Interbike 2015: More from 7Mesh’s detail fetishists

…and we mean that in the best possible way.

Mmm… 7Mesh.  Spend enough time with those in the bike industry and It’s easy sniff out those who really cares about the details of their products.  The sort of keen-ness for, in this case, fabrics and garment construction that can make for eye-rolling among spouses and genuinely odd dinner conversation.  These are the guys that you want designing and making your clothing- and 7Mesh seems to consist entirely of these guys.

First  encountered at last year’s Interbike show, the 7Mesh team consists of refugees from Arc’teryx and Assos and, being based in Squamish, British Columbia, know a thing or two about damp and variable mountain weather.  With a deliberately understated (and trend-resistant) collection, the group has focused on a few key pieces to grow the line for 2016.

Built around the idea that a single layer of performance fabric will do a better job of insulating and moving moisture than multiple layers assembled on the fly, 7Mesh has developed the Synergy short- and long-sleeve jerseys.  In both (each available for women and men), a super-light GORE Windstopper front is combined with a breathable back panel.  The concept -not a new one- should keep the wind and spray at bay while facilitating the movement of heat dampness from under a hydration pack.

What sets the Synergy pieces apart are fits aggressively tailored for the riding position (see the darts at the back and shoulders) and details like a single-layer gripping hem and bag-friendly zippered pockets.  The look is refreshingly simple, with just enough coordination to be interesting but not so much as to appear to be trying too hard.

The new Recon overshort should be of particular interest to UK riders, built as it is from fully-taped Windstopper softshell fabric.  While it’s not advertised by GORE as such and the weight and hand of the fabric itself have little in common with past waterproofs, the material and taped seams make the Recon effectively waterproof.

We don’t have UK pricing yet, but given the materials and construction suspect that both pieces will be at the premium end of the price spectrum.  Given the company’s clear fixation on selecting and making the most of high-quality ingredients and obvious enthusiasm for their craft, it’s hard not to come away from the 7Mesh booth ready to clear out the closet- and the bank account.

7meshinc.com