A few years ago, Kitsbow made one of the first attempts to bring mountain bikers truly premium apparel made with top of the line materials and construction. There are several functional and stylish brands out there for those in the dirt, but unlike the road category, even after a few years, elite off-road apparel is still very niche. Having an established name and with the resources available, Kitsbow is now extending their premium line to those on the road.
Check out Kitsbow’s roadie wear and how they have taken pockets to a whole new level…
Kitsbow’s philosophy is to source the best materials they can find, (including the snaps, reflective piping & zippers even), and produce the final product at the best technical outerwear & apparel manufacturers in British Columbia and locally in California. We’ve really liked what we’ve reviewed in the past, so we expect the new road-going items will follow suit. All new items are available for purchase now off of their web store.
The Geyser Jersey, ($169), is a simple Merino/Poly blend that offers up some nice features. Heavy on pocket options, the jersey includes a pump sleeve in the center pocket, a water resistant zippered rear pocket, and my favorite, a chest pocket for easy access. A gripper waist should keep things in place, and the well placed mesh panels should regulate body heat well. Available in Blue, Gray and Red.
Geyser Jersey Specs:
- 43% Merino 57% Polyester blend fabric provides performance and comfort (breathability, wicking, moisture management, anti-microbial) and adds tensile strength for durability
- Full center-front auto-locking zipper (with logo)
- Vent mesh panel inserts at key points on the body of the jersey, including under the pockets, aid heat disapation
- 3 traditional back pockets – pump sleeve in the center
- 1 zip-secured water resistant stowage pocket, ideal for a phone
- 1 small chest pocket keeps an item handy
- Shaped, articulated cut for in-the-saddle performance and clean fit.
- Gripper waist to keep garment in place when in riding position
- Taped collar seams for comfort and durability
- Reflective piping for visibility
Kitsbow’s Coleman bibs, ($179) offer a little more than meets the eye. Sewn in California, the Coleman bibs are made of Polartec’s lightweight Powerstretch nylon compression fabric and should offer strong compression with good moisture wicking abilities. Though road going apparel is usually designed having aeroness in mind, Kitsbow incorporated nifty little slit-pockets, (mini trashcans if you will), on the lower thigh that would be good for gels or empty wrappers.
Coleman Bib Specs:
- Polartec’s lightweight Powerstretch nylon compression fabric provides exceptional compression, wicking, durability, and breathability.
- Powerstretch was developed to more effectively move moisture to the outside of the fabric and spread out on the surface for rapid evaporation – the feel is almost cooling to the touch
- 30% spandex provides high power compression to support leg muscles
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Elastic Interface® 3D formed pad for all-day in-the-saddle comfort. Pad incorporates special ultra-high density perineal insert and a special “encased” shaping in the top part of the chamois which allows for improved fit and greater privacy.
- Gripper elastic keeps hem or warmers in place
- Thigh slit-pockets provide a handy spot for a gel or wrapper
- Highly breathable and soft mesh upper and straps are fully edged and finished for maximal comfort.
- “Race Radio” pocket in the center back for a little extra stowage
Their King Ridge Windbreaker, ($179), also sewn in California is constructed of Pertex DWR finished nylon ripstop fabric. What makes this stand out is that the durable “mist proof” fabric offers mechanical stretch so it can have that tailored, flap reducing fit without restricting the rider in different riding positions. Also there is (yet another) handy chest pocket for stowing items you want in close reach.
King Ridge Windbreaker Specs:
- Pertex DWR finished 100% nylon ripstop shell fabric has unique construction and coatings to create long-lasting mechanical stretch, tear and abrasion durability, and water resistance in an ultra-light weight.
- Classic Kitsbow touchpoints of comfort:
- Soft knit at top of CB collar, where neck bends back to touch the shell
- Asymetric center front zip closure reduces bulk at Adam’s apple
- Knit cuffs at sleeve openings provide both a soft finish to the sleeve, and keeps the sleeve snug to the wrist for a streamlined, no-draft, experience
- Articulated slim shaped sleeve for a rattle-free ride
- Chest pocket for a couple essentials when your jersey pockets are covered up
- Gripper hem at the back keeps the tail in place for secure coverage
- Reflective graphics at key visible points on the body for safety
Rounding out the new road items are their Road Arm and Knee Warmers, ($59 ea). Made of an Italian nylon/elastane blend, the warmers have a honeycomb backing that increases breathability & thermal regulation as well as improved wicking and drying capabilities.
Arm & Knee Warmer Specs:
- Italian 74% nylon, 26% elastane blend provides lightweight, breathable muscle support with high degree of freedom of movement. Knit in a honeycomb-shaped construction for dynamic thermo-regulation (when stretched, knit expands in a honeycomb shape offering more surface area for quicker wicking and drying, as well as increased breathability)
- 50+ UPF rating
- Pixelated Herringbone gripper at top opening to keep the piece in place and the knee warmers add silicon at the hem
- Tonal H-Bone pattern paneled-in at inside forearm, below the elbow/at calf.
- Reflective logo treatment.
Co-founder Charlie Cronk:
“Mountain biking was our starting point, our core and our passion at Kitsbow. Most of us ride, whether it’s mountain, urban commuting, or road, so each addition to the line has been a natural progression. Now we’re excited to expand into road apparel, remaining true to Kitsbow’s design philosophy: dedication to beautiful, technical fabrics with functional details, made to be worn hard and built to last. The new pieces are in the spirit of what we like about being on the bike – adventure, fun, going out and getting lost or finding a new path and exploring where it goes.”
