Cross is coming!!
With that said, these days the cyclocross season is about to kick off in full swing.
I will be participating again this year as part of Sim Works Racing, and as a way to get back into the groove, I went for a gravel ride in Matsusaka, Mie last week.
Unlike the areas I usually ride in Seto and Gifu, the landscape there was spread out with a beautiful combination of mountains, clear rivers, terraced rice fields, windmills, and autumn leaves. Since it’s apparently recommended to use a mountain bike to better enjoy Matsusaka, I’m plotting to build my own Ayabikes and head back out there for another run...
For such an autumn-clear ride, a long-sleeve jersey or a short-sleeve jersey with arm warmers and a vest was the perfect combination. I also chose thin, long gloves instead of fingerless ones. Partly because it rained a little, it did get chilly once I entered the mountains, so I think that was the right choice.
Hand sensitivity is crucial for bike control, so it's a trade-off between warmth and ease of operation. It’s no exaggeration to say that choosing gloves comes down to what you prioritize.
When it comes to cycling shorts, my absolute go-to brand is ASSOS. As a brand that constantly evolves, they treat apparel as equipment, creating gear that allows you to battle through even the harshest of winters without trouble.
The Tiburu Gloves EVO7, Assos' thin gloves for spring and autumn, use stretchy fabric and the same thin fleece material found in tights. They protect your hands from the cold air typical of those seasons with a fit like a second skin, promising ultimate comfort and protection. While providing moderate warmth, they are also breathable to prevent stuffiness inside the glove, making them highly resistant to feeling damp or cold from sweat, and the material dries incredibly quickly.
Since they use highly elastic material, they can be used even if the fit is slightly large or small.
The palm features a silicone grip for slip resistance, and the material on the tips of the thumb and index finger is smartphone-compatible, so there's no need to go through the trouble of taking them off.
Then there are the Earlywinter Gloves S7, intentionally designed to be thin for the onset of winter. In the dead of winter, you can pair them with the Tiburu Gloves to handle even colder weather. As the successor to the Earlywinter 851 gloves, they feature newly developed 3-layer windproof material called "Stratagon Light" on the back of the hand. By reducing bulk and enhancing protection, they achieve a level of thinness and lightness you wouldn't expect from winter gloves.
Because they are intentionally made thin to avoid excessive heat retention, you can focus on your ride comfortably without sacrificing lever control.
I highly recommend them as convenient items that you can switch between depending on the situation.
Also, our frequently requested Chamois Cream is back in stock.
The savior for saddle sores: "Chamois Cream." By applying this directly to the pad or your skin, it creates a thin layer between the two, reducing friction and keeping your skin comfortable. It not only prevents inflammation but also has antibacterial properties. It significantly relieves pain in the crotch area, so please give it a try.
Besides gloves, we also stock a variety of bibs, an Assos specialty. Please come by the shop to try them on first.