Don't know if this really qualifies as equipment/gear. But, I just wanted to comment about how comfortable I have found Zoic Ether MB shorts to be. I bought a pair of the red (well, brick red) last winter, got to wear them once on a 65 degree January day. When the weather broke here, I wore them for a couple of rides and found them extremely comfortable. So, I went to REI and got a pair in black, one in tan, one in gray, and one in plaid. I have found them better in terms of comfort and convenience/placement of the pockets than either the Pearl Izumi or the Novara MB shorts. The Zoic shorts also have very "breathable' fabric. A good deal at $79.50 at REI.
