We often find ourselves dreaming of places we have never visited.
Just the other day, Shige sent us a ride report from his trip to the U.S. titled 【RIDE FISH ROCK】Hardest Ride Ever…, and while the intensity of the ride definitely comes across, even more apparent is the sheer fun and the sense of fulfillment from such a priceless experience—I find myself quite envious.
It’s a slightly different feeling, but the products we carry from the New York-based brand SEARCH AND STATE possess an undeniably urban and refined air. Whenever I pull on their gear to head out for a ride, I find myself imagining those landscapes I’ve seen on social media, letting my thoughts wander to those faraway shores across the sea.
In reality, though, we often find ourselves visiting the same roads and the same places, but even then, there are always sceneries and atmospheres to discover that can only be felt in those specific moments. That is part of the true joy of cycling.
In our previous post about our ride to Seto, our home course, I introduced the Ringtail jacket worn by Simworker Gishi-kun. This time, let’s focus on the Search and State gear that Yuya and I were wearing during that same ride.
A vest with excellent waterproofing and breathability
The S1-V Riding Vest from Search and State that I often wear is equipped with a special membrane called C-Change from Schoeller. It offers excellent waterproofing, breathability, and windproofing, much like Gore-Tex. It is more substantial than ultra-lightweight, packable vests, making it a versatile piece for various weather conditions and three seasons excluding mid-summer. Its functionality also comes in very handy for specific scenarios, like riding during the rainy season or in the middle of a summer storm.
Underneath that vest, I wear the matching Search and State Long Sleeve Merino Jersey.
A jersey that leverages the properties of merino wool
Made from high-quality merino wool, it feels fantastic against the skin and offers excellent heat retention and moisture-wicking properties, allowing it to be used across a wide range of temperatures just like the vest. I’ve been using this jersey for several seasons now; in the dead of winter, I wear it as a mid-layer, and by switching to a summer-weight short-sleeve base layer, it performs well even in temperatures exceeding 20°C (68°F). The Ice Grey color I’m wearing is already discontinued, and it is currently available in Black and Surplus Olive. It seems new colors might be added this spring, so I’ll be keeping an eye out for that.
In contrast to my style, Yuya was dressed in a short-sleeve jersey with a jacket and bib shorts that day. I debated whether to go with shorts myself, but I’m glad I stuck with tights, though Yuya seemed perfectly fine.
A jacket equipped with back pockets and a double zipper
The jacket Yuya is wearing, the S1-J Colorblock Riding Jacket, uses the same fabric as my vest and was a new addition last season. Compared to previous riding jackets, it has a slightly more relaxed fit. This piece is also highly functional and suitable for three-season wear. Both this jacket and the vest feature double zippers, making it very easy to regulate your body temperature while on the move. Additionally, both garments come with back pockets for storing your essentials.
Comfort for long hours in the saddle
The S2-R Performance Bib Short, which comes in a color lineup you don’t often see for bib shorts, features a simple construction. However, thanks to the high quality of the fabric and the chamois, it not only provides an excellent fit but also ensures you can spend long hours in the saddle in complete comfort.
【SEARCH AND STATE】
S1-V Riding Vest
Price : ¥31,800-(excl. tax)
Color : Black
Like the riding jacket, the S1-V Riding Vest utilizes riri’s 2-Way AquaZip and Schoeller’s C-Change membrane, making it a high-performance piece that excels in any climate or weather condition. It is remarkably lightweight for a garment with a waterproof membrane and can even be packed into a jersey’s back pocket. Both the jacket and vest offer high elasticity, ensuring they never interfere with intense riding.
【SEARCH AND STATE】
Long Sleeve Merino Jersey
Price : ¥27,000-(excl. tax)
Color : Black, Surplus Green
This long-sleeve jersey leverages the properties of merino wool to excel in a wide range of situations. Thanks to its high breathability, it can be worn on its own from spring through early summer, and combined with a windbreaker or vest, it is perfect for various scenarios. In winter, it serves as an excellent mid-layer to keep you warm. Its high moisture-wicking capability is another key feature, absorbing sweat effectively while maintaining high comfort without that damp feeling.
【SEARCH AND STATE】
S1-J Colorblock Riding Jacket
Price : ¥40,000-(excl. tax)
Color : Grey/Black
This grey and black color-blocked version offers functionality as sharp as its looks. It is made entirely from C-Change fabric, which features a climate-control membrane that provides windproofing, waterproofing, and a high level of breathability—allowing air to pass through when it’s hot and retaining warmth when it’s cold—for high-level body temperature regulation. Its durability is just as impressive as any other item, making this an all-weather garment you can wear even in poor conditions, and with proper care, it will last almost indefinitely.
【SEARCH AND STATE】
S2-R Performance Bib Short
Price : ¥29,500-(excl. tax)
Color : Black, Grey, Navy
The chamois used in the S2-R is built to withstand long distances while enhancing performance and allowing for comfortable lower-body movement in the saddle. The center section is designed to fit the body better, and the straps use a new mesh structure and have been lengthened for shoulder comfort.
Of course, all other Search and State products are produced in New York using carefully selected fabrics, boasting beautiful, refined designs and high-quality functionality. Please be sure to check out the rest of the lineup.
