Shimano just massively expanded its popular range of cycle clothing and shoes, with new Performance kit for roadies, Transit clobber for commuters and tourers, and MTB shoes for trail riders, among the many highlights. Let's get stuck in…
- Five of the most desirable road cycling shoes of 2016
- Best road cycling shoes
- Best touring bike: how to choose the right one for you
New Shimano Performance clothing
If you're a competitive rider then check out the Shimano Performance range, which includes Breakaway, Hot Condition, Mirror Cool and Escape jerseys, in men's and women's versions.
The new Mirror Cool jersey uses a fabric finish that reflects the sun's heat and is claimed to keep you up to 3°C cooler than standard polyester fabrics – ideal for long hot rides in the summer sun. There's also new matching sports glasses, gloves and socks.
Performance shoes
There are also some very nice looking shoes: mountain bikers get the new trail and enduro-specific ME7 and ME5 models, designed to offer durability, grip and protection. Featuring a Torbal torsion control in the carbon sole and with a speed-lacing system (ME7 only), the ME7 and ME5 shoes are SPD compatible and available in black or grey, weighing 375g and 385g respectively.
- ME7 – £TBA / $TBA / AU$279
- ME5 – £TBA / $TBA / AU$239
Both mountain bikers and roadies get winter-specific shoes: the MW5 (mountain) and RW5 (road) models both feature a Dryshield membrane, neoprene ankle collar and fleece lining to keep feet warm and dry in wind, rain and cold. A speed lacing system allows for fast, easy adjustments when fingers are numb. The MW5 is SPD compatible, weighing 445g, whilst the RW5 is also SPD-SL compatible, weighing 340g.
Finally triathletes get a new specialist shoe too: the TR5, which shares a similar design to the elite-level TR9. It's made from a breathable synthetic leather upper with 3D mesh lining, and features a quick-strap and extra wide collar for easy foot entry and quick transitions onto the bike. The TR5 is SPD and SPD-SL compatible and tips the scales at 265g.
- TR5 (men’s/women’s) – £TBA / $TBA / AU$219
New Shimano Transit clothing
Commuters and touring cyclists also get plenty of new goods: the Japanese firm's Explorer line has been expanded to include the Transit city and Transit mountain touring range of clothing, gloves and bags.
Highlights include: a lightweight Transit Windbreak jacket, which has a water-repellent coating, adjustable waist and chest phone pocket; men's and women's check shirts and casual polo shirts and jerseys in bike-specific cuts; Transit Path shorts and trousers, again made from water-repellent stretch fabric; Transit cycling mitts and long-finger gloves.
- Transit check button up shirt LS – £79.99 / $TBA / AU$TBA
- Transit check button up shirt SS – £69.99 / $TBA / AU$TBA
- Transit polo – £59.99 / $TBA / AU$TBA
- Transit shorts – £64.99 / $TBA / AU$TBA
- Transit windbreaker jacket – £84.99 / $TBA / AU$TBA
Nasty pongs are taken care of with an anti-bacterial treatment called Silvadur, made from clever little silver ions which are claimed to prevent you getting stinky. There are also discreet reflective details for riding at dusk and night.
Touring road shoes
For the feet, the RT5 road shoe features three Velcro straps, while the RT4 gets lace-up styling and a simple closure for a snug and secure fit. At a similar level, new off-road MT5 and MT3 shoes get SPD compatibility, a rugged exterior and recessed cleats.
- RT5 – £TBA / $TBA / AU$TBA
- MT5 – £TBA / $TBA / AU$189
- MT3 (men’s/women’s) – £TBA / $TBA / AU$159
Going somewhere hot? Then check out the SD5 SPD sandal, which lets you securely clip into your pedals while enjoying a cool breeze between your toes.
Transit glasses
There are some new Transit sports glasses too: the S23X and S22X sunglasses with anti-fog and anti- scratch treatments, a hydrophobic water-repellent lens coating and full UV400 protection for your eyes.
Transit bags
Finally, in terms of backpacks, the 17-litre or 23-litre Tokyo pack has a padded laptop pocket, document organisers and a grid of accessory-storage pockets. Both models come complete with a hi-vis rain cover, discreet reflectivity, a water-resistant base, retention straps for helmets or locks, and an easy-close buckle with rolling closure up top.
- Tokyo 23 – £124.99 / $TBA / AU$TBA
- Unzen range – £74.99 - £119.99 / $TBA / AU$TBA
- Rokko range – £54.99 - £69.99 / $TBA / AU$TBA
The majority of Shimano's latest clothing, footwear and bags will start appearing in stores from September. International pricing is to be confirmed.