It’s easy to bellyache about the amount of highly specific this-and-that in the cycling industry, but most often once we get our hands on such products, they prove their worth and functionality. While you could dismiss Swrve’s casual riding gear by saying ‘I already have riding clothes, and non-riding clothes’ you’d probably be happy to wear them for a day of casual cruising with the family, or a weekend pub crawl through Portland. Swrve has announced their summer line of men’s clothing with casual looks but features and materials that are ideal for cycling.
Click below the break to check out Swrve’s new duds, plus some technical women’s socks from Pedal Chic and a clean looking SPD sneaker from DZR Shoes…
Swrve has a few stylish shirts that are made from a blend of cotton and Modal, a material derived from Beechwood trees that provides moisture wicking, odor-resisting and temperature regulation properties. The Pocket Crew Tee features a slim cut, comes in XS-XL sizes and costs $45. There are six colors to choose from, and you can pick either a digi camo or topo map design for the pocket. The Polo shirt uses flat lock seams so backpack straps won’t cause discomfort, and sells for $40. Again, there’s six color options and sizing goes from XS-XL.
The Lightweight Regular Fit shorts (left) use a DWR-coated stretchy nylon outer shell for water resistance and mobility, with a soft and breathable terry interior that wicks away moisture from inside. They have an 11” inseam to sit just above the knee for free pedalling, and a classic style for everyday wear. MSRP is $85, with color options of grey, black, blue, green or tan and waist sizes from 28-38.
For something a little more durable, the Canvas Trouser shorts (right) are made from heavy fabric, and feature ride-specific details like a high rear waistline, reflective belt loops and a gusseted crotch. They’re also a bit shorter in the leg with 9” inseams. Swrve’s canvas shorts sell for $100, and come in Brown, Navy or Dark Green in sizes 28-38.
The Limited Edition Kaihara Jeans are part of Swrve’s Blk_Label line, which includes limited production designs made in the USA, using high end fabrics and exclusive design details. Cut from Japanese raw denim, the Kaihara jeans offer a bit of stretch, articulated knees and a seamless gusseted crotch for mobility. They are available in various length/waist sizes with a slim or regular fit, and cost $135.
Pedal Chic Socks
Pedal Chic is a woman-centric bike shop from Greenville N.C. who’s owner Robin Bylenga not only caters to the female market, but also aims to develop and expand the female riding community by introducing more women to the sport. Her shop carries a feminine flair with bike-themed jewellery, clothing and accessories alongside a selection of urban bikes.
They’ve recently partnered with the 172-year old Kentwool textile company, an established local manufacturer (who also happens to make Smartwool’s fabrics), to make their own store-branded pair of performance cycling socks. The socks are the first product in an upcoming line of Pedal Chic women’s cycling clothing.
The Pedal Chic socks are made from a 50/50 blend of super fine merino wool and bamboo, a combination that makes a soft, comfortable and moisture wicking sock that offers excellent abrasion resistance. The fabric is made using Windspun technology that infuses the fibres with air to provide highly cushioned comfort, and additional padding is placed at stress points along the foot.
The socks come in the white, red and blue design seen above, and are available on Pedal Chic’s website for $20.95 USD in medium (6-10) or large (10-13) sizes.
DZR Mechanic SPD Shoes
As part of DZR’s Street Collection, the men’s Mechanic shoe provides clipped-in riding performance in an inconspicuous shoe with a stylish, casual appearance. Aimed at the commuter crowd, the Mechanic is designed to offer a seamless transition on and off your bike during daily life. Perhaps the best part is the company’s declaration “The days of awkward duck walking and annoying clicking sounds are over.”
The shoes utilize DZR’s Variable Flex Shank, a full length nylon mid-sole/shank with a mapped stiffness pattern that balances its two goals- it provides efficient power transfer to your pedals, but also allows a degree of flex for comfortable walking.
The use of Vegan-approved materials ensures your moral compass will be just as comfortable as your feet. The simple and durable looking shoes use a perforated vegan toe cap and ballistic nylon side panels. The soles are sticky natural gum rubber, which provides excellent grip on a range of different surfaces.
MSRP for the Mechanic shoe is $99.00 USD, and for a few extra bucks you can have Shimano or Crank Brothers cleats pre-installed. The shoes come in the colorway seen above, and men’s euro sizes 41-47 (approx. 7.5-14 in USA sizes) are available.
