Bontrager Circuit Winter Wear: Getting Rolling – by Grannygear
As I write this it is 90 degrees outside and quite sunny. Cooler weather seems like it’s quite a long ways off, but maybe not. It’s getting a bit chilly at night already and the days are getting shorter, so the tipping point is likely just around the corner. Or the next corner. But soon, anyway.
So the latest garments to hit my doorstep for my kind of winter weather will have to wait for a bit before use, but we can talk about the Circuit Winter wear. Let’s see what we have here.
Starting from the inside and working outward, we have the Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey in Charcoal. MSRP $119.99
From the Trek website:
When temperatures drop, the Circuit Thermal Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey has your back. Super-soft thermal fleece fabric greets you from the moment you put it on to provide excellent breathability and warmth while ribbing in key areas is engineered to provide just the right amount of stretch that follow your every move. Additionally, HeiQ Fresh technology fights off odor-causing bacteria, a full-length YKK zipper provides customized ventilation, and three open-back pockets store all of your ride essentials.
Product details
- bluesign® product and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® tested
- Thermal fleece fabric provides breathability and moisture management
- HeiQ Fresh silver-free technology provides effective odor control
- Ribbed fabric provides a just-right stretch that moves with your body
- Full-length YKK zipper for customized ventilation on long climbs
- Zippered side security pocket keeps your valuables secure
- This product saves the equivalent of 63 PET plastic water bottles
- Fitted cut provides streamlined body fit for enhanced performance
This is the type of garment that is a core item. Add a base layer under this and it is good for a lot of conditions. Layer over it with vests or jackets and you can dial in the temp range pretty well.
Circuit Windshell Cycling Jacket: MSRP: $109.99
When the breeze picks up reach for the Circuit Windshell Cycling Jacket. Its superlight and packable design features wind-blocking front fabrics that protect your core and a full mesh back for ultimate breathability. Additionally, an extended rear drop tail design with a silicone gripper and elastic cuff provides an additional level of wind-blocking protection. Plus, it easily packs into itself when not needed!
Product details
- bluesign® product and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® tested
- Wind-blocking front panel with full mesh rear panel for ultimate breathability
- Ultra-light design easily packs into itself
- Two-way YKK zipper allows easy access to jersey pockets
- Silicone gripper around waist band keeps jacket in place while riding
- Elastic cuffs provide a wind-tight fit around wrists
- Fitted cut provides a streamlined fit with room to layer
Wear something like this over a fleece top like the Thermal Jersey or a Merino wool long sleeve and that is a pretty effective windbreak as long as you are not concerned about rain. A mesh back and sleeve panels allow for a lot of venting. Less than a shelter, more than a vest.
Circuit Softshell Cycling Jacket. MSRP $134.99
The Circuit Softshell Cycling Jacket is a simple yet sophisticated jacket to fend off the elements. It’s built around a three-layer fabric that’s wind-resistant and waterproof with excellent breathability. The brushed thermal interior is ultra-soft on the skin and provides the right amount of insulation, while three open-back pockets store all of your ride essentials, and a fitted cut provides a streamlined fit with room to layer.
Product details
- bluesign® product and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® tested
- 3-layer softshell is wind resistant, 8,000mm waterproof and 5,000mm breathability
- Thermal rear panel is engineered for excellent warmth and breathability
- Brushed thermal interior provides next-to-skin comfort and warmth
- Two-way YKK zipper allows easy access to jersey pockets
- Drop-tail design prevents overexposure when in the cycling position
- This product saves the equivalent of 28 PET plastic water bottles
- Fitted cut provides a streamlined fit with room to layer
As long as the temps are going to stay cool, then I have found a soft-shell jacket like this to be a great place to snuggle into. Interesting that this is rated as waterproof. I will be very curious as to how well it breathes.
Oh yeah, I got socks. Trek Race Crew Cushioned Merino Wool Sock. MSRP $24.99
I really love Merino wool garments and they make the bestest ever cool weather cycling socks. As well, wool tends to not pick up body odors and stays fresher longer.
As soon as the mercury drops I will be pedaling around in Trek’s new duds. Stay tuned.
Images and website information used in this post are courtesy of Trek Bicycles.
Note: Trek/Bontrager sent over the Winter Wear items in this article to Riding Gravel at6 no charge for teat and review. We are not being paid, nor bribed, for this review and we always strive to give our honest thoughts and views throughout.