Author
Bob Myaing
Photographer
Courtesy 66º North
Recently, the team behind the French cycling apparel brand Café du Cycliste paid a visit to Iceland. There to explore the island nation's stark black lava trails on two wheels, they didn't plan on much else, let alone a chance meeting with 66ºNorth, Iceland's premier outerwear brand. But that's exactly what happened. And it led to this timely collab.
Built upon a shared appreciation for design and cycling, the surprise collection features apparel capable of facing the harsh riding conditions of a North Sea Winter. The pairing of Café du Cycliste’s knowledge of adventure cycling needs with 66ºNorth’s technical know-how led to an outerwear-focused, four-piece unisex cycle apparel collection that's fit for riding in some of the world's worst weather (it'll work well in much better weather, too, btw).
The keystone piece, serving the role of all-around weather defender, is the packable Skyli anorak ($415). Made of GORE-TEX Infinium, a high-performance material that lends the jacket top marks for breathability and wind-resistance, the jacket provides plenty of water-resistance when light precipitation occurs.
When the jacket’s helmet-compatible hood isn’t needed (or when the wind is really ripping), it conveniently stows into the collar to keep from flapping in the breeze. A single left-side zip makes popping the anorak on over other layers a manageable task, even with a helmet on, and there's a rear zippered pocket for stashing on-bike essentials, of course.
The Landmannalaugar fleece jacket ($300) is named after the black lava gravel-coated lands within Iceland's Fjallabak Nature Reserve, which is also where the two brands photographed the collection lookbook. The Rorschach-esque print that covers the recycled fleece draws inspiration from this landscape, too.
More than a casual fleece, the Landmannalaugar utilizes a series of breathable stretch-panels at key locations to extend its range of motion. It's available in both women’s and men’s sizes.
And for non-riders who really dig the patterned fleece, the two brands created a matching "bum bag" ($60) that’s suitable for both casual wear and less consiquential outdoor activities.
For challenging cold days on the bike, the unisex Seigla jacket ($350) is designed to be worn either alone or in combination with a shell jacket. Insulation at just the front of the jacket provides valuable warmth to the core without creating an overabundance of heat that can easily turn into a sweat-soaked chill. Four roomy jersey pockets allow for serious cargo carrying capabilities and a long, dropped rear hem keeps your backside well-covered even when riding in aggressive positions.
Of course, you don’t actually have to pedal across lava rock gravel fields in Iceland’s highlands to wear any of the pieces from this collection (but we’re sure the designers from both these brands would be happy if you did). All four pieces are available now directly from 66ºNorth and Café du Cycliste in limited quantities.
Published 10-19-2021
