Walk or Ride: Cool Summer Separates from Giro

Bike it or Hike it! Chill this summer.

NYC, NY When I'm in Midtown, most of the time I walk or bicycle to my appointments. Getting around and using my bicycle to commute most of my errands just makes good sense! So I have a motto: "Get dressed once in the morning and be ready for anything." This could mean traffic delays where you may have to grab a Citibike or even walk to where you need to go. I've done that! Many people are now choosing to bicycle or walk to work exclusively, saving thousands of dollars each year on car expenses.

Bike to Work - Walk to Work
So I've gotten pretty stealthy about dressing for any such possible changes in my transportation plans. In fact there are designers who are dedicated to making comfortable yet fashionable urban fitness apparel that doesn't look like shiny Spandex a la Lance. I met one such visionary at The Women's Story media event in NJ last week.

Meet the Designer
Karany Nhim is the Senior Women's Apparel Designer for Giro Sport Designs. She basically had an open showroom of her current fashions for women who bicycle in an urban landscape. Giro's New Road Collection, (she is wearing the Giro LS Mobility Shirt), would look perfectly professional arriving at work or to go out to lunch. You would never guess that this is cycle wear and that's the beauty of her designs.

Karany Nhim (left) showing off her New Road CA Wool Jersey

A Wool Top for Summer?
I know it sounds nuts but Merino wool is very soft and light. It also wicks away moisture as you walk or pedal and is what pro cyclists wear even in high heat. It keeps you cooler and looks great! In the lead photo I am wearing the Women's Ride Jersey made with Merino Wool in China Blue with the CA Ride Overshort in Navy. I like the full zip on the Ride Jersey as it is much easier to regulate your body heat and take off than jerseys with let's say a 1/2 zipper. It has three open pouches in the back and felt like nothing in 80+ degree weather today.

Summer Set: Giro Merino Wool Jersey and Overshort.

CA Ride Overshort
These are pretty much walking-short length and could be worn for work or play. Dress them up with a little jacket plus a scarf and you will fit in anywhere in Midtown.

The thing with the CA Ride Overshort is that you can wear a chamois liner under them for longer distance rides. If you want to wear them as walking shorts, simply ditch the padded liner. Either way, these shorts are tricked out with 4 way stretch nylon for complete freedom of movement with a killer fit. Slit pockets in the front and two in the back are tailored to be nearly invisible. 

My Detours Madison Rear Rack Bag.

Walking + Riding Shoes
Giro's Riela Trail Shoes are extremely versatile for walking, hiking trails, cycling and even spin class. In other words, they are ready for whatever comes your way for the day. On a bicycle, they feel more like my Sidi Road Shoes with their easy to adjust, classic three velcro strap system.

Giro Riela Trail Shoes in Black/Rhodamine Red

Giro Riela Trail Shoes
These cycling shoes really perform too with amazing power transfer and a streamlined body. High traction lugged out soles prevent slipping and the molded EVA foot bed has medium arch support if you need to hoof it. 
The Riela Trail Shoe is made of a synthetic, breathable fiber which is treated with Aegis anti-microbial so no smelly feet. Very lightweight, they weigh only 290 grams or about 10 and 1/3 ounces. Very comfy to walk in, you can wear them to spin class, do the session and then ride home! This is urban wear that works for so many different situations. So from the bike trail to the coffee shop, these easy pieces are just a few examples of your ultimate ticket to fashion freedom this summer. Want to see more New Road styles and accessories? Visit Giro.com online.

Choosing the right summer separates can be a walk (or ride) in the park!

 Cycle wear & shoes c/o Giro