The ACTIVE.com editorial team gathered and tested some of the newest men's and women's cycling kits on the market this spring. Here's what we thought.
Photos by Samantha Guzman
2016 Spring Cycling Kit Review
1 of 17
Roka Pro All-Season Jersey, Pro Cycling Bib Short
Jersey $135; Bib Short $200 2 of 17
Material: The mesh back is breathable and the textured premium fabric increases aerodynamics; but, while the mid-weight knit front is great for cooler morning rides, it tended to pill. The bibs had an appropriate amount of compression and a clean, raw hemline. 4.5/5
Overall Fit: Semi-form fit and true to size; Both the bibs and the jersey were supportive and unrestrictive, with a perfect inseam and sleeve length. 5/5
Chamois: The carbon-based chamois was odor resistant as advertised, with no chafing-- perfect for long-distance rides. 5/5
Bib Straps: The increased mesh surface area on the back decreased pressure points and the flexible straps were comfortable on long climbs out of the saddle. 5/5
Jersey Pockets: Features three 7-inch deep pockets, and stores all your necessary gear without issue. 5/5
Bonus Features: Includes a water resistant media pocket with interior cabling for earbuds and a security pocket for credit cards and keys. 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Hincapie Felix Jersey, Felix Bib Short
Jersey $70, Bib Short $120 3 of 17
Material: Made mostly of moisture-wicking Lycra, the kit has a nice sheen to it and feels comfortable against the skin. A diamond mesh in the underarm and at the top of the back collar makes airflow and breathability a non-issue. 4.5/5
Chamois: One of the best we've tested for the price. The shape, material and construction are second to none and could easily get you through a ride of any distance unscathed. 5/5
Bib Straps: As they should, these felt non-existent. The straps are made of an incredibly soft, lightweight diamond mesh that will cause zero chafe no matter the distance you're tackling. 5/5
Overall Fit: Around the shoulders, arms and waist, the jersey has a comfortable yet conforming fit. Our one gripe is the jersey feels a little too loose. Thin cyclists, take heed. 4/5
Pockets: Neither too baggy nor too tight, the Velocity's pockets made all items easily accessible. And the jersey's slick material ensured zero snag when retrieving snacks or a cell phone. 5/5
Bonus Features: The kit's fabric includes SunSmart technology that provides UPF 30+ protection from the sun, and the bottom of the jersey includes a silicon band that secures it in place. This versatile, affordable kit is a perfect option for almost any ride. 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.75/5
Bellwether Heritage Jersey, Heritage Bib Short
Jersey $80; Bib Short $120 4 of 17
Material: Bellwether's Air-lite fabric is a no-frills material that blends breathability with moisture control. The bibs feature a high-compression fabric that we found to be both supportive and durable. 4/5
Overall Fit: Semi-form fit and true to size, the Heritage collection has a classic fit and clean look combined with modern technology--perfect for a casual Sunday group ride to the cafe 4/5
Chamois: The bibs include a high-density 3D molded chamois that is plenty comfortable for mid-distance rides. 3.5/5
Bib Straps: The bib straps, combined with the high sides and back, are highly supportive and feel like a second skin when on the move. 4.5/5
Jersey Pockets: The no-frills, three-standard pockets store plenty of gels and tubes and are easy to access. 4/5
Bonus Features: The kit includes reflective accents for low light visibility and a silicone gripper at the hem. 3/5
Overall Rating: 3.75/5
Liv Signature S/S
Bib Short $210; Jersey $180 5 of 17
Material: Giant has partnered with Spain's Etxeondo, a premium cycling apparel brand, to ensure the material used to create their women's line is of the highest quality. It's readily apparent; the fabric is structurally firm while still feeling soft and breathable. This kit is definitely made to last. 5/5
Overall Fit: Race fit. Ran perfectly true to size, and we were pleased to find the bib shorts came up higher on the torso than many women's kits. 5/5
Chamois: Liv's women's-specific ProComfor may be the best chamois out there. Seriously, we'd wear these bib shorts on any surface, for any distance. 5/5
Bib Straps: The Signature bib's completely seamless, single strap design is a knockout. 5/5
Jersey Pockets: Three rear pockets hit snugly and perfectly on your back for easy access. 5/5
Bonus Features: When it comes to designing specifically for women, no one gets it better than Liv; no gimmicks needed. 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Specialized Enduro Comp Jersey, Enduro Comp Shorts
Jersey $55; Short $75 6 of 17
Material: Designed for warm weather riding, the VaporRise material wicks sweat and is highly breathable. The fabric is even cooler (see what we did there?) because it's made from recycled coffee and carbon materials. The shorts' material is plenty comfortable and is reportedly durable enough for repeated spills on the single track (luckily we haven't tested this yet). 4.5/5
Overall Fit: Relaxed fit, with plenty of room for pads and armor. The shorts are all-rounders and are loose--but not baggy--and work for all kinds of trails. 4.5/5
Chamois: A chamois is not included, but these pair well with a pair of liner shorts with a chamois. -/5
Jersey Pockets: There is one zippered side pocket that will hold small items, but we'd prefer to go with a CamelBak. -/5
Bonus Features: Both the shorts and jersey feature high-end performance without the steep price tag. 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Fondo Women's Confetti Kit
$285 (bib short and jersey not sold separately) 7 of 17
Material: The jersey is a soft, form-fitting Lycra--one of the softest we've seen in women's kit designs, but still extremely lightweight and breathable. Bib shorts are a slightly heavier compression fabric that holds the chamois snugly in place while creating a super sleek, flattering silhouette. 5/5
Overall Fit: Race cut; we sized up on the bib shorts at Fondo's recommendation and were pleased with the fit. 4.5/5
Chamois: Premium, Italian-made chamois; we tested at century distance and were completely satisfied with the level of support and comfort. 5/5
Bib Straps: Fondo has taken a distinctive wide-set approach to their bib straps with the goal of minimizing chest restriction. Women with broader shoulders, however, may experience some discomfort from the snug underarm fit. 3/5
Jersey Pockets: Tri-pocket design with a full-length hidden zipper; kept snacks, cell phone and Ziploc bag safe and secure with minimal bouncing. 5/5
Bonus Features: Fondo's kits are full of thoughtful women's-specific design touches like an elasticized waistband to keep your jersey from creeping up; thick, laser-cut elastic leg bands that prevent sausage leg; and a longer cut on sleeves and legs to avoid a gap when wearing arm or leg warmers. 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Leader Jersey, P.R.O. Pursuit Bib Short
Jersey $120; Bib Short $195 8 of 17
Material: The P.R.O. Leader jersey is Pearl Izumi's high-end offering and the materials are top notch. The In-R-Cool fabric wicked moisture perfectly in the heat, and the Transfer fabric shoulder panels and Direct-Vent panels provided superior ventilation and sun protection. 5/5
Overall Fit: Race cut and true to size. Although the jersey ran short in the torso, the shoulders, back and chest fit flawlessly. The bibs were supportive, yet stretchy, and were suitable for long days in the saddle. 4.5/5
Chamois: The P.R.O. Pursuit 1:1's multi-density foams were comfortable--even in multiple positions. 4.5/5
Bib Straps: The Transfer Direct Vent mesh bib's high sides and straps wicked moisture suitably, minimized friction and were odor resistant. 4.5/5
Jersey Pockets: The standard three back pockets store gear securely and a sweat-proof pocket is included to protect valuables. 5/5
Bonus Features: Worn by team BMC, this is a tried-and-true kit that combines comfort with top-tier performance. 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.75/5
Tenspeed Hero Women's Resort Line
Bib Short $200; Jersey $150 9 of 17
Material: Tenspeed Hero's bib shorts are made with premium high compression Lycra; we loved the titanium mesh material used for the straps. Meanwhile, the jersey--while soft and lightweight--didn't quite stand up to the quality we found from other brands during our spring reviews. 3.5/5
Overall Fit: Race fit; TSH has an innovative "Real World Fit Guide" specifically intended to help women cyclists find the right size for their body type. We had to size up in the jersey. 4.5/5
Chamois: Excellent. Women's-specific and super dense, the chamois held up to long hours in the saddle. 5/5
Bib Straps: We sized up in the bib shorts, but then found the straps to be slightly too loose, creating a rogue bra strap feeling while riding. 4/5
Jersey Pockets: Two-pocket design plus a zippered, waterproof pocket for valuables. 4/5
Bonus Features: If you're into making bold statements on the bike, Tenspeed Hero is for you. The Chicago brand's colorful designs and plentiful sock doping opportunities are head and shoulders above anything we've seen from other U.S. designers. 5/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Louis Garneau Cargo Cycling Jersey, CB Carbon Lazer Cycling Bib
Jersey $150; Bib Short $180 10 of 17
Material: Five different kinds of fabric were used in the construction of this jersey and, while comfortable, it felt slightly heavy out on the road. The bib features an ergonomic design, flatlock seams and aerodynamic fabric that ranked among our favorites. 4/5
Overall Fit: Standard fit. The Cargo jersey and CB Carbon Lazer bib run large (like most LG apparel), so if you're between sizes, size down for a closer fit. The bibs were highly stretchable and fit like a dream. The jersey is designed more for casual cyclists, not race day. 4.5/5
Chamois: Larger than others we've tried, the chamois provided excellent coverage and protection. Remember, size down to prevent the "diaper" feel. 4/5
Bib Straps: The Carbon-X and Highlander mesh straps were some of the most comfortable we've tried, and we found ourselves coming back to these bibs for our regular weekend rides. 5/5
Jersey Pockets: While you can certainly store plenty of gear in the eight jersey pockets, we wondered what you would store in the chest pockets. 3/5
Bonus Features: The jersey includes reflective accents and a sweat-proof multimedia pocket to keep your electronics safe. 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Showers Pass Cyclone Jersey, Gravel Shorts, Liner Shorts
$110, $89, $45 11 of 17
Material: The gravel shorts are made of a quick dry fabric, the liner shorts a comfy ribbed spandex and the jersey is made primarily of polyester and nylon. Showers Pass boasts about the material's reflectivity and we thought it was perfect for overcast and rainy day rides. 5/5
Chamois: While the chamois (sold separately in the liner shorts) provided plenty of support, it was a little too rigid for our taste. However, its flat lock stitching was certainly welcome and is ideal for shorter rides. 4/5
Overall Fit: The gravel shorts include Velcro adjustment straps and provide plenty of support without inhibiting your pedal stroke, and the jersey conformed well to the body. 4.5/5
Pockets: The middle pocket is zippered within a thick, waterproof material, making it ideal for valuable electronics. While the two side pockets were deep, we found their geometry to be a little cumbersome, making it difficult to retrieve items. 3.5/5
Bonus Features: Showers Pass has cornered the market on weatherproof gear, and this handsome kit shows why. The Cascade collection's superior moisture management, sun proof material and reflectivity make it one of a kind. 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Specialized SL Expert Jersey, SL Pro Bib Shorts
Jersey $120; Bib Shorts $180 12 of 17
Material: Designed to provide high performance without sacrificing durability, the VaporRise fabric construction feels extremely lightweight, form-fitting and excels in the heat. The bibs boast the same highly breathable fabric and wick moisture rapidly. 4.5/5
Overall Fit: When Specialized says race cut, they mean it. If you're between sizes, we recommend sizing up. Tall sizes also available. 4.5/5
Chamois: Specialized includes their high-end chamois, the Body Geometry SL Pro, in the SL Pro bib shorts. The multi-density design is much appreciated and we enjoyed plenty of support with minimal material. 4.5/5
Bib Straps: The seamless bib straps are extremely lightweight and flexible, limiting friction when in and out of the saddle. Top notch. 5/5
Jersey Pockets: The jersey features a standard three-pocket design that provides plenty of storage. 4.5/5
Bonus Features: Tall sizing is a big plus and rare to find in the cycling scene, and one sweat-proof pocket is integrated into the design as well. 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Voler Black Label DX Jersey, Black Label Bib Shorts
Jersey $109; Bib Shorts $139 13 of 17
Material: Voler's Genesis fabric is soft, durable and wicks sweat with the best. The flat seam construction adds to the fast feel of this jersey, and the Micro X Mesh hugs your body, but feels somewhat rough to the touch. The bibs are constructed with a high-compression Forza HC Fabric that includes all the necessary features. 4.5/5
Overall Fit: The jersey fits true to size and feels slimmer than last year's model. The bibs are high-compression, so expect a tight fit. We sized up in the bibs for a less confining experience. 4.5/5
Chamois: The Comp HP chamois is extremely adaptable and comfortable both in aero bars and up on the hoods. 4.5/5
Bib Straps: The no-frill straps do their job, although we wish they were a little thicker. 4/5
Jersey Pockets: Our only real complaint lies here--we wish the jersey pockets fit closer to the body. We never lost any gear, but we felt items in our pockets moved around significantly. 3/5
Bonus Features: Unlike any others on this list, this kit is made in the USA. Plus, it just looks fast. 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Specialized Women's SL Pro Kit
Bib shorts $180; Jersey $150 14 of 17
Material: The SL Pro Kit is perfect for summer, using ultra-light VaporRize moisture transfer knit and a special fabric that reduces surface temperatures on dark fabric. Bonus: The fold-over leg cuff with silicone print will have you saying sayonara to sausage legs. 5/5
Overall Fit: Performance fit; runs true to size. 5/5
Chamois: Specialized has applied their Body Geometry principals to the lightweight-yet-firm chamois in their SL Pro Line, and it's among the most comfortable we tested. A note of caution, however: We had some trouble with the chamois staying snug on a 70-miler, so make sure you have your bibs properly positioned before setting out for the day. 4.5/5
Bib Straps: Straightforward, secure fit. 5/5
Jersey Pockets: The extremely lightweight material used in the SL Pro Jersey is, dare we say it, just a little too lightweight, making your nutrition stash a tad unstable on bumps. 4/5
Bonus Features: We're going to come right out and say it: Specialized is the only brand currently on the market that truly has women's mid-ride potty issues figured out. Try the HookUp magnetic bib connection for yourself--you can thank us later. 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.75/5
Nalini Red TI SS Jersey, Ride Bib Shorts
Jersey $95; Bib Shorts $129 15 of 17
Material: One of the softest we've tried, this jersey feels extremely light and has a smooth finish. Popular overseas and in the pro peloton, the bibs are made with HOT MOA LIGHT fabric that has a high level of elasticity, and will keep you dry in hot, sticky weather. 4.5/5
Overall Fit: Even though it's called "regular" cut, this Italian kit runs small (shocker!) so be sure to size up if you're between sizes. 4.5/5
Chamois: The chamois was comfortable, but make sure it is in place before you head out. We had to do some adjusting on more than one occasion. 3.5/5
Bib Straps: The lack of material takes getting used to, but these straps have become one of our favorites. They're thin, low profile and you forget you have them on. 5/5
Jersey Pockets: Includes a standard three-pocket design. No issues here. (4.25/5)
Bonus Features: UPF 50+ protection and the most "Euro" kit in this guide. (4.25/5)
Overall Rating: 4.25/5
Specialized Women's SL Pro Bib Shorty Short + Merino Jersey
Bib shorts $180; Jersey $130 16 of 17
Material: The drirelease Merino version of the SL series is oh-so soft (we seriously considered sleeping in it) while naturally cooling, neutralizing odor and wicking away moisture. 5/5
Overall Fit: Specialized calls this jersey style "Form Fit"--we found it slightly more relaxed than a race cut and perfect for shorter days in the saddle. 4/5
Chamois: No skimping here; the Shorty Short has the same Body Geometry chamois as the regular SL Pro bib. 5/5
Bib Straps: See previous note about the Specialized HookUp magnetic bib connection, then toast your good fortune. 5/5
Jersey Pockets: Slightly loose due to the relaxed fit; be careful with valuables. 3.5/5
Bonus Features: Though we certainly abide by Rule No. 7, we're not ashamed to admit we loved having the option to go a little shorter for summer while not sacrificing performance or quality. Thank you, Specialized, for answering the request we dared not speak aloud. 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
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