Stefanie, one of our product managers for cycling clothing, regularly takes a look at the cycling wardrobe of one of our colleagues. This week it’s Simon’s cycling wardrobe. He caught the cycling bug during his time as a student and has been fond of the sport ever since. We’re pleased to introduce to you: Simon.

What do you do at Mantel?

I’m the manager for the Online division at Mantel. I started at Mantel back in 2008 doing a part-time job next to my studies. I’ve worked at a number of different departments, including sales, the workshop, and at bike parts. I eventually ended up taking on the Online challenge.

How did you end up at Mantel in the first place?

My first bike was home built. I’ve always been interested in technology and it didn’t take long for me to rebuild my first own bike. Together with a fellow student, we built a workbench in the hall of our student dorms using a bunch of beer crates and collected a serious amount of tools over time.

When I was looking for a part-time job during my vacation, I stumbled across an ad by Mantel. That’s where my journey began really. Moving from bike sales, to the road- and Mountain bike workshop, and through to the bikeparts department. When I finished my studies in 2011, I started to help the team build our webshop.

How did you become a cyclist?

I caught the bug through one of my flatmates back at the start of my studies in 2006, when he asked me along on a mountain bike ride. After having traveled the local routes several times, I went on an introductory training session of the Velocidad student mountain biking club.

After a legendary first training, during which one of the riders somersaulted over his bars and broke his collarbone, I was completely sold and desperately wanted to join.

The club is also where I met the majority of my Cycling friends. Countless hours were spent riding around outside the city and going on vacations abroad.

A mountain bike means you can ride through mud and snow, or thunder around the trails on a sunny summer day. Which of the two do you prefer?

The summer season. Mountain biking is a real summer sport. Nothing like scaling a mountain in 25+ degree heat.

The dust on the trails, the smell of Alpine meadows, the views when you rise above the treeline. Only to tear back down a rocky descend filled with hairpin turns, and back into the forest, taking the root-infested trails back down into the valley.

Do you have a favourite brand of clothing?

I don’t have a specific favourite brand, so I’m not overly loyal in that regard. There’s one exception though when it comes to glasses: Oakley. I bought my first Oakley 10 years ago and never turned away from the brand.

The quality of the lenses and the fit of the glasses is exceptional. I’ve ventured over to other brands on occasion, but thus far Oakley lenses have proven to be my favourite.

Despite not being fixated on a single brand, do you have a particular pair of favourite bibshorts, perhaps for their specific padding?

I’ve been blessed with a very forgiving behind, so I’m pretty much fine whatever shorts I wear. Even on long rides.

Then do you perhaps have a jersey or jacket which you’re particularly fond of?

The best invention in the world is still the windbreaker. Perhaps also my most frequently used item of clothing. A sleeveless windbreaker can be stowed in one of your jersey pockets and offers great protection if the weather decides to turn nasty. Ideal for when it’s cold in the early morning or when you encounter a little rain along your ride.

An absolute must-have for when you’re taking to the mountains. The summit is often windy, and you usually arrived soaked in sweat. A windbreaker will keep you warm on the descend.

Do you wear base layers?

Even in 30 degree heat I’ll wear a base layer. The Craft Stay Cool is one of the most frequently used in my wardrobe. I’ve got several in multiple colours to show for it. I feel like sweat is moved away from my skin better using a base layer.

I also prefer the feeling of having the shoulder straps of my shorts over my base layer, which is just a little more comfortable.

What’s on your clothing wish-list?

Right now I’m in the market for some baggy shorts. My previous have worn through. It’s a perfect garment in the winter and spring on the mountain bike. It also gives your legs an extra layer to keep out the wind and rain.

The wind just cuts right through lycra. It’s also highly convenient that you can just pull them over your bibshort, meaning you can take them off outside your home when you get back. Saves you a lot of grime and dirt around the house. Looks cooler as well, of course.

What do you recommend when it comes to clothing?

Buy a proper jacket for the autumn and winter. One of the best purchases I’ve done is the Bontrager 180 Convertible RXL jacket. It’s similar to a Gabba Convertible. Windproof and capable to keep out a lot of water, making it a perfect jacket for the typical British weather.

No more hot and sweaty rain jackets. In fact, the jacket is breathable enough to use it from anything like 0 degrees Celsius to 12/13 degrees by simply matching it with a thicker or thinner base layer.

What has been the best ride you’ve ever been on?

It’s a route around lake Como. 55.2 km, 2745 vertical metres. Anyone who has ever been to lake Como knows that you have to ride up an extremely steep incline right off the start if you want to get to the surrounding ridges. Percentages of between 20 and 25% aren’t unusual there.

It all took a little longer than expected, so when we reached the top we decided to stop at a local chalet and order some food. My first introduction to Polenta. When we asked for the bill, we found out that we didn’t have enough money on us, but the kind farmer let us go without having to do the dishes anyway.

Is there anywhere you still want to ride?

I’ve never been to the French Alps actually. Conquering the heroic Alpine climbs on my road bike is definitely on the list.

What would you add to, or change about, the Mantel clothing collection?

Brightly coloured socks! You can never have too many of those.

I’ll take this into account for my next orders. Thank you for letting us have a look at your cycling wardrobe. Onwards, to the French Alps!
In a few weeks, I’ll be taking a look at yet another cycling wardrobe.

Het bericht Simon’s Cycling Wardrobe – Nothing like Climbing a Mountain in 25+ Degree Heat verscheen eerst op Mantel.