The young Australian company Attaquer, specializing in creating cycling apparel using knitting machines, which allows them to construct garments in one or very few pieces, has surprised everyone with the launch of the OrbKnit Balaclava, a kind of balaclava designed not only to cover the cyclist’s entire head, helmet included, during these cold months.
During our winter bike rides, the head is one of the areas of the body where heat escapes most quickly, so keeping it protected is essential for maintaining maximum comfort on those frigid days of pedaling.
Cyclists use many tools these days, from small balaclavas and neck and face masks to, for those who are particularly sensitive to the cold, full-face balaclavas.
However, this last option is often somewhat restrictive when wearing a helmet, and it’s also difficult to remove if the temperature rises during the ride. To address these issues, the Australian firm Attaquer has created its OrbKnit Balaclava, a garment manufactured in Italy using knitting machines, as its name suggests, allowing for a one-piece construction.
For its production, Attaquer uses Dryarn, a synthetic fiber characterized by its lightness, elasticity, breathability, and heat retention. Its design incorporates different zones with varying fabric density and knit structure to increase protection in some areas and facilitate breathability in others, such as the mouth and eye areas, thus preventing glasses from fogging up.
The exceptional elasticity of Dryarn allows for a wide range of uses, from simply wearing it around the neck like a typical neck gaiter to covering the cyclist’s entire head, including the helmet, for maximum coverage and insulation from the cold. This configuration helps avoid the stuffy feeling often associated with wearing a balaclava under a helmet, an option that can also be used. The design is finished with a neckband that extends downwards to provide maximum protection to this area.
The Attaquer OrbKnit Balaclava is available on the Attaquer website and is priced at €65.
Source: www.brujulabike.com