CoreBike: The cycle clothing highlights

Following our complete bike round up, it’s time to look at some of the key clothing pieces touted by UK distributors as the next big things in weatherproofing, tech and all day comfort.

POC

We’re hearing a lot about investment in smart fabrics by cycling and outdoor labels and POC are beginning to dabble with new possibilities.

Pictured here is the new Luminous Vest, integrating a printed LED smart fabric. Tucked away will be a battery not too dissimilar in size to that found in smoke alarms, which powers the multi-mode illumination laminated in at the base of the rider’s back.

Waterproof and windproof, the garment falls within an expanded road catalogue which UK distributor 2Pure describes as “a huge growth area” for the safety-focused premium label.

Machine washable, the Luminous pad is flexible, curving to the rider’s body with nothing protruding to cause discomfort. Recharged via USB, the garment is ideal for the cycle commuter and performance cyclist through all seasons.

Assos 

Showing spring/summer lines ahead of the arrival of warmer weather Assos is to have stock of its 2017 portfolio by the end of the month.

A new Equipe jersey joins the catalogue at £125, while the paired short lands at £145, respectively, bringing both 3D construction and a racing fit to those investing in premium warm weather garments. Stretching horizontally, but not vertically, the jersey resists sag and adapts perfectly to the rider’s in-the-saddle posture.

A tidy feature added for 2017 is the inclusion of a “pillow case” style central pocket, enabling the rider to securely stow their mobile phone with little risk of it bouncing out on the cobbles. With bonded zippers and sleeves, the rider is guaranteed comfort in the absence of seams.

Gore 

Shakedry, as the name suggests, is Gore’s answer to the removal of the need for DWR coating on garments. Offering instant beading of water, the slim-fitting race-cut 1985 jacket has retro design nods, though blends modern technology and low weight to offer a functional stowaway garment perfect for grey skies.

For the £235 price tag, customers are taking home Gore-tex fabric – the brand’s most breathable. Reflective logos on the sleeve and front contrast against a matt black base, which hugs the rider with a partially elastic hem, elastic cuffs and an adjustable collar.

Gore’s dealers are offered product training, 30 point-of-sale options and will benefit from both the expertise of the Scottish repair centre, as well as the knowledge of the brand’s own merchandiser and in-house sales trainer.

Sako 7

We are reliably informed that the embroidered look is “in right now”, but being cycle clothing, Sako7’s spin is to retain the style and add a comfortable cycle specific cut.

Known better for its socks, the new women’s Roses jersey comes pro tour athlete tested, moving in all directions to allow in-the-saddle flexibility. A mid weight compression mechanism further creates an extraordinary and particularly effective second skin effect. Further to fit, the jersey also offers basic water repellency, making it particularly well suited to overcast days.