Complementing the Kit

Update: The first samples will arrive the week of January 20. The full kit will be sewn to order and arrive in mid-February. The pricing will likely be $40 for caps and $100 for jerseys. I've requested a 10 ounce mid-weight wool instead of the usual 14 ounce so that the jerseys can be layered in the winter and worn along throughout the spring and in the case of the short sleeve, even in the summer.

I'm share the anticipation of others for the new club kit; it looks modern and professional and should look good piecemeal or in full regalia. And as someone who hasn't worn lycra with regularity in over a decade, I look forward to donning the jersey from time to time this spring...

But for those interested in either (a) complementing the kit or (b) showing your team spirit without sporting logos or (c) wearing a more casually fitting maroon kit, (d) gifting something maroon to your non-UCVC cyclist friend/family, I have hope for you.

I've commissioned some swanky maroon kit from a custom shop that specializes in wool cycling apparel. The look is decidedly late-60s club kit, so it is form fitting -- though looser than modern lycra stuff. The material is mid-weight New Zealand merino wool, which youngsters might scoff at, but is in fact very soft and breathable and comfortable at a wide range of temperatures. And it doesn't get smelly! Initially, there will be three designs: a full zip long sleeve jersey, a 1/3 zip short sleeve jersey, and an Italian-style reversible winter cap with tuckable ear flaps and a short bill (just like the one I wear to work).

Here are the highly technical schematics. (Trust that the color will in fact be much darker in person.)




Some of you know about the other wool jersey project I've been working on. That one is taking a bit longer and will not be maroon. It will have thicker wool and be more of a 1930s look with an epaulet-style collar and cherrywood buttons instead of zippers. The rear pockets will also be buttoned. They should be ready mid-spring and should be classy enough to wear on or off the bike.

Do let me know if you're interested in any of these things; the runs will be pretty small, maybe a dozen of each jersey and a couple dozen caps. The shop offered to also knit some wool arm/knee/leg warmers, which might look cool in maroon, or might just look cartoonish. Dunno. These will be ready around the same time the lycra kits are done.