Life In The Saddle

TRI- FIT aim to become the world's leading triathlon apparel brand – creating clean, modern and practical premium level triathlon clothing using only the finest fabrics and latest design technology. The TRI-FIT SYKL PRO Black Edition Long Sleeve Jersey and TRI-FIT SYKL PRO SKIN Bib Shorts have become one of my favourite riding outfits this season, thanks to their unique design and superb quality. Review – TRI-FIT SYKL PRO Black Edition Long Sleeve Jersey The TRI-FIT SYKL PRO Black Edition Long Sleeve is designed to be the perfect long sleeve cycling jersey; featuring a unique dual-purpose double layer rear pocket, a fantastic race cut and state-of-the-art fabrics. The jersey is constructed from an astonishing six different fabric types. On the front, a technical MICX fabric provides a close-fitting aero cut, then a soft cooling horizontal strip fabric on the rear aids with heat reduction and moisture management. Further extra moisture wicking fabrics have been used for high sw...

I am always on the lookout for new and interesting cycle clothing brands. This year, Souke Sports came to my attention with the release of their new Pro Line. The Chinese-British brand started from an Amazon-based value-offering; but this latest range, and the establishment of their new direct-to-consumer website souke-sports.com , cater towards the higher end of the market. I have been testing the Souke BS1601 4D Padded Bib Shorts and Souke Hi Race Lightweight Pro Jersey for the last few months and have had a positive experience. Both garments are still relatively inexpensive, but both deliver an impressive performance level for their affordable price tag. The Souke BS1601 Bib Shorts feature a decent quality foam seat pad, perforated mesh bib straps, and ventilated panels on the thighs. They do not have the level of compression-fit or the long-distance seat pad comfort provided by the most expensive cycling shorts on the market, but they do offer a satisfactory level of padding and...

Chapeau Cycling wins my personal award as the Best UK-Based Cycle Clothing Brand of 2020 . Their products continue to impress me with their exceptional quality, function, and design innovation. Yet, as a brand, Chapeau are still not that well-known in the world of cycling apparel. Hopefully, this review feature will introduce you to their latest winter range, and prompt you to also doff your top hat and shout " Chapeau! "... Review – Chapeau Cycling Club Thermal Bib Shorts Thermal bib shorts are a highly versatile and under-rated piece of cycling apparel. In the transition seasons of spring and autumn you are often too warm in bib tights, but a little too chilly in summer bib shorts. Thermal bib shorts use fleece-lined fabrics, a higher cut bib, and a longer leg length to deliver that extra bit of warmth and comfort. The Chapeau Club Thermal Bib Shorts are a fine example of 'early season bib shorts'; with features that make them unique and superior to ...

The first iteration of the Rapha Cargo Bib Shorts were one of the two pairs of bib shorts I chose for last year's #RoadsFromRome adventure . The storage capacity, robust fast-dry fabrics, and comfortable endurance specific seat-pad made them a top choice for the 2500 kilometre tour. The latest version—the Rapha Core Cargo Bib Shorts have been on test for the last few months; they offer some interesting developments over the first edition. Rapha have retained the three core product attributes found in the original Rapha Brevet Cargo Bib Shorts—including the fast drying fabrics, side and back mesh pockets, and the endurance level chamois pad. However, other areas have been developed and altered to bring the product up to date with current trends and preferences. The Rapha Core Cargo Bib Shorts use a new dense-knit fabric, which has a degree of weather and water repellence, and a fast-dry nature; bit it is lighter weight than the Brevet fabric in the predecessors. The bib sectio...

Spring is here. Summer is soon on the horizon. Shorts are the way forward, and the new Folsom Short 2.0 from Chrome Industries has become one of my go-to options for casual wear and casual riding. On a recent trip to Berlin—the city that oozes urban cool—I spotted a definite trend… Chrome. Chrome Industries messenger bags adorned more shoulders that I could count, and if a guy or girl riding a flat bar fixie pulled up alongside the tram, then it could be almost guaranteed that they were rocking some piece of apparel or luggage from the distinctive American brand. One of the brand's straplines is 'Building Indestructible Gear Since 1995', and damn is that right. This is the brand that first invented the swing-over messenger bag; using seatbelt buckles and straps, five bar webbing, and double-lined bombproof interiors. From the outset, the brand was built for the urban jungle. More than 20 years on, with the days of garage floor sewing machine production well in the...

The Aussie Grit range of off-road bike shorts, jerseys, gilets and jackets is the brainchild of Australian F1 driver Mark Webber, who has always held a passion for mountain biking and high-level design. It is premium quality apparel, created to excel at providing both comfort and performance out on the trails. I have been testing out three clothing pieces from the Aussie Grit range: the Flint Thermal Bike Gilet, the Flint Bike Shell Jacket, and the Flint Men's Bike Shorts. Despite the time of year, and that two of these garments are foul/cold weather kit, I have managed to get a decent bit of time in the saddle wearing them, and I have been impressed by the quality and design. Aussie Grit Flint 2018 Men's Bike Shorts Review 'Baggy' cycling shorts are tricky to get right. Some brands go for tough and durable fabrics, but at the expense of the clothing feeling cumbersome and overly warm in the summer months. Others go for super lightweight materials, but with t...

If I only had one pair of casual shorts it would be these. The Swrve Durable Cotton Regular Cut shorts are smart, comfortable, uniquely styled, and durable… I have become a huge fan of the casual wear from Swrve. The American brand produces kit that excels in everyday use, and is made subtly bike-specific without looking like you have just rolled off the pump track. Last year I reviewed the Swrve Durable Cotton Cigarette Cut Shorts, and they fast became my go-to choice; with their stretch fabric, seamless gusseted crotch, and clever pocketing all providing practicality and comfort. This year I decided to smarten things up a little, opting for the new Swrve Durable Cotton Regular Cut Shorts in the sophisticated black colour tone. Much like the Cigarette Cut shorts, these use the same super durable DWR coated water-resistant stretch fabric. They also have many of the neat and useful features like the front pen pockets, reinforced rear lock pocket and a no-stretch waistband. T...