Just to make sure that you get invited to some rides this summer, maybe it’s time to grab your significant other or a (really) close friend to see if last year’s shorts still pass the “crack in sunlight exam”. Things like that can ruin the best of rides and nobody wants to be remembered for something like that. But now if you really want to stand out, Twin Six has a much better way with some styling new shorts that pair well with their already popular jerseys. Also, some new chamois tech from Mavic and Search & State, plus Endura’s new Aero Tri Race kit that might even make you faster…
Endura recently set out to up their road game and develop the fastest kit, so they went straight to the expert. They tapped Simon Smart of aerodynamics experts Drag2Zero on the shoulder to figure out what could be done. A cyclist’s body causes around 85% of the drag on the bike+rider when pedaling along, and by using Drag2Zero’s facility in the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 wind tunnel, they were able to find the optimal configuration after going through over 70 prototype iterations.
In addition to the aero shaped and textured fabric, the QDC Tri Vest and the QDC Drag2Zero Tri Shorts both feature 3D printed silicone interface grippers that bind with each other to keep everything in place.
All new aero suits and tops include a bonded rear pocket for anything you need to carry, and the suits and the tri shorts have a gel wrapper stuff pocket on the back so you have a place to toss those empty wrappers.
Twin Six is never short on style, and they are upping the ante with a slew of new bibs and shorts for men & women to complement some of their existing jerseys, like those we saw a few weeks back. All bibs & shorts use a high quality 8-panel construction and are made in USA. Available now, they retail for $105 per set of bibs and $100 per pair of shorts.
If’ you want to go all out, you can even top and bottom things off with matching Twin Six caps and socks!
Search & State’s new S2-R bib short is cut from the same luxury cloth as their enduring S1-S bib shorts, but now with a lower profile chamois pad. The S1-S bibs were made for really long days in the saddle, but for riders that prefer “less padding” this may be just the ticket. Additionally, the bib’s mid-section has been reshaped to fit closer to the body, and they’ve even lengthened the bib straps using a new mesh configuration across the back for increased comfort.
As for big yellow, for 2016 Mavic is updating every short in their lineup with the new Ortholite technology that they are already using in their shoe insoles. Because 60% of your body’s weight is on the saddle, Mavic says this progressive padding will better protect you from vibration and provide better stability. We’ve yet to have a chance to put some time in them, but better engineered padding is always welcomed. If they can deliver a the improved stability, breathability, moisture management all while getting a more comfortable ride, then Mavic might be onto something.
