Demand for street smart, performance cycling apparel has mushroomed in the past couple of seasons and these Bontrager commuter jacket and lightweight trousers raise the bar that little bit further thanks to superb, tailored cut, plentiful, yet discrete pockets and everyday practicality. Designed for three-season's (April to September) service, there's some trade off between climate control and weather protection but the Nylon/Polyester/Elastane mix feels surprisingly temperate when the mercury nudges twenty-three degrees, dries pretty quick following a sharp shower and embedded charcoal neutralises nasty niffs between low temperature machine washes. Scotchlite detailing is minimalist but effective and genuinely faithful to the civilian design brief. Pockets a plenty Will entertain compact cameras, phones, wallets and other everyday essentials without those unsightly, pronounced bulges while those at the hips mean hands stay cosy when mooching around town.
The trousers work to the same principle but are designed to be rolled up when riding a'la messenger knickers. this requires practice to avoid the " British tourist at the seaside" faux pas and while they've a double seat, undershorts are a must for anything other than the shortest hops across town. Detailing is every bit as comprehensive-there's an elasticated waist, belt loops, button closure, U lock caddy strap, two large butt pockets and two inch scotchlite reflectives on the turn ups. Roll them down and sashay past the boss, meet friends in town/for Sunday lunch without a single raised eyebrow. Better still, they're available for both genders.
Continuing our chic, casual theme come these Keen Arroyo SPD sandals courtesy of Karen at Karma communications. Enclosed toes and waterproof nubuck uppers coupled with the twin bolt recessed cleat drillings make extremely practical generic touring and trail companions while permitting that otherwise classic middle-aged man sandals with socks no-no. The soles are blissfully comfortable for walking, although there's some inevitable compromise with pedalling efficiency and engaging with the pedal's cleat mechanism felt a little remote to begin with but they're for recreation, not racing and I've really warmed to them over the past hundred miles at a steady 18mph. 
Shaun the sheep here wasn't nearly so impressed and clearly preferred old school merino threads. Bowling along the serene, deserted lanes, he sprung from nowhere into the middle of the road. Expecting a rampaging heard of cameloids to follow suit, I slowed to walking pace but his brethren stayed put...As did he, necessitating a deft release and foot-down. Eighty per cent of communication is non-verbal and it became very clear he'd take exception to my passing. A fellow rider approaching from the opposite direction was served a similarly stiff rebuke before said animal cantered back into the field and we beat a hasty retreat.
Sustained testing of the Green Oil White lube seems generally positive, although it does need more frequent reapplication with top ups called for every eighty or so miles-forty short of its petrochemical competitors in comparable conditions. However, convenient dimensions mean it sneaks conveniently inside the pannier ready to silence the dreaded tell-tale squeak.
After some close but no cigar moments, this nail varnish is the perfect shade for the Univega's tasty but tricky to retouch metallic red. Alas, the bottle seems unduly fragile so I've rushed the remaining contents to an alternative receptacle, taking note of the brand and colour for next time. 
Now, you'll excuse me while I order a fresh batch of those Kenda thorn resistant tubes since it appears puncture season has begun and I'm down to my last of the brand's ultra lightweight siblings which aren't so resilient to flints and other sneaky sharps...
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