British high-end cyclewear specialists Vulpine have launched their 2015 spring/summer collection, with a couple of particularly interesting pieces for anyone after clothing they can wear on and off the bike.
The undoubted centrepiece of the collection is the Waterproof Gill Jacket (£229). Vulpine are calling it the finest waterproof jacket around and there’s no shortage of R&D. The Gill is constructed from a three-layer fabric with 15,000mm waterproof rating which Vulpine say won’t diminish over time.
But that’s not the biggest challenge. As anyone who’s ever ridden in a waterproof jacket knows, the key is not to end up boiling and becoming drenched in sweat halfway through the ride, so Vulpine say the fabric also has a 15,000 gram per m2 breathability rating. If those numbers don’t mean much to you then, in essence, the Gill is designed to keep you dry from the outside in the worst conditions, while allowing heat and moisture to escape from the inside.
If things do warm up a bit, the Gill also has vents which have been placed at an angle so rain won’t run into them, and they’ve been placed on the side of the jacket in a position which Vulpine say allow for the maximum removal of body-heated air.
There’s also a hood, and although that might not scream ‘road cycling’ it is removable so if you want to go out training in the Gill, you won’t have an annoying extra bit of material flapping about behind you. The seams are also taped, the shoulders toughened with backpacks in mind, the jacket is fitted with a removable, reflective storm guard to keep the water off your behind and there’s a shielded waterproof chest pocket for a phone, too. Vulpine really think they’ve covered all bases with this one.
If £229 isn’t enough for you, then check out the Barragan Jacket. Designed in conjunction with London tailor Oliver Spencer, the Barragan will set you back an eye-watering £309 and is basically a smart blazer that’s also equipped for riding with reflective strips, showerproofing and a zipped rear pocket. A couple more on-bike concessions include cuffs that roll back for when you’re riding, and an ‘action back’ which gives freedom of movement across the shoulders. To top it all off, the material is crease resistant, so you can chuck the jacket in your bag without worrying about what it’ll look like when it comes out.
Down at the more affordable end of the range, the men’s Merino Henley (£79) is aimed as an all-day alternative to a cycling jersey if you’re just out and about for a ride rather than training. It’s a tweak on last year’s Merino Button Jersey and Vulpine reckon that you can use it from anywhere between 12-30 degrees, so it’d work for a summer ride down to the local pub, or on your morning commute if you don’t want to go with full bike kit.
There are also a few new accessories, including the Polka cap (£15), Merino City and Race socks (£15), as well as men’s Summer Trousers (£79) and Short Sleeve Merino Polo (£79). Pretty much everything you could need if you’re aiming for the dapper look this summer on the bike.
Website: Vulpine
