ENDUR A CLOUD LT D JERSE Y & PRO SL SHORT
£69.99/£119.99
Endura’s annual limitededition designs always throw up something interesting and this year’s Cloud jersey is no different with its tie-dye pattern. The form-fitting style has very impressive features for its price. Flatlocked seams prevent irritation, and the sleeves run over your bicep with laser-cut raw edges and a thin band of silicone to hold them in place, although the highstretch material does an impeccable job of this anyway. A highly elasticated hem means the jersey doesn’t ride up, and there’s a high collar and minimal lock-down zip. The three rear pockets are generous and joined by a useful fourth mesh pocket to store empty gel wrappers and the like. Add to this the quickdrying fabric, and you have the equivalent of a jersey twice the price.
The Pro SL bib short is another winner. It’s been reworked for 2020 but the fundamentals of the design haven’t changed. At the core is Endura’s approach to the pad: you first select your short size then choose from one of three pad widths: small (<135mm) medium (135145mm) and large (>145mm). If you know your saddle width, it makes choosing the ideal bib short simple. Endura also offers two leg lengths, a longer leg that ends on the knee or a standard size that’s 4cm shorter.
As for the body, high-compression fabrics on the legs hold and support well and a similar wrap of fabric through the midriff offers lumbar support. The braces are seamless and broad and conform well to your shape, plus they don’t roll up. Cut from an open mesh material, the Y-shaped back keeps you dry and comfortable when working hard. In all, it’s a brilliant technical bib short.