Cycling kits typically fall into two camps: tight fitting lycra or baggy downhill kits with flavors of motocross. Sun Valley based Club Ride has been stirring the pot for some 10 years now, blending the Wood River Valley’s western vibe with the local passion for mountain biking. The kits carry over Idaho ranchy vintage plaids, closed with pearl snaps. But that’s about where the cowboy stops…
The button down shirts are made from poly-wool blends and stretch-woven fabrics, have reflective accents, and mesh vents to spill the BTU’s. All shirts offer a UPF 50 rating, a hidden side pocket to zip your keys, and the microfiber patch sewn into the hem to dust off your shades is a nice touch too. The shirts feel cool on the trail, but they transition well while tossing back a burger and brew at Sun Valley’s Grumpy’s and even wear well at work.
On a recent trip to Ely, Nevada, we gotta chance to test out the Rambler Henley, Motive, Vibe, and New West shirts. The Henley’s wool/poly blend is soft against the skin and breathes well while pedaling high desert trails. Nearly as important, it looks lo-fi when cruising through the truck stop for beer. That same incognito appeal applies to the button down shirt line (plaids are de rigueur in rural Nevada).
The Rambler is available for $70, the New West and Vibe run $80 each. The Motive, their dedicated hot-weather shirt and most expensive in the lineup, is available for $90.
We matched the shirts with a pair Chachi and LightWave shorts, worn over their Woodchuck ($55) and Gunslinger ($45) padded shorts, respectively listed as a 3 and 2 hour padded short. But all you need to know is if you prefer a longer compression short, go with the Woodchuck. Both protect the bum on an afternoon ride just fine.
The Chachi’s are a gusseted, 11-inch short that are long enough to deflect the sage. They have a street friendly pair of pockets up front, two back pockets, and a pair of side pockets that are large enough to holster the wallet. The side pockets are too small for an iPhone X – but devices will ride secured in the deep front pockets.
Internal Velcro tabs keep the shorts on the hips and a set of hip loops can strap a belt if you want to class it up at work. The Chachi’s are $90, but can be found on Amazon for $70.
The LightWave is the Club’s hot weather short and have all the same accouterments of the Chacci, but in a lighter-weight, stretchy material and with subtle hints of board short styling. The LightWaves sell for $90, but are on sale now for $70 on Club Ride’s site.
If your waist runs at the larger end of the shorts, we found the sizing felt snug at first. But the touch of Spandex stretches out after a ride or two and the shorts begin to really fit your body.
The Club Ride tribe is strong. Reams of positive buyer comments back them up. But if a new style comes out, or you see something you like, snatch them up quick. Mediums sell out real fast.
