Review: adidas Supernova Jersey and adiStar Bib Shorts
Adidas doesn't need a whole lot of introduction, the 'three stripes' have been featuring on sports kit since 1920, and in that period they've kitted out millions of runners, footballers and swimmers (amongst many other sports-people) in great kit.
Their foray into cycling kit has been relatively recent though, and they first started to really get noticed with their sponsorship of Team Sky for their inaugural year in 2010. Since then, their range of products has expanded significantly, and it's well worth a look, so in this review I trial their mid-range Supernova jersey and adiStar bib shorts.
adidas Supernova Jersey
Straight out of the box, the Supernova jersey looks interesting and unique; the climalite fabric instantly speaks of breathability, and the mesh underarms, wide sleeve grippers and four rear pockets promise to make riding comfortable and easy in the summer months.
Adidas have clearly spoken to cyclists about how they would like their jerseys cut, and the Supernova jersey is very much tailored towards how the body sits whilst riding a bike. The front is very high cut, whilst the rear is cut extremely low (probably one of the lowest cut jersey tails that I've seen). I opted for a small size (I'm a 38 inch chest), and it fits snug and 'race orientated', with the only looseness being around the rear hem.
Out on the bike the Supernova jersey really looks the part; the blue detailing on the shoulders and sides, and the three reflective stripes on the sleeves add a touch of class, as well as visibility to the design. The sleeve grippers look smooth and flush on your upper arms, and the lower cut of the neck, with its minimal collar is very comfortable in the heat.
The fit of the jersey is good; it certainly doesn't flap or ball up in any areas, the only slight niggle is that the very low cut of the rear hem means that if you load up your pockets it does sit a bit lower down the back than I personally prefer. This is a minor problem though, and doesn't significantly impact the otherwise great look and feel of the top.
This is without doubt a unique and well made jersey; the fabric is superb for the summer, and there is real attention to detail in design, even down to such attributes as the zippered pocket on the rear, and the reflective accents. adidas have created something very cool in this mid-range option, both in terms of how it looks and feels.
Adidas have clearly spoken to cyclists about how they would like their jerseys cut, and the Supernova jersey is very much tailored towards how the body sits whilst riding a bike. The front is very high cut, whilst the rear is cut extremely low (probably one of the lowest cut jersey tails that I've seen). I opted for a small size (I'm a 38 inch chest), and it fits snug and 'race orientated', with the only looseness being around the rear hem.
Out on the bike the Supernova jersey really looks the part; the blue detailing on the shoulders and sides, and the three reflective stripes on the sleeves add a touch of class, as well as visibility to the design. The sleeve grippers look smooth and flush on your upper arms, and the lower cut of the neck, with its minimal collar is very comfortable in the heat.
The fit of the jersey is good; it certainly doesn't flap or ball up in any areas, the only slight niggle is that the very low cut of the rear hem means that if you load up your pockets it does sit a bit lower down the back than I personally prefer. This is a minor problem though, and doesn't significantly impact the otherwise great look and feel of the top.
This is without doubt a unique and well made jersey; the fabric is superb for the summer, and there is real attention to detail in design, even down to such attributes as the zippered pocket on the rear, and the reflective accents. adidas have created something very cool in this mid-range option, both in terms of how it looks and feels.
adidas adiStar Bib Shorts
These are cool. Again, a really unique look and feel, and a product quite unlike anything else I've seen.
The adiStar bib shorts use a two fabric mix; on the upper black areas there is a high stretch Lycra, on the lower grey areas there is a higher density stretch fabric to help keep the shorts firmly in place.
This fabric mix looks great, especially with the blue accent stripes and the hidden reflective stripes, but it also seems to work very well. The large grey gripper, which also has a gel hem grip inside, serves well at keeping these tight on the leg. The black areas look smart, and help to keep these shorts looking new even after some mucky rides.
I again opted for a size small, and was pleased that I had; the length is quite generous, and I think any larger and the gripper wouldn't serve its job as well. If in doubt, consider sizing down one from your norm.
The pad in these shorts in a leader-themed yellow colour, and it seems worthy of it too. It's a Cytech Endurance pad, which I've always got on well with, and it has proven comfortable even on 90 mile rides, and in the wet. It isn't especially thick or contoured, but it works very well.
What I like most about these shorts is the look; they look and feel like a high-end bib, despite only having an RRP of £120. The grey colour is certainly quite unique, and I rather like that. Well worth a look.
Adidas are the proud sponsor of Team GB, and although they're quite new to the cycling scene, they've fulfilled the reputation that precedes them, of being a quality, unique brand. I'm looking forward to seeing more of their apparel as time goes on.
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