Christmas is right around the corner and if you are stuck scrambling for unique gift ideas we’ve got a few good ones for ya. Hit the break for the goods: a killer “Après” jacket to keep you warm and lookin’ good post ride; a truly vintage, hand-crafted merino wool jersey direct from England; and yes, Victoria’s Secret’s first ever heart-rate bra…
First on the list is from the Aussie company Après Velo. The Classic Jacket looks to fit the bill for chilly urban rides and pub-crawls alike.
With a 50/50 blend of wool & acrylic, the Classic combines the best of two worlds — temperature regulation and durability.
In keeping the wind chill to a minimum, and in what appears to be a growing trend, the Classic Jacket beefs up the warmth via added insulation right where it’s most needed, at the core and on the front. Plus, check out those elbow patches!
Stowable hood and double-way (read: opens from the bottom, too) zipper only add to this piece’s versatility. Hit up Après Velo for more details on the $124.95 Classic Jacket.
Second on the list takes us all the way back to the days of Eddy Merckx and even Jacques Anquetil. This limited production piece (only 50 jerseys produced; £70 GBP) screams throw-back retro whilst rocking the Word Champ stripes of victory.
And while it’s fine gauge merino threads provide a soft hand and itch-free riding, Spitfire Cycling designed this jersey to withstand the rigors of machine washing (“on the wool cycle” they state).
The Spitfire Club clearly didn’t forgo the details with this piece. They have included a vintage inspired brass zipper that adds an essential finishing touch. And finally, if you are displeased with the fit of your classic stripes, Spitfire will refund your purchase or exchange for an alternative size. That’s good business coming from such a small producer. Grab one via Etsy, here.
Rounding out this short list is the stand-out company better known for their in-your-face sex appeal; after all, sex does sell (let’s face it, that’s why you’re still with us on this post). Victoria’s Secret has clearly seen the writing on the wall — wearable tech is the future and they want a piece of the action. The Incredible Bra is Victoria’s Secret’s heart-rate monitor compatible sports bra. Connecting to “most heart-rate monitors” via two electrode snaps in the front of the bra’s band, the Incredible Bra precludes the necessity of a separate heart-rate sensor-belt. These high-tech-undies can be under your Christmas tree for $72.50 – $75.50.
