Although I thought it had started to feel like autumn, yesterday’s ride felt surprisingly warm, partly thanks to the good weather.
In the mornings, you need long sleeves or something to block the wind, but your body warms up quickly once you start pedaling, and during the day, it's comfortable enough to ride in short sleeves. During my first ride in a while with the leader from Seto, we ran into some unexpected trouble (something usually happens when the two of us go riding), but let's just call it a win since we enjoyed it regardless. (I'm happy to guide you anytime our schedules align!)
Personally, I think winter is the best season to enjoy cycling. It’s certainly cold at first, but as you ride, your body warms up more and more, and as you feel your blood circulating, you get a strong sense of being alive. Although it's still warm, the season is slowly and surely heading toward winter. Choosing apparel can be difficult during such seasonal transitions, but if you choose your gear carefully based on what kind of ride you're doing, you can enjoy it without any regrets while on the road.
Today, I’d like to introduce some recommended apparel for this transitional season from the lineup of SEARCH AND STATE, a brand that produces superior clothing with a stubborn commitment to manufacturing in Manhattan, New York.
A thin, non-brushed long-sleeve jersey that's harder to find than you'd think
Released this spring, this long-sleeve jersey—a rarity for them—is finished in a thin, non-brushed fabric also intended for spring and summer use. It is a labor of love from Search and State, for which they created a completely new, original fabric. It uses a unique, very soft texture that maintains durability, and from the moment you slip your arms in, you can feel a comfort different from any other jersey.
This mid-weight, non-brushed long-sleeve jersey is surprisingly hard to find. It is recommended not only for the changing seasons of early spring and autumn, but also for those who want to avoid sun exposure in the summer. Of course, as it gets colder, you can use it as a mid-layer, making it an easy item to use throughout various seasons, provided you think carefully about where and how you ride.
In addition to the large back pockets, small pockets are placed on the sides, which are useful for storing energy food during long rides. For the zipper design, which people tend to keep minimal, they use a highly durable riri zipper with the wish that you will use it for a long time. This is what gives their apparel such rich character.
A versatile vest that's useful regardless of the season
Next, as an item to layer on top, I recommend the S2-V Camo Riding Vest, which is reassuring when it’s chilly in the morning and evening or when descending.
The camouflage fabric from the chest up is water-repellent, and the main black fabric ensures wind resistance while being as light as possible. Furthermore, because it’s a wind-resistant material that still maintains good breathability, it’s an item you definitely want to have during the changing seasons when it’s hard to know what to wear.
The double zipper, also used on other Search and State outerwear, allows you to unzip from the bottom, which not only keeps your silhouette clean while in a forward-leaning posture, but also makes it easier to access the pockets of the jersey you're wearing underneath.
What I personally like is the single large back pocket. It's very convenient, and great for heading out on a ride with bulky items like a wallet, phone, or a small camera. Compared to other outerwear released by Search and State, it uses a lighter and more compact fabric, so if you fold it up nicely, it can fit right into your jersey pocket.
In other words, you can take it along on any ride!
Actually, a very frequently used bib knicker
Also released this spring, this is Search and State’s first 3/4-length (below-the-knee) knicker-style bib using brushed fabric. When people hear "knickers," many aren't sure when to use them, but this is a hidden gem that is convenient for getting through the changing seasons, especially in spring and autumn, and even winter in warmer regions.
Just like Search and State's bib shorts, they use Cytec’s endurance/performance pads, allowing for a comfortable experience on long rides. At the same time, because of their obsession with panel shapes and the fabrics used, the result is an incredibly soft fit.
This softness and comfort will surely captivate anyone who wears them. That is the kind of impact these bibs have. Even just trying them on is worthwhile; they are definitely worth a try.
It’s a transitional season where it’s hard to decide what to wear, but the three items introduced here are very useful for such times. You can feel the high quality of Search and State apparel, which not only values functionality but also cherishes the joy of wearing the clothing itself.
Why not add them to your own wardrobe?