With the likes of Sam Hill, Elliot Heap, Kelan Grant and Adam Brayton now donning Nukeproof threads for their race runs, the brand saw fit to up their game releasing the new and improved 2021 Nukeproof Ridewear line of mountain bike clothing.
This season, Nukeproof have made a commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of their kit, incorporating Bluesign fabrics and ECO-Tech Certified products. They’ve also reduced their plastic packaging and labeling and introduced a new “dead stock line” which uses excess fabric from previous seasons’ products to create new kit retailing at a reduced cost. Dear Cycling Industry, more of this, please!
All photos by Laurence Crossman-Emms
2021 Nukeproof Ridewear
This season, Nukeproof are introducing four new collections of mountain bike clothing for men and women; the Outland Collection, the Blackline Collection, the Blackline All-Weather Collection and the Blackline Race Collection. The latter will be seen on Team Chain Reaction Cycles members in June when they race the first round of the 2021 EWS in Val di Fassa, Italy. Here’s a quick intro.
Outland Collection
The Outland Collection is Nukeproof’s line of casual trail riding kit, designed to be functional on the bike but understated enough for a post ride pint at the local. The collection comprises long and short sleeve jerseys and hoodies featuring DriRelease fabric said to keep the rider cool, dry, fresh and comfortable whilst retaining a casual look and feel.
There’s also the 4-Way stretch Outland Tech shorts. What’s cool about these is that they’re made from recycled materials. Nukeproof took the “dead stock” Cordura fabric from past seasons’ Nirvana shorts, giving it new life as the 2021 Outland Shorts. The result? Less environmental waste and a new product for riders at a reduced price point as compared to the previous season.
As with all Nukeproof shorts they feature quality YKK zippers, double poppers and adjustable waist tabs for a secure fit. They are finished with small touches like a D-Loop in the pocket to secure valuables like car keys. The Outland Collection services male and female riders, notably with a new women’s specific fit for the Outland Shorts.
Blackline Collection
The Nukeproof Blackline collection has been completely redesigned for 2021. The highlight would have to be the new Blackline Shorts; these are essentially a short version of the Nukeproof Pants, made upon request by Mr Enduro himself, Sam Hill.
Available with both male and female chamois liners, these lightweight shorts are said to offer riders unrestricted mobility on the bike thanks to a soft touch 4-way stretch fabric, which is also abrasion resistant. Its 3D texture maximizes surface area to reduce drying times. It also features laser cut ventilation holes to keep riders cool.
The Blackline Jerseys are also redesigned for this season, now constructed from Italian-made high performance fabrics. Breathability, temperature regulation and moisture wicking were high on the agenda; the front panel is composed of a lightweight (115 GSM) fabric while the back panel is a slightly heavier, more durable 110 GSM warp knit said to enhance air flow.
Blackline All-Weather
The Nukeproof Blackline Trail Pants head this collection, now joined by the Blackline 2.5 layer Waterproof and Packable Jacket. The shell has a waterproof rating of 15,000mm and a breathability rating of (30,000g/m2). The DWR finish should keep the rain beading nicely while underarm vents will help prevent that “boil in the bag” feeling.
An adjustable over helmet hood means you can batten down the hatches when the worst of the weather hits and the YKK Aqua guard zipper won’t let water seep in. This jacket is stashable; you can pack it into its own chest pocket and clip it onto your pack for easy access when the heavens open once more.
Nukeproof have also added a new mesh sleeveless merino wool base layer for 2021, pitched as a lightweight and breathable cooling layer. This one retails at £25.
Sam Hill’s Racing Kit: Blackline Race
Sam Hill and the rest of Team CRC will race in the 2021 Blackline Race kit this season. It comprises a long and a short sleeve jersey and Blackline Race shorts. The latter is constructed from a lightweight (155 GSM) stretch fabric to ensure unrestricted movement. The outer body of the short is made from a tougher Cordura fabric for durability and protection, resisting cuts and scrapes from trail-side debris. Nukeproof have added a DWR finish to keep you dry in light showers.
As with all Nukeproof shorts they are triple stitched on the inner leg seams, adding durability. The bonded seamless waist features a raised rear yoke to provide protection and wicking for the lower back. The rider can dial in fit with the inner waist adjusters. Silicon grippers hold everything firmly in place. The length of the shorts is designed to sit just over the knee pad area, so you shouldn’t see any skin gap as you pedal along. For storage, two YKK sealed zipper pockets hide a detachable goggle bag in one pocket and a D-loop for valuables in the other.
To compliment the shorts, there’s the Blackline Race Jersey. Nukeproof say they used body mapping technology in the design of these MTB Jerseys to ensure maximum performance and comfort. These get the highly breathable and wicking Polartech Powerdry fabric on the uppers, while the lower part is constructed from Polartech Delta to keep you cool. The sleeves gets a super lightweight Cordura fabric for added durability.
The Race jersey features silicon shoulder panels to grip the pack straps for those who ride with a backpack.
For full details on pricing and sizing for the 2021 Nukeproof Ridewear Collections, head to the Nukeproof website. All items are available now, save for the shorts which are due to arrive on the 24th May.
