Impossible is Possible

SmithSmith Optics the latest models in its Pivlock V2 series, which include the Impossibly Black lens and clear NXT photochromic lens, which automatically adapt to varying light conditions. The two NXT lens are even available in a mirror blue lens with white frame for those who don’t like the spy look. The glasses maker is also introducing the latest glasses in its Approach line, which are feature the plant-based Evolve frame material, and are sourced from non-GMO castor plants. The impossible is not possible.

Smith Optics Official Website

Best in Vest

Scott-VestScott Jurek knows a thing or two about running, and he apparently knows a thing or two about what runners need in vest-pack. He worked with Ultimate Direction and created the SJ Ultra Vest, which was designed to be minimal while still letting a rider carry the essentials and more.

It features smartphone compatible pouches, bottle holsters, gel or bar pouches, and emergency whistle on the pack. In total there are 10 pouches on the front and sides that have provide easy access to anything you might need while on the run. The vest is made of Cuben Fiber, the same used in the sails of the America’s Cup racing yachts, as well as Hex and power Mesh to ensure that this vest will go the distance with you.

Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra Vest Official Website

Fresh Stuff

BasefreshCycling attire looks good but after a ride or two it smells anything but. Repeated washing can help but at some point the miles just take their toll on even that favorite jersey. Part of the problem is that jerseys and shorts typically are as much plastic as natural materials and this makes removing that funky smell all the harder.

Perhaps Nikwax’s Basefresh can help. This is a detergent/conditioner that is designed for synthetic activewear, helping to deodorize while also inhibiting the build-up of body odors. It also accelerates drying and improves the cooling efficiency of base layers.

It is even designed to be used in conjunction with regular laundry detergents so it could help all the clothes smell a whole lot fresher.

Nikwax Official Website

History Repeated (On a Jersey)

De-Marchi

It is often said that those who fail to learn from history are destined to repeat it. That probably isn’t what De Marchi had in mind, but those who do know some cycling history can wear it!

The company is introducing a line of historical jersey reproductions from cycling’s “golden age” and this limited edition series features attired based on what were originally manufactured by the Italian clothing brand, which has been designing and producing cycling wear since 1946. Reproductions of old team jerseys will feature two front pockets and these include the 1951 Wilier jersey worn by Antonio Bevilacqua and the 1949 Atala worn by Luison Bobet. The line will also include the 1967 Mainetti worn by Marino Basso, the 1969 SCIC worn by Vittorio Adorni, the 1972 baby blue Salvararni worn by Felice Gimondi, and the 1975 Filotex worn by Francesco Moser.

De Marchi products are distributed in the U.S. through Bicycle Technologies International.

Bicycle Technologies International Official Website

Reach for the Sky (Jersey)

SkyEven if you can’t actually ride like Sir Bradley Wiggins you can suit up like the defending Tour de France champion. Rapha Jersey are offering personalized replicas of the Team Sky jerseys, but fans will need to act soon as these will only be available until May 10.

Those lucky 1,000 who do get one will have them in time for the start of the Tour de France in Corsica on June 28. The replica jerseys are constructed of two moisture wicking performance fabrics and the side panels will be personalized with the name and nationality of the wearer.

Rapha Official Website

Love of the Glove

GantoliBrothers Fausto and Gino Gantoli founded their namesake company back in 1909 and since then it doesn’t seem if the Gantoli has changed the way it makes cycling gloves or the materials used. These leather gloves aren’t really retro because this is how Gantoli has always made them. If you have a problem with that there are plenty of other options, but for those who want a stylish glove on their hands – and don’t mind real leather – then these are gloves to simply love.

Gantoli Official Website

Antigua Golf Comes Out Swinging With 2013 Collection

Antigua-GolfAntigua Golf has introduced its men’s and women’s Performance Golf Collection, which continues the tradition of bolder and brighter colors than even the bold and bright spring collection. The color palette includes invigorating pop colors such as Lapis, Margarita, Apple, Melon, Phlox, and Zest, for the Men’s Collections, and Light Melon, Kiss, Pansy, Fountain, Margarita, Light Apple, for the Women’s Collections. The summer apparel line features the company’s proprietary Desert Dry and Desert Dry Xtra-Lite moisture management technology so golfers can beat the heat this summer.

Antigua Golf Official Website

Quick Dry Suit

Everest-IslesWhen we think of the Everest Isles that patch of land at the end of the film Waterworld comes to mind. After all the highest peaks on Earth were the only dry land. Perhaps that is where the company got its name from, but regardless the new Mayol swim trunks are the sort that would be perfect in Waterworld or just a trip to the beach.

These are made of abrasion-resistant (good for fighting those sea faring badguys), and quick-drying Schoeller Dynamic fabric – because even a man of the sea doesn’t want to walk around in wet trunks all day. The Mayol offers color matched, non corrosive Riri Décore UV resistant zippers and a solid fiberglass and titanium “Sub Mariner” pull.

It also features a side pocket on each hip with the left sized one specially designed to house a waterproof Seal Line cell phone case. This can come in handy for storing that map to Mount Everest (which we know was on the girl’s head the whole time). To get a pair set sail over to the Everest Isles.

Everest Isles Official Website

Get Focused

FocusYou should be focused on the journey, and the Westcomb Focus LT Hoody will let you have one less worry about the weather. This minimal constructed shell is anything but minimal in how it can help keep the wind and the elements at bay. It features eVent membrane, taped seams and a helmet compatible hood. It also features a single Napoleon pocket for a music player or phone. For the wet spring weather this might be a way to stay in the shell and stay a little drier.

Westcomb Focus LT Hoody Official Website

Hurricane Pants

NaroomaWhile you probably shouldn’t play golf in a hurricane the Sunice 2013 Hurricane Collection is there to help keep you dry. The Narooma GORE-TEX Rain Pants will ensure that you’re legs don’t get soaked to the bones either. These feature a lifetime waterproof guarantee, and offer a gripper waistband, snap waist adjusters and pass-through pocket. This way a little weather won’t ruin the game.

Sunice Official Website

Thin and Light

S-LABWhen we think of the concept of thin and light we tend to think of a laptop computer – as that is a category in the space. But the Salomon S-LAB Light Jacket is also thin and light, weights just 2.5 ounces and folded can fit in most wearer’s pants’ pocket. Now this one has no hood, no pockets (so you can’t shove any jacket in the pocket) and it isn’t meant to be a rain jacket. It will block the wind, which can come in very handy in these cool spring days. It also has that retro Speed Racer look to it, which we find kind of cool too.

Salomon S-LAB Light Jacket Official Website

Raised in America: Voormi Fall 2013 Collection

While backcountry wool wear from Voormi’s fall 2013 line is made in America, we’d also like to point out that the wool was also sourced in America. Voormi worked with Rocky Mountain Highcountry Merino exclusively to source the wool for its line of Precision Blended baselayers and midlayers. Continue reading Raised in America: Voormi Fall 2013 Collection

Nike Soccer’s Centennial

NikeDownton Abbey  fans might know that the show begins in 1912 (just after the 1912 sinking of the Titanic), but even soccer fans likely couldn’t tell you that American soccer began just a year later. But in fact this year does represent the 100-year anniversary of the birth of U.S. soccer, which was established through the United States Football Association. That 100 years has seen its share of ups and downs, but to celebrate Nike has introduced its Centennial U.S. soccer kit for both men and women.

These include minimalist jerseys that are inspired by the original ones worn in America’s first international match – a 3-2 victory against Sweden. However, while the look may be retro, these new uniforms feature advanced Dri-Fit technology that includes 96 percent polyester from recycled plastic bottles. The more things stay the same, the more some things change.

Nike Centennial U.S. Soccer Kit Official Website