The deeper you delve into the cycling world, the bigger your closet will inevitably get. While re-dressing myself head to toe for a simple ride sometimes makes me pine for the old days of BMX street riding (got shoes on? You’re good to go) I definitely appreciate the benefits of technical clothing, and wouldn’t be caught dead riding trails or the bike park without a proper kit.
In this all-encompassing clothing roundup we’ll check out a stylish messenger bag made from Dickies’ legendary American work pants, some new summer items for women from Hincapie, a new all-season collection from Shower’s pass, and take a peek at Dare 2B’s new clothing technology for 2016…
Clothing, footwear and bag manufacturer Chrome has recently announced a limited edition of their Citizen messenger bag, made in collaboration with ubiquitous American work wear manufacturer Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co. When the idea first struck, Chrome’s designers went ahead and created a single prototype and sent it to Dickies. After checking out the bag, Dickies agreed to work together on a limited edition run of 300 units. Chrome then obtained a supply of oversized Dickies 874 work pants and got to work. The bags feature the pants’ classic elements like the sewn on labels, zippers, printed waistband, and a leg pocket that now serves as a small external tool pouch.
The bag also features Chrome’s own details like the seat belt buckle with integrated bottle opener, reflective shoulder strap with cross chest load stabilizer, a waterproof military grade tarpaulin liner and internal fasteners for Chrome’s laptop or tactical sleeves (sold separately). The Chrome Industries and Dickies Collaboration Citizen bag is sewn in Chico, California and guaranteed for life. It sells for $200, and is available online or through Chrome retail HUB’s.
Hincapie has just announced a few new items for women. The Dhalla series includes a jersey, shorts and tank top. The short sleeve jersey is made with Aerator plus fabric and the collar and armpit panels are made from Hincapie’s Velocitek stretch mesh, to wick moisture away from your skin and provide excellent ventilation. The jersey features flatlock seams throughout, with a full front zipper, three back pockets, a gel gripper at the back hem and reflective detailing. The Dhalla jersey comes in blueberry, pale blue, hot pink or pale lime, and sizes XS to XL are available. The retail price is $120.
The Dhalla shorts are made from a multidirectional stretch nylon and lycra blend, and feature Hincapie’s women’s specific Power GT chamois with perforated foam inserts. The shorts also boast a high tech sublimated Schoeller coldblack finish that keeps dark colored fabrics cool under the sun and provides 50+ UPF sun protection. Matching up with the jersey, the shorts come in blueberry, pale blue, hot pink and pale lime. Sizes XS – XL are available, and the price is $110.
The tank top is constructed from Tourtek fabric, which wicks moisture while providing a stretch memory fit that moves with your body. The top features an internal shelf bra for support, and a minimal coverage cut for hot weather rides. Like the jersey you get a gripper at the hem and reflective piping on the back, but the tank has one less back pocket. It comes in blueberry or pale lime colors, in sizes XS to XL. The tank top sells for $80.
New from Shower’s Pass is their Cascade Collection, a line of versatile garments designed for changing weather conditions through all four seasons. The long sleeve Alpine jersey features waterproof rear pockets, a full length zipper with locking slider, a moisture wicking collar, plus coolmax on the inside back area and mesh armpits for ventilation. Thirteen reflective elements keep you highly visible, including a mesh overlaid logo on the back that reflects headlight beams at night but appears subtle in daylight. The Alpine jersey comes in black or Firecracker red, and costs $125.
The Cyclone jersey is a lightweight, short sleeved jersey with body-mapped fabrics that ensure good breathability and moisture management. The Cyclone features a waterproof zippered pocket and two side entry pockets on the back, a full front zipper with anti-chafing flap, cuffs on the sleeves and an elastic hem to keep it in place, and reflective trim on all sides. It comes in in black or Firecracker red, and sells for $110.
The multi-use Track pants are made from 4-way stretch, smooth-faced micro fleece with a contoured waistband and articulated knees for comfort in motion. The track pants include two zippered hip pockets, and 7” zips at the ankles for easy on/off with your shoes on. Scuff panels on the inner ankles prevent undue wear and tear from your drivetrain, and 360 degree reflective trim keeps you seen. The pants come in black only, and cost $95.
Showers Pass’ Gravel Shorts are made from a tight weave, quick drying fabric with a DWR coating for water resistance. The shorts have an adjustable waist cinch, and breathable stretch panels at the hips and below the waistband for a precise fit. The side pockets feature Velcro closures, two thigh vents help dump excess heat, and reflective accents are located on the back hems. Black is the only color option, and MSRP is $89.
To add a little saddle padding, Showers Pass’ Liner Shorts (not pictured) are built from a breathable spandex-polyester blend, and utilize flat lock stitching and a wide waistband for comfort. The shorts feature an internal key pocket, and come with a mens or womens specific chamois. They come in black only, and cost $45. All of the above Shower’s Pass items are available in mens and women’s sizes S-XL. Men’s items are shown, as the women’s versions bear the same appearances.
Finally, Dare 2B leaked a bit of info about some high tech clothing coming out for next year. These new items are constructed with AEP kinematic technology, which in layman’s terms means the clothing is designed based on a scientific analysis of the body’s points of motion during athletic activity. The AEP cycling clothes were also crafted with input from racer Oscar Pereiro, offering ergonomic fits and useful features for riders up to the elite level.
Some AEP clothing is available already, and upcoming items for 2016 include the Brevet jersey, which features sublimated graphics and stretch mesh vent panels, and two more jackets. Dare 2B’s new Observate jacket is a unisex outer layer that features a 100% reflective shell for great visibility and weather protection. The jacket also has a zipped rear pocket and a long back with a scooped hem to help keep the elements out. The Ensphere jacket uses the company’s Bio Motion reflective technology, which employs strategically placed reflective trim on movable joint areas to make riders highly visible in the darkness. The Ensphere’s outer shell is made from Ared 5000 ripstop fabric, plus the jacket is packable and very lightweight at 180g (size medium).
