Spring is most certainly not in the air, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t coming. And for those who will be riding to work in the not-quite-warm spring weather can bundle up with the new line of Merrell vented jackets, which will help keep wearer’s dry during the daily commute.
Category: Apparel
Giro’s Gloves for Robin Hood
While it is doubtful that Robin Hood – if such a character really existed – would have worn green tights, he might still have appreciated the Sherwood Camouflage cycling gloves from Giro. According to the company:
Nothing matches the superb fit and feel of a tailored leather cycling glove. While the rich leather used in the LX LF glove is timeless in classic black and white tones, we wanted to see what we could do with color.
We decided to bring a timeless “Sherwood Camouflage” pattern to the LX LF by using a process that enables a design to be permanently applied to leathers. Sherwood Camouflage is a subtle variation of Woodland Camo, which was designed at the end of World War II by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Lab.
In addition to the LX LF’s durable tanned leather and Merino wool Flex Zones, this Sherwood Camo edition features our Super Fit Engineered 3-panel palm and Technogel padding in the heel for cushioning. With 6 sizes to choose from, the LX LF fits like a second skin, so no matter where the ride takes you from road to mountain, this glove has you covered.
But these are limited edition so act fast, or else you’ll have to make with Robin Hood to get a pair – just without the robbing from the rich and giving to the poor thing.
Martin 2013 Collection Brightens Things Up
The cold gray winter still has a ways to go, but Martin Golf Apparel unveiled its new Spring 2013 collection that includes new patterns along with a full color palette that might help liven things up. This includes the men’s popover shirt, which are now available in Gingham Check and Bengal Stripe, both offered in the Rivera color palette. Also new this year is the men’s short sleeve 2-button Pima Cotton Interlock shirt that features a self-fabric collar. This new line of golf apparel is almost enough to make us forget it is still only late January!
Skinsuit for Your Big Adventure
Podium Cycling has introduced a line of new skinsuits for this season, and you can “suit up” as Spiderman, Superman, even a Tron-inspired suit. But the one that stood out to us was the Pee Wee Herman-inspired skinsuit, which could certainly turn heads – and might look a little odd on any bike other than Herman’s cruiser. And we don’t even want to think about what you might want to do during a natural break – that could be asking for trouble.
Hot Pants For Cold Winter Days
This week has been a bitterly cold one for much of the nation and many folks likely wouldn’t have minded a pair of R-Tec Barrier, an insulated underwear pant! Designed by a ski patrol member, the R-Tec Barrier features a special-cut neoprene shield to cover and warm the gluteus maximus and hamstring tendon-muscles.
But these pants also feature (1) a waistband and added material to prevent exposure when bending over; (2) A separate high tech fabric that is waterproof and breathable is stitched onto the seat of the underwear to create a pocket; (3) a neoprene inserts are designed to fit snuggly into the pocket allowing it to mold to the individual wearer’s unique physique; and (4) flat seaming stitching to reduce chaffing and friction on the skin.
The result is indeed hot pants for a cold day!
Wiley X Renews Breast Cancer Research Support
Tactical sunglass designer and manufacturer Wiley X announced that it has renewed its partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for 2013, and wills support the organization’s year-round efforts to raise awareness and help lead the search for a cure.
Throughout 2013 Wiley X will support the BCRF by donating $3 for each retail sale of its new WX Chelsea sunglasses for women. The new WX Chelsea are more than just fashion forward looking sunglasses and these further provide women with vision protection that goes far beyond the harmful rays of the sun. Wiley X is the only premium sunglass brand whose entire line meets stringent ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety Standards, ensuring protection against a wide range of hazards encountered in the city, on the road or in the Great Outdoors.
Wiley X Official Website
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Official Website
Outdoor Retail Show 2013: Face Time
Saving face in the winter isn’t just for those times when you slip on the ice and have to overcome embarrassment. It could also literally mean not exposing your face to extreme cold. For those extreme conditions saving face requires ultimate production such as the NX4 Neck Warmer/Face Mask with Anti-Fogger.
Quick to put on and remove, the NX4 from Caldera International features an adjustable Velcro strap, and is windproof with moisture-wicking technology. It features 3M Thinsulate insulation, and is made of water-resistant DWR coated material made from recycled plastic bottles.
Soon the question “who is that masked man” could be answered with “someone who was smart enough to head out with the NX4 Neck Warmer and Face Mask!”
Specialized to Offer “Specialized” Cycling Chamois
Bike manufacturer might just be living up to its name for 2013 as the company looks to roll out a line of attire that could be truly specialized for the type of riding one does. Leading the way are shorts that include new chamois pads (above). The Roubaix and SL chamois are designed for two very different styles of riding with the blue SL actually being the more aggressive for when the pelvis is often titled forward; whereas the red RBX is for more upright riding.
While the country is divided with red and blue states we think the red and blue chamois maybe more non-partisan politically at least. And this could even change the question from boxers or briefs to red or blue.
Betty Shows Her Snakey Side
We said last week we expected to hear great things about Betty Designs, and we’re already getting a peek at the new spring 2013 line up, which includes the snakeskin women’s cycling kit that will be available in Turquoise/Red Hot Coral and Pink/Olive. This striking looking jersey does look ready to strike!
Introducing Betty Designs
Fashion and fitness don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and this is why Kristin Mayer launched Betty Designs. The podium age group triathlete has designed suits and kits for World Champion triathletes, cyclists and teams, but she is also a mother, and a lover of fashion. She’s taken her passion along with her serious drive and channeled this into an entrepreneurial spirit with Betty Designs.
She was recently featured in The New York Times Style section and something tells us we’ll be hearing a lot more from Kristen (a.k.a. “Betty”) in the months to come!
Down Jacket Doesn’t Get Waterlogged
Geese like water, but their feathers in the form of “down” do not. A little water in a down jacket and it is a lumpy waterlogged garment no one would want to wear. But Brooks-Range, which touts itself as having “gimmick-free designs” has reportedly introduced the Mojave Jacket, which is insulated with a new type of water-resistant goose down.
As with other water-repellent down jackets this one uses “DownTek,” which has been treated with a hydrophobic nano-chemical that can ensure that a little water doesn’t affect the jacket. We think this might be one down jacket to get down with!
Brooks-Range Mojave Down Jacket
[Via GearJunkie: Water-Repellant Goose Down ‘Not a Gimmick,’ company touts]
Hoodie Offers Built-in Stereo Sound
Hoodies aren’t just for working out, but these do make good cool day apparel for running, hiking and other outdoor activities. The HoodieBuddie solves a small problem of how to wear earphones as the cables can easily get tangle. Instead of having the cord hang loose, or try to tuck it through the jacket the HoodieBuddie routes the cables within the jacket via the cords by the hood.
This way you can take out the earbuds when necessary and now worry about it dragging or having to coil it up. The company has the basic black hoddie but there are plenty of other designs to show your own sense of style.
Elevengear Unleashes the Coral Snake
While many cycling apparel companies offer jerseys with team logos, flags and other images we do like the unique looks that Elevengear has to offer. The company released unleashed the Coral Snake line of jerseys, which feature eye-watering fluorescent yellow dyes an a pattern that authentically replicates the scales of a snake.
These further offer 3M retro-reflective striping, and a full, hidden zipper that will surely allow riders to be seen. As the company noted on its website, “there is nothing subtle about this jersey,” and for those who like to stand out this one is ready to strike!