With the impressive amount of thoughtful, technical and oh-so practical clothing and gear that’s available to cyclists these days, these brands could probably have their own annual trade show, awhile holding another for complete bikes and components. This can make for an ever-expanding closet, though it’s always worth having good gear when you need it.
In this roundup we’ll check out some Walz caps that show off your favorite state, a selection of stylish bike bags from leather workers Tanner Goods, and a jersey from Chrome Industries that can’t be bought- only won. Find out how 100 riders earned theirs last year after the break…
Walz Map Caps
From their factory outside San Diego, CA, busy hands at Walz produce cycling hats for retailers, specialty lines and bicycle organizations. The company recently announced their second line of geography-themed Map Caps featuring 16 state-specific designs including California, New York, Colorado and Texas.
After the success of their first run of Map Caps, Company president Michael Gilstrap expects to expand the second line in early 2016 with more states, cities and neighborhoods. Gilstrap says “Our caps help complete a personal statement that starts with the bike,” suggesting many riders like to show their personal style with a nod to where they came from.
The Map Cap line is made from technical, moisture wicking materials and each state has its own color palette and design featuring the state’s name, shape, crest or some kind of relevant symbolism. Walz also has a smaller line of cotton hats with ribbons in various colors to represent countries with Italy (as seen above), Germany, USA and Canada currently available. Walz caps can be purchased online, or at select retailers across the USA.
Tanner Goods’ Cycling Collection
Portland, Oregon’s Tanner Goods says many of their employees are passionate cyclists and they’re anxious to break into the biking world, so they’ve just launched a new cycling collection consisting of three different bike bags. Tanner’s bags are designed to work on a wide range of different bikes to help you along on your weekend ride, commute, or touring journey. Tanner’s products are made entirely in-house, and real-world tested by staff to ensure they will last a lifetime.
The Courier Saddle bag is Tanner’s version of the minimalist’s favorite bag. Belt-style straps secure the bag to your seat rails and post, and the inside pocket is divided into a big/small layout to separate your tube and tools from more delicate cargo.
The Courier measures 6.5” x 2.75” x 3” and features a strap to accommodate a rear light. It sells for $110 USD.
The Porter handlebar bag offers quick and easy access to an extra layer, food or whatever else you’re stowing away. It’s not a particularly large unit, with rather compact overall dimensions measuring 5” x 10”x 5.5”.
The bag’s flexible but durable waxed canvas body attaches to your bars with two double-ring leather straps, and also has a head tube strap for additional security. When removed from the bike the bag’s sturdy-looking handle becomes accessible for easy transport. The Porter retails for $150.
The Excursion Frame Bag was designed to carry all your supplies for a full day’s work, and then some. The bag will fit a 13” Macbook with room for an extra layer, notebook and other essentials. Tanner says the filled bag will not puff out and interrupt pedalling.
The Excursion’s waxed canvas body straps onto your top, down and seat tubes. The zippers and rivets are brass, and it’s overall dimensions are 17” x 4” x 9”. The bag can be purchased with short or long straps for $220.
Chrome Industries’ Coveted Jersey
San Francisco’s Chrome Industries have announced the return of their Coveted Jersey, an appropriately named jersey that comes with serious bragging rights as riders can only obtain one by winning a race. That’s right, this jersey is not sold in stores- It’s only available to race organizers to reward the winners of unsanctioned regional cyclocross, alleycat, and velodrome events. As Chrome’s website states “If you see someone in a Coveted jersey it’s pretty safe to assume they are a crusher on the bike.”
In 2014, 100 riders earned themselves Coveted jerseys by besting their competition. For each new series an artist is selected to create a unique design, and this year’s version features a hand-painted scheme by Ornamental Conifer. Interested race organizers can fill out an online form to request a Coveted jersey as prizing for their event.
