Embrocation Cycling Journal Volume 5
As most of our readers may have noticed, we don’t play favorites with any particular type of riding at Embrocation. We enjoy cross, road, track, fixed gears, handbuilt, robot built, new, old, plastic, metal, click-click, friction… That’s why when discussing which theme to address in this volume, we were a bit at a loss. I mean, how can we pick a favorite? Will it be cross? Early road? NAHBS? Rather than limit ourselves to a thematic rigidity, we decided to focus on the job at hand. In this issue you’ll find a diversity of subjects; going from the skilled eyes of Chris Milliman’s Lars Boom piece, to the wacky SSCXWC interview, to the intricate, polished work of hand-built bicycles and trinkets, you’ll notice the single strongest component that chains it all together: passion. It doesn’t really matter if you’re into dirt, pavement, one-speed, run-ups, or ogling sweet-looking steel frames. We love to ride, and we understand what we need to do. So in this volume, regardless of your riding predilection, we hope to rub a bit of that passion on to our readers’ mind and spirit.
Let’s just say this: Volume 5 is embrocation for the mind.
Please note: orders with Volume 5 will ship on or around March 1st.
Embrocation Cycling Journal Volume 4
Volume 4 features an in-depth look at the 2009 Tour of California from three entirely unique perspectives, profiles of some of our favorite products and goodies and unique profiles of some of the cycling industry’s most iconic characters. The passion of the European Spring Classics is also on full display with stories and pictures from the heart of the cobbles and a dose of unrivaled fanaticism from the Belgian fans. We also take a look at some of the cycling world's newest fads, rising stars and most stalwart figures.
Purchase the 13 x 9.5 cover print by Chris Milliman -
Embrocation Cycling Journal Volume 3
It's back! Our breakthrough third full volume. The largest and most sophisticated Embrocation when it was released, Volume 3 brought us closest to realizing the dream of a grass-roots publication with a glamorous side. With this volume we return to our cyclocross roots, highlighting some of the best races and riders in the country, their equipment, the spectators, the personalities and culture that make us look forward to each cross season as soon as the previous one ends. Volume 3 is 102 pages of witty and emotional articles, fine photos and art. It was unveiled to much fanfare.
View Volume 3 reviews here and here.
Purchase the 13 x 9.5 cover print by Chris Milliman -
Mad Alchemy Pro Chamois Cream
We all know that embrocations aren't really necessary. They're an addition that we use because it enhances the riding experience and allows us to shed clothing in cold weather - but we don't really need it. Chamois cream, on the other hand, is something of a necessity for cyclists spending long periods of time in the saddle. I don't need to go into specifics, but it's the critical lubricant between skin and fabric. You get the idea. Pete Smith has come up with a hand-crafted Chamois cream that's as pleasing right out of the jar as it is after more than 6 hours in the saddle. With lavender and citric scents, it smells clean and feels light but maintains functionality in all temperatures and conditions for all-day rides.
$17.90
Mad Alchemy Medium Embrocation
This may very well be the single product that sparked the ember that became Embrocation Cycling Journal. Let's just say this little container and its contents are our muse that inspires just about everything we do. It may say Medium on the outside, but we have found this to be the go-to product for just about every colder weather situation. It really excels in wet and muddy conditions where it's a slightly grainy consistency out of the jar and smooths out as it touches the skin and activates with a staunch supply of heat more or less from the first moment. Pete tells us this version is good for freezing temps up to the 45 degree range. We'd agree and suggest that you start with a small amount at first.
$18.90
Mad Alchemy Mild Embrocation
This is sort of like the JV version of the medium embrocation, but that would make it sound like it should take a back seat to its hotter brethren, which we think is wrong. The mild version is meant to be used for temperatures from the 40s into the 60s. That's a wide range. We have found this to be best for those challenging fall and spring days when you're not sure how many layers to wear and your ride might start at 30 degrees and end at 60. We like to apply this moderately before putting our knee warmers on. That way when you eventually doff the warmers, you still have this stuff giving you some gentle heat, keeping the knee joints nice and warm.
$18.90
Embrocation Cranberry T-Shirt
Our classic logo shirt has been and will continue to be very popular, but we decided it was time to add another option. This time in red, or American Apparel Cranberry to be exact – and with light blue logos and our coffee pot in outline. It’s a good, simple option to add to your T-shirt collection. Plus, Tim Johnson digs it…
$19.95
Embrocation Kit
We’ve had more requests for our kits than we can count. We’re offering a limited run of our Embrocation Kits made for us by Champion System. Get them while supplies last – because they won’t for long. This is the latest design of our race team kit paying homage to Mad Alchemy Embrocations and Taza Chocolate, two of our most stalwart sponsors and business partners. These are race-cut clothes, so they fit tight, but not extremely small like some European brands.
Kit includes short sleeve jersey, bib shorts, arm warmers and shoe covers.
$250
Embrocation Long Sleeve Fleece Jersey
This long sleeve jersey matches the rest of the embrocation kit items and is lined with micro fleece for insulation. The sleeves are also somewhat long for a given size, which has the benefit of allowing ample sleeve / glove overlap which keeps your wrists comfortably warm in the cold weather. This fleece jersey is the cornerstone of our cold weather riding wardrobe.
$139.90
Embrocation Leg Warmers
Yes, of course we’re big fans of chemical leg warmers in the form of the hot oils contained in our favorite embrocations, but sometimes we just want to put on some pants. Maybe over our embrocated legs, maybe not. If you’re going to buy the Embrocation Cycling Journal kit, you should buy these too. They complete the picture and match perfectly our other kit items. They’re a relatively thick fleece-lined leg warmer with nice, tight elastic at the top and zippered cuffs at the bottom. And they have our logos as well as those of our team bike sponsor, Ridley.
$45.90
Embrocation Track Jacket
We originally did a small run of these track jackets as casual wear for our race team. The response to these by the public was so positive that we decided to order a whole bunch. These are American Apparel full zip track jackets in navy blue with white piping and logos. We’re offering them in small, medium and large sizes, which fit more or less the same as our T-shirts.
$39.95
Embrocation Logo Tee Shirt
Embrocation Cycling Journal logo tee, version 2.0. It features our new logo, slightly smaller and with greater subtlety on the front and the venerable coffee pot centered on the back, also in white. Once again, it's American Apparel's best quality shirt in a variety of sizes. This is the definitive, classy shirt for any occasion.
$19.95
Embrocation Cover Prints - Volumes 3 and 4
Avid followers of Embrocation Cycling Journal are undoubtedly familiar with Chris Milliman’s photography. His behind-the-camera talents take him all over the globe shooting some of the biggest names and most iconic events in the cycling world. We have been working with Chris for some time and he is responsible for the look and feel of much of the past two volumes we’ve produced. In fact, his work is the first exposure many have to Embrocation – the stunning cover photos on the last two print volumes are his work.
We’re pleased to be able to offer volume 3 and 4 cover images as individual prints now for sale in limited quantities. The prints are 13” x 9.5” and are digitally printed on high quality photo paper so they’ll last a long time with proper care. Framed and mounted these make a great gift for any cycling fan, or any fan of great photography.
Volume 3’s focus on cyclocross demanded a cover photo that captured the culture and intensity of our favorite sport. Chris took this photo at the 2008 edition of the GP Gloucester.
Volume 4 draws content and inspiration from the spring classics. This photo was taken immediately after Paris Roubaix and shows some of the damage inflicted on this Liquigas rider’s leg.
Chamois Time is Tanning Time Tee Shirt
While it’s no secret that we here at Embrocation love the fall and the cyclocross season it brings, we also love the summer and all its sunny glory. Our Mango Love Embrocation is proof enough of that. But, now it’s nearly August and the end of summer is a bit closer than we’d like to admit. We’re savoring each moment and the little things that make summer so special. Little things like, well, our tan lines. You know it’s true – as cyclists we take pride in our tan lines and align our shorts perfectly before each ride to produce the desired effect. This shirt boldly announces what we all know – that chamois time is tanning time… every time. Available in limited quantities.
$19.95
Embrocation Socks
Our new and much-anticipated sock is made by Swiftwick, a small but growing company that makes the best socks we've ever tried. We received a sample of their socks early in the summer and knew that we'd stumbled onto something special. They're expensive, but they're worth it. The socks are made from Olefin fibers for extreme wicking capabilities on and off the bike and are made with 200 needle construction, which means a very tight knit, high-quality feel. They also feature graduated compression which hugs the foot tightly and keeps socks in place. And of course, they're tall, because that's how we roll... deal with it.
These new socks come in two colors - our standard issue navy blue with white logos and the new white with blue logos. We also offer a sock pack, which is one pair of each color for a price break. Each sock comes in two sizes: Small/Med fits sizes 5-10; Med/Large fits sizes 9-13.
$17.95 each or $30 for the sock pack
Embrocation Cotton Cycling Cap
This is Embrocation Cycling Cap version 2.0. We went classic and functional with this one. 100% cotton, made by Pace Sportswear with Embrocation Cycling Journal and our moka pot logos generously yet simply arranged. The inside of the cap also features a flexible and absorbent headband for secure fit and sweat-wicking action. It’s the perfect addition to our kit or as a stand-alone accessory.
$12.90
Embrocation Base Layer
Not using a base layer when you ride is like not wearing underwear under your jeans. In our opinion that’s not a good thing – chaffing and whatnot. We offer a 100% polyester sleeveless technical base layer with the Embrocation logo front and center, so when you zip down a bit you’re showing style. We’re offering them in small, medium and large sizes, which seem to run similarly to race-cut jerseys.
$24.95
Sportsbalm Medium Embrocation
Be careful that you don't grab your Hot when you mean to choose the Medium - the labels are all but the same. While this is labeled Medium, it really should be more like Hot-Lite. This is a more versatile embrocation than the Hot, because it doesn't quite go up to 11. We used it for cool, wet training rides and early season races. It's not water soluble, so it won't wash off even after hours riding in the harshest conditions.
$19.95
Sportsbalm Hot Embrocation
When we're not using Mad Alchemy Embrocations, we turn to Sportbalm, which offers several products including this hot balm. This is for the coldest, wettest rides and races. It will turn your skin bright red and burn tenaciously unless you're outside in the cold. Start out cautiously and be warned: water will neither wash this off nor diminish the affects - it lasts for hours. Start with a small amount and work your way up.
$19.95
Sportsbalm Chamois Balm
Your first question about this product is probably the same that ours was. What's the difference between a chamois cream and a chamois balm? Here's the deal: The Mad Alchemy Pro Chamois Cream is our go-to product for 95% of our rides. It's light and pleasant and effective. We reach for this thicker, stickier balm when conditions get wet, cold and extreme. It's more viscous consistency keeps it in place and functional during the harshest conditions. We also go to this product during stage races or when we're doing long miles multiple days in a row. A friend recently rode his bike from Seattle to Boston using this balm to comfort his butt the whole way.
$18.95
Embrocation Gear Bag by Baileyworks
We first received these bags at the beginning of cyclocross season for team use. They were quickly one of our most valued assets on race day. Baileyworks makes their product by hand in Portsmouth, NH from a remarkably strong cordura material - in this case in our Embrocation team green with white screen-printed logo. The cavernous main compartment seals with a thick and durable zipper and can hold all of your riding gear with room to spare. It has two side pockets with Velcro closures that we've found to be perfect for holding glasses, gloves, socks and embrocations. It has an adjustable shoulder strap and dual nylon reinforced handles. We chose Baileyworks' medium whale mouth bag because it's the largest bag that can be safely carried while riding and it can fit comfortably in overhead carry-on storage of most airplanes.
$125
Luchador Tee Shirt
The Luchador returns, gloriously rising from the ashes like a phoenix. Actually, we just redesigned it and had it made up in more spring-like colors. This design has quickly become an Embrocation classic. The previous green version of this shirt sold out faster than we expected and we've been asked constantly about getting new ones in. This rendering of the Luchador is dark blue and white on a baby blue background. They're available in all major sizes, for now...
$19.95
Embrocation Cycling Journal is supported by:
