Next weekend's race in Nobeyama is looking like it will be cold. It’s starting to get chilly here in Nagoya next week too, but I’m sure the cold up there will be on a completely different level.
Well, once you start racing, your body will heat up in an instant, so that’s not a problem, but it sure is cold in just your racer shorts during warm-ups and while waiting around before the race. It’s even colder for the family and friends cheering on the racers, so staying warm is incredibly important. So, while not strictly a "Nobeyama survival kit," I’d like to introduce some warm bottoms that are perfect for cyclocross race venues, winter activities, and everyday wear.
[Deeper’s Wear] DEFENDER RIB PANTS - ¥20,000 (excl. tax)
The Defender Rib Pants from the well-known Deeper’s Wear are, like the popular RAL Defender Shirt, easy-wear pants featuring highly insulating quilted padding. I’ve been wearing them a lot lately, and they’ve been a lifesaver for my morning and evening commutes—they are just so warm.
The waist uses a drawstring instead of a belt. When I first saw these, I thought, "These would be perfect to pull over your racer shorts at a cyclocross race!" Having worn them, I can confirm that they are just as easy to throw on as I imagined, but coming from Deeper's Wear, they are more than just loungewear. They aren't just a baggy cut; they’re finished with a slim, tapered silhouette and ribbed cuffs, making them stylish enough for everyday use.
As you can see, the silhouette is great on women as well. Now you can watch the races in comfort even when it's freezing. The slim silhouette and ribbed cuffs mean you don't have to worry about your pants getting caught in the chainring, and those cuffs also do a great job of keeping your body heat in. They come in two colors: khaki and navy. We have women's sizes available, so please come and try them on.
[Houdini] Sleepwalker - ¥16,000 (excl. tax)
Next up is the Sleepwalker, an insulation skirt from the Swedish outdoor brand Houdini. It uses Houdini's proprietary Eco Sphere™, a quick-drying, water-repellent recycled material, for insulation. It's designed to keep you warm no matter the situation—perfect for layering over your sleeping bag during winter camping or as a convenient piece for daily life in the city on cold days.
Because of the full-length zipper, it's easy to put on and take off without needing to step through it. You can even button it to wear it like a poncho or use it as a lap blanket. It’s also reversible, allowing you to match it to your outfit, and the construction is top-notch, featuring durable Switch Woven™ on one side and lightweight Spinner Ripstop™ on the other.
It’s easy to pull over your bib tights, making it perfect for waiting around before a race or warming up. The waist and hem have drawstrings for adjustment, allowing you to cinch the hem to keep the cold air out, making it an incredibly versatile insulation skirt.
As the sharp-eyed among you have probably noticed, in truly harsh cold, pairing this Sleepwalker with the Defender Rib Pants mentioned earlier will give you even better insulation. It's an unbeatable combination for watching the Nobeyama races.
Both of these items are useful for winter rides and everyday activities, not just for watching races. Please feel free to come into the shop and try them out! Let’s enjoy cycling even in the cold of winter. Let’s get through this winter with comfortable gear!