Aether Apparel Fall Line Jacket NH

by | May 10, 2012 | Uncategorized

I’ve written about Aether Apparel in the past, but now I have first hand experience with one of their products. I am lucky enough to live and work within a couple of miles of the Outpost, where I was able to look at the whole line. I found it very difficult to choose which jacket to try, and in the end the decision came down to two items, both completely different from each other. One was the Fall Line Jacket NH, and the other the Military Jacket. I chose the Fall Line based on the simplicity of its design. It is incredibly straightforward and functional, something to be worn in all conditions. The jacket is made from a 4 way stretch Japanese shell fabric that is completely waterproof. Seam sealed construction with black taping, waterproof zippers and a bottom hem adjustment drawcord are all part of the package. It is incredibly well made, and very definitely waterproof. We had an unusual rainstorm in late April, and I was stuck out on the bike during a short monsoonal drop, and my core stayed completely dry. I can’t say the same for the rest of me, but I maintain that if your core stays warm and dry, you’ll be fine. The jacket performed great, and once home, the mud on the back due to the lack of a fender, was wiped off easily with a sponge. Later, I wore it out to an art opening, and felt rather dressed up wearing the Fall Line. In my never ending quest to find clothing that works well in all situations, Aether Apparel has come up with a perfect solution in the Fall Line Jacket.



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3T Integra LTD Stem

by | May 4, 2012 | Uncategorized

3T has introduced the all carbon Integra LTD Stem. The stem has an integrated Garmin mount designed to house and protect the Garmin head units. It appears to place the computer at an optimal viewing angle, and according to 3T, improves the aerodynamics. The stem weighs 178 g (110 mm). I think it’s great that computer integration is becoming the norm and 3T appear to have done a great job with this stem. At $365.00, it doesn’t come cheap. An elegant alternative for mounting the Garmin comes from Above Category in the form of the Bar Fly. At $39.00, it is also a bargain.



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Swrve Limited Edition White Oak Cone Selvage Jeans

by | May 4, 2012 | Made in the USA, Uncategorized

Last weekend was the opening of Velo Love in Glassell Park. Velo Love serves as the storefront operation of Swrve, showcasing all their product as well as selling other cycling related goodness. The store looks great, and it is a great pleasure being able to see the entire product line in one place. While going through the racks, the above pair of jeans jumped out at me. They are the Limited Edition White Oak Cone USA Selvage Jeans. Before knowing what exactly I was looking at, I wanted them. Once I found out more, I wanted them even more. The color is amazing, the material feels great, and the cut is somewhere between the regular trim fit and the skinny fit. This is perfect, as I fall directly into this category. I’m hoping to pick these up this weekend, but worry I’ll see many other things I want or need. Velo Love is a highly recommended stop. The hours are Monday through Friday 10am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 7pm. The address is 3421 Verdugo Rd | Los Angeles | CA | 90065.



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Nau Partner for Change Program

by | May 3, 2012 | Uncategorized

It’s no secret I am a fan of Nau clothing, but I am also a huge fan of their Partner for Change program. The idea behind the program is that Nau donates 2% of every sale to the organization of your choice. Currently they have five partners to choose from. The newest addition to the list is Bikes Belong, an organization with a simple philosophy, “encouraging more people to go by bike, more often”. The other organizations are Ashoka, Breakthrough Institute, Mercy Corps and Ecotrust. All are worthwhile, and I think Nau is helping to better our world.



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Icebreaker Circuit Bib

by | Apr 30, 2012 | Uncategorized

This weekend marked my return to non-commute riding. It’s been a crazy couple of months, and riding has not figured into the equation. I managed to break that pattern over the weekend with two great rides totaling about 65 miles. Aside from being good for my soul, the rides also allowed me to try out the Icebreaker Mens Circuit Bib. This is a bib made from 84% Merino, 14% Nylon, and 2% Spandex. The Icebreaker site labels the bib as good for weather ranging between cold and warm. The overcast morning made for cool temperatures at the outset, with the thermometer rising rapidly as the sun began to peek through the fog. The bib was indeed perfect for both cool and warm, and I found myself very comfortable throughout the changing temperatures. More importantly, I was anxious about how my posterior would feel after several hours in the saddle. I am happy to report that this morning I hopped on my bike for my commute to work and everything felt fine. It is great to be able to ride 40 plus miles, and not feel sore. The chamois on the bibs is remarkable. There is little information about it, only that it is Italian made. The Italians have gotten it right. I was not sore at all after 3 hours in the saddle. Usually, at that mark, I start wishing I was home. Not yesterday. I was super comfortable all day long. Comfort aside, the bibs are also very good looking. They are not shiny, rather a muted black. This sets the bibs apart from most others being made today. There is very minimal company branding, another big bonus. The quality, fit and finish of the Circuit Bibs is very impressive. I am looking forward to wearing them on my next rides. Comfort on the bike is paramount, and Icebreaker has done an excellent job supplying that comfort in the Circuit Bib.



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Freitag – Out of the Bag

by | Apr 26, 2012 | Uncategorized

 

I was thrilled to discover that a new exhibition has opened in Switzerland featuring Freitag. The exhibition, Freitag-Out of the Bag, opened on April 4th in the Museum für Gestaltung Zürich. It will run through July 29th, 2012, and has an accompanying publication of the same name. I am especially excited to be able to check it out when I am there in July. As many of you know, I am a fan of the company, and from what I’m reading, this exhibition covers the design process from the point of view “that design doesn’t end with the product but that structures and processes also form part of the design concept.” The show covers all aspects of the company and looks to be quite comprehensive. The book will be released in late May, and will be available directly from the Freitag website.



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