Life In The Saddle

Rab brand their Infinity Microlight as " the most protective version of the iconic Microlight".  Featuring an outer shell made from lightweight and breathable GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER®, it offers additional weather protection, while its 700FP 100% recycled down filling continues to provide the ultimate lightweight insulation. After using this jacket for the first time on the #NorthWestRoad bikepacking trip, it has fast become my favourite lightweight insulated jacket for cycling adventures. I have been a proud owner of a Rab Microlight Alpine jacket for many years, and the Infinity Microlight stays true to the Microlight's original purpose: an insulated jacket for year-round mountain use. The addition of the wind and weather resistance GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER® outer fabric on the Infinity means that while still being super lightweight, this updated version has impressive weather protection to cope with light snow, drizzle, and shield you from windchill. ...

April showers… a time when a super-protective, hard-wearing waterproof is a must, for those that want to go out and play in the elements. The new Swrve Keiu Anorak has fast become my go-to, always-packed waterproof, for this time of year. Simple, but incredibly effective - that sums up the design of the Swrve Keiu Anorak. It is a classic waterproof; designed to keep you dry both on and off the bike. As with other Swrve apparel that I've reviewed on the blog, it delivers. Shield+ waterproofing The Keiu anorak uses Teflon Shield+ waterproofing, with a fully taped seam construction. Seal out the elements, whilst allowing moisture to escape from within. I've worn this in wet but mild conditions - the most challenging for any waterproof fabric, and it has excelled. Superb fabric technology lies at the heart of Swrve products. The Keiu Anorak is no exception Clever cut Most waterproofs feature a full-length zip, but that can be uncomfortable when tucked down on a ...

Winter is coming; and with it the long rides, café stops, cross-training, and foul weather training gear that accompanies the season. I love winter... it is a special season; not only for the challenging conditions found on rides like those during the Festive 500 ; but also because there is no better feeling than jumping in a warm bath, and then pulling on a warm jumper, after a long ride in the cold crisp air. The Swrve Black Label Polartec Heritage Fleece Pullover has fast become a favourite of mine for the 2016 winter season. Smart, yet comfortable; this is a jumper that will keep you warm on those cold days, but also look the part in the office or around town. The lining of the Heritage pullover is made from POLARTEC® Thermal Pro fabric, which is lightweight, yet insulates superbly for its bulk. It breathes well too, staying comfortable even when the sun comes out. Then, because it's synthetic fleece, it is fast drying as well. It's worth mentioning that despite being...

Many new 'casual cycle apparel' brands have established themselves with the sole aim of producing clothing for off-the-bike wear.  Le Coq Sportif  by contrast, has an unquestionable heritage in the world of cycling; both for producing iconic riding jerseys, as well as post-sport casual clothing. Le Coq Sportif have been the makers of the Maillot Jaune since 1951, bar a few hiatus years. The French brand has an unquestionable association with the sport, and their apparel has graced the shoulders of many 'Kings of Cycling'. I too have worn, and been impressed by their riding kit; have a read of my review on the Le Coq Sportif Premium Jersey , from last summer. In this post, I look at their latest range of casual sportswear: including shoes, a polo, sweater and tech pants. Although the range doesn't claim to be cycling specific in any way, it has a style that resonates well with the peloton's fashion. I have also been so thoroughly impressed by the fit and qu...

A hoodie is the perfect bit of kit for relaxing off the bike, especially after a long winter training ride or a cold cyclocross race. The Rhapsody hoodie from Primal Europe is designed to have a dual purpose though; it is intended to not only be great for chilling out in a casual environment, but also perfect for short rides and nipping around town on errands. On a week off the bike in South Tyrol last month, I tested it out; doing a good bit of relaxing, as well as running up a few mountains... The first thing that you notice with the Rhapsody hoodie, is the fit. This is a product made for cyclists. It features a good body length, so that you're not left with uncomfortable gaps when you're bent over on the handlebars; the sleeves are a good length too, and have large soft cuffs to keep out the chill. Overall, it has a great slim fitting silhouette, and is very comfortable to wear. The hoodie comes in two colour schemes, the first a stealthy grey, and the second (the one ...

Finding a great t-shirt or hoodie, is a bit like finding a great trail or road; no matter how much you use it, it still feels great. Your favourite trails and roads represent you, your style of riding and what you enjoy; what you wear as casual kit does that to a large extent as well. Endurance Conspiracy is a cool and quirky American brand. It was founded in 2008 by two brothers, Tim and Tony De Boom, both of who are ex-pro triathletes. Based in Boulder, Colorado, it has a cult following in the US, with its unique style and artwork epitomising the desire to get out and explore! Tony has previously done artwork for big names, including Red Bull and Jack Johnson; but much of his best work is displayed on the athletic fit tees and hoodies of the Endurance Conspiracy brand. I was lucky enough to be sent a few items to test out. As there isn't much to say about tees and hoodies, except that these are quality cotton, have a beautiful soft feel, are washing well and have a great ...

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...