Bike clothing
Pearl Izumi Pro Thermal Lite
So simple a product, but ticks all the performance and value boxes
Three of the best: Bike jackets
With a quality bike jacket, there's no excuse for not riding in all but the most extreme weather this winter. Nik Cook picks his top three
Sugoi Hydrolite
The Hydrolite is the perfect jacket to stuff in your pocket on those unpredictable spring rides. You’ll hardly notice it’s there but, come the inevitable downpour, you can smugly whip it out to stay dry and warm. It’s no old style boil in the bag primitive race cape, though. The ‘intelligent fabric’ which activates when […]
Gore Bike Wear Oxygen GT AS Jacket
At the Gore-Tex Active Shell launch last year, we were given a prototype jacket to test – and were very impressed. So seeing this breathable waterproof laminate on the market in garments like the Oxygen is exciting indeed. Gore Bike Wear consistently produces superior products from its sister company’s laminates, and this is no exception. […]
Northwave Evolution
Northwave’s Evolution bibs are a contradictory affair: they somehow manage to feel loose despite being skintight. They’re not baggy and they don’t sag anywhere, yet they seem roomier than a typical pair of bike shorts. As such, they don’t offer the same support you’d get from a tighter pair but they’ll feel less like a […]
Nalini Chiese
Nalini’s Chiese jersey looks like something you’d expect to find in an S&M club. It’s black, skin-tight, has a front that looks like it’s made from PVC and a back made from mesh. It’s designed to keep you comfortable when you get hot under the collar so, although meant for cycling, it may be useful […]
Rapha Merino Hat
As with all Rapha products you’re either willing to take the hit on your wallet or you’re not. You can almost guarantee that they’ll never let you down regarding either form or function, but £35 is an awful lot to pay for a woolly hat. Once on it feels delightfully comfortable against your head and […]
Pearl Izumi Barrier Skull Cap
This is a cap that’d have people thinking you’d time-travelled from an Elizabethan seminary if you dared to wear it without a helmet. Once hidden away, though, the Barrier sits well under your helmet and, although not as comfy against the scalp and ears as some of the other caps, the brushed internal facing couldn’t […]
Sugoi Versa
At first glance it appears that Sugoi hasn’t broken the mould with the Versa. All the key components are here – a quality water-resistant and breathable fabric, a smattering of reflective detailing and a dynamic cut. There’s also a good-length tail, elastic cording to keep out the elements and plenty of pockets, all at a […]
Skins Bib Shorts C400
Having made a significant impact in recent time with their high-end compression tights, Australian brand Skins has launched a range of cycling kit to the same high specifications. At £150 these shorts are aimed at the Assos/Rapha end of the market with top-quality materials, fit and styling. Taking these points one at a time, the […]
Solo Equipe
For the purists out there, dedicated to the essence of cycling, a product like this is a real statement. The simple, no-nonsense application of luxurious materials in a classic cut and retro style is a two-fingered salute to our obsession with synthetic engineering. With a large dollop of Merino wool, this jacket can take on […]
Mavic HC Short
Mavic’s HC shorts are designed for longer rides or road races. The padding is plentiful and the thickness varies to produce the most comfortable and flexible padding you could wish for, with the external elastic gripper holding the shorts in place well. The shoulder straps are made from breathable netting and are well shaped with […]
Bontrager Sport Wind Vest
Already hugely respected in the bike world for their high-quality components, the new Sport Wind Vest proves that Bontrager can also cut it in the world of apparel. The vest is sleeveless and manufactured from a densely woven microfibre, resulting in a super lightweight and wind-resistant option. But as such, it won’t hold up to […]
Mavic Helium
French company Mavic has an acclaimed heritage of manufacturing ground-breaking bicycle wheels. Since 2008, however, they’ve expanded their range into accessories and clothing. The Helium is the lightest functional shirt in their road cycling range and is designed for use in temperatures above 28°C. The shirt is well-ventilated by a three-quarter length zip, and the […]
Max Ionergized
Maxgear is a relatively new British brand that was formed in 2007 and specialises in cycling apparel and products. Their Ionergized long-sleeve compression top is sold as a cycling-specific garment to be worn during and after exercise. It’s comfortable and, even though the benefits of compression on the upper body are debatable, it feels supportive […]
Skins Cycle Male Bib Knicks
It seems that Skins is gradually stretching its brand away from simply providing a squeeze to your muscles. These Bib Knicks are a great, albeit expensive, example. The compression heritage clearly shows with an offering of super premium fabrics with good levels of power that really hug your legs. There’s good length in the leg, […]
Endura FS260
Polypropylene has one of the lowest moisture regains of all modern and classic fibres, which is why the FS260 performed so well under sweaty conditions. The polypropylene/nylon mix allows moisture to wick through the fabric and evaporate easily without leaving you in a cold, sodden top. As a standard medium the sizing felt a little […]
