Review: Summer Cycling Clothing

Rather than spending another season riding in last year’s threadbare shorts and faded jersey, consider one of these new kits from some of the cycling world’s best clothing manufactures. Not only will the new clothing provide

T FI Uno S5 Bib Shorts Men’s – $225
Assos

Assos has always been recognized as making some of the best and most expensive cycling clothing on the planet. Unfortunately, that e high price has kept many cyclists from enjoying the fit and comfort of their clothing. Thankfully, the TFI Uno S5 Bib Shorts deliver almost all the legendary Assos performance and comfort at a price that won’t require taking about a second mortgage.  Assos manages these cost saving by simplifying some of the patterning and sewing while still retaining functional features on-the-bike fit and welded leg grippers.

SS. Uno Jersey Men’s – $189
Assos

Built with Assos’s lightweight Plasma fabric, the SS. Uno Jersey delivers exceptional warm weather riding comfort. Like all Assos clothing, the SS. Uno Jersey is patterned on-the-bike comfort and blends excellent ventilation with an unrestrictive fit.

P.R.O. Series Octane Jersey Women’s – $240
Pearl Izumi

With fast wicking fabric and ventilated back panel, the P.R.O. Series Octane Jersey is a great choice riding in hot and humid conditions. Pearl Izumi uses an antimicrobial odour-fighting fabric on the sides and under the arms while the UPF 50 protection-rated fabric shields riders from sun’s skin damaging rays.

P.R.O. Series Octane Short Women’s – $300
Pearl Izumi

Using the same fast wicking and UV blocking fabric found on the P.R.O. Series Octane Jersey, these shorts are ideal for serious cyclists wanting comfort during long rides. Pearl Izumi’s generously padded P.R.O. 4D chamois adds comfort while the multi-panel anatomic fit and silicone leg grippers minimize fabric bunching and shifting even after multi hour rides.

Magnifica Jersey Women’s – $150
Castelli

Built with Castelli’s SGO.6 fabric, the Magnifica jersey delivers lightweight performance with excellent wicking and breathability. Castelli adds other functional details like a full length zipper for extra venting and an innovative rear pocket which won’t sag when loaded.

Truly Free Bib Short Women’s – $200
Castelli

With its featherweight fabric and body hugging fit the Truly Free Bib Short represents a no-compromise bib short option for women. The fabric does an great job of keeping riders dry and comfortable and is complemented by the performance of Castelli’s sophisticated multi-fabric chamios.

Formared-Carbon Men’s Bib Short – $280
Giordana

The FormaRed-Carbon men’s bib shorts from Giordana are constructed on a curve and have anatomically-shaped cutouts in the uppers to eliminate extra fabric and conform better to the body. There are Aerofix Grippers at the legs and the bib’s uppers to keep everything in place, while a seamless design adds to the comfort level. There’s also a pocket in the back of the bibs to hold a cell phone or MP3 player and the shorts use Giordana’s T-Select Gel OmniForm insert, which contours to the body.

Laser Men SS Tenax Jersey – $180
Giordana

With a full zipper that can be opened with one hand and non-slip cuffs at the waistband and cuffs, the Giordana Tenax Laser men’s short sleeve will keep you cool in the summer. It’s made with Aenergia fabric with mesh inserts in the sleeves. There are reflective logos on the sleeves and back for extra visibility, and three traditional pockets, as well as one zippered pocket. Available in sizes from small to 3XL.

BMC Team Jersey – $140
Hincapie

Riders wanting that full Euro-pro look will love the new Hincapie BMC Team Jersey. Built with the same soft and fast wicking used by the pros, it’s not surprising that this jersey delivers similar comfort and performance. A full-length zipper provides excellent ventilation in warm conditions and ventilated panels minimize overheating during long climbs.

BMC Team Bib Short – $170
Hincapie

Patterned for on-the-bike comfort, the BMC Team Bib Short delivers the performance and durability required for epic training and racing. The fast wicking body material is reinforced with a more durable saddle-area fabric, extending the life of the shorts. Hincapie’s soft and stretchy chamois increases overall comfort and the grippy leg bands prevent unwanted fabric shifting.