Sure, it's not the first name in cyclocross or gravel riding and racing. But, Alpinestars, started in 1962, had an early focus on outdoor and motorcycle gear and reached into the mountain bike world in it's earliest days. There was even an Alpinestars mountain bike shoe back in the day. The branded faded from the cycling universe in the 1990s, but returned with a vengeance in 2004 with MTB apparel, and was an integral part of the Honda mountain bike race team with Greg Minnaar.
Sure, Alipnestars has its eye on the MTB crowd. And the company admits as much. But at Press Camp Alpinestars showed of a number of items that could appeal to cyclocross and gravel racers. And the brand's connection to cycling cannot be denied as Alpinestars in based in an area of Italy packed with cycling companies such as Selle Italia and Sidi.
There are a number of Alpinestars products we saw at Press Camp that might appeal to warm weather riders and racers, including the Paragon vest (without its back protector). The vest presents an interesting hydration and cooling opportunity for summer gravel racers, and overheating cyclocross racers with its built-in hydration bladder slot.
Of course, there are stacks of gloves for every temperature range, from the short finger Pro Light which retails for $29.95 USD to the Aero 2 long finger that sells for $34.95 USD to the winter-appropriate Stratus at $44.95 USD.
As one might expect from Alpinestars' MTB focus, there are a number of casual looking, baggy apparel options that fit the bill for those looking to avoid a roadie appearance. Of course, there are also practical pieces for those that prefer to roll with chamois in place, like the Vetta and Marathon bibs.
Alpinestars, despite the MTB bend, seems to be slowly reaching out to those in the dirt on narrower rubber.
More info: alpinestars.com
Chill the bladder, chill the core with Alpinestars’ Paragone vest. Press Camp 2016. © Cyclocross Magazine
