the chamois in Triumph Core bibs and shorts will be upgraded to the Quata chamois on all purchases. So I would order Triumph Strike, that’s what we sampled.

Sizing: my husband and I are both a size up in almost all Primo & Triumph. We recommend the same for all of you. I’m normally a medium in everything and will order large jersey & bib. Same with Tim, in the top. (For him, actually the bib was true to size, medium but he likes things tight.) The general rule of thumb is size up on everything in the Primo & Triumph lines.

I tried the Elite fit as well. “Elite” is a confusing label because it’s not a pro fit, it’s the looser fitting, club version. Arm & leg grippers are the older style but some people prefer it. Sizing: Elite was true to size on me and most people, so I would be medium.

Zipper. It’s not ideal. Verge knows it. It doesn’t lay right, but there’s nothing we can do about it.

A word on Bibs. Ladies, I’m a fan! Laurie Kehl, Cyndi Koke, Shari Kain, Kim Mygatt and I – all wear bibs. Super comfortable. Feels good on the waistline, especially for long rides.

Also, everyone should order at least: jersey & shorts (or bib); and something to race in. A vest is pretty essential as well. Jersey, Bibs & Vest are Tim and my three essentials for every ride. That way, on group rides, our team looks like a team and not a club or community ride. No mismatched “other team” jerseys please! And while we’re at it: No saggy, droopy athletic socks! No underwear! Nothing tied around your waist! No fanny packs! No big jackets! No tennis shoes!

Other things Coach Pete recommends: long sleeve jersey and knickers for winter. However if $ is an issue and you’re already getting a vest and shorts, then opt for arm & knee warmers. This is what Tim and I do because of our warmer weather and it’s much cheaper… and they usually last several years! In colder weather, we use more base layers.

Tri Gear

Loved the tri shorts, they fit real nice. Everyone should have a pair of those. Verge Tri Top is small in the chest area & stretches funny around the “hidden” zipper, but it will do. It’s just for racing. We found it fits best if you don’t unzip it and pull it over your head. Sizing: size up (1 or 2 sizes) in all tri gear -I ordered large.

I’m a big fan of the Skinsuit for racing, which I recommend for shorter distance (Olympic or Half distance) triathlon. I love how it sucks you in, and no chance of top riding up. However it’s difficult to use the bathroom quickly in an Ironman whilst wearing a one piece. This year, I will order the Triumph Tri Shorts only instead of my usual Skinsuit.

Having a pair of Tri Shorts for brick workouts is key.

Outerwear

Both Jacket options were sweet! Definitely order a wind shell (Entropa) if you don’t already have one. They are nice for pre-race, chilly early morning rides, spectating and the podium! Fit was true to size (for me, medium) as they are part of the Elite (“club fit”) line.

The best thing I ever did was order a running shirt & jacket for my mom and dad. You should do this for your #1 fans (spouses especially!)

Running Top

Every year that I don’t order a running shirt, I’m envious when I see others wearing. I prefer the v-neck style, the crew neck is very high. Fit was true to size (so for me, medium).

Order Site

Order site is fairly simple. You can filter by item type to narrow options. Once you submit your order, there’s no way to edit without contacting Customer Service. The benefit of Verge Sports is we will be able to order on demand after our first order.

Care For Your Gear

Hang Dry. If you want your gear to last, don’t put it in the dryer. Don’t bleach. Cold Water.

Use Chamois Butt’r and Wash Shorts Often. This is how to avoid saddle sores and infections.

In Summary

Here is a short list of the “gear order” rules of thumb described above: Size Up for Triumph & Primo. True to Size for Elite. Minimum Order: Jersey & Shorts. Race in Kain Gear. Hang dry. Remember your Spouse!

If you don’t have prior year gear for an upcoming group ride or race, let one of us know – we can lend you something to wear. I have small and medium used-gear. That being said, we want everyone wearing 2015 gear once it’s available!

Remember, the moment you step out of your house on a ride or at an event – or even on social media – you represent Kain Performance. Wear KP gear with pride, follow group ride rules, laws, and be positive! Be a good citizen & sportsman! No Kain, no gain!

Sincerely yours,

Jody Gold

Staff, Kain Performance

Order gear now: https://kainperformance.mystore.vergesport.com/

2019-01-04T03:00:28+00:00

I joined Kain Performance in 2003 and since then this team and triathlon have become a huge part of my life. Pete and Shari have created a great program lead not only by their coaching but their team concept. We train as a team, we push each other to improve, and on race day we support each other like no other group out there. In the past 7 years we’ve traveled as a team to races in Europe, Hawaii, and of course all over the US. I’ve made great friends along the way and have improved at the sport more then I ever expected. I’ve gone from a middle of the pack finisher to actually winning my age group in a triathlon this past year. I’ve competed in National Championship races and have finished 50 triathlons including 3 Ironman’s. In 2009 I was part of the Kain Iron team that went to Ironman Austria. The trip and event was a perfect example of a Kain destination race. The 20+ athletes competing combined with their supporters made for a great group of people and an incredible experience on race day that I will always remember. At Kain it’s all about the team and weather you are an age group winner or a triathlon newbie you’ll fit in. If you’ve got a triathlon goal Kain Performance will help you achieve it.

Russell

I ran into Pete at my gym in early 2010 and told him about my desire to start competing in the world of triathlons. Of course, I couldn’t swim more than a couple laps in the pool and hadn’t ridden a road bike since I delivered newspapers on a Schwinn Varsity back in the 70′s. Pete got me a great deal using the Kain Performance team discount on a new Specialized bike and all the accessories to go along with it. I began swimming, doing the Tuesday night team brick workouts, and Saturday team rides. Within two months, I completed my first sprint tri. Because I felt so prepared, it was a very positive experience. I had gained a lot of knowledge and insight from Pete, the coaches, and the other people on the team…everything from strategy, to transitions to preparation. I was hooked! Now, eight months later, I’ve completed six triathlons, including two Half-Iron events. I can’t wait to take on Ironman Austria in 2011, with the 30+ people going from Kain Performance. I enjoy the energetic and supportive nature of the folks that comprise Kain Performance. Pete and Shari have a unique way of making training fun and enjoyable and they’ve created a team environment like no other. I couldn’t have picked a better group of people to train with!

Wayne

After several seasons with Team in Training, I joined Kain Performance to step up my training. I have really noticed an improvement in my running. Pete and Shari are a great team, and you never know what to expect in terms of the workout. Pete can take a hard workout and make it one of the best workouts ever. The other team members provide a lot of energy and team spirit, and make me not want to miss a workout.

Judy

I joined Kain Performance on a Sunday during a Labor Day weekend, back in 2003; I remember that day very well because we had a great swim and run workouts finishing up the day with one of the best parties I have ever been to, just ask Jody!! I started doing triathlon back in 1993 and since then I’ve joined a few different Tri-clubs but when I came to Kain Performance, I found everything in one place; the best coaching, a great bunch of people with different backgrounds, a diverse variety of workouts year round with weekend training trips, team destination races and of course, lots and lt’s of fun. Pete keeps a good balance for his training programs; be prepared for some serious training and racing but also be prepared for some even more serious FUN. Personally, my training has improved so much that I think I’ll have a shot to qualify for worlds this year. The only problem training with Kain Performance could be that, after a while, you might not be “Street Legal” any more…

Jorge

I was bitten by the triathlon bug after a season with TNT. Since joining Kain Performance this summer, my swimming has really improved through practicing the assigned drills, listening to the technique stuff and having one-on-one sessions coached by Becky Gibbs Lavelle. The running economy workouts have helped me make significant improvements in speed, with new personal records for 400m, 800m and 1 mile. I really enjoy Pete and Shari’s coaching style and applicability.

John

Verge Sports Custom Gear Review

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