The Radavist

John Watson picks up this series we began with Ryan Wilson during the pandemic. Consider this a shout out to our favorite small businesses in the cycling industry. Here are some of John’s personal picks.

Small businesses are the foundation of the outdoor industry and many have been seriously impacted by the pandemic over the last couple of months. While money is understandably tight for a significant portion of people, if you do have the means and are dreaming up your next bike trip or local ride, I wanted to offer up a few suggestions for gear that I believe is worthy of investing in from some of my favorite small businesses in the industry.

I’ve been wearing the short sleeve version of this shirt for a few weeks now and my only complaint is it wasn’t a long sleeve! I love long sleeve shirts for summer riding since the material wicks sweat and keeps the sun off my arms. Luckily, today ORNOT announced the long sleeve trail shirt, which is made in the USA, made from recycled yarn, is climate neutral, and gives 1% for the planet. These shirts are in stock now for $60. Head to ORNOT to see more.

In what looks like a wardrobe selection from a cycling-themed episode of Saved by the Bell, Smith just dropped a fun and playful pack, inspired by 1980s graphics. The “Wild” pack is part safari, part party, and all serious protection. With an entire road kit, bottles, goggles, sunglasses, storage kegs, and mountain helmet, the “Wild” kit has got to be the loudest on the market right now. Check it out at Smith.

Save big with Mission Workshop’s digital warehouse sale going on right now. This includes their bombproof apparel, bags, and accessories. Typically these deals are only available in person at their physical location but with the pandemic, they’ve shifted to a digital format. Head on over to Mission Workshop to see what kind of deals they’re listing.

Please note, all sales are final!

Handup Gloves just announced their Spring 2020 lineup filled with fun designs on their signature gloves, socks, and jerseys. Looking to the loud and vibrant colors of the 1980’s and beyond. Head on over to Handup Gloves check out their offerings.

Inspired by the Outskirts’ trip to Vietnam, their new collection from Rapha includes tie-dyed garments including a Wind Jacket, Cargo Bibs, Longsleeve Tees, and cycling caps.

Each piece in the catalog is unique, due to the dying process and the entire collection is now live on Rapha, so head over to check it out.

Fans of Rivendell are well aware that the brand does much more than make comfortable and classic bikes for cruising, touring, and exploring. Their clothing over the years have been legendary, so while a blind apparel pre-order might be scary in some sectors, you can rest assured that Rivendell knows what they’re doing. Check out their Cheviot Wool Sweater pre-order for more information.

ORNOT knows not everyone wants to kit up for every bike ride and their latest launch reflects that with a whole catalog of technical tees, sweatshirts, and shorts. Their Merino Sweatshirt utilizes Polartec Power Wool, their Tech Tees use Drirelease fabrics, which dry four times faster than cotton, and their Mission Shorts are constructed to give you plenty of movement while on and off the bike. See the whole impressive, made in San Francisco lineup at ORNOT.

Photos by Arthur Alvarez

Danish brand Pas Normal Studios have been making waves in the cycling apparel and accessories world since their launch with their minimal designs and precision fit. Today, we look inside their new Pop Up in San Francisco and gain more information inside this clean, minimal, yet beautiful space. Read on below.

Cascada is an all-road apparel company specializing in base layers, caps, and accessories like this Wolfpack Bandana, which really caught my eye. Head on over to Cascada to check out their other offerings!

Podia parodies the ‘suffering’ films in cycling with their own ‘Solitude and Supharing’ video.

The colorful country of Morocco is the backdrop for Pedaled’s equally as colorful Heiko collection. Head over to Pedaled to see more photos of this trip and the products.

CIVIC, Taylor Stitch‘s movement-oriented line of apparel designed for your active life has kindly offered to run a complete kit giveaway here on the Radavist. It only takes a few seconds to sign up for and the prizes are well worth the time it’ll take you to enter, so check out all the details below. Thanks so much to CIVIC, and all the giveaway partners for pulling this together!

French cycling apparel label Café du Cycliste take us on a wondrous spin through the Cols de la Bonette, Moutière and Lombarde, showcasing their 2017 Winter looks for men and women.

For those cold mountain descents and all-day winter rides, Café du Cycliste has designed the Albertine, a synthetic down cycling vest, made from Primaloft Active to provide a mix of insulation and extreme breathability. I’ve used a similar product for years and believe it or not, you’ll want to wear it more than you’d think. Check out more at Café du Cycliste.

One of my favorite road apparel companies is Café du Cycliste and this year, their spring offerings for men and women deliver both on functionality and aesthetics. Check out their offerings for yourself.

Five years ago, Cadence teamed up with 686 Apparel to produce winter riding gear, including an insulated hoodie and rain jacket. This year, they’re back at it with an updated design and new colors. The collection is now live at Cadence, so head over to check it out.

Any time cycling and the outdoor industry begins to blur its lines in terms of product design, I get a little excited. When it’s executed like this, I get stoked. The new Café du Cycliste winter line looks amazing. Check out the rest at their High Comfort look book!