Biking is increasingly becoming a year round sport and brands are quickly catching on to the trend. Whether fat biking, mountain biking, cycling, or even just bike commuting, cold weather gear that offers warmth yet remains highly breathable is crucial. For Fall 2015, Vaude created an entire line of versatile winter bike layering pieces to keep you riding happy year round.
The highlight of the Vaude winter bike collection is the Hybrid Softshell with Primaloft Insulation (pictured top). Divided into three zones, the outer softshell fabric with water repellent finish and inner fleece liner remain the same throughout.
Zone 1: In the chest and shoulder area, a 100% windproof and waterproof membrane is integrated between the outer and inner materials to protect the parts of your body most exposed while riding–blocking out wind and moisture. This zone also features 40 grams of extremely lightweight PrimaLoft Silver Insulation Eco to keep your upper body warm.
Zone 2: The lower segments at the front and back are also equipped with a membrane yet have no insulation. This retains the weather protection performance; however the insulation is eliminated as these areas are less sensitive to cold and require no additional heat retention.
Zone 3: The upper back and underarm area features only outer and inner materials–without a membrane and without any insulation. This serves to enhance the breathability and elasticity of the material. The jacket follows your every move and allows sweat moisture to quickly evaporate outward when mountain biking at high speeds.
To go along with the jacket, Vaude created two different pant pieces. The MTB Softshell Morzine Zip-Off Pants provide versatility in more mild conditions. The softshell pants feature zip-off legs to help you transition through changing seasons or even through daily conditions.
The Alphapro Bib Pants feature highly breathable yet warm Polartec Alpha insulation at the thighs, knees, and sensitive kidney region. Underneath the knees and at the back of the legs, the stretchy Vuelta material guarantees a close fit and superb comfort. A performance chamois ensures great riding comfort and optimal shock-absorption in the saddle.
The Vaude winter bike line makes me want to plan a fat biking trip as soon as possible.