If I said Troy Lee Designs was an obsessive group of tweakers, you might think I was calling them junkies. In actuality, adrenaline is probably the only drug you could routinely enjoy while demonstrating the kind of meticulous design tinkering that the brand has become known for. The latest news from TLD is a new clothing line aimed at all-mountain/trail riders called Terrain.
Troy Lee Designs first created the Skyline kits, then spun them off into the Skyline Race line. Now, through customer feedback and their own brainstorming the Race kit has been further revised to such an extent that TLD has decided to rename it as the Terrain collection.
The 2017 Terrain line includes a jersey with some new construction features and Troy Lee’s first ever pair of water resistant trail shorts…
Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Terrain shorts is the shell material. The blended 89% nylon, 11% elastane premium fabric is not only abrasion resistant, it’s also water resistant and sheds mud. If you tend to ride in warmer and dryer weather, don’t worry- after some test laps in sunny California Troy Lee himself reported the shorts are highly functional for all conditions, not just when things get messy.
The idea behind the new Terrain model was to create a pedal-friendly, mid-weight short that’s tough enough to withstand some abuse but light enough to keep trail riders cool and comfortable. The mesh panels on the inside of the thighs allow airflow, and a stretchy rear panel below the waistline ensures comfort and mobility. The shorts also include Velcro waist adjusters to fine-tune their fit.
For keeping small items at hand, the shorts feature a right side pocket and a left thigh pocket designed to snugly secure a smartphone with minimal movement. Both pockets have zippered closures, and there’s also a key loop above the right pocket.
Inside the Terrain shorts you’ll find TLD’s Air 2.0 liner with a moisture-wicking, perforated foam chamois pad, breathable mesh construction and grippy silicone hems. The Terrain shorts have a 12.5” inseam and 22.5” outseam. TLD lists the weight at 292g (measurements and weight are for a size 32). Sizes 28-40 are available, and color choices include army green, flo yellow, blue or black. MSRP is $120 USD.
TLD willfully admits the Terrain jersey is essentially the Skyline Race jersey with a new name and a few new additions. Made from 100% polyester moisture wicking mesh fabric, TLD says this is their most heavily ventilated jersey. However, they’ve now added a 5” front zipper to further dump body heat when you’re pedalling hard.
The jersey’s large zippered rear pocket is supported by silicone stabilizer strips that start at the shoulders and run down and around the lower back (visible on the black jersey above). The strips not only keep the pocket from sagging when it’s filled up, but also help keep your hydration pack from shifting side-to-side.
The 2017 Terrain jersey comes in the Chop Block style or the solid-colored Contrast model (in black, orange or white). The Terrain fits the same as the outgoing Skyline Race jersey, and comes in sizes S-XXL. The jersey sells for $70 and is now available at TLD retailers or online.
