Lately, even on my days off, I’ve been heading out to Ninose Pass, which straddles the Yoro Mountains further west of the Kiso Sansen (three rivers). It’s a classic climb for cyclists living west of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. If I time it right and do two or three loops, it’s a wonderful spot to visit, leaving me plenty of time to get home by noon.
I had plans last week in the afternoon, so I headed out to Ninose Pass despite the light rain. Actually, I’d been staring at the weekly weather forecast for days, grinning as I confirmed that the rain icon just wouldn't go away. It’s not that I particularly love riding in the rain, but it’s a fact that with the right gear, you can ride stress-free in the drizzling rain of the rainy season. I’d been wanting to test the Search and State Riding Vest—which I’d been using for warmth until recently—in the rain.
On the day, I woke up to find it was raining at just the right level. I dressed myself in the Riding Vest, Riding Jersey, and Riding Short, making it a full Search and State setup as I headed for Ninose Pass.
(Sorry for the hard-to-see mirror selfie.)
By the way, my favorite setup is completed with SaveOurSoles socks and QuocPham Tourer shoes.
The rain had stopped by the time I was heading home, but while climbing the pass twice on my way out, I experienced firsthand the high performance in both waterproofing and breathability in the light rain.
Search and State
S1-V RidingVest ¥29,500 (plus tax)
The highly waterproof and breathable Search and State Riding Vest uses a membrane called C-Change, made by the Swiss company Schoeller. It’s fascinating, but like a pinecone opening and closing its scales, this membrane’s structure expands and contracts based on internal humidity, which adjusts its breathability and allows it to handle a wide range of weather conditions and riding styles. Even in the rain, I was able to climb at moderate temperatures without needing to take it off. Naturally, it’s comfortable on the descents, too. Another characteristic of the fabric is its softness and high elasticity. I didn't feel the need to take the vest off even once that day.
Beyond just the high-performance fabric, the front double zipper—which you rarely see on other cycle wear—is key to this vest. I think many cycle clothing brands tend to prioritize thinner, lighter zippers for the sake of packability and weight, but Search and State intentionally adopts high-quality double zippers for their vests and jackets. Not only does it serve as a nice accent to the entire garment, but as is the case with much outdoor gear, it makes temperature regulation very easy by opening it from the top or bottom; plus, opening it from the bottom makes it very easy to access the back pockets of your jersey. Furthermore, this allows you to prevent the chest and shoulders—the areas most affected by wind—from getting chilled. The double zipper is definitely a point worth noting.
Of course, Search and State’s Riding Jersey, Riding Short, and every other item have high functionality, but more than that, their comfortable feel due to the high-quality fabrics is another one of their charms.
(This is from the week before, when I stopped by to see Shige while he was fishing on my way to Asuke town.)
The jersey is light and breathable, and features a soft touch despite being 100% polyester. The bib shorts are equally appealing for their soft touch, but the high level of fit, which seems almost contradictory, is also worth noting. The fact that the lineup colors are black and navy is also a draw. You can choose your gear with the same mindset as choosing your everyday clothes.
Well, tomorrow, Thursday, as mentioned in Shige's blog the other day, we’ll be holding #GETSICKDAY, starting from Asuke town in Toyota City, the home base of GCRASUKE. I’ll be using this same setup for the ride tomorrow, of course. If you have time, come join us.
One of my riding goals for this year is to pass through Asuke from home and explore further east. "Off to the eastern mountains!"—I'm in the mood for a soak in a hot spring and a relaxing train ride home.