Dakine is one of the big mountain bike apparel companies that really keeps an eye on performance as well as style. Add in durability and a good fit and you have the recipe for the perfect mountain bike gear! I rocked Dakine for more than half the summer and now I’m ready to share my review of the Descent long sleeve jersey and shorts.

Descent LS Jersey

The Descent LS Jersey has a familiar DH cut with a high v-neck collar and a rather roomy fit. The Raglan-cut jersey naturally has a nice-fitting arm in the long sleeve version thanks to the tubular cut. If you’re planning on wearing full armor you need to buy one size larger than normal for a proper fit.

Made from a durable 220 gm/yd polyester, the Descent jersey takes abrasion fairly well. I have had a few close calls with trees and even a crash or two on the rocks, and with the exception of a small tear (I was using elbow guards at the time), everything has held up great. Sewn into the jersey’s left side seam is a protected chamois to clean up your lens when things get really down and dirty. And to prevent stinking like a trash can, the fabric has an anti-microbial treatment which manages the deluge of bacteria that can cultivate while riding (or leaving you jersey in the trunk of your car for a week after a big ride).

As far as style goes, the asymmetrical  graphics are a bit different but I think they’re pretty cool. What looks like simple stripes from afar is actually an intricately printed maze – the graphics are definitely eye-catching.

Descent Short

The Descent shorts are purpose-built: constructed from 400D plain-weave nylon, they feature a mesh-polyester liner. That makes for a durable and comfortable short.

As far as fit, Dakine has you covered with perforated panels for better air flow, a ribbed crotch gusset for comfort, and a bit of extra stretch to provide maximum range of motion. What makes this a truly downhill-specific short is the 16″ inseam legs: perfect for just covering the knees, even with armor. The ratchet-type waist adjustment and back lumbar pad add to the durability, fit, and comfort.

If you didn’t already pick up on this from the pics, the Descent shorts and jersey are designed to match. Running both together makes you almost feel like a sponsored rider! But critically speaking,  the jersey and shorts do fit together perfectly with approximately the same fit and a similar feel to the materials.

The Test

The Descent shorts and jersey found themselves used and abused on the slopes of Blue Mountain and Horseshoe Valley resorts. Coincidentally, the instructors at Blue also use the same gear. You can imagine the confusion that arose from time to time. I was informed that the guys at Whistler also use the Descent jersey and shorts. With that kind of street cred, I feel like I’m in good company!

During the late summer months and into the fall, the Descent gear held up superbly! Despite taking various spills on rock gardens and hard-packed berms, the jersey and shorts endured, with very little sign of wear. I personally loved the feel of the material and the roomy fit that the Dakine gear provides. In case you haven’t been on a downhill or freeride bike before, there is a lot of body movement going on, with the legs and arms really working it. The combination of roominess and cut keeps the clothing from snagging up. Nothing bugs me more than having my clothing snag and pinch while I’m trying to get my groove on.

Not only do the Descent jersey ($60 MSRP) and short ($100 MSRP) look good, but they measure up in the performance and comfort arena as well.

Thanks to Dakine for sending out the Descent short and long sleeve jersey for review.

Sentry Jersey

The Sentry Jersey from Dakine is a baggy t-shirt-style jersey designed for downhill mountain bikers. It features a very roomy design to accommodate bulky pads and body armor underneath. Special features include mesh panels that run down the side for excellent ventilation, an anti-bacterial fabric treatment, an eyewear chamois located on the left interior sideseam, and eye-catching sleeve graphics.

Wearing the Dakine Sentry jersey, Sentinel gloves, and Syncline shorts.

Based on my personal experience with the Sentry, this jersey breathes very well even with serious body armor on thanks to the mesh side panels and lightweight fabric. I was actually surprised at how light this jersey is, and yet somehow it still feels durable enough for shredding. It’s lightweight which makes it comfortable on a cross-country or all-mountain ride, but it does feel pretty baggy without body armor. No worries – this jersey is meant for the chairlift!

Downhilling at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in the Dakine Sentry, Sentinel, and Syncline.

I really like the subdued graphics on the Sentry – to me they’re understated but stylish, not bright and obnoxious like many DH jerseys I’ve seen. The Sentry is available in black, burgundy, and concrete (tested).

The Sentry offers an excellent blend of comfort, style, and performance. And for only $50, it’s hard to go wrong!

Sentinel Glove

Dakine’s Sentinel full-finger glove features padding on the knuckles for plenty of protection, an adjustable velcro closure, and a D30 flexible palm that features synthetic suede and a one-piece seamless construction. The two brake fingers on each hand feature silicon grip for maximum control.

The seamless palm construction completely eliminates any possible pressure points. However, the stiff d3o padding can definitely take its toll if your hands aren’t up to the challenge. The first several days I used these gloves I developed some serious blisters, but after a couple of months of use those blisters have transformed into durable callouses, and I can ride for hours without a problem. I have noticed that the uniform padding gives me more control on the trail – there’s nothing to dull the feedback from the front end, providing a very snappy, precise feel.

Despite being full-finger gloves, the Sentinels feature excellent venting and are comfortable even on cross-country rides in 80 degree heat. If the temps get much warmer than 80, though, I’ll probably be reaching for a fingerless glove.

The knuckle armor is respectably burly and has saved my knuckles from several trees that were way too close for comfort!

The only possible negative that I have to mention from my test is that the silicon grip at the ends of the index and middle fingers has started to peel away. At present, there is only about 50% of the original grip left.

The Sentinel is available in black (tested) and white.

MSRP: $40.

Many thanks to Dakine for sending out the Sentry and Sentinel for review!

Oakley is a name that nearly all people know, and when you think about Oakley you automatically think high-end eyewear. Well Oakley also has a bunch of soft goods available, from pants to bags to nearly everything in between. I recently tested out some Oakley riding gear: the Retro Vert jersey, Retro Vert short, and Hand Ratchet glove.

The Retro Vert jersey is not an old jersey brought back as the name might imply. The “retro” part is the late 80′s logo but everything else on this jersey is new tech. With modern fabrics (polyester) and strategically placed mesh under the arms and back, along with antibacterial treatment and UV protection, the Retro jersey is anything but.

Now this is a long sleeve version which I prefer to wear even in the summer due to the overgrowth in my area and the number of bugs that are in the trails during the spring and summer (Oakley offers a short sleeve version as well). The long sleeve Retro has shaped arms that are pre-bent at the elbow and stitched in a way that allows the jersey to flex easily rather than tug. The entire back is a mesh material which is great since most riders today are using hydration packs which tend to get hot and sweaty. With the mesh at least there is a greater chance for moisture and heat to dissipate around the pack. Oakley even added a small microfiber wipe area along the waist of the jersey to clean up your optics.

The Retro Vert short is a premium short for the trail rider with just the right weight fabrics (100% nylon) and strategically-placed stretch panels for comfort on epic rides. These shorts feature a CyTech E.I.T. multi-segmented chamois that is one of the most comfortable I’ve worn. When things get dirty or need cleaning, the chamois can be removed and washed on its own. The two cargo-type zip pockets offer plenty of room for keys and protein bars while silicon grippers at the waist and leg bottoms make this a no-slip fitting short. Add to that a smart two snap, two position waist with elastic adjustment and you’ve got a short that fits well all day long. And of course the Retro Vert features classic retro-style Oakley graphics for maximum effect.

Oakley’s top glove for the Trail rider is called the Hand Ratchet 2. Before this glove’s release, the design underwent the scrutiny of some of the top riders in mountain biking before being released to the public. The end result is a bunch of materials all working together to maximize comfort, control, and durability. The one-piece palm is made from sheepskin leather for durability while the separate synthetic Pittards leather thumb and fingertips add comfort. Up top you get a mesh upper with a two strap system to hold the glove comfortably in place and a stretch kevlar knuckle protector for those occasions when you happen to get too close to the trees.

On the trail

Wearing the Oakley gear for trail riding and at the slopes (when not donning full armor) I was happy with the performance of both the jersey and shorts. I really appreciated the mesh back on the jersey, especially on those days when I rode with a hydration pack. At the very least I didn’t feel as hot as I would have with other tops. The jersey cuffs didn’t ride up my arms on the bike and yet the elastic wasn’t so tight that it felt like it was pulling. There was even enough room in the arms for me to add elbow guards underneath, though not enough room to fit a full pressure suit.

The Retro Vert shorts felt very comfortable without a hint of riding up my leg. The silicon around the leg and waist really stayed put. Even when sitting and pedaling for hours I didn’t feel like I was overheating.

As for the gloves I was a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong: they fit great and I like the reverse stitch on the palm which really does make a difference. However, during my testing the velcro strap on one of my gloves started to de-laminate. I was able to fix it on my own with contact cement and it didn’t come apart again. Fortunately that was the only issue with the glove. The palms and fingers are very grippy, even when wet. Falling a few times and using the gloves to stop myself showed no sign of abrasion on the palm. Speaking of the palm, newer riders may not like the fact that these have no cushion to them but for a seasoned rider who wants maximum feedback, these may be a good choice.

Check out Oakley for these and other cool products. At $50.00 for the Ratchet glove, $150.00 for the Retro V short, and $90.00 for the Retro V long sleeve jersey, you’re getting the best Oakley has to offer.

I would like to thank the folks at Oakley for sending down the gear for review.

I’ve been wearing THE gear – helmets, armor, and soft goods – for a while and I’m a big fan. So I was stoked recently to get my hands on the F-1 short and Sport Jersey. One thing you can always count on with THE: there’s always more than what meets the eyes. The F-I short and Sport Jersey are certainly no exemption with simple looking graphics at a distance but as you get closer you see the subtle sublimated graphics like something out of a fine tattoo parlor.  Not only does the gear look great but it’s functional on the trail as well.

The Sport Jersey comes in sizes from X-small to XX-large to fit the majority of riders out there regardless of physical size or dimensions. With three colors to choose from (red, blue, and black) and a white background you can be sure to find something to match your bike and kit.

My favorite thing about the Sport Jersey is how much this thing breathes. With fully vented arms, lower back, and front, I found the jersey felt cool when riding without the heat build-up that some long sleeve jerseys can cause. The fit is roomy enough to wear your armor underneath while the added padding on the outside of the arm around the forearm is a nice touch for extra durability and minor thorn protection.

The Sport Jersey has a tapered and bent cut on the arms which feels great without feeling like it’s pulling when you’re steering. The built collar opening is adequately sized so that it won’t snag or tug on your neck with gear on, a big plus for sure.

The F-1 bicycle-specific shorts are very similar in cut to the pants but in a short version. The short is cut just below the knee with a seamless crotch and a thin contoured pad. The super durable stretch nylon material in the F-1 shorts is great and there’s even a tailbone pad. For those who drive up to the slopes and park your vehicle, the two vented pockets are adjustable to hold your keys and whatnot. The F-1 shorts also have a bit of bling to them with detailed chrome and carbon logos.

Having worn THE gear for a while I am already familiar with the durability of their products so I didn’t expect anything less from the Sport Jersey and tech pants. Having cased it more than a few times and dragged my clothes through a few mud patches (unfortunate but it happens), the gear is showing little sign of wear. I was even impressed with how easily this stuff cleans up – just be sure to hang dry everything. After one particularly muddy day at the trails I did have to wash my shorts through two cycles but other than that everything is still bright.

Both jersey and pant are true to fit. A 34″ is a 34″ not a loose 33″ for example. So ordering up gear is pretty easy. I did find that the short is a bit stiff (due to its shear toughness) so they would not be my first choice if I was heading out for a long trail ride. These are, however, one of my top choices when I do hit the slopes or know I am hitting the park (durability trumps here). I found that I was reaching for the jersey particularly since it has such a great feel to it. It tends to run cool and kept me pretty dry.

So for $50 MSRP you can get the jersey and another $89 gets you the shorts. These are definitely mid-level prices for some premium features. If you have a chance, take a peek at THE’s gear and try them out for yourself.

Thanks to Toby Henderson and the folks at THE for sending up the gear for a review.

Up until now, I’ve been hesitant to try a wool bike jersey for a number of reasons.  First, I live in Georgia and the Colorado girl in me would say an Atlanta winter hardly justifies the need for wool. Also, most of the wool (sweaters) I’ve owned in the past didn’t feel soft against my skin. And then there’s the worry about maintaining wool apparel so that it doesn’t shrink, pill, or fade. Despite all my objections, the Icebreaker Grace Crewe Jersey had a distinctive look and lightness that I just had to try.

The Icebreaker Grace Crewe is a short sleeve jersey which I’ve found to be ideal for late winter and early spring riding here in the south. I’ve only previously worn long sleeve wool base layers in cold temps (30s or below) but I’d usually end up overheating after 20-30 minutes of exercise. The lightweight Icebreaker wool kept me warm and comfortable riding in temps into the 60s and the side mesh panels helped prevent overheating while keeping the overall weight of the jersey feeling light. Since the Grace Jersey is a crew neck versus a typical zip neck collar style jersey, I can wear it as a base layer in winter or as a jersey in the spring before the heat and humidity of summer arrives.

This simple dark gray jersey doesn’t scream “girly” with excessive bright colors and patterns like many women’s mountain bike choices. Instead its form fitting nature and subtle tones create a stylish look on the trails.  Small details like the single rear pocket with flat zipper and slightly longer back panel affirm this top was designed with a mountain biker in mind.

When most people think of wool garments they think it can be rough and scratchy against the skin. Fortunately, Icebreaker uses merino wool, one of the softest types of wool available. In fact, I hardly noticed any difference in softness between the merino wool jersey and my other polyester-blend mountain biking jerseys.  Thanks to my own personal BAACODE tagged inside the Icebreaker Grace Crewe, I traced the origins of my jersey to the merino growers in Irishman Creek Station in New Zealand to find this soft and fluffy fleece!

Merino wool. Photo courtesy icebreaker.com.

Much to my relief, I had little reason to be intimidated by the care instructions for my Icebreaker jersey. I have been washing it in the normal cycle and even drying it (technically a no-no) and the jersey has held up well.  I’ll probably skip the dryer from now on though; if there was some shrinkage I wouldn’t know it since the jersey has a bit of stretch to it already. Maybe I ought to skip the washing and drying altogether – supposedly the record for wearing an Icebreaker top non-stop is 196 days in extreme conditions!

Icebreaker products are designed to last thanks to the award-winning merino wool and flat lock stitching; in fact my Grace Crew jersey has a pretty good chance of outliving my mountain bike! Get this jersey if you want to look and feel good on the trail.

Thanks to the folks at Icebreaker for providing the jersey for review.

In case you missed it, we’re taking pre-orders for another round of singletracks jerseys through tomorrow, Friday, April 22. For just $55 you get a full-zip, 3-pocket jersey with the singletracks logo and original artwork by our own element22. Order today to make sure we get your size!

We also just got a fresh batch of singletracks t-shirts in this week and those are still just $10. All t-shirt and jersey proceeds will go to IMBA to support trail building and MTB advocacy.

Icebreaker produces technical outdoor apparel featuring New Zealand merino wool as their material of choice. Until recently, the company has mostly focused on producing base layers, coats, and socks for backpackers and adventurers but all of that is about to change! This year Icebreaker is releasing a complete line of cycling-specific clothing featuring their signature merino wool, and I was lucky enough to score the Roto Short Sleeve Half Zip jersey to review… even before it was available to the general public!

The Material: Merino Wool

Merino wool actually comes from the merino sheep that dwell in the high mountains of New Zealand. As Icebreaker’s website claims, “Our merino fibre was created by nature to protect the animal in the harsh environment of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. If the fibre didn’t work, the animal would die. We can’t design a better fibre, so we’ve turned nature’s merino into a clothing system for humans.”

Icebreaker also claims that one merino fiber breathes as well as the entire garment. How that is possible, I’m not entirely sure, but I’ll let the comfort and performance of the garment speak for itself.

The Jersey

The Roto jersey itself features a half zip for temperature control, a zippered pocket in back for stowing small items quickly, and mesh panels under the arms for increased ventilation and cooling. There is a little Lycra blended in with the merino to help it fit snugly and dry quickly.

On the Trail

The first thing I thought when I pulled the SS Roto on was, “This may be the most comfortable thing I have worn…. ever!” I’m dead serious: this merino wool makes you feel like straight up royalty! It’s soft, light, and not at all scratchy like some pieces of clothing made out of traditional wool tend to be.

Also, the Roto jersey is devoid of any obnoxious elastic bands around the bottom or the sleeves. I’ve never understood what the purpose of having elastic in those spots is, as for a mountain biking jersey it seems quite pointless… and uncomfortable. My elastic-bottom jerseys always seem to ride up while I’m out there killing it, and constantly pulling my jersey down totally detracts from my hardcore factor. But with the Roto, this is not an issue!

Despite the lack of elastic bands, the jersey fits snugly enough to perform well yet loose enough to be comfortable – but not too loose. During actual mountain biking, these factors pay off in a jersey that rides well and feels so good that you simply begin to ignore it. In my opinion, that’s what makes a good mountain bike jersey!

One final note: odor. Icebreaker’s website claims that merino helps minimize body odor. I’ve noticed 2 things in relation to this:

1. After several long, sweaty rides, my jersey smells a little musty, but not nearly as rank as a polyester jersey usually smells. In my experience, after 1 or 2 rides a polyester jersey will begin to reek, even before you pull it on. Not that that stops me from wearing the same one for a full week in a row…
2. When I was sweating heavily in the Roto out on the trail, I noticed that I had a peculiar odor about me. It wasn’t a bad odor per se, but it wasn’t really a good odor either… it was simply unique. I’ve switched back and forth between this new jersey and one of my old ones, and I can verify that no, the smell wasn’t me, it was definitely the jersey. I don’t think this detracts from it one bit, I just thought it was a curious item to note. I have yet to see if this odor will continue after I machine wash it a couple of times. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

The Bottom Line

Icebreaker’s SS Roto Half Zip jersey is the most comfortable mountain bike jersey I have ever worn! It’s comfortable, functional, and I think the color is pretty killer as well. However, this quality comes at a price: $100, to be exact. While I know that I personally could never afford full retail price for this at the moment, this price point actually falls roughly in the middle of the range for other cycling clothing lines like Pearl iZumi.

But if you’ve got the cash and are looking for a comfortable, stylish jersey that is anything but normal, I highly recommend the SS Roto from Icebreaker!

Thanks to Icebreaker for providing this jersey for review.

Just a quick shout to let you know we just got a fresh batch of singletracks t-shirts in stock this week. For those who have been looking and waiting for sizes small and XXL – we got ‘em!

As always, 100% of the t-shirt sales proceeds will go to IMBA. T-shirts are just $10 each and we’ll even throw in a couple singletracks stickers with every order. A few jerseys are available as well, check out the full singletracks schwag selection for more info.

Here’s a collection of outerwear from THE that’s geared towards the heavier-duty rider who is looking for tough, durable, good-looking trailwear for serious hucking. The F-1 jersey and pant along with the Golf Skinz glove are designed for DH/FR and will even work for trail riding – though depending on conditions you might be a bit on the warm side for longer rides. Take a close look at these items at your LBS if you get the chance – both the pants and jersey are something to admire, with tonnes of subtle detaisl in the fabric that just don’t come through in photos (no matter how I try).

THE F-1 Jersey

True to the F-1 name (Formula One comes to mind), this jersey ($99.99 MSRP) is truly high tech. Starting at the arms, you get a sleeve that neither bunches up, runs up, or snags no matter what moves you put on the bike. The sleeve is naturally bent and padded at the elbows and forearms (cleverly hidden in the stitching pattern). The arms also feature enough room for armor without requiring you to order one size up.  Clearly Toby Henderson and the crew at THE really did their design homework.

The F-1 jersey sports a whopping 34 vents (six per arm, six in each arm pit, 4 front, 4 rear, and 2 side wrap arounds). The jersey material and stitching are heavy-duty and each seam from one panel to the next is double, if not triple, stitched. The back panel is cut so that even when you’re bent over it covers your behind without creeping up and exposing your plumbers crack.

THE F-1 Technical Pant

The F-1 Technical Pant ($109.99 MSRP) is surprisingly versatile and I found myself wearing this one a whole bunch. Most of my riding includes rock gardens, log rides, and general stunts with the ever present chance of losing footing on the pedals so rather than wearing bulky armor and shin guards all the time, I found these pants were a suitable stand-in.

These pants feature padding covering the tibialis anterior (that is, your shins) with a highly abrasion proof material on the outside that stands up well to pedal slips. Strategically placed soft, yet durable, stretch fabric is placed where it is needed the most at the knee, back side of the calf, in the crotch, and along the back side of the pant. Besides being functional, these stretch zones really lend themselves to the overall comfort of the pant. An elastic waist and velcro, adjustable side straps keep the pants in position without a hint of drooping. Inside the pant you also get a thin padded area that adds a slight measure of comfort, but if you’re going a longer ride you may want to add a chamois-lined inner short.

Golf Skinz Gloves

Last but not least is the Golf Skinz Glove ($39.99 MSRP). This full-featured and full-fingered glove can best be described as a do-all glove. Heavy duty enough to take the rigors of FR/DH riding yet light enough for those who prefer a full fingered XC glove. The Palm is one piece made from fine suede leather and once broken in it offers good grip and a comfortable feel. The top of the glove features a combination of perforated leather on the outer two fingers for durability and strength with EVA foam padding and Aeroprene. The terrycloth thumb works great for wiping away sweat and stretch nylon at the knuckles gives fingers a full range of motion. The micro-adjust strap secures your hands nicely for a form-fitted glove without any unwanted movement.

On the trail

Wearing the new F-1 Jersey, Pant and Golf Skinz gloves was great, with or without body armor. When I first received these articles I thought they might be a bit impractical but I can happily report I was wrong (don’t judge a book by its cover!). The long-sleeve jersey isn’t as hot as you might think and I found the pants felt so good that I couldn’t help but wear them as often as I could. There were a few instances where I found them a bit too hot, especially when the temps were up there. Other than that, the fit and pre-shaped cuts made riding enjoyable.

The other upside to the pants and jersey is the protection they add without the need for armor. The tough material and light padding makes them perfect for aggressive trail riding or AM riding.  The gloves were, as you would say, the cherry on top. They felt great and I really liked the split on the knuckles with the stretch nylon which kept the fabric from pulling on my finger tips.

This trio of equipment from THE showcases Toby Henderson’s commitment to quality equipment at great price points. Heck, at this price I say get two sets! Compared to other brands (some at more than twice the cost) these are a great deal. All items are available in either black or white so check out THE for your sizing.

A quick thanks to the folks at Toby Henderson Enterprise for sending up the products for review.

No foolin’ – it’s finally t-shirt weather in many parts of the US so now is the time to get your singletracks gear for the upcoming season! For one week only (through April we’re offering free shipping within the US on just about everything in the singletracks store (excludes items sold through CafePress and Evomo.com).

T-shirts are still just 10 bucks and we even have a few DH and XC jerseys available in select sizes. As always, 100% of the net proceeds will go to IMBA and we’re even throwing in free singletracks bike stickers with every order! Stock up before this deal expires…

Just wanted to give an update for those who are still on the fence about ordering a jersey. We’re super close to making our minimum on the DH jerseys and we’re about halfway on the SS jersey. If you’re thinking about getting one, now is the time to do it – otherwise you may miss out. Orders received before the end of the week will also receive a 1-year singletracks Pro membership (value: $29.99).

The price for each jersey is $55 which is just barely above cost and proceeds (if any) will go to IMBA. Check here for more info on the jersey and how to order.

Element22 did a kick-ass job designing the singletracks jersey and we’re finally ready to start taking pre-orders. We need to order a minimum of 10 of each style so to make sure that happens we’re going to sweeten the deal: the first 10 people who pre-order either style will receive a 1-year singletracks Pro membership ($29.99)! Your Pro membership code will be delivered via email once your payment is received.

Both jerseys will cost $55 each and any proceeds from sales will go to IMBA. We’ll be taking pre-orders through next Monday, Nov. 16 so you need to act fast if you want one. Once we place the order it will be several weeks before the jerseys are printed by Champion System. You’ll find buy buttons, sizing info, and more about the jerseys themselves below.

Sizing info:

SS Jersey Specs:

# Superior comfort and wicking.
# Three rear pockets.
# Tapered collar – high enough on the sides to allow for logos but tapered at the chin so as not to pinch.
# Separate side panels.
# No annoying label tags at the neck.
# Full length zip

(back view of SS jersey)

DH Jersey Specs

# Multi-dry fabric for superior wicking on the front and sleeves, mesh back for increased ventilation.
# Similar style to sample pictured below
# Full sleeve (photo shows 3/4 sleeve)