ROAM SHORTS
ROAM WOMEN’S SHORT SLEEVE PERFORMANCE TEE
SPECIFICATION Sizes 8-16 • Contact: freewheel.co.uk
Looking for one short to do it all? This is the gap that Madison is trying to fill with its Roam short. Ultra lightweight, they are comparable to the Endura Singletrack Lite in terms of minimalism, and are designed to cater for riders who might dabble in more than one off-road discipline, be that trail rides or bikepacking adventures.
We both really like what Madison is trying to achieve with these shorts, but it feels like they just drop short of the mark in a few areas. Nice touches like a soft-lined pocket on the rear would be great for protecting a phone from scratches – if it could actually fit. An integrated belt on the waistband sits above a zip and snap fastening, and gives a nicely clean effect, but it’s let down by a chunky metal hook fastening that is noticeable while riding and fiddly to operate wearing gloves – not ideal for a hurried mid-ride comfort break.
Both of us found them short in length, although Madison does advertise these as a shorter length offering. But with knee pads underneath, the dreaded thigh gap was never far away. However, if you are heading off on more Xc-focused rides sans knee pads, this won’t be a problem.
The branding is subtle with only a Madison badge on the thigh, and we both agreed we’d be more than happy to jump straight off the bike and head for a restorative coffee and cake post ride without feeling out of place.
Like Madison’s Performance
Tee, the shorts ran true to mainstream sizing. Overall these are a decent short that’s well suited to multidiscipline riding, but not one for those looking for a longer length.
RACHAEL UK 10 was very true to size. Short, stopping above the knee, but with plenty of room around the hips and bum area.
LAURA I wore a size
14, which was true to my normal clothing size. They have more room around the waist than others if you carry weight here, and ample room for hips, thighs and bum, but were the shortest in length with a 10in inseam, and that put me off as a taller rider.
nnFIT
SPECIFICATION Sizes: XS-XL • Contact: nukeproof.com
Blackline is Nukeproof’s premium mountain bike trail collection for men and women and is made in Europe. The crew neck jersey blends two Italian performance fabrics, and the super-lightweight, highly-breathable yarn used on the front of the jersey is lovely and soft against skin. The back of the jersey uses a warp knit type fabric, giving it a mesh effect, which is designed to be fast wicking and quick drying.
Whilst the jersey is made from 100 per cent polyester – and thus has a slightly shiny look – Nukeproof has committed to using Bluesign fabrics (which eliminate harmful substances during manufacturing and set standards for environmental and safe production).
The jersey is designed to be trail fit, so slightly baggy against the body. Laura opted for size large, while Rachael stayed with a size small as the sizing seemed to run true. The jersey has a relaxed style but with a slightly tailored fit, along with a drop back hem to avoid riding up. When worn with shorts the small jersey sat slightly below Rachael’s hips, giving the jersey more of a feminine style. The sleeves are mid-length on the upper arm, so a good option for those who prefer a tad more coverage.
We appreciated the more subtle branding across the chest with the logo blending into the colour design – a welcome change from Nukeproof jerseys from seasons past. It’s always slightly odd wearing a jersey with a bike brand printed across the front, especially if you don’t ride a bike from the brand in question.
But even if you don’t own a Nukeproof, its clothing range is well worth consideration.
RACHAEL The small was a perfect fit. Tailored shape with just the right level of bagginess. There wouldn’t be too much room for more shapely hips though.
LAURA The large was loose fitting but not shapeless and could suit bigger boobs well. It comfortably reached my hips and boasted a good length in the back. If you fall in between clothing sizes, it could be worth sizing down.
nnFIT