Cycling fans will want to spend some time exploring this gallery. Brooks England gives us a preview of the 2012 edition to the John Boultbee collection of cycling jackets with the introduction of the Elder Street MK1. It is a beautiful mix of old and new tech.

The casual Elder Street blazer is made from Fox Brothers tweed (a Savile Row textile supplier for some time) which has been specially treated to make the fabric water repellant, but the true story lies in the small details: shaped sleeves cut for cycling, an angle storm welt back pocket, a reflective Boultbee strap on the underside, 6mm topstitching…

The John Boultbee Elder Street is meant to look incredible on and off the bicycle while being built tough to work under any environment you are able to safely cycle or walk in. Timothy Everest designed.

Photography: Selectism.com

More looks in our gallery…

We featured Jojo Messenger’s backpack collaboration with Centre Commercial a while back. Now it’s time to get tote on this thing. Pascal Sauzet and Nicholas Goubert started the company as cyclists looking to design the perfect bag for riding around the streets of Paris. In terms of looks they’ve kept everything pleasingly simple with the occasional reference to the past. Handmade in their home town, their fabric of choice is Cordura 1100, waterproof, hard-wearing and in line with their ecological leanings. Vegetable tanned leather, heavy hardware, each tote bag is designed for comfort whilst peddling. More at Jojo.

Click for images.

Here’s a look at the “Training & Racing Collection” for  Rapha Autumn Winter 2011. Updates have been made to their winter jersey. rain jacket, and classic softshell jacket.

Rapha launches their first attack into the world of performance cycling denim. “Made from a pioneering material for the city cyclist, these rider-specific jeans are durable, fast drying and have stretch for ease of movement… With a standard straight-leg fit, the jeans are cut for on-the-bike fit, with a high-backed waist, which is cut lower at the front. The jeans have been tailored to accommodate the pedalling action with offset inseams to prevent chafing. Belt loops are positioned for maximum comfort.”

More looks after the click.

Fred Perry took their classic polo and gave it a touch of cycling jersey for a small collection coming in Autumn 2011. As you can see from the photos, racing stripes are in order as well as neck zippers and high collars as found on the traditional jersey. As seen at SEEK Berlin.

More looks after the click.

Now, as many know, some cyclists wear denim – at least most urban and commuter’s do. Problem is, denim is not really made to take impact of that saddle. I, myself, have mended more than one pair of jeans (even the Japanese denim) due to the crotch tearing. No fun. The good thing is a bunch of different brands make some reinforced cycling denim.

Cadence builds their pair from U.S. Cone denim with just a touch of lycra (2%) to give it some stretch. The crotch is reinforced (of course) and the back pockets are dual layered. The reflective back patch is a nice touch.

More looks at the Cadence Reinforced Cycling Denim after the click.

Incredible early cyclocross video from 1950 (via Ben’s Column)

Well they say you should not cycle in denim jeans. Something about the sweat and breathability. I wonder if the same is true for your head? Either way this is a fine example of a cycling hat. Properly sewn and beatiful. Japanese made as well. Utility Coop has them.

More looks at the Decho 12oz Denim Biker Cap after the click.

Issue 6 of cycling journal, Embrocation, is getting ready to hit shops. The cover focuses on Ma.’s own Indepent Fabrications’s head painter, Clint, and his work in the industry. You’ll also find a variety of photos shoots around the globe as well as aerial shots from the Tour of Battenkill. A wonderful issue throughout. (That’s Clint in the painter’s helmet above).

More looks inside of Embrocation Magazine Issue 6 after the click.

Big ole umbrellas. Hide under them at the starting line or the finish. “Originally created for the pit crew of the Rapha-Focus cross team in the US, this lightweight umbrella features the team’s distinctive multi-coloured livery and Rapha Focus logos…The umbrella is lightweight, has an ergnomic handle for comfort, tube with carbon finish and the canopy closes with a velcro fastener.”

More looks at the Rapha-Focus Umbrella after the click.