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)

Trying out new things is always fun, especially since sometimes you find stuff that’s way better than you even thought was possible. For me, I’ve always had a hard time finding MTB clothing that is comfortable right out of the box - until now. Gore Bike Wear’s new Freeride shorts and ALP-X Jersey are easily two of the most comfortably fitted pieces of MTB apparel I have worn.

The Gore Freeride shorts are understated in design and graphics. They are not the flashiest shorts out there but perform exceedingly well, going beyond my expectations of how a short in this class should feel. One great thing about these shorts is that when you’re done with your ride and want to go for drinks or a bite, you can just keep them on - these shorts are a big step up the fashion ladder from spandex.

Beyond good looks, the Gore Freeride shorts breathe so well you won’t overheat or feel uncomfortable even with the hammer down. I especially appreciate the adjustable zippered vents in the front of the shorts; unlike other shorts I’ve worn, these slots are actually large enough to let a comfortable amount of cool air inside.

With an MSRP of $149, you may be wondering if these shorts are worth the investment but a quick check of the spec sheet shows you’re getting a lot for your money. Like all Gore products, these shorts are constructed with cutting-edge materials and the company has spent hundreds of hours on research and development to get the perfect fit and performance.

Although these are called “Freeride” shorts, don’t let the name fool you - these are not full-on Freeride shorts by any means. Instead I recommend these as a Enduro / Trail / XC shorts, a great all around choice for anyone who like to ride fast and long!

A perfect compliment to the Gore Freeride shorts is the ALP-X jersey shown here in grey/green with black trim. This Jersey is a slim fit style so try one on before you purchase to get just the right fit. Based on the fit of my ALP-X I’d say this jersey is really a cross between a race jersey and a slightly baggier, casual jersey. One thing I really like about the ALP-X is the subdued logo just above the top left breast - nothing flashy here, just simple, understated, purpose-built stuff here. Like other pieces of outerwear Gore makes, the ALP-X jersey sports reflective piping instead of ugly, fat strips of reflective material.

The multi-paneling on this jesery enables a ton of freedom in the arms as well and there is little to no pinching when moving around. For a MSRP of $119 I think it’s a decent purchase, a bit more than you would normally pay but since it’s a Gore product you know you’re getting a superior product with leading edge moisture control materials.

Going for a few rides around the local trails and hitting some of my favorite stunts and hills I have fallen in love with the Freeride shorts and ALP-X jersey, and I may have to say goodbye to an old favorite of mine (made by another well known brand). Buy the Gore Bike Wear Freeride shorts and ALP-X jersey - you just might find that you end up riding a whole lot more because of them!

Cheers…

A girl can never have enough mountain bike clothing.  We need cycling tops in a myriad of colors and materials and we want variety in our MTB shorts, too.  Fortunately, Loeka’s line of tech shorts offers an alternative to your basic black or brown baggy short.  Although the tech shorts do come in black or brown, I really like the pinstripe and plaid options.

Last month I got myself a pair of brown plaid (Loeka calls this print “Harmony”) capri length tech shorts and a matching Mint Chocolate Chip half sleeve jersey.  This jersey and shorts combo takes the guess work out of trying to match plaid with anything in my current mountain biking wardrobe which is pretty awesome.  However, I’m not sure what else I could wear the plaid shorts with–maybe a green Singletracks t-shirt if I’m not riding my bike; otherwise, I guess I’ll have to invest in a few additional Loeka tops.

Not that I would mind having more than one Loeka jersey.  The colors are great and I could definitely see myself wearing the half sleeve jersey for running or even casual Fridays at work.  The fit is close to the body and feminine, but not tight.  I usually wear an XS and this jersey was true to size.  This jersey is made of a light wicking polyester material, and because it is more fitted than most jerseys, getting adequate ventilation was challenging.  This jersey is even designed to accommodate body armor–that is, if I ever was daring enough to have the need for body armor!

As I mentioned earlier, the Mint Chocolate Chip Loeka jersey was a perfect match with the Harmony tech shorts.  These stylish shorts have a cute plaid print and fun capri length.  They are big and baggy, much looser fitting than the top.

Obviously style is important to me in choosing mountain bike clothing, but function is just as important on the trail, if not more so.  My first functional criteria with mountain bike shorts is having a removable chamois or room for your own chamois.  Since I’m particular about my chamois, I love the fact that the tech short offers plenty of room to wear whatever you want underneath the shorts.  Without a bulky sewn-in chamois, I can wear these shorts comfortably off the trails too.

The Harmony tech shorts are made of a thick micro suede polyester, similar to that of board shorts.  This material makes some noise with leg movements which seems like a fair trade-off since it keeps the shorts water resistant (against spring showers or dewy morning rides).  Thanks to the soft inner mesh liner and water resistant coating, I can stay cool and dry under any conditions.

Last on my functional requirements list are ample pockets and there are pockets galore on the Loeka tech shorts!  With two side, two front, AND two rear pockets, I can take extra goodies like snacks, my cell phone, a mini camera, and chapstick, with me on a ride.  I appreciate all the pockets even more when wearing these shorts off the bike since there’s plenty of room for my keys, ID cards, money and other junk.

If you’re looking for functional and feminine on the MTB trail, check out Loeka’s Spring and Summer lines for some great mix-and-match options!

More than anything else, getting out and riding during the winter is simply a matter of having the right clothes. Sure, you could throw on two pairs of sweatpants and your ski jacket to stay toasty on the trail but you probably won’t be comfortable. Instead I decided to check out a merino wool jersey from Sugoi to see how it would stand up to cold, damp January riding conditions.

The Sugoi Wallaroo jersey is made from 100% Australian Merino wool (not from Wallaroo fur as the name might imply ) which is nature’s original technical fabric. Like most technical athletic fabrics, Merino wool is breathable and dry wicking but it’s also warm wicking meaning that even when wet from sweat or precipitation it retains much of its insulating value. I’ve been wearing my short-sleeve Wallaroo jersey this month as a base layer and it’s kept me SUPER hot to the point of sweating after just 10 minutes on the bike. On a foggy, cold ride yesterday at Heritage Park I finally stripped off my long-sleeve outer layer and rode short-sleeved in total comfort. Mudhunny couldn’t believe I was riding in a short-sleeve jersey since she was layered up with long pants and sleeves!

The Wallaroo is my first wool jersey and I was afraid it would somehow be itchy or uncomfortable as a base layer but it turns out the opposite is true. The jersey is probably the softest I own and even when wet it didn’t chaffe one bit. Wash and care instructions for the Wallaroo jersey seemed a bit daunting at first - machine wash cold inside-out on gentle cycle, tumble dry low - but after *accidentally* washing the jersey with a normal load I found it no worse for the wear. Who would have thought a Canadian company with a Japanese name could do such amazing things with Australian wool?

I’m also a big fan of this jersey’s style - a touch Euro with neutral colors and rock & roll type treatment. The Wallaroo’s zippered rear pocket is a nice touch even though it’s not quite as convenient as open rear pockets. In terms of sizing, I generally wear size large jerseys but the Wallaroo fit big on me - next time I think I’ll go with a medium.

The Merino wool Wallaroo jersey from Sugoi is a great piece to add to your mountain biking wardrobe for those cold winter rides and it has quickly become my go-to base layer this season. You know what they say about biking jerseys - once you go wool you never go back!