Depending on where you are in the country, the cool weather of fall is either coming very shortly, or has already arrived. Here in Minnesota, we have already been riding with frost in the mornings. Proper gear is essential to be comfortable riding, and as riders
all over stretch the seasons, lots of new cold weather gear is hitting the market.
Bellwether has been around since 1973, leading the way back then with some of the first lycra/nylon cycling shorts. They have been through some rough patches, and are now trying to re-establish themselves with a new line of products. Coldfront is the windproof side designed to minimize exposure, and Aqua-NO is waterproof so you can ride through the worst conditions. There is a large line of new products, but the riding jackets and gloves featuring the new technologies are leading the rebirth of the brand.
The Coldfront Lobster Glove looks promising, as lobster-style gloves are typically warmer than individual-finger gloves, but still allow for operation of trigger and integrated brake/shift levers when worn. Throughout the line they are concentrating on high visibility colors and materials since a lot of colder weather riding is also done in darkness.
Hincapie is introducing a full line called “Es Pasión”. Paying tribute to the history and culture of cycling in Colombia, the kits are bright and wild in the colors of the Colombian flag, and include a full range of jerseys, vests, rain jackets, shoe covers and more. Most interesting is that they chose a country located on the equator for a cold weather riding kit.
Funkier is introducing a Winter Jacket and Microfleece Tights. The MSRP’s are $129.95 and $89.95, and they feature silicon grippers, waterproof zippers, and the jacket is fully windproof and waterproof. Those are some excellent features for the price, and with a size range from Small to 4XL, these appear to offer lot of value. Based in Miami Tel Aviv, they call these winter products, although they would be more for the shoulder season for people in northern climes.
Pere Performance makes performance wear for children ages 5-12. The Children’s Windblock Thermo Cycle Jacket has a lot of the similar features of an adult jacket, and is competitive in price at £65 ($104.86). There is a full line of children specific sport clothing for running, cycling and triathlon, pretty impressive since the market for this is probably not very big. Keeping your kiddo comfortable on the bike will always make them more willing to go for a ride.
