Nalini Crochette Gloves Throw It Back to the '80s
Cycling enthusiasts flock to Interbike almost purely to see the bike industry's newest innovations. Once in a while, though, a retro gem comes along that reminds us how cool established manufacturers were even before the age of wild tech enhancements.
Nalini has been a player in the clothes and accessories game since 1970. Founded by Olympic medalist Vincenzo Mantovani and now run by his son Claudio, Nalini has continually pushed the envelope of cycling clothing design and technology and been a supplier to numerous professional teams over the ensuing years.
But when we stopped by the booth to chat with the rep and catch up on the latest and greatest, he laid this simple gem on us: crocheted gloves straight out of the '80s, found in a box in the back of the company's US warehouse.
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Once the glove of choice amongst the cognoscenti, the supple palms and minimalist padding lent just the right amount of comfort and grip. But the best part was the distinctive tan line afforded by the open nature of the crocheted back; it left a circle and dimpled pattern that announced to the world that you were a rider.
Colnago also experienced a throwback moment recently when an employee discovered old Arabesque lugs in its factory; the company is now creating new Arabesque bikes for the current generation, while celebrating cycling history. The lugs, like the gloves, offer us a moment to pause our continuous search for the latest and greatest, and reflect on what really makes pieces of gear stand out.
The gloves are not available for purchase.
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