Life In The Saddle

UK based Intrepid Apparel make some superb kit. In previous reviews , I've tested gilets, jackets and shorts from the brand, and they've all impressed me with their quality, useful design features and their value for money. The FreeMotion shorts are the brand's latest release, and are designed to be your go-to baggies for all kinds of riding and casual wear. With all of the features of the Campaign Shorts , as well as some great additions and improvements, I was looking forward to testing them out... The FreeMotion shorts are made of the same wear-resistant, super-stretchy material as the Campaign shorts. Having tested those extensively in hot, cold and wet conditions, I can vouch that it continues to last really well, whilst feeling soft against the skin and proving highly breathable. To aid the breathability demands, the FreeMotion shorts also feature the same long thigh zipper-vents that the Campaign shorts did; allowing you to open up the airflow on the climbs, a...

Last week I reviewed the new Intrepid Apparel Pioneer Gilet , and mentioned how it had fast become one of my favourite winter warmers, both on and off the bike. In this review, I consider another recent addition to the UK brand's range, the Intrepid Apparel Gravity Jacket.   The Gravity Jacket is designed to be the ultimate protective layer for when you hit the trails in UK winter conditions. It's a soft-shell jacket, with a soft jersey lining and a highly protective hood; it's packed out with neat features too, like side hand-warmer pockets that double as vents, and an easy to reach pocket for your lift pass on the sleeve. Whether you're heading out for another downhill run in the stinging rain, or nipping down to the shops, this jacket has all the components for a great piece of protective clothing. The jacket has a relaxed but profiled cut, with a drop-tail rear hem and long sleeves, so that you're fully protected even when you're in a riding posit...

Back in 2013, I reviewed the Intrepid Apparel Freedom Gilet , and it fast became one of my favourite pieces of kit. I took to wearing it both on and off the bike; for everything from mountain bike missions, to commutes and casual trips to the shops. It provided a welcome layer of protection from the wind and cold. Earlier this year, Intrepid Apparel - a UK based rider-owned company, released their new Pioneer Gilet. They sent one over for me to test, and I was keen to see how it compared to the previous soft-shell vest. The most apparent change is the new colour-way: gone are the red detailing with white zips; in their place are sky blue zips and more subtle black detailing. The result, is a top that gains even more versatility, as it blends in better with casual wear, and looks great both on the street and the trails. The cut of the new Pioneer Gilet also seems to be better. It's a little bit closer fitting, and it retains its cycling specific fit; with a low cut rear hem...

The end of the road season means one thing... mountain biking! Over the last month I've been enjoying hitting the trails and getting muddy again on the mountain bike, and in the process I've been testing out some cool new kit from a great British company Intrepid Apparel . The Freedom Gilet (RRP £69) and the Campaign Shorts (RRP £85) are perfect for Autumn mountain biking; robust, warm and designed to cope with the English weather. They've been a great bit of kit to pull out of the cupboard and throw on when it's time to rip up the trails. The Freedom Gilet The Freedom Gilet is quite easily one of the most robust and well designed gilets that I have tested. It is made for hours of use and abuse on the trails, with some very cool and well thought out design details. The gilet is made of a breathable softshell fabric, with a warm microfleece lining. Thicker than other gilets I have used, it is perfect for wearing with a long sleeved jersey on a cool morn...