Shimano channels urban and road minimalism in new Spring/Summer clothing collection

New Performance clothing, ‘Transit’ city and mountain touring clothing, daypacks and cycling shoes for spring 2017

Unveiled at the Outdoor Show in Friedrichshafen this week (13-16 July) Shimano’s new clothing line up is designed to appeal to both the performance rider and the city commuter or day trip explorer with a wide array of cycling-specific shorts, jerseys, shirts, daypacks and backpacks, gloves and sunglasses. 

At both ends of the cycling spectrum the new line up is a significant shift for Shimano’s clothing. The new Performance clothing range and eyewear matches Shimano’s ambitions to create the world’s most technologically advanced cycling solutions. On the other hand the Transit range, together with complementary accessories, takes its inspiration from daily cyclists all over the world with hidden cycling functionality, innovative technology and practical features for wearing on and off the bike.

PERFORMANCE: Subtle, sophisticated style

Developed with the idea of creating subtle sophistication, the Performance line-up of Breakaway, Hot Condition, Mirror Cool and Escape jerseys offer a clean, stylish and thoughtfully designed alternative to replica team clothing, now with women´s options too. 

Keeping cool in the summer is a big feature of the fabrics with moisture transfer and quick drying properties. In particular the new Mirror Cool jersey uses an advanced fabric finish that works to reflect the sun’s heat, keeping you up to 3°c cooler than standard unprocessed polyester fabrics and allowing you to preserve your energy, even during long hot rides in the sun. New matching performance eyewear (S52R), gloves and socks (tall, mid, low and no-show) complete the line-up. 

EXPLORER - TRANSIT: Fit vs Function vs Form

Shimano’s Explorer line up has now been expanded to include the Transit city and Transit mountain touring range of apparel, gloves and bags. 

The Transit range was conceived around the three themes of design, comfort and safety, for either City riding or Mountain Touring, allowing you to retain your style on the cross-town commute or cresting that jagged peak. 

The lightweight Transit Windbreak jacket is one of the stand-out items with water repellent coating, adjustable waist and chest phone pocket. 

Men’s and women’s check shirts and casual polo shirts or jerseys with bike-specific cuts and discrete chest and/or rear pockets complete the upper body wear, all featuring odour regulating fabrics and UV protection. 

For the lower body, cycling-cut Transit Path shorts or trousers are water repellent and stretchy with deep front pockets and discrete reflectivity on rear pockets or roll-up trouser cuffs. Hands are taken care of too with matching Transit cycling mitts or long-finger gloves designed to work with touch-screen devices. 

In terms of technology, all items in the Transit range are treated with an anti-bacterial treatment called Silvadur. These clever little silver ions prevent you cooking up a stink after working up a sweat. And for dawn, dusk or nighttime riding, new Discrete Reflectivity works for commuting, working or playing. By day, all you’ll notice is the style and fit but by night, headlights and streetlights bring the fabric to life. 

For the feet, classically styled cycling shoes with perforated, breathable synthetic leather uppers are designed for walking comfort and compatibility with SPD pedals. 

The RT5 features three Velcro straps while the RT4 harks back to the classic era of cycling with lace-up styling and a simple closure for a snug and secure fit. At a similar level, new off-road MT5 and MT3 shoes are designed to satisfy your inner explorer with SPD compatibility, rugged exterior and practical off-the-bike walking or trekking comfort. For hot weather the SD5 SPD sandal gives you the option of securely clipping into your pedals and still having a cooling breeze on your toes. Both RT and MT models are available for men and women whilst the SD5 sandal is unisex. 

Travelling by bike requires some handy accessories too. Stylish new S23X and S22X sunglasses give you street-smarts for cruising around town with anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments, a hydrophobic water-repellent lens coating and full UV400 protection for your eyes. 

Finally, chances are you need to carry more than a few items with you around town or on your tour. For computers, papers, books, chargers, cords, jackets or gym clothes, the 17-litre or 23-litre Tokyo pack has a padded laptop pocket, document organizers and a grid of accessory-storage pockets. Complete with hi-viz rain cover, Discrete Reflectivity, water-resistant base, retention straps for helmets or locks, and an easy-close buckle with rolling closure up top, the Tokyo daypack complements the Transit line-up, allow you to turn every ride into an adventure.