Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable Backpack

The Timbuk2 Especial Scope Expandable backpack is weather-resistant, reflective and has a waterproof laptop pocket in the back panel. As with just about all Timbuk2 packs, organization is outstanding. Catering to the serious commute, Timbuk2 added a deep pocket to securely hold a 24-ounce GSI Outdoors 720 Flip vacuum bottle full of coffee—a must for any serious bike commuter. There are two reasons we like this pack. The first is its expandability. Most days it’s not needed but a few instances our writer Janet was certainly glad to have the option. The second is Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty. I’ve cashed in on this lifetime warrant once with a seam coming apart on an early-model Copilot luggage roller and they replaced it. Full review coming. Timbuk2.com | $189

North Street Morrison Pannier

I’ve been using the North Street Morrison Pannier since 2016 and the love lives on. It’s a durable, waterproof pannier that is made in the U.S. The mounting system consists of two simple, non-locking, durable metal hooks that hang from the top of the bike rack and lower metal hook. You will love the versatility of the stashable backpack shoulder straps that fit conveniently into their own pocket when not in use. And the pizza resistance on why it’s still carrying my work stuff and groceries after three years? It’s made from military-grade 1,000 Denier waterproof Cordura nylon. North Street, which is celebrating its 10th birthday in October, is a Portland, OR-based company of eight employees who do all of their own design, cutting, sewing and fulfillment in-house and deliver bags all over the world. northstbags.com | $200

Fenix BC21R Bike Light

With its bright, broad beam of 880 lumens, the Fenix BC21R offers five brightness modes of Turbo (880 lumens), High (380 lumens), Medium (200 lumens), Low (100 lumens) and Flash (alternating 380 lumens and 100 lumens). What I love so much about this light is a power-saving feature called Intelligent Output Downshift that automatically shifts the light down to a lower setting. For enhanced safety on urban streets or trails, the Fenix BC21R is equipped with red sidelights that provide 180 degrees of visibility.  fenix.com | $75

RydeSafe Reflective Decals

The fall “shoulder season” is marketed as the best time to bike to work because the mornings are cool with non-existent humidity and the rides home are along bike paths lined with trees in a variety of changing colors. But to me, it’s more like the season of red targets on the backs of cyclists. An investment of $30 worth of stickers artfully placed (or in my case, plastered) on your bike will transform you into a two-wheel freak show. When car lights hit it, your bike illuminates like a Tron bike and can be seen from the space station. What motorist isn’t going to take notice? rydesafe.com

SockGuy Socks

Cyclist love socks with unique and fun designs and SockGuy has always delivered on that—while making them in the U.S. Cats and wine are among the things in this world that I cannot live without. Imagine my glee when I saw SockGuy had my best interests in mind! Cats and wine! First, there’s Peace, Love, Wine that are outstanding cycling socks on hot and humid days because they’re “meshy” and allow good breathability. Same with the Bad Kitty socks, which are my favorite. And now, with the weather getting cooler, I’m loving the Catz socks. They’re definitely good for dayhikes but they’re amazing for commuting in cooler weather because they’re made with 75 percent wool. Wool, as you know, is strong, comfortable, warm on cold days, cool on warm days. It keeps your feet warm when wet and they’re odor resistant.  sockguy.com | $10.95 – $14.95

Velocio Recon Micromodal Jersey

This unassuming Velocio Women’s Recon Micromodal Jersey is perfect for all disciplines of cycling but we love it best for commuting because of its sheer casual presence. The soft material is derived from beech trees and a carbon thread knit into the fabric adds anti-microbial properties. This means it won’t hold onto funky body odor so you can wear it for several days before the buzzards start to circle. Although the jersey is slimming and form fitting, it doesn’t grab or drawing attention at “trouble” spots when hitting your local tap room on your Friday commute home. Velocio | $139

Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey

Full review coming soon the Pearl Izumi Symphony Thermal Jersey but so far, I have found only positive accolades. Everything about this jersey screams comfort, warmth and softness. You know I love back pockets and this jersey has them and they are supremely easy to reach when riding. Not only is it breathable, it’s pretty wind-resistant. It also has a semi-relaxed fit so you can wear a baselayer under it for extra warmth. Pearl Izumi has partnered with  The Woolmark Company to create a line of cycling apparel and accessories featuring Merino wool. A great baselayer to go with the Symphony Thermal Jersey is the Merino LS baselayer. Merino wool is a natural fiber and you can literally wear it for a week before it needs to be washed. Full review coming. Pearlizumi.com | $140

Lizard Skins Monitor SL/Gel Gloves 

When our staff writer reviewed the  Lizard Skins Monitor SL/Gel gloves he thought he had landed on the perfect glove for mountain biking. He did, but since the review he’s been wearing them for all riding, including commuting and urban riding because of their comfort and fit. The grippy no-slip suede palms, lack of unnecessary padding, and the touchscreen compatibility make these a pair of gloves any commuter will appreciate. lizardskins.com | $35

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What I Liked

Material. Soft and very light weight. Per the website: the material is “derived from beech trees, provides excellent moisture wicking and is cool to the touch, while a carbon thread knit into the fabric adds anti-microbial properties.” Most jerseys I own hold onto funky body order. The carbon thread knit also provided nice ventilation.

Deep pockets. So far they haven’t sagged even with keeping a full water bottle in the middle pocket during rides. And the water bottle was snug in the pocket – it didn’t “flip flop” like it was going to fall out of the pocket as I rode over obstacles on the mountain bike trail. The width of the pockets allowed room for my phone & glasses in the right pocket, water bottle in the middle, and a meal bar and gel gummies in the left.

Style. Loved the look. The jersey is slimming and form fitting without grabbing or drawing attention at “trouble” spots (looking at you post-baby belly) and the neckline is flattering without the feel of being strangled by a collar. 

Sizing. I usually have to size up in women’s jerseys just to fit my lady endowments (I am in no way built like a female Eurpoean racer type). But, I wore this jersey in size medium with ample room for the girls. And the length was perfect for my long torso.

What I didn’t Like

No zipper. I’m a full jersey zipper gal and this pull on style took some getting used to. I like to unzip my jersey when it gets hot or after a ride.

Short in the hem. Although the jersey is lined with silicone grippers, when I wore it with the Velocio Women’s Luxe Bib Short, the jersey seemed to keep creeping up towards my naval – ultra annoying and I kept having to pull the jersey down.

Final Thoughts (and a Parting Shot)

Other than the two cons above, I absolutely loved this jersey. The Velocio’s Women’s Recon Micromodal Jersey is a nice alternative for days when you want to go incognito – as opposed to wearing a team jersey slapped with sponsor logos – which seem to serve as a carrot for insecure guys looking to pick someone off the trail or road so they can feel good about themselves (we all know the type). Pair it with a pair of jean capris off the trail for funsies.

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