So we’re not going to get to deep in the details right now, because to be honest, like most of our readers we are just now getting excited about riding in warm weather in the northern hemisphere. But Shimano is really making a strong move to produce more high performance and subtle looking riding gear under its own S-Phyre and Explorer product lines for all seasons and has just released some data on their upcoming Autumn & Winter lines. They first rolled out premium race-ready S-Phyre summer clothing just back in January, and while we have had just a few opportunities to ride it in warm weather so far, the uniquely designed pieces seem to offer excellent fit & performance. Then on the other end of the spectrum, last summer’s Explorer line brought classic looks and even nice looking shoes that we still look forward to spending more time in. Check out a teaser of whats to come with plenty of performance gear in the middle to cover you from fingertip to toes…
S-Phyre
The fall/winter S-Phyre range is a broad expansion of their race ready kit developed in part with team LottoNL-Jumbo, including a long sleeve wind resistant jersey, long sleeve winter baselayer, bib tights, toe covers, winter socks, and winter gloves. Each piece balances a mix of fabrics and unique, tech-heavy solutions – be it ultra-durable water-repellent finishes, heat-radiating metallic thermal panels, or mesh ventilation layers – to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in a wide range of cool and cold conditions.
Performance
Beyond the top S-Phyre kit, Shimano is also expanding their mid range performance offerings with new Windbreak jerseys & jackets for men & women, plus two weights of new Thermal jerseys filling out their road range with a the carry-over tights.
Explorer
Their low-key Explorer range has targeted gravel & urban riders, plus those out touring who don’t want to scream day-glo lycra everywhere they pedal. It gets performance fabrics and features, but more relaxed fits that transition smoothly off the bike.
The line has a lot of cold & wet weather updates on the way too. For them the earth tones and almost retro styling carries over in new transit Hardshell & Softshell jackets, plus a matching fleece cold weather jersey and Softshell pants. Women also get specific cuts of the Softshell jacket, pants, and Fleece.
On the completely wet weather they also add Explorer Rain jackets, Rain pants, and helmet cover that offer hi-vis yellow for visibility, or lower-key dark versions if you are trying to blend in.
Finishing it all off there is a whole suite of cool to cold & wet weather gloves with Gore-Tex, Windstopper & other windproof and insulating fabrics.
And for your feet what looks like a pair of toe covers and 8 different levels of shoe covers to handle everything from light duty use and wind to heavy off-road use and deep cold, wet winter riding.
A lot of that stuff is a long way off for any expected use, and it won’t be popping up at your local bike shop for maybe 5 months, but it is nice to see Shimano expanding on a bunch of product lines that have already shown promise in look, performance & value in their first range of offerings.
