Autumn is here, and new cycling kit is dropping faster than the leaves as clothing brands unleash their cold-weather gear. Farewell summer, and hello to a wide and testing range of conditions where the right apparel can mean the difference between days to remember and ones you'd rather forget. The new Fall (they're Canadian) 2016 collection from 7mesh introduces brand-new clobber with, in their words, "revolutionary thinking, highly evolved design, and cutting-edge fabrics for winter adventures to remember."
One of the more intriguing items is the Strata Knicker and Tight system. We're instinctively wary of clothing described as a "system" - it just sounds complicated. But "strata" means layers, and in this case 7mesh are talking about nothing more complex than wearing tights over your shorts:
"Two bib chamois base options combine with attachable Thermoroubaix® thermal tight and knicker bodies for all the comfort of an elite bib short that easily and flexibly adapts to a wide range of winter conditions."
The secret, say 7mesh, is in the proprietary attachment system which connects the thermal layer to the base via a single gClip. This means that "Riders no longer need to ride with two set of bib straps to wear their favourite elite shorts, instead choosing from an ultralight mesh Foundation base layer bib or the new MK2 Bib Short for F16."
I'm not sure we ever did need to ride with two sets of bib straps - there are loads of premium padded tights on the market for cyclists already - but whatever, it's a convenient excuse to wear suspenders: "both the tight and knicker are delivered with removable low profile suspenders allowing them to be used with any non-system chamois short as well."
Moving away from suspenders and knickers for a moment, the new Corsa Softshell Jersey is likely to catch the eye of anyone serious about laying down some mileage this winter.
Described as "the perfect weather resistant partner", the Corsa jersey brings together the best elements of a jersey (breathability, light weight) and a jacket (windproof and water-resistant) in a single sleek-fitting garment that weighs just 264g.
With fully sealed seams, and functional details like extended tail and glove-specific winter pockets, the Corsa is shaped to accept an underlayer and, say 7mesh, is packable enough to stow away when needed. Sounds like it could be a keeper.
Winter gets cold in the mountains of British Columbia where 7mesh have their lair, so no surprise that they've got a few more thermal options up their sleeves.
For riders who prefer the natural warmth of wool there's the Callaghan Jersey or Callaghan Hoody, both of which bond an interior wool layer to an exterior wicking and fast drying polyester.
"The jersey offers a sleeker shape for on-bike performance along with extensive detailing like phone pockets with cord pass-throughs, external pockets, and proprietary stretch micro-seams for reduced bulk," say 7mesh, while "the Hoody offers full technical performance with a more relaxed fit for added off-bike comfort.
"And when temperatures drop further, synthetic lofted fabric provides the solution. The new Outflow Jacket uses double-weave fabrics and Primaloft Gold insulation for packable, breathable winter warmth at a scant 252 grams."
Finally, the tried and tested 7mesh Revelation Jacket returns for heavy-duty weatherproof protection, and for cyclists from wet or chilly places (that's us, I guess) there's the Revo Short: "Fully seam-taped Gore-Tex construction with generous below the knee length is complemented by signature 7mesh waist closure, pockets and detailing making this the perfect mobile, waterproof solution for four-season wet weather performance."
In short, waterproof shorts.
We've tested some 7mesh kit since they launched in the UK last year and the quality of materials, design and construction is second to none. On that basis alone we'd highly recommend checking out the new collection and giving your winter wardrobe a treat from Canada.
To view the complete 7mesh collection, visit www.7meshinc.com.
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