10 things that caught my eye recently
Aaand we're back to the season when it's a little bit of a mental effort to go outside. When the world is reduced to the light beam in front of you during evening rides or runs, and when I'm afraid my neighbors might actually see me dressed up in all my winter gear. (Thankfully, they don't seem to recognize me – yet 🤞🏻).
It also means revisiting last winter's gear, finally fixing that rain jacket and replacing my headlamp after the LED screen on the battery of my cheap-ish one melted off while charging. And of course getting lost in the vastness of the digital world along the way.
So without further ado, here are 10 things that caught my eye recently:
- Pedaled Odyssey Thermal Light Alpha Vest in beige – I was looking for bib tights with pockets and found this lovely looking gilet that will replace my rain vest because I need a bit more insulation and a bit less moisture trapping. I'm thinking I might wear it off bike, too?
- Lots of little dust particles that reflected the light of my new Lupine Blika BT on a surprisingly warm and dry but dark ride. This level of brightness adds another level of focus to an outing, in order not to blind dog walkers, runners or fellow riders. Bought it used and do not regret.
- The 11.2 Million Vote Project by Patagonia – such a great example of brands taking ownership of their proclaimed values in the real world. Wish we had more of that kind of political action in Germany (Muli Cycles and Runamics do cool stuff, but what about the Vaudes and Jack Wolfskins out there?)
- Hunting for the perfect fleece seems to be a lifelong task, especially as prices keep rising. This Pileup Fleece by Mons Royale does come very close, though.
- Torque Dirty To Me corduroy cap by Tegan Phillips – my favorite pun of Tegan's recently. If only I were more of a cap wearer…
- Blundstone x Finisterre – the collab of my dreams. They're available in the UK only and I've never been so inclined to move country on a Friday afternoon.
- Lots of beautiful tributes after Max Riese's passing after a tragic accident. Didn't know him personally but was somehow very touched by his death. Ride in peace, Max.
- Not a single cycling rain jacket that I liked the look of this season. "Boring and low-visibility" seems to be the overarching theme with cycling gear this fall? Even more convinced to fix my jacket that got stuck in my wheel on the first day of riding Hackenpedder in nonstop rain in June.
- Jon Stewart unpacking AI’s dubious promise of a "better future" – wondering if de-digitalization could become a thing soon? Because I kind of like the idea…
- Primigi kids gore-tex hiking shoes when shopping for my friend Peter's daughter's first ever shoes in a cute shop in Vienna. Why don't they make these for adults, too?
And that's all I have to say today. My next post is going to be a trip report again, about a recent adventure on two feet, no wheels involved. The analogue photos are being developed as we speak.
Be safe out there,
Stephanie
PS: I'm currently testing publishing Gear Talk on Substack as well because I'd love to give more people the opportunity to find my little corner on the internet – are you in favor of either platform? Let me know!
