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Cycling Guide: Apparel
The best of what's new in 2008: mountain bikes, road bikes, apparel, upgrade,
and the buy list.

Text by Steve Casimiro   Photographs by Joshua Scott



Mountain Bikes  |  Road Bikes  |  Apparel  |  Upgrades  |  The Buy List

League of American Bicyclists:
Find local club listings, tour groups, and more

Second Skin
Its retro appeal is nice, but the soft, merino-wool embrace of the Vintage Velos Gray Tri-Colore will win you over. The jersey fits seamlessly, with elastic at the sleeve edges and an aerodynamic, body-hugging silhouette. Three rear pockets stash small essentials, from pump to energy bar ($99;
vintagevelos.com).
Photo: Bike shirt

Headgear  
Was the name "Helium" already taken? At eight ounces, the Specialized S-Works is the world's lightest helmet; a reinforced Kevlar frame makes it safely sturdy. Padding is spare, but the piece's Pro Fit 360 suspension ensures a snug fit ($210; www.specialized.com).

Photo: Helmet
Visual Aid
The Giro Havik sunglasses might seem an odd (and spendy) departure for the California helmet maker, but they're the real deal, with lenses certified by renowned camera-glass manufacturer Carl Zeiss. Fit-wise, these shades work better with a helmet than any we've tried ($139; giro.com).
Photo: Sunglasses
Weather Guard
Perhaps you've heard of Gore? Makes this waterproof-breathable fabric called "Gore-Tex." In addition to supplying myriad outdoor companies, Gore offers its own bike apparel. The lightweight Alp-X jacket has sleeves long enough to reach for the bars (plus, they zip off to make a vest) and an extended drop tail to protect you from drafts. Needless to say, it's made of Gore-Tex ($139; gorebikewear.com).
Photo: Jacket

Pedal Power
With the best road shoes running around $400, it's a relief to find a high-performing model that won't break the bank: the Pearl Izumi Attack Road. This two-strap, one-ratchet shoe features an ultra-stiff nylon sole—not quite as rigid or sexy as carbon, but most of us will never notice the difference ($120; www.pearlizumi.com).

Photo: Biking shoe

Mountain Bikes  |  Road Bikes  |  Apparel  |  Upgrades  |  The Buy List

League of American Bicyclists:
Find local club listings, tour groups, and more

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