Adaptable. Reliable. Capable. You could apply those words to the best gear for a number of different purposes, but in this case, that is the basis of Le Col’s new ARC Collection. As their first-ever gravel collection, Le Col states that ARC is a bold new direction for the brand. Instead of high-end road kit, ARC is still high-end, but more focused on exploring unknown roads, gravel, and dirt tracks.
Depending on your style, the ARC range has a little bit for everyone. The base fit starts with the ARC Cargo Bib Shorts, and then gives you the option of going baggy, or tight, or a combo of both.
The ARC Cargo Bib Shorts ($275) are packed with extra storage including two cargo pockets on the legs, and two rear pockets that tuck under the jersey. These allow a more secure pocket than most jersey pockets, or allow you to run a baggy shirt without any pockets over top. A premium chamois is included with a bamboo blend microfiber top sheet for durable comfort.
The ARC Overshort ($145) gives riders a more casual look, but still offers a trim fit with 4-way stretch material for easy pedaling. It has two cargo shorts on the legs with zippered closures, and an adjustable waist band to dial in the fit.
Depending on the weather, there are options for sleeveless ($85), short sleeve ($92), and long sleeve ($98) Merino base layers, all made from Italian Biella Merino yarn.
On top, you have the choice of a Merino jersey in short sleeve ($210) or long sleeve ($235), or a Merino T-Shirt also in short sleeve ($92) or long sleeve ($105) for the baggier fit.
For wet days, the collection includes the ARC Lightweight Rain Jacket ($365) with Pertex Shiel technology for a 190g total weight. The jacket is constructed with 2.5L ripstop fabric, YKK Aquaguard zippers, taped seams, and a draw cord at the hood and hem. Fully waterproof, the jacket has a large vent across the back and a hood.
Accessories round out the collection with Merino Arm ($66) and Leg Warmers ($91), a Merino Snood (neck gaiter, $40), and a packable ARC Cap ($46) with Pertex Shield technology.
With the exception of the accessories which are gender neutral, all of the pieces are available in men’s or women’s fits for the same prices. Everything is available now from lecol.cc.
First Impressions
There’s no question when you see the price tag that this is premium level kit. But even if you didn’t know the price, you would still think it’s premium by the feel. Everything from the grippers, to the strap material, to the chamois, feels luxurious. If you’re paying a lot for your kit, this is how you want it to feel.
I had a chance to check out the Cargo Bib Shorts and the Merino Long Sleeve Jersey ahead of time, and overall I wasn’t disappointed. Surprised really. The last Le Col kit I tried didn’t blow me away, but the ARC collection is on another level.
In terms of fit, previously, I was a solid medium in Le Col. I have lost some weight recently, but the ARC collection feels more relaxed in the fit making the medium a bit loose in spots for me. I’m often in between a small and a medium, and if I ordered again, I would keep the medium jersey but order a small pair of shorts. Otherwise, the cut is excellent with the Merino wool jersey fitting tight on or off the bike.
I’ve been riding the kit in ideal fall conditions from 40-70ºF, and with the right base layer (or none at all) the temperature regulation has been perfect. I love Merino wool and its ability to keep you warm without feeling too hot when the temperature rises, and that’s no different here.
The only temperature-related asterisk comes from the rear pockets of the bibs. Because it has two layers of the outer short material the pockets are likely very durable, but they’re also warmer than a bib with only one layer of fabric on the small of your back. It’s a small complaint, especially since the pockets are very well executed. The positioning makes them easily accessible, without feeling the contents when you’re pedaling – even with a bulky cell phone in a case inside.
It’s the same story with the cargo pockets on the legs. If you like the mesh outer layer found on other brands’ cargo bibs, you won’t find that here. The reason is that Le Col specifically wanted to make sure the pockets stayed in place with zero bounce or sag when loaded. Through their testing with multiple materials including mesh, they found that using the same fabric as the shorts resulted in a more durable and supportive pocket than a mesh outer. The result is a pocket system that can be loaded with the heaviest items without any sagging or bouncing over rough terrain.
This might be Le Col’s first-ever gravel line, but for me, it’s my favorite Le Col kit yet.
