Kit Combos for Summer
During long rides out in the sun, these threads will keep you comfortable as you explore
During long rides out in the sun, these threads will keep you comfortable as you explore
A The Giordana FR-C Pro jersey ($ 290, unoimports.com), with its race fit, is one of the lightest garments in this collection. It’s made of a minimal number of panels; the two large front panels actually extend over the shoulders to the back, forming the majority of the jersey’s arms. You’ll find the zipper for a secret fourth pocket just past the reflective strip on the right side. The FR-C Pro bib shorts ($ 295) use the Cirro Omniform chamois, which is infused with aloe to keep bacteria at bay. The 6.5-cm long cuffs have 2.5-cm-wide strips of silicone dots for grip.
B The Biemme Grace jersey ($ 120, logicasport.com), which was updated for this year, mixes style and performance. The garment is 25 per cent Coolmax fabric that will wick away sweat. The 4.5-cm cuffs have 2-cmwide grip strips on their insides to keep the sleeves in position. The Flex bib shorts ($ 140), with traditional straps, use the women-specific FX13 chamois with three distinct zones for comfort throughout long bike rides.
C Both the Sergeant Reggie De Boss jersey and Sergeant Reggie bib shorts ($ 165 and $195, reggie.bike) have great details on them. With this kit, you’re not so much on the rivet as it is on you, twice over. There’s a decorative rivet at the back of the jersey and one on a bib strap. The front of the jersey has the Port Hope, Ont., company’s name on it in various typefaces. Each word is pressed permanently into the fabric.
D The fabric on the POC Essential jersey ($ 160, pocsports.com) feels slippery and sleek. Its elastic waistband is thin and holds with precision. The side panels of the Raceday Aero vpds bib shorts ($ 375) have dimples to help with aerodynamics. You could even say the panels are poc- marked. On the inside of the bibs, the chamois has silicone inserts to help dampen road vibrations that travel up to the saddle.
E While Jakroo is known for its custom orders, the company has a retail collection, too. The Jakroo Tour jersey ($ 148, jakroo.com) features soft fabric on the arms that run a bit longer than most. The waistband seems like the heaviest part of the garment; the weight helps to keep the jersey in place, even when you’re down low in the drops. The Comet Pro bib shorts ($ 199) share many characteristics with Jakroo’s Solar Pro: slim, race-fit with a Bormio D20 chamois. The Comet Pro bibs, however, offer more compression to help your muscles perform well over many miles.
F The flowery-sleeve Garneau Women’s Art Factory jersey ($ 90, garneau.com) has a strong pocket game. The standard three pockets on the back are complemented with a sweatproof pouch in the centre rear pocket. At the side, there’s a pocket perfect for holding empty gel packs. The Women’s Neo Power Art Motion shorts ($ 130) also have pockets – two of them. A wide waistband provides fit and comfort.
G Look closely at the shoulders and beneath the collar of the Shimano Evolve jersey ($ 200, bike.shimano.com) and you’ll see little slits. These vents let air in to keep you cool during your summer rides. The jersey has a “mullet” of a waistband: longer at the back (4 cm wide) and shorter at the front (1 cm wide). What a party! The Evolve bib shorts ($ 240) have a large mesh back panel. Their tight cuffs help to keep the legs in place.
H The Pearl Izumi Women’s pro mesh jersey ($ 175, pearlizumi.com) is made with a textured fabric that helps air flow smoothly over it, especially around the sleeves. The thin mesh back panel does a good job of wicking moisture away. The pockets have a novel construction: what PI calls a bellow design. They expand nicely after you stuff your stuff in. The straps of the Women’s pro bib shorts ($ 300) overlap in the back. This setup allows the straps to lie low and to the sides when they need to come off. The fabric is quite soft against your skin.