Raise your hand if your day to day wardrobe consists of t-shirts and jeans, but you have an entire closet full of fancy garments for cycling? Thought so. Luckily our stuffed closets are easier to justify since technical wear isn’t just fashionable; it’s extremely functional. In this roundup we’ll checkout some new duds for MTB’ers, including Chromag’s first lineup of technical wear and some new pieces from Sweet Protection.
I still think of Whistler, B.C’s Chromag as a boutique company, yet they seem to have secured a big presence in the MTB realm. Chromag is definitely on the come-up, and they’ve recently ventured beyond casual wear with their first line of technical riding garments. Sweet Protection has released two new jerseys and a pair of enduro shorts, with models for both men and women available…
Chromag
Someone at Chromag must have thought ‘let’s ensure we have a jersey for everyone’, because their new line covers all the bases. The Horizon short sleeve, Mission ¾ sleeve and Dominion Long sleeve are all made from moisture wicking, antibacterial fabric that’s treated using eco-friendly, EPA certified methods.
The Horizon is a basic Tee-style jersey, while the Mission adds longer ¾ sleeves and a hidden zip pocket. The Horizon comes in five colorways, and costs $54 USD. The Mission ¾ is available in Charcoal Heather or Kelly Green, and sells for $62.
If you prefer full coverage, the long-sleeve Dominion uses mesh panels in the back and underarms to keep you breathing. It also offers a hidden zip pocket on the left side. The Dominion retails for $72 and color options are Black, Orange or Purple.
The Region Zip and Backwoods Long Sleeve Zip jerseys are also made from EPA-certified, antibacterial fabric but feature a racier design with rear pockets and full zippers. The Region features mesh underarm panels, sells for $72 and comes in Grey/Red. The Backwoods long sleeve costs $88 in Grey or Forest Green. All of Chromag’s jerseys are sold in XS-XL sizes.
The Ambit AM short is made from 2-way stretch fabric, and has an adjustable waist. They also boast laser-cut vents and two front pockets plus a smartphone pocket on one leg, all with zip closures. They are available in sizes 28-38 in Black, Grey or Orange. MSRP is $104.
To complete the look, Chromag’s Pace technical sock is a tall-cuff style made from a blend of Merino, Nylon and Coolmax fabrics. They come in S-XL sizes, and color options are Black/Grey or Grey/Orange. MSRP is $15.
Finally, the Faraway Wool jacket is a stylish and warm soft shell outer layer intended for cold rides. Made from a wool blend the Faraway features a full front zipper, two front pockets plus a smaller chest pocket, a large zippered pocket on the back, and durable elbow patches. Sizes XS-XL are available in Dark Charcoal only, for the price of $164.
Sweet Protection
Sweet Protection‘s Chiwaukum T-Jersey is a lightweight jersey that offers a tailored performance fit and keeps things simple with no zips or pockets. The Chiwaukum is made from 100% polyester fabric that wicks moisture and dries quickly to keep you cool and dry on hot rides. Both men’s and women’s versions are available.
Men’s models come in sizes S-XL and color options are Orange, White or Black. Women can choose between Red and White, in sizes XS-L. The Chiwaukum jersey sells for $49.95.
The Badlands Merino LS jersey is made from 100% super-fine 17.5 micron merino wool, the wonder fabric that effectively wicks away perspiration and feels soft on your skin. The Badlands LS features a long tail so it won’t ride up while you’re hunched over the handlebars (and to keep you covered in case you tumble down the trail).
Men’s models are offered in S-XL sizes, with options for blue or black. Women get Blue or Red color choices, and a size range from XS-L. The Badlands sells for $89.99.
The Hunter Enduro shorts look long, but they’re made from a stretchy material and feature articulated knees to ensure good pedaling mobility, even with knee pads. The waist is adjustable via two Velcro cinches, and there are zippered pockets and vents on both legs. The Hunter shorts are also water resistant.
Men have five colors to choose from, and sizes S-XL are available. Women’s models come in blue or red, in XS-L sizes. The Hunter shorts retail for $129.99.