We don’t normally think of jeans as being something purpose built for cycling, but the Levi 511 Commuter Jeans are designed to offer a slim fit that sits below the waist. These feature a higher back rise, reflective 3M Scotchlite tape on interior cuffs, and even U-Lock storage on the waistband. These further offer a double-layered seat and back pockets for those who looking to ride to work and don’t want to be decked out in weekend race garb.
Tag: Apparel
Three Times a Lady
There were so many ways to go with the news about this new women’s specific jersey. We didn’t know whether to reference Tom Jones’ “She a Lady,” Lionel Richie’s “Lady” or Areosmith’s “Dude Looks Like a Lady” so we’re mentioning all three (four if you count the Commodores reference in the title).
The Assos ladyEllisee limited edition cycling jersey is only available for this season.
It is engineered for an anatomically correct fit and is ergonomically pre-shaped for the female body – so that lady riders won’t look like dudes (that’s the Areosmith reference – OK, we admit we got it backward). But anyone who sees someone wearing this short sleeve jersey, which features Assos Plasma fabric that offers better contouring, will surely know “She’s a Lady” (there’s the Tom Jones’ reference), even from a distance.
Our advice to those male riders who look to be that knight in shining armor and say “I Love You” (so that we can get in that Lionel Ritchie reference), is to get this jersey for that special riding partner. References accomplished!
ThermoSuit Up
Spring is around the corner but that doesn’t mean it will be warm and sunny right away. No, we’ll have to deal with those “warmer” days – which could still mean rides in the 40s (or worse). If you’re itching to get out on the road instead of back on the trainer just bundle up a bit.
The Sanremo Thermosuit from Castelli is meant for those mild and damp, cool and damp and even cold and wintery days. It is designed for those times when the weather ranges from around 37.4 degrees F (3 degrees C) to 59.0 degrees F (15 degrees C) – in other words the kind of weather much of the country experiences in March and well into April.
This single piece cycling suit features windstoper x-lite plus stretch fabric that is windproof and splash resistant, while the back offers thermoflex core due fabric for high breathability. The suit offers rear reflective tabs to help you be seen on those gray or dark days, while there are even three rear pockets for stashing those can’t-leave-at-home items.
If you can’t wait for summer the Sanremo Thermosuit will help you go the distance.
Running Beacon
Glow-in-the-dark technology where you leave something under a bright light for a few minutes isn’t exactly new. But this technology, which has been popular with toys and children’s accessories, is now making its way to fitness apparel. New Balance is introducing the Beacon Jacket, which utilizes light-absorbing technology to add built-in visibility for runners who like to head out after the sun goes down. The new jackets were recently shown off at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show, and will soon be lighting the night sky.
Mount Up With Mt. Borah App
Those looking to create their own semi-custom fitness apparel can turn to their iPad, as clothing maker Mt. Borah has released an app for the Apple tablet. This free app allows users to specify color variations on tops and bottoms and chose upgrade options such as fabrics and pads, and then send it off to Mt. Borah for a price quote.
Coming up Shorts
Not everyone likes cycling in skin tight apparel. For more casual riding Zoic has you covered with its Men’s X Shorts for 2013. These provide a loose, lightweight fit, while the quick-drying 4-way stretch fabric will still keep you covered and dry. These feature a 14-inch inseam that is designed to fall below the knees, while the relaxed casual style will look good on and off the bike.
SIA Recap: Sip from the Jacket
We’ve seen many hydration systems for running and cycling, but Quiksilver now offers a wintertime hydration pack that puts the bladder in the jacket! The new jacket will be ready to hit the slopes – and let skiers and snowboarders have their drink in the jacket – next season.
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.
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!
Cycling Jacket
There is a real trend in providing cycling apparel that doesn’t feature logos and other artwork, and isn’t skin tight. This new line of apparel offers clothing for those who like to ride to work and don’t want to change when they get there.
The Land’s End Madison Bike Blazer is such a jacket. While we first thought it was inspired by the epic “Madison” track bike races held in Madison Square Garden in the 1920s and 1930s, it was actually named for the bicycle-friendly city in Wisconsin. Continue reading Cycling Jacket
Antigua Gets Into Spring
Fall is in the air, Thanksgiving is around the corner and soon it will be winter. But that just means that spring is around the corner, as indicated by the Antigua Spring 2013 Women’s Collection that offers a fresh new color palette that will surely brighten up the place after the long gray winter.
The Spring ’13 collection will offer its own appeal as well, with both stylized mandarin collars to traditional tipped flat knit. The attire will feature scalloped trims and abstract prints – all based on the most current trends. And those suggest that the market is “screaming for color.” As such the line will feature an expanded color palette with a total of six hues ranging from hot pink to a soft purple “pansy.” And for those wanting a more traditional look there is the Black/White collection that won’t have anyone feeling the least bit gray.
“We’ve had great success with our white & black groups over the years, so by expanding our offering of fashion color with neutrals, the customer can purchase one or several items from the collection and mix it with their current wardrobe,” said Danielle Dellios of Antigua.
The new line up also will feature fine denier yarns, for super soft, super lightweight attire that will allow for fast wicking. The line will feature the Desert Dry Technology to absorb and wick moisture quickly and evenly. We can’t wait for spring.
Sunice Looks to Get an Edge in Style
Having an edge in golf is what the game is all about, but soon you might be able to wear that edge, or at least wear the new Sunice Edge collection of golf apparel, which promises a trimmer fit, sleek style and one packed with cool details.
The Sunice Edge is made of a range of garments that will let golfers get in the swing in layers. The outerwear is made from GORE-TEX with Paclite technology, delivering the lightest, most package of Gore’s waterproof membranes, whilst the mid-layers utilize Windstopper technology that lives up to its name. This offers breathability to offer comfort while blocking the wind for everyday play. Continue reading Sunice Looks to Get an Edge in Style
Pump Up Jacket
Utah-based Klymit is full of air, not necessarily hot air but air none the less. The company introduced an inflatable sleeping pad for campers a couple of years ago, and now the company is looking to bring out an inflatable windbreaker. This jacket has a valve in the hand pocket, which can be used to pump up the jacket’s air chambers, which makes it go tight against the body to add insulation. Video after the jump