For Spring 2014, Giro’s New Road collection of cycling clothes expands in both breadth and usage opportunities. And, now there’s a 22-piece women’s line to complement the mens’.
Not to be confused as mere commuter gear, the apparel falls into three categories (descriptions from Giro:
- Foundation – Base layers, including tops, shorts and bibs designed for next-to-skin comfort plus storage solutions that give riders more freedom to choose mid and outwear styles based on their ride and destination.
- Ride – A complete line of tops, bottoms and outerwear delivering New Road style with fits, finishes and fabrics designed to perform on even the longest, toughest rides.
- Mobility – A complete line of tops, bottoms and outerwear designed for shorter rides and emphasizing urban functionality.
We’ve spent a bit of time in some of the originals, and have a few new pieces on the way, and they’ve been very comfortable and well thought out. These fresh goods look just as nice, and of course they’re coordinated with Giro’s cycling shoes, helmets and gloves for a polished look. Click through to get your non-team wardrobe in order…
The mens’ CA Ride Jersey (left) and Ride Jersey are both wool, but the premium CA version uses a hidden half zip and is made in California of Nycore Wool (merino over nylon) for a super soft hand that’s quick to dry. The standard Ride Jersey uses regular Merino wool blended with polyester and gets a full zip. Both get their Skeletal Pocket system to keep everything secure and fitted to your back.
The new Mobility Trouser uses a rugged twill of Cotton/Lycra blend for a slim fit that’ll move with you. Bike friendly features include a gussetted crotch and reflective tape inside the leg hem, but conceal themselves well when you get to the office. Speaking of concealment, the pocketed Base Layer mesh undershirt makes it easy to stow your essentials under any jacket or shell when all you need’s a bit of layering. The Mechanics Jacket takes the look of standard work wear but uses a three-layer fabric with DWR on the cotton outer surface and tricot nylon on the inside to help it move smoothly across base layers.
The real story here is the new women’s collection. It takes all the best materials from the mens’ side and adds some great looking, female-specific options.
Like the mens, there are pieces for road riding, commuting and everything in between. Giro’s reps say some are fine for mountain biking, too, a theory Saris will be testing for us (which should make for a very entertaining review).
From the PR:
Giro Women’s Senior Apparel Designer Karany Nihm worked with cyclists and the in-house design team to create 22 New Road styles in patterns that are both functional and flattering. In keeping with Giro’s design philosophy, technical detail in the New Road line is essential but kept “invisible until it is needed”. The line features highly technical fabrics like Nycore Wool and Pertex Shield, as well as innovative solutions like the Stowback pocket system and Skeletal Pocket Construction to ensure that riders are comfortable and capably-outfitted on the bike, regardless of how far or fast they ride.
“We took inspiration from athletic and classic sportswear design, with meticulous attention to fabrics, functionality and details that make all the difference when you ride,” said Nihm. “The fit is tailored to complement the shape of the body while respecting range of movement – even when layered up – so that each piece can stand on it’s own or work as part of a system when the body is in motion.”
Starting at the top, there’s a similar Base under shirt with stealth pockets. The Ride and CA Ride jerseys and other essentials also carryover into the women’s line with appropriately revised fits.
In the center is the Mobility Polo, a wool/polyester blend with a fitted cut and snap opening. A dropped tail hem makes it cycling friendly, but no rear pockets means it moves to the office just as well (that’s were the pocketed base layer comes in handy – always thinking, those Giro folks). The Rain Jacket uses a waterproof, softshell-like 100% nylon fabric with fourway stretch to remain quiet and comfortable regardless of how you’re moving around.
The Wind Hoodie uses a wind-block front body panel and snug fitting hood to create a sleek, warming base or outer layer. The hood has a slight brim structured into it so it won’t leave an impression on your forehead. Other nifty features include thumb holes on the sleeves and front hand warmer pockets.
For the other half of the body, the made-in-CA Boy Short (right) uses their Nycore merino-nylon blend and a Cytech chamois. It’s designed to go under their Overshort (left), which is also made in CA of Schoeller 4-way stretch fabric. In the center is the Leggings, which have a ton of features. The inside legs are abrasion resistant, there’s a rear stow pocket, a yoga-pant style waist band and a mid weight herringbone knit to keep you warm when the chill sets in.
These are just the highlights. Check Giro.com for pricing and the rest of the very extensive range.
