For all intents and purposes, winter has certainly arrived here in Scotland. And where better to test and develop a winter riding kit? That’s what Endura is doing. Here we give a quick introduction to some of the new kits coming out of their HQ near Edinburgh.
Also on the menu are some cool new men’s technical flannels from Club Ride Apparel, a high-end waterproof jacket from Showers Pass, and a range of winter riding kit for all shapes and sizes from the guys at Aero Tech Designs.
Endura Windchill Jacket II
The Endura Windchill Jacket II is designed to provide solid shelter from the wind so should be the perfect partner for blustery rides. It is made from stretch, windproof thermal grid-backed fabric throughout for added warmth for the winter months.
This Endura windproof is cut in a road, gravel or trail friendly fit and offers a few pockets including one zippered to carry the ride essentials. Large, zipped underarm vents let the rider regulate temperature on the fly. A silicone grip hem prevents the garment from riding up.
Reflective trims increase visibility. Get it in high-viz yellow and grey for the darkening commute, bold rust red, or a subtle black and grey colorway for £89.99. Men’s and women’s cuts are available in sizes S-XXXL. Just for men, there’s also a gilet version for core body wind protection; the Windchill Gilet II. Get it for £64.99.
Endura Windchill Bibtights II
Aero Tech Designs 2020/2021 Winter Kit
The guys at Aero Tech Designs have created a winter cycling collection fit for a very wide range of body shapes and sizes.
“We have always understood that not all cyclists come in the same shape or size. One of our main values is our commitment to providing quality cycling apparel to all cyclists; no matter if you are an XS or you are a 5XL! We are also proud that 100% of our products are designed in the USA and 85% are manufactured at our factory right here in Pittsburgh, PA,” remarked Steve Ewing, Aero Tech Designs’ Marketing Director.
Some highlights of the 2020/2021 Winter Kit Collection include merino wool base layers, balaclavas, skull cap & pullovers, the USA Soft Shell Cycling Jacket, all-day cycling tights and a classic thermal long sleeve jersey.
USA Soft Shell Cycling Jacket
The USA Soft Shell Jacket is made from a windproof fleece-backed polyester. Between those two fabrics is a 100% polyurethane layer that creates a waterproof seal. The outer layer is finished in a DWR waterproof coating.
This softshell winter cycling jacket is finished with reflective trims and three pockets. A longer tail helps prevent water spray at the rider’s backside. Aero Heat Fabric wicks
moisture off the skin while retaining body heat.
The USA Soft Shell Cycling Jacket is available for men only in royal blue, red, and safety yellow. The winter cycling jacket is also available in tall sizes. From small to 2XL, pay $174.99. For 3XL-5XL, pay a $10 premium.
Aero Tech Designs’ Merino Collection
Aero Tech’s merino wool and polyester blended fabric to hold in your body heat while keeping you dry and comfortable during long rides. The base layer has an additional length in the body and elastic binding around the bottom hem so cold wind can’t slip through the cracks.
The base layer will set you back $89.99, but you’ll pay $99.99 for it in 3XL-5XL and tall versions. Aero Tech’s pullover is a bit pricier at $109.99. Again, pay a $10 premium for the larger sizes.
Club Ride Flannel for Fall
Club Ride Apparel has released a host of new men’s technical flannel shirts for fall. Five shirt models span from the Go Long shirt for riding, up to the Jack Flannel which is more of a lifestyle item.
The Club Ride Apparel Go Long Shirt is available in four fall appropriate colorways including Desert Plaid, Flame Plaid, Scuba Blue Plaid, and Black Plaid. Made from a technical stretch fabric, the Go Long gives you the choice to roll up the sleeves or leave them down to cover up from the elements. Get it in sizes S to XXL for $99.95.
Showers Pass Elements Waterproof Jacket
£155 gets you the new winter MTB jacket from Showers Pass. The Elements Waterproof Jacket is lightweight and packable, built with fully seam-taped 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable performance fabric.
A bit of stretch allows for greater freedom of movement, and the carbon-print lining provides natural odor resistance. The Elements Jacket is also part of Showers Pass’ Clean Color collection, using eco-friendly dyes that keep harmful chemicals out of the manufacturing process. Get it in a men’s or women’s cut.
Muc-Off Rainproof Essentials Case
OK, it’s not clothing. But, it is suitable winter riding gear. The Muc-Off Rainproof Essentials Case should fit a phone, keys, and a puncture repair kit, and stow neatly away into a back pocket of your jersey. Crucially, it has a tough outer water-repellent fabric to keep those essentials dry, no matter how sweaty you get or how hard it rains. Pick one up for £19.99.
