I always strive to ride more and lately, I’ve been doing pretty well with my quest to spend more time in the saddle. I’ve been using the bicycle for transportation more than I ever have, doing the 15ish-mile commute a few days a week and riding to and from social events instead of driving whenever I possibly can… all that in addition to getting out on the trail. This lifestyle is simplified by a versatile wardrobe of items that are comfortable and stylish both on and off the bike.
Club Ride rises to the occasion of creating such garments, and I was lucky enough to acquire some for testing this spring. Club Ride’s clothing provides the technical attributes of traditional bike garb in a stylish package that’s fit for any pre- or post-ride activity. Everything I tested was super comfortable, fit really well, and looked good too!
Delice Jersey
The Delice is super lightweight and breathable, featuring Club Ride’s Sheer2Dry fabric, which is great for hot summer days. The fabric even includes reflective accents for riding on the road at night.
There is a small pocket on the rear for storage that is just about large enough to fit something the size of most cell phones. However, I did find that due to the stretchy nature of the shirt material, anything heavier tends to bounce around, which got a little annoying at times. I’d recommend stuffing something a little lighter than an iPhone in that pocket, like money, a small snack, or a key.
For me, the jersey fit perfectly around the shoulders, but was pretty loose everywhere else. This turned out to be really flowy and comfortable, especially when it was really warm out. It’s cut long, which is helpful in eliminating rise up the back, which tends to happen to me when I wear a hydration pack with many of my shirts. It doesn’t seem to hold odors either, so that sweaty smell won’t follow you the rest of the day after a ride. Overall, it’s a great piece of clothing that is comfortable and wicks sweat well while on the bike, and is also stylish enough for work or for going out for dinner or beers after hitting the trails.
MSRP: $59.95
Cross Vest
I’m a vest gal. I love ’em. They offer the prefect amount of warmth when a jacket is just too much, but a shirt is not enough. In the case of the Cross Vest, it offers just the right amount of windproofing when a full-sleeved jacket isn’t quite called for, but when there is a little nip in the air.
The Cross Vest features Wind20 breathable, lightweight, wind-resistant fabric that also includes plenty of built-in reflective accents. It’s abrasion-resistant and rip-stop, so it’s able to handle the inevitable spills from the bike. The Corss has both a chest pocket and a rear pocket that are helpful in holding ride essentials for easy access. It’s also attractive–I found myself wearing it as an extra layer even when I wasn’t riding. This vest is definitely a versatile addition to any female cyclist’s wardrobe.
MSRP: $64.95
Zest Shorts
Of the three items I tested from Club Ride, I was most smitten with the Zest Shorts. They are way more comfortable than I expected, with just the right amount of stretch in all the right places. They are made with PowerWeave, which is a quick-drying, wicking, durable material.
I found that the Zests also handle getting dirty with grace–mud easily brushes off of the fabric and they don’t tend to hold odors, making them an excellent choice for many days on the bike without the need for washing. Well-situated, zippered front pockets are handy for keeping valuables safe both on and off the trail.
The size small fit me like a glove and weren’t binding or restrictive in any way. Paired with a lightweight liner short, they are the perfect choice for a day on the bike, and everything that follows.
MSRP: $79.95
Overall, I was really impressed with everything I tested. Club Ride does a superb job at creating gear that is functional, fashionable, and incredibly comfortable.
Thanks to Club Ride for providing this gear for review.
