It can be difficult to keep up with a clothing company like Pactimo since it seems like they’re constantly updating their line. That’s not great for us, but it’s awesome if you’re a fan of constant improvements and more comfortable (and maybe colorful) cycling clothing. Rolling into 2019 Spring and Summer, the Colorado based clothing brand has some excellent new pieces along with some wildly colorful ones that will be sure to make you stand out.
The two pieces shown above are part of their Artist Series which is a collection that Pactimo has been doing for some time now – since 2010. Featuring artists from around the globe, the pieces are as unique as the artist themselves like Jeremy Nealis of Madison, WI for the feature image, and Mariery Young of Panama City, Panama above. Each of these pieces is made to order and can be printed on road bibs and jerseys or an MTB jersey for $150, $110, and $60 respectively.
Less wild, but still colorful, Pactimo’s Spring 2019 collection includes pieces like the new Summit Jersey in the Mesa colorway. While the Summit Jersey itself is not new, the availability of it in a Traditional Fit is new. This fit is a bit more relaxed with a collarless neck, shorter body length and three rear pockets. It’s still a performance fit jersey, just a lot less form fitting than their Aero jerseys.
I will say that I found the rear pockets on the small side for all day self-supported epics, but it’s not often that I need to carry that much food along for the ride. Overall, just a great fitting comfortable jersey with pro level details for $135.
THE SPECS:
- TotalFit™ combination of Superleggero and Transfer–C™ fabrics
- Lycra raglan sleeves and one–piece mock neck for sleek aero fit
- Lightweight MARC Ether silicone impregnated arm and waist band
- Full–length, lightweight, metallic YKK zipper
- Euro–length sleeves
- 3 full-size rear pockets
- Internal pocket and opening for media player or race radio
- Earbud loop in neckline
- Silicone waist gripper at front waist
- Traditional fit
To go along with the Summit Jersey, Pactimo sent along their new Summit Strike Bibs which may be the most comfortable I’ve ever worn from the waist down. This wasn’t even something I was aware that I might like, but the Strikes feature a less compressive fit thanks to a finer yarn construction making them feel exceptionally soft and silky. I have pretty big legs for someone who wears a small, which is probably one of the reasons I like them so much.
The uppers are also excellent with perforated stretch bands and a laser cut bridge across the shoulders. Built with a slightly smaller chamois that is still supportive enough for my biggest day on the bike to date (120 miles), and you have one of my favorite bibs yet. Offered in 4cm or 7cm leg bands, the Summit Strike bibs sell for $225.
You’ll notice that these do not have the reflective grippers that Pactimo has used for years which is because they’ve decided to move to reflective taping in the seams on many shorts Summit level and above, which is more durable than the printed-on reflective material.
THE SPECS:
- TotalFit™ with Swiss-made Schoeller fabric
- Breathable stretch uppers with laser-cut bridge for reduced chaffing
- Italian-made Elastic Interface® Road Performance Force chamois
- MARC Ether 4 cm or 7 cm lightweight impregnated silicone leg grippers
- Flash coldblack® technology
- Designed with Silhouette™ Articulation
- Contoured seaming for exceptional fit
- Reflective rear and side stitching for added safety in low-light conditions
- Flatlock stitching
For women looking for a bib that makes it easier when nature calls, Pactimo has created this new Ascent Vector Halter Bib. While they realize it won’t be for everyone, they wanted to offer something different that some of their female riders were requesting. The Ascent level bib is priced at $170.
THE SPECS:
- TotalFit™ with MITI® Vector & Shield fabrics
- Flash technology
- Designed with Silhouette™ Articulation and contoured seaming for exceptional fit
- Breathable stretch uppers and halter are soft and comfortable
- Elastic Interface® chamois
- MARC 7 cm single layer leg bands include Silicone backing for extra gripping
- Flatlock stitching
Moving on to the pieces for less predictable weather, the new Ascent Wind Jersey is an interesting piece that basically builds a wind vest into the front of the jersey. This is for those days that you know you’ll probably never want to remove your vest, but you still want something super breathable and with full access to your jersey pockets. I wasn’t sure about this one, but then on a chilly, windy day with full sun it turned out to be the perfect option. It’s certainly a specialty piece that won’t be used as much as a standard jersey, but for the cyclist who has everything in their closet it’s an interesting addition at $130.
THE SPECS:
- Wind-resistant, DWR stretch-woven front panels with Zero-Weight mesh lining
- Fine mesh underarms and back/side panels
- Full-length YKK zipper with longer pull-tab for ease-of-use with gloves
- MARC Ether lightweight compression arm bands
- Mesh-lined collar
- Ultra-soft silicone gripper at waist
- 3 compact rear pockets
- Reflective tabs and taping down both sides of the zipper teeth
- Collar hang loop
The more useful piece for me is their Storm+ Hybrid Jacket. Think a jersey, arm warmers, and a rain jacket combined into one. While it isn’t 100% waterproof, the fabric has thean amazing ability to shed water while staying completely breathable which makes it the perfect piece for those days where it’s raining a little, but not enough for the full rain jacket. Plus, with the ability to remove the arm warmers/sleeves, it turns into a short sleeve jersey if the temps go up and the road dries out. Not to mention it’s pretty warm so it makes a good option for rides from 35° – 55° F. Priced at $170 for the jersey and arm warmers, it seems like money well spent if you spend a lot of time riding in conditions between full dry and full wet.
THE SPECS:
- MITI® Aerowind thermal fabric with DWR finish for superior water resistance
- Comes with removable sleeves in the same DWR finish fabric
- 3 full-size rear pockets with mesh gusseting for drainage
- Silicone gripper at waist
- Full–length reverse coil YKK zipper with larger pull for ease-of-use when wearing gloves
- Reflective tabs, taping and strips on either side of zipper teeth
- Collar hang loop
- Ideal for temperatures 35° – 55° F
Finally, for those days that are full wet, Pactimo offers their Torrent Stretch Waterproof Jacket and it’s also available in a vest.
Built with taped seams, waterproof zippers, and 37.5 waterproof fabric, the jacket offers a 20,000mm waterproofness rating and 37,000mm moisture transfer rate for breathability. It’s also stretchy with 4 way mechanical stretch and offers 360° reflectivity with reflective taping. The jacket sells for $200, and if you’re looking for waterproof protection without the sleeves (for spray from the tires, etc.), the vest sells for $165.
THE SPECS:
- 5 Layer laminate: DWR coated knit face, super-breathable laminate, 37.5 Technology print next-to-skin (99g/m2)
- Ultra lightweight/ packable, lighter than some jersey fabrics
- Waterproof Column (Waterproofness): 20,000mm
- Moisture Transfer Rate (Breathability): 37,000mm
- 4-way, Mechanical stretch (0% Spandex)
- Waterproof YKK Zipper
- 360 degree reflective taping
