11/22/2008

Winter has arrived on the Shore. The skies have opened up, unleashing torrents of cold rain (and recently, snow) on the trails, the mystical clouds and fog once again are winding their way around the trees, and darkness is falling earlier and earlier every day. With the rain and pitch-black trails comes the need for special equipment - above and beyond the normal requirements for the Shore.

Cam and I have been checking out some new gear that will make your winter riding excursions more enjoyable. Here's a look at some of them...

Race Face Shuttle jacket
Words by Stuart Kernaghan

Race Face has been expanding its line of softgoods in the last few years, following the company's acquisition of the Roach brand. Not only can you get top-notch components from Race Face, you can now get gloves, shorts, jerseys, pants, armour, and jackets designed for serious use and abuse.

The Race Face Shuttle jacket was launched in '05 to provide riders with durable wet-weather gear that will keep them dry, while still taking a beating and providing enough room for upper body armour.

The jacket features 140g two-layer polyester fabric, 20000mm waterproof / 6000mm breathability rating, and DWR coating on the face laminated to a waterproof membrane. It's fully seam-sealed, pit zips provide ventilation, and a mesh lining protects the inside of the waterproof membrane. Storage on the jacket consists of low-profile cross-over chest pockets, waist-level pockets, and an internal MP3 player pocket with headphone cord routing. Finishing details include microfleece on the inside of the collar, shaped cuffs with laminated closure tabs, and waist drawstrings that you can cinch up with one hand.

The Shuttle jacket works in the snow as well as the rain || Photo: Cam McRae

Price for the Shuttle jacket is US$159 and CDN$199. If you're looking for a quality jacket but don't need room for armour, check out the Shore jacket from Race Face.

Cateye Double and Triple Shot lights
Words by Stuart Kernaghan
Night riding is generally fun. Night riding on the Shore is fun, too, but there's also a dose of insanity thrown in there for good measure. Skinnies that are challenging during the day can be downright dangerous at night - especially if you can't see them properly - so good lights are essential.

Cateye is generally known for making commuter lights and cycle computers, rather than high-powered lights, but the Japanese company has a lot of experience to draw on and a first look at the new Dual Shot and Triple Shot LED lights tell you they haven't cut corners.

The two lights use the same basic platform - a NiMH-powered LED light using what Cateye calls Opticube lens technology and a die-cast aluminum body. The Dual Shot has two beams and is designed to be mounted on a helmet or handlebars. The Triple has three beams, and is for handlebars only.

The Triple Shot (left) and Double Shot (right), complete with wiring and battery packs || Photo: Cam McRae

The Dual Shot LED produces 40% more light than a 10-watt halogen lamp with a focused spot beam, and has a claimed life of 100,000 hours. Burn time is five hours, thanks to the 12V battery. A long cord makes it possible to store the battery pack in a jersey pouch or hydration pack if you're mounting it on your helmet, or to attach it just about anywhere on your bike frame.

Other nice touches include a three-hour smart charger and locking cable connectors to prevent accidental blackouts. Weight for the Dual Shot is 645g, and it comes with all the hardware you'll need for oversized or regular handlebars, or helmet mounting.

The Triple Shot has most of the same features as the Double, with a third beam for added coverage. This light has the same brightness as a 20-watt halogen lamp, and a burn time of 3.3 hours. Like the Double Shot, the Triple comes in a durable neoprene bag with an elastic strap that enables you to mount the battery on your frame. The handlebar mounts will fit both 25.4mm and 31.8mm bars. Claimed weight for the Triple Shot is 710g.

As you might expect, lights like this are not cheap. On this side of the 49th, you'll be paying $599.99 for the Triple Shot and $539.99 for the Double.

Sombrio Vapor jacket
Words by Cam McRae

The Vapor is Sombrio’s ‘elite’ storm jacket.  The fabric is waterproof, breathable, and built for speed. 

It’s got a hood (which can be rolled up and stashed), a rear pocket mid-back and a small sleeve pocket that looks about right for an iPod and not much else; there are no pit zips or other pockets or straps.  This economical feature list makes the Vapor easily stowable in your hydration pack. Water seal zippers and taped seams will give you extra protection against winter’s burliest storms.  It’s also designed to be trim fitting so you won’t get hung up. Pricing for the Vapor is CDN$240, US$200, £120, and EU€179.

The Sombrio Vapor - stay dry, and blend in with the forest || Photo: © Sombrio

U.S. residents can purchase Sombrio online. If you're outside of Los Estados Unidos, check out the international dealer list. And as always, be sure to get the latest on the Sombrio Cartel.