Zoic’s fall ’14/spring ’15 line was headlined by their new camouflage prints, with the pattern taking over a few of the shorts and simply highlighting a few panels for the tops. To complement them, other color tops, such as the orange worn here, pair with them nicely while working just as well on their own.
As they were packing up, the kind folks handed over a couple of sales samples for us to try out, so here’s a quick review along with the details on the new products. My ride was on a pleasant day, neither too sunny and hot or too gray and cool. Honestly, it was a perfect day for riding, and the clothing felt wonderful. I paired the new camo Ether shorts with an older Zoic padded base short I’ve had for a while, and they were both very comfortable for a 2.5 hour ride. The short’s material has a soft, lightly textured inner face that disappeared while riding. The length and fit was just right for XC/Trail riding, never snagging on the saddle or flapping in the breeze at speed.
The new DNA jersey is a more simplified version of the original, losing the side zip pockets. It keeps the raglan sleeves and v-neck for comfort and ease of movement, and the tech polyester wicks moisture away and stayed dry everywhere but under my Camelbak.
Check the details and lots more new riding kit for men, women and kids, below…
The orange top matches the orange zipper detail on the shorts. Both are size large and fit me (6’2″ / 187lb) very well.
The only “techy” feature on the jersey is a small mesh vent panel across the shoulders.
The shorts have two traditional pockets on the front, plus side-zip cargo pocket on each leg. The contents slide backward into the pocket, falling naturally when you’re legs are in the riding position. The right leg gets an additional zip pocket for a small MP3 player. That one has a cable port…
…and a cable management loop jus toff the side of the right rear zip pocket keeps it from flapping around. The shorts may seem a bit bunched up when standing, but they fall naturally into shape when seated on the bike. The lightly elasticized waist band keeps them up without feeling restrictive or tight, which can put pressure on your stomach and cause discomfort. The Velcro adjustment tabs on the sides snug things up a little more if necessary.
The shorts also have snap loops that connect to the included fixed loops on their liners. It’s insurance against them falling down, particularly when stopping to relieve yourself.
Retail is just $89.99, and they come in gray urban camo, too. The non-camo, standard Ether shorts get a new stretch fabric and will be called the Ether Stretch, and they’ll drop to $79.99 for 2015.
Zoic also added the camo colors to their thinner, lighter Hoodoo riding knickers. These use a much thinner, softer material and are a bit more flowy than the Ether shorts. Retail is $129.99, and they sit just below the knee.
Their padded liners also come in camo options, even for women.
The new Impact Cycling Liner (center) adds lightweight padding to the hips and thighs. Inside is their ZOtech chamois, which uses lightweight, multi-height padding. The side pads aren’t anything highly technical like what’s found on DH/FR armor, it’s just a lightweight padding meant to soften the blow for things like enduro without restricting movement at all. Retail is 54.99.
Hits of camouflage make their way to the DNA Camo jersey ($59.99) and their Long Socks ($15). Note the green tech jersey behind the DNA one, it matches the green details on the gray camo Ether shorts. The camo graphic’d DNA jersey will keep the side pockets through spring 2015, after which all DNA jerseys will go pocket free.
The rest of their line gets updated colors for the plaids and solids, matching tops to bottoms. The women’s line gets camo riding shorts, too, with different highlight colors and matching tops.
The new Uprising (green, men’s, right) jersey looks similar to the DNA, but has a diagonal graphic pattern and color blocking..and will keep the pockets. It’s paired with the Uprising shorts, which are also new and are their enduro/DH kit with an expanded crotch gusset that spreads through the inner thigh. Retail is $59.99 and $109.99 (liner included), respectively.
Zoic’s been making kids clothes for a while, but we really hadn’t paid much attention. This year, it was displayed prominently, and it even gets some camo hits for the boys, too. It’s great to see the same attention to detail and technical offerings made for the little ones.
They’ve also just introduced new Contraband board short style, quick dry Duraflex mountain bike baggies. There’s two zippered hand pockets and a hidden horizontal zip pocket on both legs. Retail is $99.99.
