More information
For more information and to view the full range, visit www.craft.com and for your convenience, you can also order their clothing online from, http://www.cwcycles.co.za/
Winter cycling gear
12 June 2015
INDEX OF CONTENT
ARTICLE
Words: Hannele Steyn
Contributor:
In this article I'm going to take a look at cycling gear and what we should be training in during the cold and wet winter months. This will be the first of a series of informative articles on Craft's new and functional training wear that will hit South African shelves.
I am sponsored by and ride for the Chris Willemse team, which is one of Craft’s big outlets. I am also very fortunate to be an ambassador for Craft, a Swedish brand that specialises in clothing for endurance sports where performance and comfort are crucial for a good result. Working closely with elite athletes and constantly developing new materials and technical solutions, Craft offers cutting-edge training and competition apparel. So as a Craft ambassador, not only do I get to look good when I am out on the bike but I also get to test the products and give you some feedback on all the new and innovate Craft sportswear range.
One of the reasons why I am also so excited about being a Craft ambassador is because of what the brand stands for, which is so aptly described in the company’s strapline: CRAFT is a product of sweat and pain, of snow and rain, of falling and rising and the euphoria when pushing the endurance limits!
I can relate to that because for optimum performance you need the correct clothing. Just ask anyone who has spent eight days competing in the Cape Epic in inferior cycling shorts or had to ride in the pouring rain with a non-water-resistant rain jacket. Even if they were fit and rode well, I can assure you that their experience would not have been a pleasant one.
In South Africa, we are very lucky with our weather, especially winter, because it never really get as cold as it does overseas. By 10 a.m., it usually warms up a little, whereas in Europe the temperature remains pretty low throughout the day. For example, when I train on the weekend in winter, I usually start at 7.30 a.m., when it is still quite cold, but I know that within a few hours it is going to be warm. If I overdress, I'm going to be uncomfortable and could even dehydrate. If I put on too few layers or take off too many there’s a chance of getting sick. In addition, there’s always the problem of where to put all the clothes I’ve taken off because my pockets are not big enough, especially with all the food I carry on a long ride ☺. What’s needed are clothes that can keep you warm when it is cold, but are easy enough to remove and carry when the temperatures rise.
Elite bib
Layering
To ensure you don’t overheat, you need to layer correctly and your base layers (vests) must be of a good-enough quality to keep your body warm and dry, even if you perspire. They call this ‘outwet’ fabric, which pushes the moisture out, while keeping the heat in.
Ideally, you need an in-between, cold-warm-temperature kit. Craft has looked at this and included a high-summer to high-winter season kit, as well as in-between season kit, in its extensive range of sportswear.
• Base layer – This layer transports the moisture away from the body to the outside of the garment, where it either evaporates or is passed to the next layer.
• Mid layer – This layer keeps you warm without reducing body movement, by transporting excess moisture and warmth into the surrounds or to the next layer.
• Outer or third layer – This outermost layer protects against the elements, keeping you comfortable and warm no matter the conditions – and you won’t overheat.
What’s really great about these layers is that they are made of fabric that, once removed, can be folded up really small and will fit easily into your pocket.
Water-resistant jacket
The water-resistant rain jacket can almost be used as a bucket to carry water - without spilling. It has sealed seams, so no rain gets in there. This is one item you don’t want to be without when heading out to a race or training when rain is predicted.
Winter gloves
When it comes to winter gloves, I have tried a number of different types to keep my hands warm, with little success. That is until I discovered Craft’s storm gloves, which are snug on the inside and come with a wind chill and water-protected shell on the outside. The design is slim looking and doesn’t look like a puffed up, wannabe winter glove. These gloves are fantastic.
Warmers
Their arm-, knee- and leg warmers are the softest and most comfortable I have felt in all my 25 years of cycling. The warmers are nice and light and have a lot of stretch, and even though they are made of a very thin fabric, they are really warm.
Women’s bib shorts
The new Glow Big Shorts are made especially for women and feature a hook-bib closure, a world’s first, which you can loosen when nature calls. Not only does this eliminate the need to take off any clothing but it also turns a pit stop into a quick and hassle-free routine. It has a guard at the top so that the bands don’t fall over to the front. Clever thinking and something all of us women have been asking for.
Knickerbocker cycling pants
Another long-awaited garment for women is the knickerbocker cycling pants, which cover the knees. Although not a bib, the pants have a relaxed elastic over the tummy.
Shirts
Although it is still winter, I couldn’t wait to tell you about the new summer cycling shirts. Made of the very latest fabric from overseas, the shirt only weighs about 5 grams. It fits like a second skin and almost feels like you are not wearing anything.
Funky casual wear
Besides the fact that Craft’s cycling clothing range is not only functional but also awesome looking, its casual wear is funky and in-line with the latest fashion craze.
Craft rain jacket