HUUB KALEIDOSCOPE SHORT SLEEVE JERSEY & BIB SHORT

£84.99 £99.99 Psychedelic kit for women

Having made its name kitting out the world champion Brownlee brothers in triathlon, Huub made the leap from wetsuits into cycling gear after dressing the Huub Wattbike track cycling team to success in London at the 2018 UCI Track Cycling World Cup. So it’s proved its ability to clothe pro athletes, but how does its cycling gear measure up for us mere mortals?

A spring that saw arctic winds blowing for most of May dominated this short-sleeve jersey and bib shorts’ testing period. The fantasticallyhued design that tips both jacket and shorts kept winking at me temptingly. So much so, I braved the goosebumps and headed out anyway.

The short-sleeve jersey doesn’t just look great with its snazzy design and silk-effect fabric (100% polyester), it feels like quality too. My test jersey in medium fitted nicely, albeit with more give at the front than I normally like. It features a full-length Huub Cam Lock zipper, which cleverly locks in place. There are three rear pockets and I like the side zipper, which made on-the-hoof pocket access a breeze. As it was cold I didn’t get the full benefit of the breathable mesh underarm panels. The fit feels unrestrictive and the sleeves are cut in an ‘arms forward’ position for long-ride comfort.

As soon as I clambered into the bib shorts I was sold on the comfort. Huub has reduced the number of seams and it’s a noticeable feature: at no point was I aware of the fabric, aside from the sensation of support aided by the compressive fitted panels and elastic bib straps. The cut feels fantastic and the silicone grippers are discreet but supportive. The Italian-manufactured chamois is comfortable and there was no ducklike waddle to be seen, while the chamois features Huub’s 3D moisture management. The inclement temperature meant I was shivering more than sweating so I’ll take these out again when the sun shines.

Priced at just a touch more than budget summer jersey and bib shorts, these are good value for money and the design is a real head-turner.