In spite of their success as a custom and off the rack clothing manufacturer for road cycling, Pactimo is still relatively unknown. Especially when it comes to mountain bike clothing. That will probably change once their latest project hits the shelves. Offering a full mountain bike clothing system for the first time, Pactimo has come out swinging with what looks like a great blend of fabrics, fit, and features for your next mountain bike session…
These days, it seems no mountain bike kit is complete without a bib liner that includes a few pockets. For shorter rides, the addition of pockets means you can leave the hydration pack at home, and having the pockets on the liner instead of the short or the jersey means the contents won’t bounce around as much as you’re blazing trail. Pactimo decided on two rear pockets since they felt that three pockets always resulted in whatever was in the middle pocket resting uncomfortably against your spine. Sized to fit a full water bottle, the left pocket also includes a pump strap to keep it from migrating towards your ribs.
Utilizing the same excellent chamois as their Ascent bib short, the multi density anti-microbial chamois is available in both men’s and women’s (the full kit is available in both), and the body of the liner is built from full mesh except the rise of the short. This area between the legs and in the seat uses a more durable fabric for obvious reasons. With all pieces sold separately, the liner will retail for $70.
Pactimo’s Josh Cook is a surfer. For years he’s wondered why mountain bike shorts were never as light or as fast drying as some of his favorite RVCA board shorts. That was a key inspiration in the creation of their outer short. The fabric had to be light weight, drape well over the legs, and hold structure. Finally finding the right mix, the Apex outer short includes soft fabric on the touch points, uses no velcro, and has an asymmetric leg opening to prevent the short from rubbing the back of your calf while riding. The waist uses an adjustable elastic cinch system on the inside for waist adjustments and closes with offset dual snaps and a zipper fly. In front there are two front pockets for stashing stuff when you’re not riding, and a thigh pocket and offset rear pocket that are big enough to stash a phone when you are riding. To be available in Manic yellow, blue, and plain black, the outer short will sell for $90.
While the shorts found inspiration from surfing, the jersey takes its fit cues from soccer jerseys. Specifically, Josh liked how his favorite jerseys were fit so they weren’t baggy but they also weren’t restrictive. They were also light weight and dried quickly – great attributes for cycling jerseys as well.
The Apex jersey will be offered in short sleeve or long sleeve and checks all of the boxes Pactimo was aiming for. Slated for three colors in each jersey, all of the colors and accents are designed to easily mix and match with their outer shorts. Pricing for the jerseys is set for $50/SS and $60/LS. The full kit should be available for purchase in about two weeks.
