Life In The Saddle

Rab Equipment have years of knowledge and experience from creating the finest mountaineering, mountain running and skiing kit. This year, with the launch of the Rab Cinder collection they introduce versatile bikepacking apparel – designed to ' give riders freedom and confidence to take on whatever lies in their path .' I have been testing the Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket and the Rab Men's Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Pants ; two pieces of outerwear that promise to keep you riding even when the heavens open and you are battling against the elements. To put the apparel to the test, I took them on my West Country Way Adventure – a four day journey of five hundred kilometres – over challenging terrain and in some of the worst early season weather that North Devon and Exmoor could throw our way. Review – Rab Cinder Kinetic Waterproof Jacket Tim Fish, Design Director at Rab, said, " Off-road biking adventures require immense versatility in apparel; one moment you'...

Waterproof cycling rain pants are a piece of apparel that are most popular amongst cycle tourists and bicycle commuters. Waterproof trousers for cycling might seem rather over-the-top, but in truth a pair of high quality breathable waterproof bottoms could be one of the best pieces of cycle kit you have purchased to date… At the start of this year, I made a pledge to go 'car-free' as often as I possibly could. That meant riding in all weather, and often not in dedicated cycling kit. Waterproof cycling trousers mean that you can get from A-to-B and run daily errands whatever the weather. The Showers Pass Refuge Waterproof Trousers are the highest performance pair of waterproof trousers within the American brand's range. They are made using their highest quality waterproof and breathable fabric – the Elite fabric – to offer comfort and durability when cycling in wet weather conditions hour after hour, and day after day. These cycling-specific waterproof trousers are mu...

We all have a favourite pair of jeans; denim that gets worn day-in-day-out, whether you are heading down to the pub or into the office. For me, the Opus jeans from Vulpine have become that pair. These are cycling jeans that are smart enough for almost every occasion, but practical and comfortable enough to be worn all day, on and off the bike. Let's start with the basics, the fabric… the Vulpine Opus jeans are made from a soft and stretchy cotton elastane blend, utilising Repreve TruTemp365® recycled fibres—which offer moisture wicking and high breathability performance. The fabric is soft against the skin and flexible enough to allow you to move and stretch as you ride. Old school jeans would be stiff and abrasive when pedalling a bike, but the Vulpine Opus Jeans allow you to spin the pedals with ease and extraordinarily little restriction. Next up, seams… or rather, seam placement. Seams are irritating, and when you are sat on a bicycle saddle the seam that runs through the seat...

I have not opted for waterproof cycling trousers on past bikepacking and cycle tours, but after reading up on kit lists for the Tour Divide, I decided that a pair of 'rain pants' could be a worthwhile investment. The Vaude Vatten Lightweight Waterproof Cycling Trousers are an impressive and well-made choice. On past bike tours I have taken water-resistant leg warmers as my shielding layer for my lower limbs in cold and wet conditions; normally the GripGrab AquaRepel Leg Warmers or the Sportful NoRain Leg Warmers . These have several advantages: they supply warmth and light water-resistance, and they take up minimal room in your pannier or seat-pack. The downside of just using leg warmers is that on tough days in the saddle the fabric inevitably becomes saturated, and with that loses it wind and water protection properties. This, is where the addition of waterproof rain pants comes in… The Vaude Vatten Waterproof Cycling Trousers are specifically design for bike riding—wit...

In all honesty, I have barely taken this kit off since it arrived with me for testing. Vaude have done it again with the Vaude All Year Moab Mountain Biking Collection — they have produced a superb set of cycling kit, inspired by their heritage and knowledge in the outdoor sports market. This is innovative apparel, which performs both on the bike, and as practical everyday wear. Vaude All Year Moab Jacket The outfit starts with the Vaude All Year Moab Jacket — a lightweight multi-sport jacket, which is ideal for everything from winter walks to downhill MTB runs. The jacket is designed as a 'hybrid' piece of apparel — with strategically placed Primaloft® Eco Insulation on the front and shoulders providing warmth, and waterproof stretch inserts on back, hood and lower cuffs helping to shield you from the elements. The exceptional side of the All Year Moab Jacket comes from the details — features like the elasticated cuffs that seal out the wind; or the pit zips tha...

Lycra is not always appropriate. Lycra around the house... not advisable. Lycra in the office... just no. Lycra on a night out... hell no. Instead, look for some quality cycling inspired casual kit. It will be more comfortable, and more acceptable when you are not sprinting for signs or tearing up trails. These are some of my latest favourites, from this winter's collections... Swrve Skinny Cycling Jeans I am a great fan of the casual clothing range from American brand Swrve. I wear a pair of their Indigo Cycling Jeans or WWR Trousers almost every day. The new Skinny Fit Cycling Jeans are the latest addition to my wardrobe, and a great one at that. They have a flattering slender fit, reflective trims, and also cleverly incorporate just a little Lycra into the material mix, to give them a bit of stretch if you are riding around town. The black Cordura denim provides a look that is smart enough for most offices, but a fabric durable enough to stand up to...

Spoke trousers featured here on Life In The Saddle last year, when I reviewed the superb Spoke Flex Chinos ; they proved to be a pair of trousers that were just at home in the saddle, as they would be on a formal night out. This year, Spoke has re-released their famed 'Bulletproof Chinos', with a number of twists that make them even more suited to life on two wheels. I thought they were worth a look! Build quality 'Bulletproof' is something that most cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts like the sound of... not because we tend to be in the firing range, thankfully; but because it would be safe to assume that something that can withstand bullets, should be able to withstand the rigours of outdoor pursuits. OK, so the Spoke Bulletproof Chinos probably (definitely) aren't actually bulletproof; even less so than Kevlar puncture protection strips... however, they are stunningly well made, and built to last. From the moment you unbox a pair of trousers from Spoke, th...