Two for Tuesday: Pedal Ed & Bontrager
From Issue 91
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PEDAL ED TOKAIDO ALPHA JACKET
The PEdAL ED Tokaido Alpha Jacket was born out of the need for versatility on ultra-long-distance bikepacking events, such as Europe’s Transcontinental Race and Kyrgyzstan’s Silk Road Mountain Race. From mountain peaks to cold desert stretches, this jacket is ready for the winter months. It features Polartec Alpha fabric, which regulates core temperature both during activity and at rest. In the back, two large cargo pockets haul along anything you need quick access to. And when not needed, the whole jacket packs into a tiny pocket, taking up no more than a jersey pocket’s worth of space. That’s an incredible amount of warmth in a small package. You’ll want this piece along on any journey where temperatures are expected to dip. $264; pedaled.com
BONTRAGER RHYTHM MOUNTAIN GLOVE
While we’re split here between glove wearers and hand naturalists for road riding, we at least all agree on wearing gloves off-road, preferably the full-finger variety. It’s as much about alleviating the vibrations of a long day of riding as it is an insurance policy against road rash. Breathable enough for hot days while still offering rugged protection, Bontrager’s Rhythm Mountain gloves are a great choice for gravel. With precurved fingers and stretchy AX Suede Quattro palms, the fit is close and comfortable. Plus, they help out with more than just making the ride a little bit cushier and protected. Silicone grippers ensure your fingers stay in contact with the brake levers when you need them the most. And because operating almost any GPS or smartphone today requires using a touch screen, the touch-screencompatible index fingers and thumbs are less a luxury and more a necessity. $55; trekbikes.com