When some members of Coach started cycling to work, they treated it as a workout – going hell for leather on the straights, pedalling faster as they approached green lights and attacking hills in heavy gears. While they did get fitter, this was a pretty dumb idea. They needed extra time at work to cool down and shower the sweat off; faster does not equal safer during rush hour; and they found it wasn’t sustainable for five days in a row (they didn’t get that much fitter).
Now that they’ve slowed down, word is that it’s become a much more pleasant experience and hardly takes them any longer. Plus, there’s no need to carry a massive bag that holds a complete change of clothes. But regular work clothes don’t always work for cycling: certain low-rise jeans, for instance, lend themselves to revealing far too much of the nether regions for our – or anyone else’s – tastes.
Step forward Gant, the clothing label that’s known for its preppy aesthetic and Oxford shirts. It’s launched a 16-piece Get In Gear cycling collection for casual urban cyclists who want to hop straight off the bike and be ready to walk into work or a social occasion.
The line combines sophisticated design with comfort and technical details. For instance, the commuter blazer (£295) is made from breathable, waterproof fabric with laser-cut ventilation under the arm opening and reflective details, while the fitted denim button-down shirt (£150) is made from a stretchy soft cotton Oxford fabric and features articulated sleeves for enhanced mobility and comfort. More importantly, both look sharp.
The slim-fit jeans (£125) have reflective details on the insides of the hems which reveal themselves when the legs are rolled up, as well as a water-repellant treatment and the all-important higher waistband.
The collection also includes a limited-edition track commuter bike (£711.59) by Swedish manufacturer BIKEID, which features some very cool details in the form of a smartphone front mount, five LED rear lights built into the seat post and a mudguard that rolls up into itself.
Browse the collection at gant.co.uk/gant-get-into-gear
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