What a Maroon

• I've been told the cut is Italian, but I'm certain I've seen virtually identical examples from Belgium, France, and Switzerland over the years. My beloved merino wool reversible winter cap is older than most undergrads, but it's still going strong: it warms my ears for morning coffee rides, then hides my misshapen head at work. It's warm and soft and looks as good as it did a decade or two ago.

  Shaun Deller's version is swanky-nice, and I just can't seem to keep his stuff in stock. More will arrive one day, I hope.

  This afternoon I spent an hour on the telephone chatting with the tailor who'll be providing most of the TATI wool kit this winter, and he set me straight on a couple of things. First of all, the cap shouldn't be reversible, because it's gimmicky. Six panels are perfect, but monochrome looks the best both on and off the bike. I agreed. With the resurgence of wool into the cycling market, a lot of bad design has followed, he explained. On one end of the spectrum, there are the over the top, full of affect and brio designs from the likes of Vintage Velos, Bianchi, EWR, and Brooks. Swobo, Rapha, and Ibex have a more understated approach, but the cuts are slim and the colors mundane. And of course, all of these sport logos lurking *somewhere*.

  The TATI designs won't have logos, stitching, embroidery, patches, felt, or even woven sizing labels. They will have flat seams, beautiful New Zealand merino wool, luxurious colors, and a beautiful monochrome uniformity. The "look," if there is one, is that of postwar club wear... it's what your grandfather might have worn on a Sunday afternoon on his club's group ride in Rome, Lyon, Berlin, or Essex. The stuff will be form fitting, intended for athletics, but not so tight that you'd feel self conscious standing in line at the cafe. In fact, you might even blend in.

  Limited Edition "UCVC" Alternative Kit

  • Winter cap. "UCVC" Maroon
  • Long Sleeve jersey. "UCVC" Maroon
  • Short Sleeve jersey. "UCVC" Maroon

  The Full Monty

  • Winter tights. Black
  • 8 Panel shorts. Black
  • Arm warmers. Black
  • Knee warmers. Black
  • Leg warmers. Black

  And Later...

  • Bib knickers. Black
  • "Dress" knickers. More formal design for city riding. Gray
  • Skull cap, balaclava, ear warmers... Black

  Prototypes arrive next week. Production run is in February. Call/email if you'd like to reserve something from the maroon kit.