Many of you who read this blog are likely familiar with Rapha, a cycling apparel brand that Circles has carried since we first opened. I have enjoyed many rides wearing Rapha myself, and even today, I never go for a ride without their merino wool base layer.
Regarding Rapha, as we have already mentioned to those who have visited our shop, we regret to inform you that we ceased carrying the brand at the end of last year. This was not due to any conflict; we believe it was a strategic choice made by Rapha to carefully consider their future direction as they continue to grow.
While I have vowed to keep wearing their merino base layers, I also feel this is a turning point for the products we offer. So today, I would like to introduce a brand from Canada with very innovative and fresh ideas that we began carrying last year.
In the southwestern part of the Canadian province of British Columbia, there is a town called Squamish.
With its rich nature where the sea meets the mountains via inlets carved by glaciers known as fjords, Squamish is not only a mecca for rock climbing but also an area where you can ride mountain bikes through countless trails.
Are you familiar with the brand 7mesh, which began operating in earnest out of Squamish last year?
They named the brand 7mesh after the word "Skwxwu7mesh," which means "Squamish" in the local Indigenous language, as a sign of pride and respect for this nature-rich land. And as it turns out, the core team driving this brand is comprised of renowned members who helped build the golden era of Arc’teryx—a name likely familiar to anyone who has dabbled in outdoor activities.
By reuniting and leveraging their absolute expertise in outdoor activities, the apparel they create is not bound by the existing concept of "cycling wear," but is adaptable to a wide variety of diverse outdoor activities.
Moreover, their apparel, made without any compromises in materials or patterns, is filled with their philosophy. It is designed to provide comfort and high performance not only in races or high-tempo rides, but also for rides requiring durability, such as trail riding and touring, and for general outdoor activities after you step off the bike, such as running or hiking.
7mesh apparel is created based on two concepts: [7HOUR] and [7DAY]. The [7HOUR] concept focuses on functional wear with technical specs needed for intense daily rides, such as weight and breathability. The [7DAY] concept is designed to be utilized beyond just riding, catering to long-distance rides, multi-day excursions, and travel.
Today, I would like to introduce short-sleeved items from the 7mesh lineup that allow you to easily feel their philosophy the moment you slip your arms through, and which will be perfect for the warmer weather ahead.
[7mesh] S2S Jersey
¥19,500 (excl. tax)
The S2S JERSEY is built on the 7HOUR concept and is a minimalist, high-performance jersey that encapsulates the essence of 7mesh.
Generally, Lycra is often used in such performance jerseys for its stretch, but since it tends to retain moisture and becomes heavy, the nylon yarn used in this jersey is twisted tighter than usual.
This nylon yarn is highly breathable and stretchy, and combined with their meticulously thought-out pattern, it allows you to perform at your best without any stress, even in an aggressive riding position.
JERSEY: 7mesh S2S Jersey
BIB: Search And State S1-S Riding Short
HELMET: Smith Overtake
SHOES: Giro (Personal item)
The streamlined pattern, specialized for the riding position, might feel a bit tight across the chest when standing upright, but it fits the body perfectly without stress once you lean forward. It is highly recommended not only for road rides but also for cyclocross races and gravel rides, and its simple design makes it easy to pair with bottoms other than racing shorts.
¥16,000 (excl. tax)
The S2S SHIRT, which I will introduce next, is a riding shirt based on the 7DAY concept.
While it uses the same fabric as the S2S JERSEY, it is made with a slightly looser silhouette. The longer sleeves protect your arms from tree branches during trail rides, and back pockets have been omitted to make wearing a backpack easier, replaced by zippered pockets in easily accessible side locations.
It is an extremely useful piece for activities like mountain biking, trail rides, camping tours, and bikepacking. I have found myself wearing the S2S SHIRT quite a lot since last year; it is great for fishing, camping, hiking, light jogging, and various other non-cycling situations.
JERSEY: 7mesh S2S Shirt
PANTS: Patagonia Men’s Dirt Craft Bike Shorts
HELMET: Smith ForeFront
SHOES: HOKA ONEONE M CHALLENGER ATR2
If you are looking for cycling apparel but don't really like items that are too form-fitting, this is definitely an item I encourage you to try. Personally, I recommend pairing it with casual shorts for the upcoming season. (For reference on sizing: at 163cm/55kg, I wear an XS in both the S2S JERSEY and the S2S SHIRT.)
Please don't be bound by the conventional concept of a "cycling jersey" and try utilizing it for all of your outdoor activities. Once you put them on, I am certain you will feel the dedication that 7mesh puts into their products.