Downtube storage makes a lot of sense, especially when conditions are changing and you need to shed a layer or two but don't want to look like an Abercrombie & Fitch model with your jacket tied around your waist. Thing is, the majority of bikes are still keeping their downtubes to themselves, which means sometimes bringing a backpack just to put your extra clothes in when you warm up. 7mesh wants you to leave your pack at home, though, with their new Stash System jackets and vest strapping to your bike instead.
Stash System details• Jackets, shells, & vests that strap to frame
• Copilot jacket uses Gore-Tex Paclite
• Freeflow jacket uses Polartec insulation
• Crash replacement repair / replacement
• MSRP: $125 - $280 USD
• More info:
www.7mesh.com The Stash System range starts at the $160 USD Chilco vest that has hand pockets and a zippered back pocket, and can also be rolled up and strapped to your toptube. The Northwoods windshell ($125 - $170 USD) is a lightweight jacket with a hood that can be folded up into its own zippered pocket and also attached to your bike, or you can use the $220 Freeflow jacket if the weather is looking like it might make a turn for the worse. Is it really nasty out there? That's when the $280 Gore-Tex-equipped Copilot jacket makes more sense, which can also be attached to your bike while you climb so it's there to keep you warm on the way back down.
All three jackets and the vest are available in men's and women's sizing and in a range of colors on 7mesh's website.
Oh thank god..
Buyer’s remorse cured!
Am not..
I asked my friends, they told me I need a new bike.
You’re not one of my friends.
But rather than wear the thing, I've been dying to hang it in the middle of my frame so that I can fully pit that thing out.
If only they made it with a BOA closure so I could pay $400 to treat a piece of nylon & engineered plastics like total shit and never even put it on.
See!
one example of many
I don't care about the 7mesh stuff specifically (it looks nice tho) but the conversation is valid.
Cheers
Us North Shore folks are lucky enough to be snow free up to about 700m right now
I once went flipping down a canyon when I lost the front end, and the bike (not mine) hit a boulder right on the underside bottle mount.
Luckily I had a full bottle in there.
It destroyed the bottle and the cage, but the frame was unharmed. So instead of in frame storage, this is bash plate storage!
If you got the spare cash they look proper nice though
I dunno why I never thought to use them for jackets
But, look for traditional, club or sport fit jerseys. These tend to be looser, you can always size up if they are lent too long.
I personally prefer pockets on my bibs like Yeti Enduro, Specialized SWAT, and many others. Race Face used to have a compression tank with pockets and a hydration bladder/back protector pouch but seem to have discontinued it.
I own one piece of 7mesh gear (shorts) it was expensive but I’ve never needed anything else and never needed to replace it
Can be worn on and off the bike. Not baggy at all, but also not tight. Not too short for knee pads to leave a gap, but not too long to look silly off the bike.
I've used their warranty before (broken zipper on goretex jacket) and they legitimately sent me a second jacket in a few days for free based on photos and an email.
Totally worth retail, but even better if you can find stuff on sale (all the 7Mesh gear I have I have found significantly discounted). Supporting an actual bike brand is also fulfilling.
www.pearlizumi.com/products/mens-summit-pro-barrier-jacket-19132101?variant=40648638529707
The last photo shows it. Really simple lightweight bungee cord with a hook. Almost bought one last year but went with a Patagonia so that I didn't have a jacket that fit my belly like a corset.
I stand corrected! I can't see it in the photo, they're underselling it pretty hard. But you're right, there it is.
And for what its worth, I think every bike jacket needs this feature so good on you for doing it.
Got mine for $90 CAD. A jacket that turns into its own K-way is the answer.
I mean, I think it's a great idea, not because aroind the waist is tacky or ugly, but because I already use a slim beltpack to keep my pockets empty and carry water for the dog, and a jacket around or over that is awkward. I've taken to just shoving my self-stowable rain shell under the belt and clipping them together with a carbiner for security. Actually more comfortable than rolled up jacket around the outside.
Also, where did the jacket around the waist means A&F reference come from? Surely you're thinking of a sweater tied around the shoulders...
LMAO!
And I have 3L of water for a long day out, with tools & snacks.
You youngers maybe don´t know, but your mum can probably stick a velcro strap to you actual gear!
Or just put a few bucks velcro tape under sadle, you never know when it helps.