Welcome to OPUMO's weekly roundup of our favourite shoppable finds. From menswear to design objects and everything in between, these are the pieces that have caught our eye over the past seven days.
Dark mornings, plummeting temperatures and sideways rain can make the sofa considerably more appealing than a run or ride. But with the right kit, there's no reason for your training to disappear along with the good weather. From insulating layers and weatherproof accessories to trail shoes built for mucky miles, here's what we'd want on our side through the so-called off-season.
Nike Stride Running Jacket
When the forecast looks questionable, a lightweight running shell can be the difference between getting out and quietly abandoning the whole idea. Nike's Stride jacket provides an extra line of defence against cold, wet and windy conditions during the off-season without lumbering you with a bulky layer you'll regret five minutes in. Plus, this hi-vis version makes you easy to spot in poor conditions and low light.
Soar Merino Silk Beanie
Running in a woolly hat sounds good until you're several kilometres in and cooking from the ears up. Soar's typically technical solution blends merino wool with silk to provide lightweight warmth and breathability, helping to take the sting out of chilly starts without leaving your head feeling like a boil-in-the-bag chicken.
Goldwin Compression Tights
Shorts weather can't last forever. When bare legs stop being an option, Goldwin's compression tights provide the coverage required to keep training comfortably through colder conditions. The close fit also makes them easy to layer beneath shorts or additional running gear when temperatures really begin to tumble.
Universal Colours Spectrum Merino Socks
Cold toes can ruin a winter ride surprisingly quickly. Universal Colours tackles the problem with merino wool, a natural fibre prized for its ability to insulate while managing moisture. These Spectrum socks bring those qualities to a cycling-specific design (in tie-dye colours, no less) that'll help keep feet comfortable as the mercury heads south.
Café du Cycliste Alexia Insulated Gilet
A gilet is one of the most useful bits of cycling kit once the seasons begin to turn. Café du Cycliste's Alexia adds insulation to the equation, providing extra warmth around the core without the bulk and restriction of a full jacket. Ideal for chilly descents, cold starts and those awkward in-between days.
Pas Normal Studios Hooded Base Layer
This is no ordinary base layer. Pas Normal Studios adds a windproof front and integrated hood to this thermal cycling piece, providing extra protection for two areas that take the brunt of the cold during off-season riding.
Mission Workshop X10 Toro Handlebar Bag
Off-season riding means carrying more stuff. Gloves, extra layers, food and the inevitable just-in-case waterproof all need somewhere to live, which is where Mission Workshop's Toro comes in. This compact handlebar bag provides easily accessible storage up front while keeping pockets free for the essentials. And it looks pretty good while doing it too.
MAAP Power Shield Gloves
Anyone who's tried operating brake levers with numb fingers will appreciate the value of decent winter gloves. MAAP's Power Shield pair is made to keep hands protected from cold and wind while retaining the dexterity required to actually control a bike. Consider them cheap insurance against frozen-finger misery.
Norda x Black Diamond 000 Trail Shoe
Roads aren't the only place to clock winter miles. Norda and Black Diamond's collaborative 000 is built for moving quickly over rough ground, combining Norda's trail-running know-how with Black Diamond's mountain pedigree. Exactly the sort of shoe that'll have you actively seeking out mud, rocks and bad weather.
On Winter Run Balaclava
There comes a point when a hat simply isn't enough. On's Winter Run Balaclava provides additional coverage for the head, neck and face when temperatures properly nosedive, with a close-fitting construction intended to keep the cold out without turning winter runs into an exercise in overheating.
