OMM BIKE is finally upon us this weekend. Is everyone participating ready to go?
Actually, this will be my first OMM BIKE. Since I mostly ride in the city and don't get many opportunities for camping or long rides, I was really worried about what kind of clothes would be best for the field.
The conclusion I reached was,
"In the end, isn't my usual riding style the best?"
Before going out and buying special equipment, I'll start by trying it out in my usual style. I want to see how far it holds up at OMM.
So this time, I'd like to introduce that "usual riding style" of mine.
Longing for what’s behind the screen
My love for cycling is deeply tied to messenger culture. Back in high school, I watched MASH, Macaframa, Fast Friday, and so on. Seeing them zip through the city in what looked like everyday clothes was truly a shock to me.
I thought about this styling with cues from how they dress. I’d see messengers wearing just a jersey on their upper body and thought, "That looks like it works well," so I gave it a try, and it was more comfortable than I imagined.
For me, someone who rides in the city often and has few chances for camping or long rides, I didn't see the need to go out of my way to collect "cycling-specific clothing." Because of that, MTB jerseys are an indispensable item for me as functional everyday wear.
Under the MTB jersey, I wear a RAL Merino Coolmax Tee. Thanks to the merino wool, it prevents sweat-chilling and reduces the discomfort of the jersey sticking to my skin.
Furthermore, it has excellent odor-resistant and antibacterial properties, so I can stay comfortable even in the middle of summer.
I’m taking on the challenge with a top that doesn't separate cycling from fashion, and that can handle the heat of midsummer.
The “Ultimate Classic” Work Pant
Having originally skated, and because I often damage my pants during mechanic work, Dickies feels the most natural to me.
The tough, timeless design makes me want to wear them every day.
Circles has given these Dickies a unique twist with the DICKIES 42283 Shorts.
Based on the classic 42283, they’ve been rebuilt for cycling, with reinforcement in the hips to stand up to friction against the saddle.
The side pocket has been resized to perfectly fit a smartphone, and the length has been finished to an ideal cut that doesn't interfere with pedaling.
The wider silhouette has a very skater-esque feel, but with the cycling-specific adjustments, it balances style and functionality perfectly.
Whether I’m just wearing them as casual clothes or riding my bike, I always find myself reaching for these first.
The “Unsung Hero” Supporting My Rides
Finally, picking the right socks is surprisingly important when riding a bike. They might be inconspicuous during a ride, but choosing the right ones really has a major impact on comfort.
My recommendation is the RAL Tabby Socks.
Since they use merino wool, they aren't prone to stuffiness and stay comfortable even when worn for long periods. Plus, by adjusting the blend ratio of merino and polyester, they've increased durability while maintaining a supple feel.
Summer heat makes sock sweat a real concern, but I’m not a fan of sandals.
I’d definitely recommend these to anyone in that same boat, and since they can be worn with BEDROCK, I chose these for my socks.
Actually, even my bike is OMM-ready...
In fact, I even rebuilt my bike for this OMM!!
The frame is the RAL Exposure, which will be in stock soon.
This time, I combined parts I had on hand to finish it in an old MTB style.
Anticipating a field with constant ups and downs, I chose a geared drivetrain.
I’m taking on the challenge with this bike.
I’ll write a more detailed blog post later about the bike itself and how it actually performed at OMM, so please look forward to that.
On the day, it's all about having fun!!
I’m really looking forward to seeing if this style works for OMM BIKE. That said, in events like this, the one who enjoys it wins.
Let’s not get too tense and just have as much fun as possible in our own styles. See you at the OMM BIKE venue!
