Do not adjust your computer monitor – this is simply the new Zap Bike Jacket from Sugoi. There’s clothing with reflective accents, and then there’s Sugoi’s Pixel fabric which uses thousands of silk screened glass beads to create a surface that seems to project its own light. Sugoi has been testing the fabric for years, especially when it comes to abrasion resistance. With Pixel ready for prime time, the innovative fabric treatment will be introduced with the redesigned Zap bike jacket and integrated into the rest of their bike line in the future.
What does the jacket look like in the day? Find out next….
By day, the Zap looks just like a normal jacket. Up close you can see and feel the individual glass beads, but it doesn’t change how the jacket feels when you’re wearing it. Also fully waterproof, the Zap will be offered in men’s and women’s and will retail for $150. Available in September.
If packability is more important than visibility, you’ll want to check out the new RS jacket. Made from their Helium fabric, the super light jacket doesn’t just pack into a pocket – it packs into a saddle bag. The jacket/bag is designed to hold all your essentials while attached to your saddle. When the time comes to put on the jacket, everything you had stored in the saddle bag will fit into the rear jacket pocket. The ultralight saddle bag, jacket combo will set you back $80.
Versatility is also a common thread among Sugoi’s 2014/2015 product. In addition to convertible long sleeve/short sleeve jerseys, the Versa jacket is finally coming to the cycling side. Originally a running piece, the Versa’s claim to fame is in the magnets. Ever struggled with the zippers and velcro on a convertible jacket? The Versa eliminates any fuss with super powerful magnets making it the easiest conversion we’ve seen. Just slip on the sleeves and the jacket mates up with a satisfying snap.
On the mountain side, Sugoi brings some serious tech with the RS Ice Jersey and the RSX Suspension Short. Using an Icefil Xylitol treated yarn, Icefil is woven into the fabric which creates a cooling effect. Icefil has been used in a number of other clothing products and claims to be able to lower the skin’s temperature by 5 degrees.
Priced at $180, the RSX Suspension short looks like some serious competition for the current bib mountain baggies. Definitely one of the first shorts we’ve seen that utilize the Boa system, riders can easily adjust the waist line by turning each dial. Sugoi made sure that the placement of the Boa ratchets wouldn’t interfere with hydration packs, and there is a pocket located in the middle. Among a number of other features, the bib includes multiple mounting points for the baggy allowing riders to adjust the short’s ride height.
