Tag: apparel

Categories
Apparel Reviews

Peloton Jersey

Peloton Jersey

Peloton JerseyWe love it when people take matters into their own hands and that’s exactly what the founders of Peloton did when they couldn’t find anything on the market that fitted their desired cycling jersey criteria of ‘practical and classically stylish.’

 

Creating their own range – currently with four colour-way designs for men and one for women – using 100% BioActive Polyester Coolmax fabric, which works hard at wicking away the sweat of the ride, the results are highly pleasing.

 

The fit is slim and snug but the fabric moves freely and doesn’t restrict movement in the least, and the flat-lock seams add to the overall comfort. The high collar is an unusual design feature, more at home on a casual tee but actually, it could be argued, adding to protection from the sun and certainly helping with the general aesthetics that set this range apart from the pack.

 

The zip runs full length, so plenty of bare-chested (for the men?) opportunities if the weather really demands but if we were being picky a ‘zipper garage’ at the top would really improve comfort, especially as these jerseys zip all the way to the top of the tall collar and there’s a tendency to feel it dig in here. Cuffs and waist are elasticated, with the latter featuring rubberised hem to stop the jersey from sliding up.

 

The standout feature for us – beyond the rather natty design/colours – is the pocket configuration at the back. There are two really generous volume mesh pockets for gels, bars and the like, plus a further two large zipped pockets sitting over the back of those for keys, phones and other valuables. It’s a lot of storage and we were pleased to find that, even when packed to the max, the Peloton jersey remained exceptionally comfortable.

 

Despite the zip quality not being quite there yet, Peloton have done a really credible job of bringing to market a product that combines style with substance.

 

The Peloton jerseys retail at £64.99 just about the mark we would expect for the more bespoke look and feel of apparel of this quality. Further details and online purchase at pelotoncycleclothing.co.uk

Categories
Apparel Featured Reviews

Quoc Pham Urbanite Shoes

Quoc Pham

Quoc PhamQuoc Pham, purveyors of ‘classically-inspired, hand-lasted cycling shoes’, first came to our attention when they launched with the ‘fixed’ touring shoe around five years ago. Although a beautiful piece of kit the need for retro toe-clips made for limited appeal.

 

Since then the company has expanded the range to include SPD compatible shoes including the Urbanite. A classic and clean looking shoe with leather uppers and a stiff rubber sole, the Urbanite comes in ‘Low’ and ‘Mid’ models, with the Mid offering a higher, desert boot-like, shape and the Low more easily passing for a rather smart pair of sneakers.

 

We road tested the Quoc Pham Urbanite Low for a week using various SPD equipped bikes.

 

The company claims that by using leather the shoe softens, and moulds to fit with use. Even after just a week it was clear that this was no exaggeration. The hardened mid-sole gave a secure and effortless pedal action and was perfect for the average commuter ride. Encountering wet, cold, warm and windy weather it was clear that the Urbanite was snug and wind resistant but stayed cool in the heat and once off the bike we quickly forgot they were anything but a normal, high-quality, pair of shoes.

 

Quoc PhamApart from the clean styling the attention to detail also impresses. Fitting the SPD clips on the sole was effortless and the reflective strip on the heel is a nice touch. The addition of an elastic strip on the tongue makes sure laces stay away from moving parts.

 

We tested the Quoc Pham Urbanite Low in tan but black and brown are also available if you’re looking to colour coordinate your classic, retro look. The upper is Leather with a leather lining and the shoes also feature a reinforcement mess inner layer, lace closures and 3M reflective heel stripes. The sole is moulded rubber with a full-length hardened mid sole, and a wide base for extra comfort, whilst the sockliner is made from natural cork. They weigh in at 450g (size 43.)

 

Quoc PhamIf you are looking for an all-day shoe for commuting the Quoc Pham Urbanite does the job in a comfortable, understated way that undeniably adds a dash of style to the ride.

 

The price of £169 compares favourably with competitors such as the Giro Republic LX and the Dromarti Sportivo.

 

Further detail and online purchase of the Urbanite and the full range of Quoc Pham shoes at quocpham.com

 

You can follow Quoc Pham on Facebook and Twitter too.

Categories
News

Adidas Unveil the Latest Adistar Range

Adidas Adistar

Adidas AdistarAdidas have unleashed the latest adistar range combining the sleek, classic 3 stripes designs with leading tech, to produce a kit which they say ‘embodies the brand’s rich heritage in the sport – performance, innovation and style.’ Available in men’s and women’s specific design the range, which includes long and short sleeve jerseys, gloves, bibshorts and jackets, incorporates the aerodynamic race fit that adistar has become known for.

 

Adidas say the new kit features the most advanced cycling technologies available in the world, including wind tunnel tested DragZero fabric, jet fighter wing-inspired TrailingEdge hems and strategically-placed SlipStreamSeams for less wind resistance.

 

The adidas adistar range is available on adidascycling.com

Categories
Apparel Reviews

Proviz REFLECT360 Cycling Jacket

Proviz REFLECT360

Proviz REFLECT360There are any number of cycling jackets available with a decent amount of reflectives built in – would you even consider one without? – but the Proviz REFLECT360 Cycling Jacket really takes things to a whole other level.
 
Available in both men’s and women’s cuts this arguably isn’t the style of jacket you might train in for speed, but its on-bike uses – from commute to general ride-wear and even MTB or pre-race warmth – are undeniable and, because it’s constructed with a 100% reflective outer-shell it lights up like a beacon.
 
The REFLECT360 incorporates multiple vents with the underarm/side vents zippered for regulating temperature and when, zipped to the max, the jacket provides credible wind-stopping properties. There’s an inner mesh that holds the shell away from the body, preventing potential clamminess, and two generous, zipped, chest pockets for essentials in addition to a zipped lumbar pocket large enough for route details or maps.
 
Although initial impressions are of bulk, the 600g jacket feels less weighty on than we had imagined, and the level of comfort impressed. The collar is soft-lined, the cuffs Velcro adjusted with a numb-finger-friendly rubberised tab and the waist fitted left and right with bungee cords for fine-tuning. Even without the exceptional reflective abilities – like Tron on a bike – the REFLECT360 is a more than decent cycling jacket; factor the added safety value in and it quite literally shines.
 
The Proviz REFLECT360 Cycling Jacket retails at a not-unreasonable £79.99 – almost half the price of the similarly reflective, but obviously sleeveless, Nike Flash Gilet – which despite being largely targeted at runners has good application for bike safety too.
 
Further details and online purchase of the Proviz REFLECT360 Cycling Jacket at provizsports.com
 
Follow Proviz on facebook andTwitter.

Categories
News

The Funnel on Kickstarter

Funnel

FunnelAt Cyclo there isn’t a week that passes without an entrepreneur contacting us about their latest kickstarter project – some are extraordinary, some extraordinarily misjudged. We wanted to share the latest to cross our desk though because Hong Kong-based Italian designer Stefano Mangini might (just might) be on to something…

 

His patent-pending Funnel is a combination backpack and jacket that has already raised almost $30k (£18k) of the required $43k to really get this flying. The jacket, which unfurls from the backpack in a pleasingly James Bond fashion, is made with high performance fabric that is both water repellent and breathable and the pack itself looks styling and brimming with features. Lots of attention to detail here – like the fact that the jacket storage pouch is laminated so that it can be stored even when wet.

 

As always with Kickstarter there are a host of ‘pledge’ options (with varying rewards) with the Funnel funding ranging from $1 to $3,000. Further details on Mangini and the Funnel – and of course the chance to help fund – at kickstarter.com

 

Categories
Apparel Featured Reviews

Halo Cycling Cap

Halo Cycling Cap

Halo Cycling CapThe Halo products – various nifty anti-sweat headbands and bandanas – have been available in the UK for a few years now, but the latest addition of a dedicated Halo Cycling Cap grabbed Cyclo’s attention. Exceptionally lightweight at just 40g the Halo Cycling Cap fits comfortably under any helmet with the stretch fabric mesh upper adding little or no bulk and breathing well on the ride. The lower band, also with good stretch, can be worn either above or over the ears – the latter offering a little added comfort to winter rides no doubt.

 

But, of course, it’s the hotter summer months where the Halo is likely to come into its own. The Dryline fabric quickly absorbs sweat and the cap features a short-peak visor that is flexible enough so that, if not required, it can be flipped upwards. With nice attention to detail the peak’s upper is white to reflect, whilst the underside is black to reduce glare – unless you choose the all-black version…

 

So far, so seen it all before? The unique selling point of the Halo Cycling Cap – indeed all of the Halo products – is the patented SweatBlock Seal inside the front of the band that channels sweat backwards and away from the face and, more crucially, the eyes. The SweatBlock Seal might just look like a thin rubber strip (fundamentally it is) but it serves its function without fail.

 

At £29.95 the Halo Cycling Cap isn’t cheap, but it’s well made, practical and a credible alternative to constantly wiping your forearm across your eyes. Further details and online purchase at haloheadbanduk.com

 

Categories
Apparel Featured Reviews

Fairwear Shirts

Fairwear Shirts

Fairwear ShirtsOh, those eternal bike commuter quandaries: smart, casual or sweaty? A quick change and a blast of deodorant in the lift? How to rock that crumpled look, once you’ve unfurled the shirt from the backpack? A possible solution comes in the form of Fairwear apparel from Philadelphia-based emerging designer Louis Pollack who makes performance dress shirts with moisture wicking fabrics.

 

Commenting on his inspiration, Pollack says: ‘Technically part of downtown Center City, Fairmount is its own self-functioning neighborhood centered around one of the oldest and largest urban parks in America. With Philadelphia’s skyline firmly planted in the background, Fairmount serves as the gateway for all things outdoors. I wanted to capture Fairmount Park’s uniquely balanced environment, and share it with enthusiasts everywhere.’

 

At first glance – actually even with closer inspection – it’s hard to tell that the items in the collection are anything but ‘ordinary’, but made from COOLMAX tech fabric with a 60% cotton mix they go a long way towards providing  fantastic commuter-friendly shirts. Even with a backpack on the shirt we had on test, the Spruce Stripe since you ask, remained cool and fresh even on what passed for a scorching day in the UK.

 

Actually describing the shirts as ‘ordinary’ looking in any way does a disservice to Fairwear and to Pollack. There are some great looking shirts in the COOLMAX range from the dapper Chestnut Chambray to the more traditionally classic Rittenhouse dress shirt or the short-sleeved Girard. Making apparel that works hard on the bike and looks great off of it is no mean feat, but Fairwear look to have managed it with some style. The design, cut and fit are all of the highest quality and with the Fairwear shirts retailing at $85 (around £50) they’re exceptionally well priced.

 

Regrettably there are no UK retailers as yet, but you can contact them direct via the website fairwear.co for order enquiries.

 

Categories
Apparel Featured Reviews

F-Lite Ultralight Base Layer

F-Lite Ultralight Base Layer

F-Lite Ultralight Base LayerThere are a multitude of options when it comes to picking a high performance base layer but those multi-brand quandaries have now grown to include the F-Lite Ultralight Base Layer. Available for the first time in the UK and part of a wider offering of functional base layers, socks and accessories from the German brand the F-Lite Ultralight lays claim to being the lightest of its kind in the world.

 

The F-Lite Ultralight, as with all the base layers in the newly-launched collection, use the brand’s own F-liteTEX knitting technology – a ‘tubular knit’ system not unlike that used to create the Buff, which means there are no side seams to rub, chafe or distort the figure-hugging shape. The base layer is flat-hemmed at the bottom and the seams that do remain (attaching the short-sleeved arms) are also flat-locked, laying more or less flush with the material and presenting no real risk of irritation even when things warm up on the run or ride.

 

When it comes to the claim of being the lightest of its kind in the world, it’s hard to disagree – the F-Lite Ultralight weighs only 70 grams/m² (presumably giving rise to the garments full name of F-Lite Ultralight 70 GP Base Layer), which means a medium size comes in at a gossamer whisper 75g. The lack of weight, to put it mildly, combined with the seamless/flat-seam construction, makes for an exceptionally comfortable experience.

 

Thermal properties impressed Cyclo too, living up to the ideal of keeping us warm on colder training sessions, but effectively keeping things cool when temperatures climbed. It achieves this unconventionally: constructed of otherwise fairly industry standard polyamide, polypropylene and elastane, the F-Lite Ultralight adds a carbon antistatic finish (cyclists love carbon, no?), which prevents the material sticking to the skin, ensuring a layer of air is permanently on hand to regulate heat.

 

Sticking with the unconventional the F-Lite Ultralight employs a polka dot styling, part of the design input that came from American free-rider and extreme skier Glen Plake. It’s never really occurred to us that design aesthetics matter with a base layer, but it’s kind of nice that F-Lite took the trouble don’t you think?

 

To date the F-Lite has impressed and Cyclo looks forward to testing through greater extremes – both hot and cold – over the coming year. We’re in little doubt it will hold up incredibly well and if you’re looking to layer up over this the newly launched adiZero cycling jersey, at just 65g, could prove to be the perfect partner.

 

The F-Lite Ultralight Base Layer is available in unisex sizes M-XL and retails at £34.99. Further details and online purchase at smgeurope.com