Shimano has teased its latest round of winter kit, just as winter is coming to an end in the Northern Hemisphere. Ranging from the world tour level S-Phyre gear to the commuter-friendly Explorer range, there's plenty of clothing on offer to keep you warm no matter your budget.
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S-Phyre winter range
The S-Phyre clothing debuted just before this year’s Tour Down Under with the first round of high-performance road gear designed to not only be lightweight on the scales but also to excel in the heat.
Or as Bas Stamsnijder, sports marketing officer for soft goods told BikeRadar, "We want to make sure they (the LottoNL-Jumbo riders) have something that they can look at the other riders and go ehhhhh," making a nose horn gesture.
New for the range is Shimano's own take on the Gabba jersey, a long sleeve winter top with an anatomical aerodynamic cut. While some rain jerseys opt for a three-layer fabric with a waterproof membrane, it appears Shimano has instead gone for a simple DWR coated material similar to Rapha's Shadow range.
While this method allows the fabric to breath better than a membrane would, DWR treatments wear away over time, greatly accelerated by laundry detergent.
The interior of the jersey is quilted to better retain heat, while the extra high fleece lined neck and drop tail with reflective detailing should offer added protection from the elements.
For a bit of added temperature control, Shimano has also added laser cut micro-vents in the side panels and shoulders. Shimano also says the S-Phyer Winter Jersey has deep pockets including a waterproof zippered pocket and looped pocket to keep your valuables safe. This wet weather protection doesn't come cheap, though, priced at $299. UK and AU pricing are to be announced.
Shimano also has your bottom half covered with the S-Phyre bib tights. The tights themselves are made from three neoprene layers with fleece inserts on the stomach and kidney areas, as well as a high cut on the back and chest for ultimate insulation.
With the high chest and back, there is a front zipper so when nature calls you’re not shedding all your layers to take care of business. The tights also feature an anatomical knee construction, high vis calf option, ankle zipper, Shimano’s new split swallowtail four-layer shock absorbing chamois and is set to cost $319. Shimano will also release a chamois free version as well for $269. AU and UK pricing are to be announced.
S-Phyre accessories
Also in the range is Shimano's new winter base layer, a seamless one piece doubled knitted undershirt with a mesh panel up the spine to allow excess body heat to escape. Set to retail for $90, UK and AU pricing are to be announced.
To keep your digits from becoming icicles Shimano is also introducing a long cuff winter glove. Said to be ‘extremely stretchable’ the gloves are double lined with Neoprene and "Titanium-α upper layers" as well as PrimaLoft synthetic insulation to keep the cold at bay. The palms are made with synthetic leather, and the thumb and index finger are touchscreen compatible. There’s a nose wipe on the thumb, too, and the gloves are set to cost £TBC / $100 / AU$TBC
Also in the range are shoe covers designed around Shimano's S-Phyre RC9 shoe. Shimano says you can make BOA adjustments through the three-layer stretchable Neoprene waterproof cover. The shoe covers are set to retail for £TBC / $80 / AU$TBC and the toe covers for £TBC / $35 / AU$TBC. The whole range of S-Phyre winter kit will be available in early September.
Shimano Performance range
Sitting just below the flagship S-Phyre range is Shimano's more budget friendly Performance collection. For now, the brand hasn't actually announced specific products but is teasing what's to come. Here are the highlights:
- To match the Performance range winter tights launched in 2016, Shimano will be filling out the lineup with men’s and women’s long sleeve jersey and jackets that utilise 3M Thinsulate fabrics, mid-back ventilation areas, reflective detailing, brushed linings as well as what Shimano is calling "Next Generation Metallic Thermal Tech."
- Six new gloves: 3M Thinsulate, Gore Windstopper or Goretex waterproof technology, Poron palm padding for shock absorption, touch screen compatibility, reflective details, plus long-, mid- or short-cuff designs for wind, cold and rain.
- Four new shoe covers provide varying degrees of warmth and waterproofing with features like tight Velcro closures, fully taped seams, reflective panels, and multiple layers of "coated waterproof."
- Two new winter socks, with thick pile fabrics for heat retention with foot bridge cushioning, padded arch panels and left and right asymmetric designs that Shimano says reduces foot fatigue similar to the S-Phyre Long socks.
Shimano's Explorer range
While a lot of the focus goes onto Shimano’s high-performance gear, the brand has also announced additions to it’s casual and commuter Explorer collection.
The Explorer Hardshell Jacket (£TBC / $160 / AU$TBC) features a fleece-lined high neck, detachable hood with snap lock collar, pit zips, zippered pockets and Dryshield coating to keep the wet on the outside.
Also new are the men’s and women’s Transit Softshell jackets (£TBC / $140 / AU$TBC) and Transit Fleece Jerseys (£TBC / $85 / AU$TBC). Both see chest and rear pockets, cuffs designed to play nice with gloves and a casual styling which Shimano says looks at home on the bike or at the coffee shop.
Made of made windproof, water repellent and breathable fabrics the Transit Softshell Pants (£TBC / $140 / AU$TBC) are technical to keep you comfy on your commute but stylish if you're not keen on Lyrca. They're available in two colourways and in men’s or women’s versions.
For the hardiest of autumn/winter commuters, the Explorer Rain Jacket (£TBC / $100 / AU$TBC) and Rain Pants ( (£TBC / $90 / AU$TBC) offer Dryshield technology with Velcro flaps, adjustable cuffs, high visibility designs and handy carrying pouches. The Explorer line-up is complete with matching gloves and rucksacks.