Finding a cycling jacket ready for the rigours of winter and the cold is a much easier task these days.

Thicker softshell types, waterproofs and fleeces are widely available. Great. However, it has been known for the British Isles to warm up now and then and enter a season called Spring and also Autumn.

In these two particular seasonal extravaganza, wedged between that we have one we all remember for when we were a kid (summer). There’s not so much of a need for a thick jacket instead we need something a tad more lightweight, but still giving you essential features such as water resistance and take the edge off a chill and in the case of us, the most discerning of cyclists, a sartorial garment fit for the streets whilst the bike remains tethered to some lamppost somewhere.

Vulpine’s offering of the Lightweight Harrington jacket is here to answer the call. It answers the lightweight need straight away in its name for starters, but also the feel of the jacket when you put it on instantly feeling soft and comfortable with no heft to it at all. It’s the proverbial ‘light as a feather’ piece of smart cycling clothing. Harrington’s are experiencing a bit of a fashion renaissance at the moment in the mainstream style arena, they’ve always been a British classic and the Vulpine Lightweight Harrington is a welcome addition to the collection of Harringtons purely for it’s nod to the classic with some modern twists and of course additions to aid the commuter cyclist.

The jacket, as you would expect from the folks at Vulpine, has a well-tailored fit sitting well around the waist and arms – never pulling, moving with ease as you do. The sleeves are a good length and finish to a reflective trim which is the first nod to cycling functionality. The material is a water resistant cotton and it feels really good. Being lightweight and cotton also means the Vulpine Harrington is breathable helped by an open yoke at the back – again a finely tailored addition to the jacket. It’s superbly made and every stitch is of the highest quality.

The collar has a fabric lining which makes it comfortable against the neck and an improvement on the Vulpine soft shell is the zip goes all the way to the top with the magnetic clips closing over it. This means there’s no popping open as you hurtle through the city streets. A small thing but an important one. Here the magnetic closures become a handy aid rather than a device I thought wasn’t strong enough on the softshell.

Two big zip down pockets flank the main zip which has a flap over cover. The pocket zips are waterproof and the pockets themselves have a fabric lining which makes it a bit more cozy when you need to slip your hands inside for a quick warm. There’s a trademark pocket at the back with the magnet clip again – which again works really well in this instance as it’s secure when closed but easily opened when pedaling along. It’s a good size pocket you’d comfortably fit wallet, keys, phone, pack of prawn cocktail or waterproof jacket (not the crisps and the jacket though) as it’s the only pocket you don’t end up fumbling for it.

Last pocket is on the left breast with the harrington swish arrow design incorporated into the look. Closed with a sewn on button that’s branded first with the company name and second by a very nice detail of stitching of the ‘V’ into the button holes – a nice touch that. Again this gives you a little more storage and the button adds a bit more security so maybe you can store wallet up here and the back pocket can have those crisps and waterproof in at the same time after all.

Also at the back are 2 button adjusters to take the waist in if you so wish – it’s done in a really nice aesethic way too that completely fits the style and design of the lightweight harrington jackets look. All the nods of function included are just right. Nothing’s over complicated or left out. It just works how you want and need.

The Vulpine lightweight harrington jacket is made from cotton – so it creases, a lot. Not a problem of course but just be aware it will need a warm iron after a few wears to make it look it’s best. Currently coming in two colours, a pale olive green and a bright blue. Now I’ll be honest – green is not my first choice for clothing, in fact I’m pretty sure I own nothing that’s green apart from a Panathinaikos football shirt my Greek friend gave me when he returned to his native land – so when I first held the Vulpine lightweight harrington I was a bit nonplussed about the colour, it has since grown on me and fits in with the Vulpine branding although I would like to and am looking forward to seeing this jacket in a few different variations of colours possibly something a bit more muted but not as stark as black. Of course with only a few reflective patches on the jacket (cuffs and back pocket) the bright whit trims and the bright colour of the jacket does again high five the functional department and helps you be seen on the bike.

I’d also like to of seen the lightweight jacket with Vulpine’s take on the classic checkered inner lining you see on some versions of the harrington but I can imagine the cost involved never mind getting your hands on the material to do so may have prevented that idea, it’s certainly not essential just this writers fancy for the classics.

The lightweight harrington is certainly a jacket for when the winter has gone and the faintest of chills remain – however it is definitely an all rounder as it makes an excellent mid-layer to so you”re really getting your money’s worth with this stylish piece of cyclewear. The Vulpine harrington lightweight jacket for me is a great addition to any cyclists wardrobe. It’s style, design and features make it suitable for all types of cycling endeavors and is a welcome and essential piece of kit.

It’s superbly well made and as I’ve just said highly adaptable all year round. A Discerning Cyclists must.

You can buy the Vulpine Lightweight Harrington Jacket from Vulpine.cc for £135, but is currently heavily reduced at Cycle Surgery to just £67.49.

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So this review will doubtless contain this phrase at least once “I doff my cap to you”  and I certainly do doff my cap to bid you dear reader good day for taking the time to read this (my second to last) review (for the Discerning Cyclist).  I would also like to paradoxically doff my cap in the direction of the very cap I’m doffing, the ‘Commuter’ cycling cap from a two-person (Daphne and Andy) company called this is… Cambridge.

Although they sell a few other items it is the cap that seems to be their big lead out item and are all hand made and designed by Daphne and Andy, if you’re close enough to their base of operation, which unsurprisingly is in Birkenhead – ha fooled you didn’t I – all jest aside they will even hand deliver by bike if you’re close enough to them (yes, they are in Cambridge).

The cap in question here the Commuter cycling cap is made from needlecord (corduroy)  which provides a durable outer edge with a drill cotton lining on the inside making it sit upon your peak quiet comfortably indeed. It’s a one size fits all affair with this cap but Daphne is very open to tinkering suggestions and you can customise the cap via a quick chat with her over email or telephone.

It’s a different type of cap than you see from other cyclewear companies much more a cap that you can wear away from the bike. A very vintage looking cap and would be perfect for the tweed run (coincidenantly there’s one today at time of writing). The cap is a perfect fashion accessory with the function of keeping your head that bit warmer in chilly breezes.

The Commuter cap does not come advertised as water resistant but will provide protection for sometime like any standard cap does but certainly you will need a more appropriate piece of headwear during rainy spells.

The cap is made from four individual panels stitched together and then half stitched in the centre to give the cap it’s shape. An elasticated part at the section at the back allows the cap to stretch to fit the heads in it’s one size bracket. A peak at the front is curved stitched several times to let the peak hold it’s shape – this also creates a nice asethetic on the front of the cap and just adds to the quintessential look of the Commuter cap. All finished off with a button at the top of the cap. Now this looks more for looks than for a designed purpose and although I originally thought there maybe issues mixing this cap with a helmet, Brian Palmer from the Washing Machine Post has also had the pleasure of trying out these caps and he gives it the all clear for helmet use which is as close to being set in stone as is possible without setting it in stone.

A nice little touch around the cap is the feature of a small tag with a bicycle icon stitched into it. This is a nice piece of branding that give this is… Cambridge and the cap an instant recognisable look of it’s own. The bag the cap comes in as well has some lovely touches. A simple brown paper bag again a nod to vintage style but with some charming details to finish it off. The bag is hand stitched closed with a fabric label added displaying the fashion line of this is… Cambridge. The logo is stamped onto the bag on the bottom left corner which just finishes off the whole packaging very nicely and again just helps communicate the simple and classic design behind this young companies ethos.

It’s a lovely cap. Really works as a fashion accessory and a cap that provides function for when you’re cycling. It fits in with the everyday commuter too as a lot of other cycling caps are just a bit too sporty looking. This fills the everyday look bracket to perfection.

It’s a credit to Daphne how well this cap has been made and I must doff my cap to her because it’s a real labour of love this cap – not a stitch or thread out of place. It feels strongly made and built to last. It’s a very comfortable hat after your head has gotten used to it although advertised as featuring a more relaxed fit than other cycling caps, it did take a few wears until my head became acccustomed to it’s new cover but once it did I found it be a very good fit – the this is… Cambridge commuter cap will sit proudly on your head most discerningly indeed.You can buy the this is… Cambrdige Commuter cap from this is… Cambridge. It’s available in grey, black, olive green and very bright red and very bright orange and priced at £28 which considering you’re getting a quality product hand made based in Britain is an excellent price.

Fit: 8/10
Function: 7/10
Style: 9/10
Value for Money:  8/10
Quality: 10/10

Overall: 42/50

The post This is Cambridge Commuter Cycling Cap – Review appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

For the discerning lady or gentleman who cares to cycle (discerningly of course) there’s is a bicycle not for high sport performance or weekends going down a mountain but for a civilized mode of transport used at a leisurely pace.

Of course such a cyclist is also in need of a way to carry their essential kit and such like but in the style most befitting of their wheels. A bag you may say, and fear not because such a bag exists in the form of the Trowbridge Saddle Bag made by Cardiff and available from that fine bicycle accessories shop Saddle & Spoke. This beautifully designed bag is specifically designed to fit Cardiff/Brooks-style touring saddles the like of which you find on sit up and beg and more traditional style bicycles. The Trowbridge Saddle Bag fits the bill very nicely indeed. It’s vintage look and classic well thought-out design plus it’s ample storage space make it a very attractive choice.

It’s a powerhouse of a saddle bag it’d make a good standard bag due to it’s lovely looks and decent storage space. You’d certainly get a small tool kit, tubes, waterproof, your keys and I’d say four packs of prawn cocktail crisps and possibly a share bag of mini twirls. The main pocket is augmented with two side pockets that will comfortably hold the spare tubes these side pockets are held closed with tanned leather straps and a cup over flap so you’re stuff is very safe in these.

The main hold of the bag has a capacity of 427 cubic inches / 7 litres and for extra functionality there’s a waterproof material surrounding the top of the bag that has a draw string so you can really seal your contents inside safely. The large main flap comes over the front of the bag and is extendable to really put this bags storage capabilities to the max, again held in place by two tanned leather straps which are very securely sewn onto the bag and have been built to last.

The bag attaches to the saddle with the use of two leather straps near the top of the bag at the back these are held onto the bag with a screwed in thick piece of dowl wood inside the bag. I love this, it’s such a vintage and novel idea that I could see coming about as there was no other solution at hand when it was first done and now has become the norm for every bag that has been constructed since. It also gives the bag stability when it’s empty sitting on the saddle and won’t waddle as you ride.

The entire bag’s material (not including straps) is made from 28 oz waterproof cotton canvas so the contents were quite well protected during a rain soaked cycle home, that being said I would be concerned about the Trowbridge’s long term water protection as the inside is not lined apart from the waterproof material at the top of the hold. These classic designs from the past fit right into the modern cycling lifestyle.

There is a reflective strip on the top handle of the bag to aid with visibility if you’re cycling at night plus an led hanger to support your main rear light. Two features not needed as standard but just nice nods to the environment the bag will be used in.

Although not available with a shoulder strap there are 2 D rings either side at the top of the Trowbridge saddle bag which would make it ideal to slip off the bike and carry it around with you. A great little feature as it mean’s you’re not awkwardly carrying around a bag and gives you use of both hands. It’s superb look and feel mean it fits effortlessly in every day style. The fact it doesn’t come with some kind of shoulder strap is a bit of a shame and maybe something that can be looked at in the future.

All in all, it’s a very nice looking bag. Superb quality throughout and real care to it’s build and construction. Whilst it won’t suit or for that matter fit every bicycle it will fit the style of bicycle it’s best aimed at and thus matching the style of the rider who uses it on his or her bicycle wherever they discerningly do go.

Fit: 8/10
Function: 8/10
Style: 8/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Quality: 9/10

Overall: 40.5/50

The Trowbridge Saddle Bag is available from Saddle & Spoke for £75

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Inspiration, you can get it from everywhere, it’s all around in everything you see on a day to day basis. It’s quite marvellous how glancing at a sign or a picture or seeing a pattern can push you to create something new for yourself. When you meet someone or talk to someone who gives you that inspirational push that’s even better you get inspired and a push to drive yourself on. I’ve met a few/chatted to only a few people who have done that and one of is this awesome lady, Jools Walker.

At the time of this chat Jools was just ending her old job and starting a new one with the cycle wear company Vulpine, she also runs a blog called Velo-City-Girl. I’d spied Jool’s website as I was starting up my own and loved her writing and of course her eye for fashion for cycling (and beyond really Jools is as stylish as they come) really appealled to me and I liked her passion towards including cycling into your everyday life without the need for the traditional cycling get up or a bag with a costume change in.

Having recently met Jools at the Vulpine Fete in Manchester I can see her passion for cycling and fashion beyond her words and she’s just as inspirational in real live as in words and you know when someone looks like they’re photo, that!

Jools tells me about her fashion choices for cycling “I’ve always taken great pride in my appearance – fashion has always been my ‘thing’ and I wanted it to remain that way when I took up cycling again. One of the biggest influences when I’m getting ready for a ride is probably the weather,” any cyclist will relate to this, I’m sure! Jools continues “Just as if you were going out for a walk/shopping etc and  you check the forecast and plan around it (DC – I really need to start doing that) same for me getting out on the bike.

“The other influence would have to be wich bike I’m going out on; On the Pashley Princess, skirts are not an issue – however, if I’m on the Clubman for the day I’d probably not be wearing a skirt on the crossbar!”

Jools used to commute to her old work but Vulpine is a tad further away from where she lives now so she doesn’t get to commute as much as she would like, her own style for commuting is temperd by a few functional pieces integrating in with her regular style.  Jools explains “The same outfit I get on the bike with is the same one I’m in for the day. I wouldn’t say I have a specific outfit that is suitable for both situations, although I do have some rather nice Merino tops that are ace to cycle in and work very nicely with the rest of my wardrobe…”

I’m a great believer of Jools idea here, merino and funcitonal cycling jackets seemed to have been best adapted to fit in with the urban style and are easily mixed with other clothes to really give you a fashionable look, pioneer there Miss Walker.

Myself and Jools chatted about the limited options available a situation Vulpine themselves are looking to address with a new range of merino tops for the ladies coming out in April to augment the start up options presented last year. Jools is a fan and was a fan even before she was put on the payroll “I have noticed this (lack of stylish cycling clothing available to women) but there are clothing companies out there who are taking this on and doing something about it. First example that springs to mind – Vulpine. They launched a range of women’s merino jersey’s mid last year. They look and feel fantastic are are great to cycle in… High-end cycling clothing for women that performs well and is also fashionable needs to be out there for us!”

As I say we had this chat in October/November 2012 as Jools was just swapping jobs but she speaks the truth – Vulpine’s merino is some of the best out there but there are others now offering great choice for women, notably Howies who whilst not totally bike specific thier clothing offers fantastic quality, build and style plus others such as Union 34 and Urban Legend.

It’s great to see more stuff for women become available, Jools believes there’s a lot more that can be done and tells us there’ll be more to come from Vulpine on the matter. “It can be very frustrating… I found this with the Levi’s Commuter range when that was launched, and it was all Male clothing only. I refuse to believe that the Female Cycling market isn’t big enough for brands to recognise that it would be fantastic to have specific Women’s ranges too. When it comes to Nick Hussey and Vulpine, I have a good feeling about the women’s range expanding overtime… watch this space.”

Speaking more about Vulpine Jools explains a little more about how the the opportunity came about, but first a big congratulations (albeit very delayed) “Thank you!” Jools says, “I’m in the role of Sales & Marketing Manager for Vulpine. This is a REALLY exciting role for me, as it’s a combination of two of my biggest passions, and I’ll be working alongside someone who I have a lot of respect and admiration for. I met Nick via twitter. As he puts it (and it’s the truth) “we got to be friends over a shared love of style, dogs and taking the piss nicely”. I’ve done a spot of modeling for Vulpine which is always a blast to do!”

After being at Vulpine just over 4 months Jools has already seen plenty of action being part of two fete’s throwing cabbages at the recent Morvelo City Cross, having lots of walks Lily and helped be part of Matrix Racing Academy Team Launch. Plus more modelling of the previews of the new women’s merino range. Seems like it’s all going very well for her.

Stepping back we spoke more about how Velo City Girl and her love for cycling started.

“I used to love cycling when I was a kid… my first bike was actually my older sisters BMX Raleigh Burner which our big brother lovingly restored for me! He taught me how to ride on that, and it became addictive… but then as I got older, I stopped. It was a mixture of reasons – not feeling that safe / confident on the roads (when you’re a kid, you feel untouchable) and falling into the routine of getting the Bus / Train etc to get to College and then Uni. I missed it & at 28 decided that I wanted to be back on a bike again as that freedom was lacking from my life. I knew that I wanted a Pashley Princess (I’d been lusting after one for some time)… and the rest is what you know of me today.”

Jools passion was soon spied by others (it was always going to be) and this lead to several flirtations with the camera most notably on ITV4’s The Cycle Show and an interview on the BBC a piece I was very impressed with, Jools spoke with confidence and conviction and really came across as someone who believes in the positives of cycling, it was really refreshing and uplifting, and all this started from her site – build it and they will come etc, etc.

“Presenting on The Cycle Show and other subsequent media work all came from my blog. It was one of the last things that I ever expected to happen when I started VCG two years ago, so it took me by surprise when it all started to happen! Cycling is such a wonderful thing and my blog is my soapbox if you like, to shout about it and get the message across. It was extremely flattering for The Cycle Show to pick up on this & ask me to be a part of what they were doing. There are so many different types of cyclist out there – and being a leisure cyclist who likes a lot of fashion in the mix, it was wonderful to be part of a magazine show that focused on the many aspects of cycling.”

Working at Vulpine doesn’t mean the end of her own site “VCG will still be around! There are no plans to stop the blog or change its style. Of course I’ll be dedicating a lot of my time to my new role at Vulpine, but that doesn’t mean the end for VCG at all…”

I’m sure we’re all glad to hear that. Jool’s blog has earned it’s place as a great source of news, reviews and valued opinion within the cycling community as well as serving a good dose of that inspiration I mentioned at the start. It’s a genuine pleasure chatting to Jools, a beaming smile and a thoughtful nature she’s always willing to chew the fat and have a good chat and I gurantee you’ll leave with a smile of your own and your head full of ideas how to chase your own ventures. I’m sure the future holds great things for this cycling style icon. Inspirational.

You can visit Jool’s own blog Velo-City-Girl here and visit Vulpine here.

Bicycle (on Jool’s dress) designed by Olivier Guin from The Noun Project

The post A Chat with Velo City Girl Jools Walker appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Duncan Palmer from Made Good returns to the DC to continue his series on handmade bike builders this time with American firm Geekhouse Bikes.

Marty Walsh – photograph by John Watson of prollyisnotprobably.com

Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the guys at Geekhouse are proud of the frames they make. I’ve always liked their approach and ethos, and the name is pretty cool too. It conjures up an image of a crazy workshop where there would be non-stop lols and antics. Of course they’re super-professional and anyone looking for a frame to be built would be well-advised to go and see Marty and Brad.

Marty Walsh founded the company in 2002 and spoke to me about his career, passion and inspiration.

When did you start building bikes? I started working at bike shops at 16 years old, then drawing bikes on napkins in 2002, and then started having other people make bikes for me in 2003. I started apprenticing with ANT Cycles in 2006 and I got my workshop in 2008, so it has been a long process to get where I am today.

Mudville

Why did you start making bikes? I’ve always loved bikes since I was a little kid; I even got my whole family into biking when we were all very young (5 siblings in all). There was always something about the freedom of being on a bike that I loved, which never went away. And after working with bikes for years it seemed that building them was the next logical step.

Absolutely! So what sets you apart? Do you have any trademarks? I think everything has been done already. It’s just your take on those styles that develops and sets you apart. We do classic inspired bikes with a modern twist, and we also like to make bikes that are completely polarizing (like our 90s inspired neon cross bikes). We’re not for everybody, but it sets up apart, and keeps us excited about riding. There’s something beautifully ugly about what we do.

Bradford Smith – photograph by John Watson of prollyisnotprobably.com

Why do you make frames the way you do? I TIGweld frames in the tradition that I apprenticed in at ANT Cycles. Indy Fab and Fat City have also inspired me. They build in the traditional style that New England builders have been doing for 30 years, and I aspire to be like that. TIG is also fast and clean, and in my opinion steel to steel melted together feels like a stronger bond.  

What’s you favourite type of bike to build, and do you have a particular favourite frame that you have made?I like building cyclocross bikes the most right now. I use that style of bike personally to ride all year round.  It’s just a fun bike to weld and build up.

The bike that I’m most proud of was our 2011 Manifest bike. It was something completely different than anything we had done. From the frame geometry to the add-ons.

The 2011 Manifest bike

Do you have any inspirations?

Mike Flanagan from ANT is still one of my heroes and I wouldn’t be building bikes if it weren’t for him. Chris Chance from Fat City. Firefly and Vanilla are also two of my favorite brands, they all make amazing bikes.

Brentwood

If you could make a bike for anyone, who would it be?

I would love to build a bike for Sir Patrick Stewart, an English countryside cruiser to be exact!

Marty clearly loves the bike trade, and the way he got Geekhouse up and running to what it is today will surely act as an inspiration to others to (in the words of Patrick Stewart) ‘make it so’!

By Duncan Palmer

Duncan is head writer for madegood.org. You can follow him on Twitter – @cyclodunc.
MadeGood (@madegoodbikes) provides free, high quality bike repair videos and tutorials.

The post The Frame Builders: Geekhouse Bikes appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

Okay, so this has been reviewed and given the plaudits by such sites such as The Washing Machine Post and Road.cc, so it would be easy to end this review here with: ‘what they said’. I’m not going to do that though because I know how much you’re dying to hear me to add to those said plaudits.
Cycling jackets are pretty much something which, if you’re going to become an active cyclist (commuter or more), you should invest in a good one. Meaning a significant investment on your part to get hold of something that will not only last the test of time and the weather, but also give you those functions you demand from a cycling jacket. Traversing the paths and roads on a non-cycle specific jacket just won’t give you the protection you need from whatever the day has for you whilst your pedaling.
There are loads of them, loads and loads and loads. A lot of them are great, but a lot of them aren’t great, so we’ll concentrate on those that fall in the top part of great cycling jackets, the Vulpine softshell.
A softshell is a great idea for your cycling jacket as it’s an all rounder. A powerhouse and will protect from nearly all the weather conditions the isles of Britain have instore for you (thrashing down rain will need something stronger) This is one said powerhouse and although designated as showerproof it does put up a jolly good fight in the lower part of the waterproof bracket although as I say heavy rain will probably be too much after a time on the bike. I say after a time, as I survived a good 10 minute pummeling from the heavens without feeling the effects of the rain attack. The great thing about the Vulpine softshell is that it drys quickly, so if you cycle in the morning rain to work you’ll be facing it dry again when you cycle home in the evening showers.

The Vulpine softshell comes with laser cut ventilation, helping make it very breathable which is perfect for a cycling jacket as you won’t get wet inside from heavy riding and stay at an even temperature throughout your ride making it an ideal jacket for more of the year. It also comes with a lightweight fleece inner that mixed with the outer fabric makes the jacket windproof as well, as I said: a powerhouse! During the really, really cold months it will need a bit of padding to keep you totally warm a base and mid layer and possibly a fleece and you’ll be good to go.

So, as function goes, the Vulpine softshell is certainly a great jacket but there’s the look and style to consider and Vulpine just comes and plants a very stylish flag in the middle of that area. A slick and sharp look with strong ties to military tailoring comes into view when you examine the softshell. A nice cut along the shoulders gives a really smart look it’s also fitted nicely to the contours of the body, another nod towards functionality, but also a strong nod to the fine tailoring that’s gone into crafting this jacket.
It’s superbly well made, quality exudes from every breathable pore of it’s being and the minimal design means it’s the definition of the stylish jacket perfect for on and off the bike. Reflective patches feature on the shoulders but are designed in such a way they fit the design perfectly. It’s not short of a pocket or 5 and best of all is the zip on the sleeve – ideal for access whilst pedalling. The 2 main pockets either side at the lower half of the jacket are finally tailored and are magentically sealed. There is pockets at the rear – an open one for quick access and a zipped one for more valuable cargo.

A real nice touch is the fold back sleeves with reflective patches underneath which really helps being seen signalling in the dark (I really must remember to use them next time) also another nice touch is the fold out splash guard at the bottom of the back of the jacket a must for wet roads to protect one’s posterior from grime and slime. As with the main pockets this is magnetically sealed. I must say I’m not at all convinced by magnetic seals – the collar too closes that way and I find it always opening and the splash guard always falling down. I think this is down to personal preference in the end though, but I would prefer a clip or trusty Velcro. Still it does give the jacket an identity and a very nifty idea when it comes to functional areas on a jacket, although I think it works a lot better on the Cleverhood rain cape.
The magnetic seals aside this shouldn’t and doesn’t take away that buying the Vulpine softshell is a fantastic investment and one that you will not regret. At £170 (although around £40 cheaper at Cycle Surgery) that seems a very good price for a jacket that comfortably achieves the majority of what you need from a cycling jacket. In fact most commuters/cyclists will never need another jacket as this stylish piece of cycling clothing is a great coat for about town and meeting friends (providing you keep the splash guard clipped up).

So I add my plaudits to the pack – superlatives aplenty – this is an excellent, very well made stylish cycling jacket – you’d be hard pushed to find many better. Bravo.
You can buy the Vulpine softshell jacket for £170 from the Vulpine shop or from Cycle Surgery for £131.42.

The post Vulpine Softshell Jacket – Review appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

There are so many types of jackets that have the functionality required for a cycling journey. Some fare better than others in certain categories. There are the jackets that are functional kings but are luminous green others are stylish champions but a few minutes of rain turns them into a soggy mess. On the whole there is a growing range of jackets that do a great functional job whilst looking quite handsome on one’s person as their pedal powered adventures ensue.

One of the very best I’ve come across is the Muxu Town Jacket. Designed in Barcelona and under the tagline Urban cycling apparel for a Life by Bike – the Muxu Town Jacket is billed as a mid to light weight coat – in the colder weathers it does need a good midlayer underneath but it’s’s actually got a good substance and weight to it and is pretty much perfect on it’s own for every season bar the winter months and this crazy spring cold we’re having at the moment. The Muxu Town Jacket is the definition of stylish cycling gear. What makes it so appealing is all the function elements are kind of added very nonchalantly about the coat.

A fitted cut to the jacket means it follows the contours of the body nicely so sits just right. The back tapers only slightly so you may want to think of mud guards as there’s no “booty” protection as such. However this adds to the appealing look of the jacket – it’s excellently well made, absolutely first class carrying a design that doesn’t have the same feel or look as a lot of other cycling jackets. I believe this is down to the minimum features added on, it’s just a simple well made jacket. Storage is kept to a minimum on the outside with a few more pockets on the inside because let’s be honest a commuter really doesn’t need so many pockets. Thus it adds to the sleekness and versatility of the jacket – like the single gear bike – less can go wrong.

Very cleverly the jacket has been designed with drop shoulder seams at the back to aid with carrying a bag – another nod to the commuter cyclist. Low level light riding is aided by a small flap that folds down from the bottom of the back of the jacket revealing a reflective strip. This is held in place by 4 hidden magnets – which I found are a bit too much as it kept re-magnetising with the strip folding back up – it’s a nice idea though.

On the cuffs are reflective strips which you can unbutton and re-button the other way around to hide the strips when you’re about the town however they’re so inoffensive and a nice highlight feature of the jacket that I rarely do this. Speaking of the cuffs they’re a little longer so they have a nice fit when you’re grasping your handlebars.

The coat is a dark grey with a dash of navy mixed in so fashionably blends in with ease around the high street. A zip high neck which is nice and comfy again not too close and not too loose sporting the Muxu logo in a small blue roundel on the left collar.

The Muxu Town jacket is made from a water resistant material meaning it can survive time in the rain, a lot of time to be exact and it dries pretty quickly too. There are 2 invisible vents that you can unzip to aid breathability just above the 2 main pockets at the front of the jacket hidden so well that you could miss them at first wear – I like this as it all adds to the minimal sleek lines of this fabulous cycling jacket. The front pockets have zips to secure the contents and the fold over flaps have a nice dash of blue either side to just give them a little extra lift and a nod to the Muxu brand. There’s a pocket around the back that’s got super strong velcro which makes it a little tricky to use when cycling but good for security reasons.

The sizing is good – I got the size up and it gives me the room to comfortably fit a few layers underneath as I feel the cold. If you’re a regular human being and only need 1 or 2 layers then your standard size will do you fine.

All being said it’s a truly wonderful coat the Muxu Town jacket. It’s minimal features and design make it easy on the eye. The quality of the build will mean it will last you a fair few years – it even came away unscathed during a recent fall from a tree (don’t ask) it’s got the function to make it a great near all year round jacket. It’s a discerning choice and a great choice and is one of the more reasonably priced jackets at £120.

Fit: 9/10
Function: 7/10
Style: 9/10
Value for Money: 8/10
Quality: 9/10

Overall: 42/50

You can buy the Muxu Town Jacket from Always Riding for £120

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Georgia in Dublin – Stylish Cycling Gear & Accessories

Irish company Georgia in Dublin have made it their aim to look stylish on the bike whether it’s a tad drizzly or a major deluge. Highly functional cycling clothing is the key behind their product and Georgia in Dublin is dedicated to providing gear that has dual uses of function and style. More so aimed at the ladies than the chaps at the moment Georgia in Dublin believe that the rain shouldn’t stop a girl looking her chic best as she pedals through the deluged streets on her way to wherever it is she’s going and as such sell a carefully selected choice of gear and accessories aimed at making sure your style doesn’t suffer the same fate as the weather.

We take a little look at what Georgia in Dublin has to offer.

The Dublette Expandable Rain Jacket — €180

The Dublette is an elegant waterproof jacket designed to expand over a backpack and/or bulky clothing. When the bungees on the back and down the sleeves are tightened the Dublette takes on its most elegant form with a fishtail swing at the back.

The Dorothy Basket Cover — €20

Pretty bike basket cover, a drawstring bag for lights, leggits etc, a saddle cover if need be and a helmet cover if you dare!

Leggits — €50

Overshoes with style! Simply pop the Leggits over your shoes and boots, flats and heels. Say Hi! to visibility and bye to sodden jeans and spoiled shoes! The beauty of these overshoes is even if it’s not raining or dark they still can be worn as funky boots!

The Rainwrap — €55 — DC Favourite

Combat the rain with this wrap around rain skirt. A perfect alternative to waterproof trousers the Rainwrap is blissfully easy to take on and off without the palaver of pulling over shoes.

Editor’s note — yes like this one, functional and stylish at the same time. Win, win!

The Hustle & Bustle Rain Jacket — €190

The Hustle & Bustle jacket is the beautifully tailored Rainwrap’s other half! Comfortable and versatile you can wear it anywhere and always feel elegant and unintimidated by impending gloomy weather!

Editor’s note — great individually styled coat, won’t appeal to all but certainly a chic number that sets you apart from the crowd.

Georgia in Dublin have a great idea behind them and as the company grows we’re bound to see product lines increase and more stylish cycling gear to help us all look good in the rain.

Visit the Georgia in Dublin site for more details and more rain protective clothing and accessories.

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It’s getting to the time of year where we can shed a layer or two. Where the woolly hat is replaced with the cycling cap, the winter gloves no longer need the liner that provided such strong back up during those colder January days; one thing does remain constant all year round though, and that’s the trusty base layer. The faithful friend who will stay by your side and provide comfort, warmth but also play it cool when you need it too – if you’re looking for a base layer to call a good friend then Vulpine have created the perfect candidate.

The long sleeve merino t-shirt, although not billed as a base layer has everything and more you could want from one. It’s a very simple, magnificently effective and extremely well crafted top. It’s made from 100% New Zealand merino wool and a tough little fella, built to last and it will fast become a smart piece of cycling clothing to be proud of. The fit is just right although with the majority of cycling gear I find it a good idea to go the size up for that just nice fit – you know not too tight, not too big and you can rest assured that the size guide on the site will see you right.

The Vulpine long sleeve merino t-shirt comes superbly packaged and accompanied with the traditional Vulpine mussette which is a fantastic little addition to your purchase as it’s quite a good little bag to carry assorted goodies around. Moving straight along – the t-shirt will quickly become a second skin when you put it on and is possible the most comfortable base layer/t-shirt I own. I don’t think it came off for a week. Of course this was to test the anti-bacterial nature of the fabric (you believe me, right?) Okay by day six it had gone above and beyond it’s natural capabilities but days one to five were stink free and yes that is with cycling involved.

As with everything Vulpine do the top is cut for the main activity that is so ingrained in the Vulpine philosophy with a cut to fit the cyclist bod. Longer back and arms to keep chills out and vanity in check. There’s the oh so traditional pocket at the back which is kept closed by a nice little button engraved with the Vulpine name. The pocket is a nice touch and is there for the bike dwellers who don’t feel the cold as much as me so whilst I have not and will probably never use it. It’s nice to know you can chuck your phone or keys in there if you’ve got a quick cycle ride to undertake without weighing down every trouser pocket you have.

The Vulpine merino t-shirt was the first line of defense during the cold months and teamed up with a midlayer, fleece and jacket – the cold, cold, cold days didn’t both my torso at all (can’t say the same for my legs – looking forward to the merino onesie guys) as the weather has changed course towards a more temperate level the fleece has gone and even the midlayer has had a few moments left in the bag. I can’t fault the t-shirt at all. It just does what a merino top is expected to do and then some.

It comes in two colours, blue and grey and has a reflective strip along the pocket to help with visibility as it gets a bit late. The look of the t-shirt as I’ve said is quite simple so it goes with pretty much everything apart from suits and office wear but you can still look quite, quite smart with it. Mixed with a blazer and smart jeans you’ve got a little advantage on everyone who’s on a night out in the chilly weather (I know because I’ve done this) there is a long sleeve polo available from Vulpine but this collar-less piece of stylish cycling clothing is the one for me, it’s more adaptable as a fashion piece and functional as a cyclewear peice.

Everything that can possibly have been considered has been considered with this top. Simply put it’s brilliant. I defy anybody to not keep this on for at least 3 days and not enjoy the comfortable feeling it gives you.

It’ll cost you £69.99 to get your hands on one and in merino wool tops terms that’s very good, especially when you consider how well this thing is put together and how good it is at it’s job. To sum it up, it’s possibly one of the best merino tops I’ve tried and will do you proud for this and many a year. Most discerning.

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It seems when most companies who produce smart cycling clothes start up they usually bring out a jersey/t-shirt as one of their first pieces, understandable it’s a key stable in the diet of cyclewear. Union 34 have mixed it up though and have no t-shirt in their startup range but have instead opted for a more formal approach in a traditional looking shirt. The Paragon Long Sleeve Shirt is a very smart looking shirt but has nods all around to cycling as you would expect from the Union 34 line.

It comes in 2 colours and is made of Nylon and Spandex so it’s got that stretch in it to give you the best possible movement whilst cycling. This does give it a totally different feel from normal shirts – which are mostly cotton. This is quite interesting really, would cotton and dash of spandex be an idea for future shirts Union 34 could offer? Of course Nylon has the great features of being strong and resilient. Whilst the feel of the fabric is a little unusual at first it’s certainly very comfortable and the fit is just right all over.

The shirt has further functional aspects. It’s moisture wicking and quick drying, ideal for longer commutes so you don’t turn up to work or the pub having to dish out pegs for other people’s noses. The yoke along the shoulders at the back is also vented to help keep you cool as you briskly pedal along to your destination.

Union 34 have gone out of there way here to give this shirt so much useful functions that a cyclist will appreciate being there. It’s fantastic to see them take the dress shirt and ‘cycle-fy’ it, further features include reflective strips when you turn the cuffs and collar up and it’s longer cut at the back to hide your modesty whilst you’re cycling. With the use of Nylon it’s got a higher stain resistance than a normal shirt would have so again ideal for the urban cyclist. It’s also got a slim cut which means it’s not too tight and not too big so works well tucked in or left out.

Being long sleeve is a nice idea too I feel, making it a more adaptable for situations on the bike. If there’s a bit of a chill or a light bit of rain then the sleeves go down. If it’s warmer then easily roll them up. The shirt will not last long in anything above a light drizzle of rain but it’s quick drying properties will help you not look a soggy mess all day at work. Certainly a late spring to early autumn piece on it’s own but of course all it’s functionaly properties mean’s it’s perfect for the layering system us cyclists employ.

Union 34 do say this shirt is office ready, whilst I do think it’s great for nearly every situation and would not look a miss in many a work place it probably isn’t the shirt you’d wear for a suit and tie job and this is mainly due to the colours it’s available in and the pocket just off with the button line. The colours available are black and grey, which is probably to dark for the aforementioned very smart office job. Plus the concealed pocket isn’t quite concealed enough for me to get away with and actually takes away a bit of the smart look of the shirt. A range of lighter colour shirts would probably test my opinion there and I hope to see more variations in the future.

To focus on the pocket on the shirt, instead of the standard round the back pocket you find on most cycling clothing Union 34 have kept the style and look of a dress shirt in mind and tweaked with the top pocket convention. Located just off the botton line at the same height you’d find the usual top pocket of a shirt. On the Union 34 Paragon Long Sleeve Shirt the pocket has been designed for easy access from the side so you can easily reach inside if you need to whilst you’re still moving along as you cycle. This for me took a while to get used to but now I have I think it’s a smart little addition to a smart piece of cycle clothing. Not the only pocket though, down the left hand side of the shirt is a small well concealed zip pocket ideal for a few extra things. Part of me thinks this is pocket too far and Union 34 would of been best to stop with just the one at the front but it does mean you have a extra bit of storage.

The price as usual with cyclewear is a point for discussion at £69.99 you’re certainly paying a lot for a shirt but to be considered is the fact that you’re practically buying 2 pieces in one and also getting quite a unique piece of clothing in the cycling world. There aren’t that many companies doing shirts and the one’s who are Union 34 are amongst the cheapest.

All in all the Union 34 Paragon Long Sleeve Shirt is a welcome addition to the urban cycling clothing world. Offers a fantastic stylish look that works brilliantly for on & off the bike. In Union 34’s own words stylish street-smart apparel.

Fit: 8/10
Function: 8/10
Style: 8/10
Value for Money: 7.5/10
Quality: 8/10

Overall: 39.5/50

You can get the Union 34 Paragon Long Sleeve Shirt from the Union 34 shop for £69.99

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