Don't go changin'

I'll just start by saying that I do not like change. That has probably been established, but just in case it wasn't already clear. And, I don't believe that the human race likes change all that much anyway. Thus, when people proclaim how much they LOVE change, I presume them to be lying. That said, I had an awakening in the consumer realm over the holidays. I received a new pair of bike gloves and they turned out to be a real disappointment. I've been a fan of Pearl Izumi products for many years. I started buying their products when I started bike commuting in the early/mid 1990's. In particular, I've had multiple pairs of their bike gloves and they have really stood the test of time.

My first pair of PI gloves:

These are circa 1995-ish (purchased in Aspen--which, ironically, is the last time I was there), as evidenced by the fuschia and navy color scheme.  Color aside (and I've since learned that you never go wrong with black), they have provided many years of service with many more remaining.

I have an affinity for the Pittards leather-palmed gloves, and to my dismay I tragically lost one last summer.  The remaining glove--I don't know why I kept it, other than I'm holding out hope that its mate will magically appear:

Note the abundant padding in the palm and the rich, Corinthian leather.

I had the PI Pittards glove on my Amazon wish list, and lo and behold, they appeared in my stocking for Christmas.  I was surprised when I pulled them out of the stocking and thought to myself "these aren't what I wanted," which makes me a a delight to buy for, but then I assumed that I had mistakenly put a different glove on my wish list.  So I looked 'em up and apparently they are the new and improved version.

Flimsy, barely padded, thin leather and no velcro back.  WTH?

So how the heck do you get them off?  Well, you use the handy little loop on the middle finger.  Oh, yeah, no problem.  Until the stupid, cheaply sewn loop rips off or the whole finger of the glove rips in the process.

Yeah, middle finger THIS, Pearl Izumi.  And these cheap-ass (as in cheaply made, not inexpensive) gloves retail for $35.  I have no idea why on earth they changed them, other than because they can.  Sweatshop labor costs must be rising.  Or our racer friends find velcro to be too bulky and they need to shave some grams off the kit, man.  Or Velcro is only for toddlers' shoes? Or the velcro closure makes for an embarassing tan line on the back of the hand.  We'll probably never know.

Sigh.  Now, after nearly 20 years, I must find another brand.  Given how brand loyal I am, this is truly a bummer.  Suggestions, anyone?  In the meantime, I will troll Ebay for a replacement.

Ho, ho, ho

My yearly gift to you.