Most of us probably know Oakley for its iconic sunglasses, but in recent years the company has done much more than just eyewear.
Oakley launched a line of road cycling helmets and apparel focused on performance for the 2018 model year. Oakley’s focus on performance cycling gear remains the same for 2019, as it now offers options for outwear that may appeal to cyclocrossers and gravel riders.
On display at this year’s Interbike was a collection of weatherproof pieces made for Oakley by Belgian supplier BioRacer. Long an outfitter to Olympians and top professional cyclists, BioRacer is known for creating innovative, race-oriented apparel. One of the products is currently available and the others are working their way through the design and marketing process.
Oakley redesigned BioRacer’s popular Aero Rain collection into the currently available JB Road Jacket and Vest. The $200 jacket and $120 vest come in the same sleek gray and offer wind-proofing and water-resistance in a very lightweight, aerodynamic body.
Both the jacket and vest employ a comfort storm collar, silicon-backed reflective waist gripper, waterproof zipper, back venting and a zippered storage pocket.
The redesigned Road Jacket and Vest are on the left. Oakley’s new road cycling kits. 2018 Interbike. © E. Takayama / Cyclocross Magazine
Oakley also displayed a redesign of BioRacer’s waterproof Rainy 2.0 jacket. Not yet named or priced, Oakley’s waterproof jacket sports fully taped seams, a moisture transfer fabric and a silicon-backed reflective waist gripper.
Oakley’s lightweight waterproof jacket is a redesign of BioRacer’s popular Rainy 2.0 jacket. Oakley’s new road cycling kits. 2018 Interbike. © E. Takayama / Cyclocross Magazine
Another yet to be released item was Oakley’s convertible thermal jacket. A wholly new design, the two-in-one garment pairs a fleece-backed, windproof, water-resistant short sleeve jersey with articulated arm warmers of the same fabric.
This unique convertible thermal “jacket” pairs a water-resistant, fleece-backed jersey with articulated arm warmers of the same fabric. Oakley’s new road cycling kits. 2018 Interbike. © E. Takayama / Cyclocross Magazine
Large silicon-backed compression lycra grippers secure the sleeves and make converting the “jacket” into a jersey simple. Open pockets easily store the sleeves and anything else you need. The thermal jacket uses the same silicon-backed reflective waist gripper and waterproof zipper as the rain jacket.
Availability of both jackets is TBD.
With the heart of cyclocross season approaching, we will be keeping our eyes out for these new outerwear options from Oakley. And although it is a ways off, they also appear to have appeal when gravel resumes next year.
For more new products from Reno, see our 2018 Interbike archive.
