Victoria Bowskill

Surrey-based Wattbike training facility Rolling Dynamics has launched its new club kit for 2016.

Featuring a short sleeved jersey and gilet, the kit has been developed by David Carry @tsubodesign and created by Milltag in London. The garments are available in three fits: Club, Race and Pro. Your choice may depend on how quickly you’ve worked off those extra Christmas pounds…

Rolling Dynamics’ new club kit has been developed by David Carry of @Tsubodesign and created by Milltag. It is available in three fits: Club, Race and Pro.

Rolling Dynamics is currently taking orders for the garments and sample jerseys are available to try at the Wattbike studio at TRG – The Real Gym in Chessington.

Milltag produce cycling clothing to the highest technical standard and are the official kit supplier to UK pro women’s team Matrix Pro Cycling, home of British Road Race Champion Laura Trott. The company also supplies kit to the Tour de Yorkshire, run by the ASO.

It’s no secret that Matt and I are not shy of bold colours and prints when it comes to cyclewear. We embrace floral emblems and jaw dropping hues – but that’s not to say we don’t also appreciate a subtle palette and classic styling.

A subtle palette and classic styling is precisely what cycling clothing brand Svelte London have delivered with their range of Heritage cycling jerseys. Svelte sent us the latest incarnation to road test, the Long Sleeved Heritage Jersey in a wonderfully seasonal shade of dark green.

Made in England, the Heritage range is a three-season jersey for Autumn, Winter and Spring cycling. It contains merino wool for warmth and moisture wicking and has three pockets, including a button down pocket for valuables. The jersey retails at £110.

The muted shade, dull brass button and natural fibres make for an elegant bit of kit that doesn’t scream “WE CYCLED HERE!”

Both Matt and I are wearing size Medium. I won’t lie: it’s a snug fit, and if you’re planning to overindulge at Christmas, you should definitely order a size up. It’s a very athletic fit with extremely narrow arms which looks fantastic – sleek and flattering – but won’t allow much in the way of extra layers underneath. Given the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing in the South East this winter, that hasn’t been a problem: we’ve both teamed the jersey with the Isadore Apparel sleeveless merino baselayer which has been providing just the right amount of warmth on 10-12 Celsius days. On chillier outings, a gilet over the top has been enough to keep us warm.

 

We both love the look of the Heritage jersey. The muted shade, dull brass button and natural fibres make for an elegant bit of kit that doesn’t scream “WE CYCLED HERE!” when you meet friends for a drink in the pub. Worn with cycling jeans rather than tights, it’s a jersey which could even be worn in the office without raising an eyebrow making it a useful addition to the wardrobe.

Both jerseys have been machine washed with a gentle wool detergent at 30 degrees and air dried – they’re spot on post-laundering.

 

Svelte London have produced an elegant and useful piece of cyclewear with the Long Sleeved Heritage cycling jersey. We wholeheartedly approve of the styling and functionality, but would recommend going up a size.

You can purchase the jersey from Svelte London for £110.00.

 

The Rapha women’s winter collection features some very good looking pieces of kit; the long sleeved cycling jerseys and jackets are particularly smart. I’ve been testing the Rapha Women’s Souplesse Jacket and Women’s Padded Tights in recent weeks.

The Rapha Souplesse women’s jacket is soft and comfortable to wear. It’s lightweight, hugs the body in a very comforting way and doesn’t ride up.

This is my first winter of road cycling and, as a winter creature who longs for cosy knits and boots all year long, I’ve been looking forward to bundling up and putting cold weather kit to the test. But this year, it’s hard. We’re now well into December yet the mercury remains frustratingly high: the challenge isn’t keeping warm, it’s staying dry and upright when high winds are buffeting you from every direction. For those of you reading from cooler climes, it’s been so mild this week that I’ve been able to wear short fingered gloves for commuting… So, while I’m testing winter kit, it’s not being put through its paces in brutally cold conditions and I can’t comment on its effectiveness in subzero temperatures.

The Rapha women’s winter collection features some very good looking pieces of kit; the long sleeved cycling jerseys and jackets are particularly smart.

I’ve cycled in the Rapha Women’s Souplesse Jacket and Women’s Padded Tights four times now, in temperatures ranging from 6 to 12 degrees Celsius. They have also been worn in rain, drizzle and high winds. The jacket has been laundered twice and the tights four times.

Let’s start at the top and work our way down.

 

Rapha Women’s Souplesse Jacket

Style & Design Features

• Water repellent
• Form fitting
• Reflective detailing for visibility at night
• Zipped pockets on the sleeve and back for credit card and keys
• Cosy brushed lining for warmth and softness

The Women’s Souplesse Jacket is available in black and pink, or the colour I’m wearing, which is described as blue. I can assure you it is not blue. It is most definitely purple – a lovely strong violet, with a contrasting back in a deep magenta hue.

Comfort & Performance

The Rapha Souplesse jacket is beautifully soft and comfortable to wear: it’s lightweight and hugs the body in a very comforting way. The lining is fleecy and feels, for want of a better word, snuggly against bare skin on milder days.

The off-centre zip is sturdy and easy to adjust one-handed if you’re feeling warm as you pedal (as I invariably do).

The jacket is fairly water resistant: not one to wear in a torrential downpour, but fine for drizzly outings. It’s breathable and the brushed lining means that it doesn’t feel damp and clammy making it a useful cycling jacket for the recent mild, damp weather.

Overall, the Rapha Souplesse Women’s Jacket is a cracking cut: feminine, flattering and not at all boxy.

It washed well at 30 degrees and dried overnight easily.

 

Fit & Sizing

The Rapha Women’s Souplesse Jacket errs a little on the small side: I’m wearing size Large which is comfortable but comparable in size to a Medium at Isadore Apparel or Rivelo. I’d definitely recommend ordering one size up from your usual.

I can comfortably fit a baselayer and jersey underneath the jacket which has plenty of stretch: it doesn’t feel restrictive with extra layers underneath.The sleeves are very nice: close fitting, plenty long enough and featuring a comfortable contrast cuff which feels and looks good.

I would like the jacket to be a little longer in the front: the back is spot on but an extra inch on that front hem would be welcome. I’m not unusually tall at 5’7″ but it feels a little bit skimpy in body length.

Overall, the Rapha Women’s Souplesse Jacket is a cracking cut: feminine, flattering and not at all boxy.

 

To buy, or not to buy?

£190 isn’t cheap, but for a good winter outer layer, you can expect to pay upwards of £150. If we compare it to the well known Castelli Gabba and the lesser known Isadore Apparel Women’s Merino Membrane Softshell Jacket, I would say it is more versatile and comfortable than the former, and more flattering but less robust than the latter.

The Rapha Women’s Souplesse is a beautifully cut, comfortable women’s cycling jacket which is flattering for feminine curves with plenty of well thought out design features. I like it a lot – it makes me feel foxy when I’m out riding, which has to be a good sign. I would say it’s a Buy. (Or one to put on your Christmas list).

  

Rapha Women’s Padded Tights

Style & Design Features

• High-rise waist with grippy waistband to keep them in place
• ThermoRoubaix fleece-lined fabric for warmth
• Back pocket
• Reflective calf stripes for visibility

The Rapha Women’s Padded Tights come in one colour, black. They’re a really true, solid black and they’re not remotely see-through which is always good. (Nobody needs to see my cellulite rippling through flimsy Lycra.) I do think it’s a shame the tights don’t come in navy like the ¾ version; I’d happily switch it up from time to time.

 

 

Comfort & Performance

One of the nicest things about these tights is the absence of any uncomfortable zips around the ankles. Zips to the side hurt my ankle bones and zips at the back hurt my Achilles tendon, so I’m very happy to wear a pair of women’s cycling tights that have a stretchy enough opening that no zips are required.

The waistband stays put nice and high thanks to the cut and the silicone grippers, so there’s no danger of a gap appearing between top and bottoms. (Nobody likes a gap between their top and bottom when they’re pedaling).

That said, for those of us with – let’s say – less-than-perfect abs, there is no escaping the fact that waist tights result in muffin top in a way that bib tights never do. I think I will be probably stick to bib tights in the future for a smoother silhouette (at least until the, erm, 100 stomach crunches I’m doing each day take effect….)

(Oh, who am I kidding? My squidgy abdomen is here to stay…)

The chamois pad is very comfortable indeed, and the tights have washed well (four times now, at 30 degrees and air-dried overnight).

The waistband stays put thanks to the high cut and silicone grippers, so there’s no danger of a gap between top and bottoms. (Nobody likes a gap between their top and bottom when they’re pedalling in the cold).

 

To buy, or not to buy?

The fabric is superb. The pad is very comfortable. They sit nicely on the waist, and they don’t have any irritating zips around the ankles. They get a wholehearted thumbs up for quality and comfort.

If you’re a dedicated winter warrior in need of comfort and warmth year round, the Rapha Women’s Winter Tights are a sound purchase – despite the slightly wince-inducing £150 price tag.

You can buy both items from the Rapha.cc website.

 

If you’re anything like us, you’re now being bombarded with phone calls and emails from your family, demanding to know what you want for Christmas. You might have seen a thousand things on Wiggle or Velovixen over the course of the year, but you’ll be damned if you can remember any of them when you’re put on the spot.

Alternatively, you might be that family member, trying to find the ideal gift for your cycling-obsessed daughter/husband/grandmother/nephew.

Fear not.

We have put together a Vamper Christmas list of excellent gifts for those who prefer the two-wheeled life. Read on for our round up of the best Christmas presents for cyclists in 2015…

 

Rapha Silk Scarf, £50.00

A silk scarf is a versatile – and glamorous – accessory to have in your armoury. It adds colour and flare to an otherwise simple outfit; it can hide a multitude of sins as a headscarf (useful on those days when a helmet hasn’t done your hair any favours); and on the mild days we’ve been experiencing this winter, it can be tucked in to your collar to keep draughts out without overheating.

What’s more, if you’re not cycling too far and want to keep your hair looking nice, wearing a silk headscarf underneath your helmet instead of a cap will keep your hair smooth and sleek. (Not recommended for long, fast rides when all you will do is make your beautiful silk scarf sweaty). We like Rapha’s purple silk offering: it’s timeless and chic and allows you to channel Rapha style on and off the bike.

 

Endurance Conspiracy ‘Fit & Vicious’ Women’s Teeshirt, £25.00

The ideal post-sportive get up, when you’re keen to maintain your cycling credentials down the pub but can’t wait to get out of your sweaty kit. Endurance Conspiracy tees are made from incredibly soft, lightweight 100% cotton and they’re supremely comfortable, for either a pint with the cycling club or at home with your jogging bottoms. Fit & Vicious definitely floated our boat.

 

Svelte Cycles Arm Warmers, £20.00

Anyone who follows Vamper.cc on social media will be only too aware of our penchant for bold cycling gear. We’re not shrinking violets and we won’t fade into the background. A pair of these bold and beautiful arm warmers from Svelte Cycles (in Botanical for Victoria, please) would be welcome in our Christmas stocking, particularly during such a mild winter when we’re still not quite in need of full on winter cycle wear every day.

 

Isadore Apparel Sleeveless Base Layer, €45.00

Victoria is a hot-blooded sort, fiery tempered and too warm for about 50% of the time. Unless it is a very cold day, long sleeved and high necked base layers are just too much. Isadore Apparel’s sleeveless base layer proved itself to be a huge hit: extremely comfortable and well fitting, unobtrusive under a huge range of garments, and easy to care for. While it may be part of the men’s range, the size Small fits beautifully (Matt has been happily wearing the same style in Medium). A practical gift which will quickly become a favourite garment, we promise.

 

 

This Is Cambridge Omloop Winter Cycling Cap, £55.00

Well, this really is a thing of beauty. Designed and handmade in England, the Omloop winter cycling cap from This is Cambridge is a classic bit of kit for the colder months. Made from 100% merino wool to keep you snug while wicking moisture away, we think this is a marvellous cap. What’s more, This is Cambridge understand that one size doesn’t fit all (particularly in the Vamper.cc household, with Victoria’s mega cranium and Matt’s pinhead). The caps come in not one, but five sizes. We’re sure you’ll find one to fit.

 

White Stuff Bike Print Scarf, £27.50

High Street retailer White Stuff have put together a lovely Winter range this year which features a cracking bike print scarf (and pyjama bottoms). Fine gauge double-layered merino wool for warmth, we think the navy version is a lovely gift for the cyclist in your life. It’s a nice way to demonstrate devotion to two-wheeled life off the bike.

 

Rapha Merino Gloves, £70.00

We keep going on about it, but it really has been a mild winter – we still can’t entertain donning heavy winter garb. Rapha’s Merino Gloves have been designed for wear in mild to cool conditions, making them ideal for the weather we’ve been experiencing recently. They’re extremely smart and they would look just as smart behind the wheel of your car or with a sharp winter coat as they do on the bike. And with a grippy leather palm, they’re functional too. At £70 they’re a bit of an extravagance – but that makes them an ideal Christmas wishlist item, we think.

Kitbrix kit bag, £42.00

Are you guilty of losing items of your kit on a regular basis? Victoria is. Every time we go away to a sportive, I hear a wail of “Maaaatt… Have you seen my <insert gloves/gels/socks>…?” – well, I’m hoping that once she has a Kitbrix of her own, it might help her to keep her cycling kit in one place. It’s a cracking bit of gear: well designed space, tough, waterproof and mud proof. You can pack everything you need in here: helmet, neck scarf, waterproof jacket, jersey, base layer, bib shorts, gloves, socks, cycle shoes, gels, small pump and any other essential bits you can’t live without. A great item for your wishlist – or a gift for someone you think needs some help keeping it all together… We particularly like the vibrant Red Coat model. Festive!

 

 

 

Vélobici thermal oversocks, £30.00

Vélobici’s thermal oversocks are designed to keep feet cosy both on and off the bike, thanks to the use of the brand’s exclusive VB-Pro VR1 fabric. Breathable and odour resistant, they’ll help you get out on the bike on the chilliest of days thanks to the double layer thermal insulation. Available in black, the socks have a splash of reflective red ankle binding for visibility plus an embroidered VB logo (which has Vamper’s own VB sold). They are are available in two sizes, small/medium and large/x-large.

 

Birzman Maga Apogee III Track Pump, £54.99 from Evans

You know those times when you are pumping away and you feel less than well equipped? – No? – Just Matt, then! Either way, those feelings of inadequacy will melt away should you receive the Birzman Maga Apogee III for Christmas. It is to track pumps what Beyonce would have been to The Spice Girls. Once you’ve experienced true finery you can never look at Geri in the same way again…

 

David Tedman’s Cycling Box Hill prints, from £65.00

Do you find yourself drifting into daydream about perfect summer days riding the Surrey Hills? Do you quietly ponder descending Box Hill as you drift off at night? If cycling hasn’t *quite* taken over your life yet, why not consider hanging a glorious cycling-themed canvas at home? This great set of Box Hill-themed prints from local artist David Tedman will have you hankering for the start of the season all winter long.

 

Active Intelligence Urbane Compact 20L Bike Backpack, £110.00 from Neos Cycling

When it comes to Christmas gifts for cyclists, practical presents can be every bit as brilliant as luxurious ones. Much as we wish we could just ride everywhere for fun, many of us have to spend the majority of bike rides carting work clothes, Macbooks, lunch boxes and all sorts of other bits and pieces on our backs. Such is the life of a cycle commuter. Our rucksacks aren’t waterproof and they’re rather lacking in pockets, so we’re hankering after the Active Intelligence Urbane Compact 20L Bike Backpack at Neos Cycling. It sounds tough and highly functional with roll top closure and plenty of pockets to keep things tidy – including a padded, removable internal organiser which will fit a tablet. It’s 100% waterproof, and has a reflective logo and LED mount for visibility at night. We’d be happy to find one under the tree!

 

 

Don’t forget to check back over the next few weeks to see more cycling Christmas gifts for cyclists – we’ll be sharing all the ideas we find…

1. Being saddle sore is not something to just accept. It is not a given. A lot of women labour under the misapprehension that cycling is inherently painful but it needn’t be this way – a saddle mapping session can put an end to that particular pain in the backside. Being saddle sore is markedly different for women than for men. Yes, your actual bum might ache – but it’s the chafing and tears on that exposed soft tissue which does the damage. A saddle mapping session can ensure that your weight is on your sit bones, not that delicate tissue.
   

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2. I needn’t have worried so much about not being quick enough. When I started road cycling, I was concerned that I would be too slow for Matt to want to ride with me. I thought it would make his rides boring and that he would be frustrated. But I was wrong. Sure, to begin with I wasn’t the fastest cyclist on the block; but riding with my Matt consistently spurred me on to build my speed and stamina. I trust him implicitly when we’re riding and after a few months we began practicing draughting. That means he takes the brunt of the wind while I tag on to his rear wheel, spinning quickly without it killing me and allowing me to keep pace. And now, we ride together so much and push each other so hard that he sometimes ends up draughting me, because I’m really quite fast now….
   

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3. Clipless pedals and cleats are not something to be afraid of. It does seem counterintuitive, to attach your feet to your bicycle. I’ll admit that the prospect filled me with horror. But the benefits far, far outweigh the disadvantages. Early doors, I’m not saying that you won’t forget to unclip, and then fall off, probably in an embarrassing fashion. And probably in front of people. It happens to the best of us. But in a very, very short space of time, unclipping becomes second nature. Matt taught me to unclip the moment I see something that may cause me to stop: a queue of traffic, a roundabout looming, a pedestrian crossing. If you don’t need to stop, you can just push down and carry on. But if you do need to stop, you’re prepared. Don’t be scared – clipless pedals are a wonderful invention.
   

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4. It doesn’t matter how slowly you go up hills: the point is that you go up them, full stop. I managed to work myself into a panic early doors about hills. It didn’t help that I hadn’t really got to grips with my gears and had a miserable experience trying to get to the top of a grade 4 climb in the big cog. I’ve sorted that problem now, but  I still worry about gradients sometimes. On group rides in particular, I have a tendency to worry that I’ll be too slow and might hold other riders up. Well, so be it. If the rest of the group have to wait for me at the top, chances are they’ll be glad of a sip of water and a bite of flapjack. It’s not about getting up there quickly, and if you try, you’re more likely to get into difficulties. Just take it steady. Use the easiest gear. Keep to the left so that people can overtake you. Don’t keep looking for the top of the hill; I find it easier to just keep my head down rather than looking at the gradient. Remember to breathe. Let the weight of your legs do the work. And, it takes some practice, but get out of the saddle if you possibly can – it really does make climbing easier.
   

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5. It never gets easier, you just go faster. How right Greg LeMond is. After completing a hilly sportive in Yorkshire and the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, I really thought a 63 mile sportive in Cambridgeshire would be a doddle. Well, I was wrong. I sweated, my legs were sore, I ached, and I was fed up. But my average speed was 16.3mph, compared to 15.5mph for the 100 and 13.8mph in Yorkshire. It wasn’t easier; but I was faster. And it was worth all of the pain for a Gold place!

I spend half of my life being much too warm and sweaty – and the other half being much too cold. My body’s temperature regulation seems, frankly, poor. In the absence of a thermostat engineer for the human body, I make as much use of natural, wicking fibres in my clothing as possible – particularly merino wool which dries quickly, doesn’t retain odours and insulates well.

The Women’s Merino Membrane Softshell Jacket from Isadore Apparel is a very smart piece of women’s cyclewear. Harnessing the breathability and warmth of merino is common for baselayers but unusual when it comes to outer layers. It’s a good move by the Isadore Apparel design team: it’s all very well wearing wicking base layers, but if your outer garments trap moisture, no amount of merino technology in your undergarments will keep you fresh and dry. As a particularly sweaty human being, breathability in all layers is important to me. It’s not that I mind sweating: it releases toxins and keeps my skin healthy. But on cool days, my temperature drops quickly once I stop pedalling and within five minutes I’m shivering in damp, sweaty garments.

The designers at Isadore Apparel have worked hard to develop a jacket that regulates temperature.

 

Style, Comfort & Performance

The waterproof and windproof Merino Membrane Softshell Jacket is beautiful. The fabrics are lovely: the merino mix lining is soft and smooth and glides over a long sleeved jersey without friction. The soft grey suedette detailing on the shoulders and zip placket adds interest to a simple style and the brushed lining inside the collar is soft and cosy for rides on cool days.

With style credentials to boot, this is one garment for which it’s worth raiding those rainy day savings.

The design features are really well thought out: reflective logos and a neon zip add visibility for night riding and a waterproof, chunky zip which is easy to manipulate with cold fingers or in wet conditions. I particularly like the nifty lower back extension which tucks away neatly when it’s not needed, but in wet conditions adds another layer of protection to keep your bum dry. And alongside the merino fibres which aid breathability, there are zippered ventilation pockets to increase airflow as required.

On its first outing, the weather was unseasonably mild but damp and blustery. I regretted wearing both a baselayer and a jersey beneath the jacket, but with the vents unzipped and the jacket partially open, I was only marginally too warm. Its second outing was at zero degrees Celsius, and I was a very comfortable temperature with a baselayer, jersey and jacket vents zipped shut.

The pockets are generous and secure with a zipped compartment for valuables and reflective details for visibility in headlights.

 

Fit & Sizing

The jacket is generously cut: the sleeves and body are plenty long enough and the elasticity of the fabric provides ease of movement.

Isadore sizing is surprisingly generous compared to other high end cycling brands. I’m wearing a size medium jacket and it is perfect for my 5’8”, UK 12 frame – even on the chest, where tops are usually a little too snug for me. The elasticity of the jacket means that you needn’t order a size up to be able to fit an extra layer underneath on cold days.

 

Value for money

The Merino Membrane Softshell Jacket doesn’t come cheap. At €255 (around £180) it is an investment piece on a par with the Castelli Gabba and Rapha Souplesse jackets, for cyclists who are determined to ride throughout the winter.

The Vamper team think Isadore’s cycle wear warrants the high price tags: the quality is second to none and the styling stands out for riders who want something a little bit different. This is a very well cut, robust jacket which will keep you warm and dry in winter conditions.

In terms of both practicality and style, this jacket deserves top marks. I hope the Isadore Apparel team launch another colour option: the softshell gilet in Marsala from the men’s range is a gloriously Autumnal shade that I’d love to see in the women’s collection.

Victoria

Tested: Primal’s Covi Women’s Black Tights, £65.00 and Lucerne 2^nd Layer Jacket, £90.00.

Until now I’ve only cycled in bib shorts and tights, liking the smooth line they create underneath a jersey with a midriff prone to a spot of muffin top. However, every day that I dress in my cycling kit, I invariably have to dash to the loo before leaving the house, and have to strip off my jersey to get my bibs down, then carefully tuck my baselayer in again and pull my jersey back on before I can get on my way. It’s a bit of a rigmarole when you’re trying to get out of the house for work and I’ve toyed with adding waist tights to my commuter cycling wardrobe for versatility.

The tights sit high enough that there’s no danger of a gap between my jersey and waistband – and there’s barely a hint of muffin top.

This month I’ve been testing Primal’s Covi Women’s Black Tights, which retail at £60.00. The tights are a true black with reflective zip detailing at the ankles for added visibility pedalling at night. The brushed back thermal lining is soft and cosy, and while the pad doesn’t appear particularly robust, it’s actually very comfortable for commuting. After four washes it hasn’t moved and has retained its shape and firmness. The tights sit high enough on the waist that there’s no danger of a gap appearing between my jersey and waistband, and it’s also high enough to prevent much midriff overhang. My only criticism of the tights are the zips down the back of the legs which have a tendency to dig in to the Achilles tendon.

I wore the tights with Primal’s Lucerne 2^nd Layer Jacket. The Lucerne sits somewhere between a long sleeved jersey and a jacket. It’s warm, making it comfortable on cool autumn days, but not water resistant. It’s comfortable for the mild November we’ve had this year with just a baselayer underneath.

 

Primal sizing is generous. I’m wearing size Medium in both garments and there is plenty of room; the cut is looser than Castelli and Dhb. I’m 5 ft 8″ and generally wear UK size 12.

 

Matt

Tested: Onyx Bib Knickers, £75.00 and Lexicon 2^nd Layer Jacket.

It’s been an unusually mild start to the autumn. It may be mid-November, but several days have been too mild enough for full tights and jackets. In this weather, three-quarter bib knickers fit the bill nicely and I’ve been testing Primal’s Onyx bib knickers.

In the mild weather we’ve been experiencing this autumn, three-quarter bib knickers fit the bill nicely.

They’re really comfortable to wear: the fabric is thermal and very soft, and a true jet black which looks sharp. I particularly like the white inverted V detailing on the back of the leg – it’s a nice design feature which would be even better with a reflective finish for added visibility at night. Hopefully Primal will incorporate this in the future.

The bibs are nicely designed with broad straps across the shoulders; they sit well. And, crucially, the chamois pad is comfortable. It hasn’t been tested on any long rides, but for commuting it definitely fits the bill. At £75 these bib knickers represent good value for money for a comfortable and nicely designed product.

I’ve been wearing the Onyx bib knickers with the Lexicon 2^nd Layer Jacket. As Victoria found with the Lucerne, it falls somewhere between a jersey and a jacket. For damp British climes, it isn’t versatile enough for everyday wear; it’s warm, but wouldn’t replace a Gabba-style outerlayer because it isn’t waterproof or windproof. The sizing is extremely generous: I’m wearing size Medium which in other brands is a snug fit. (I’m 6ft tall and usually wear a 38″ chest/32″ waist). It would probably be worth ordering a size smaller than your usual.

Following a successful second season, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team has announced the roster for its 2016 women’s racing team.

A number of riders from the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team’s debut season will return for 2016, including team captain Lauren Tamayo and track and road racer Cari Higgins.

Coryn Rivera returns to the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Blue Train on the back of several sprint victories in 2015, including a stage three win and the sprinter’s green jersey at the USA Pro Challenge where she earned a place on the 2015 World Championship road race roster.

Katie Hall will return following her breakthrough season with the team in which she took 2nd overall at the Tour of the Gila. That success was followed by a high-profile win in the opening stage of the Women’s Amgen Tour of California.

Rushlee Buchanan, Abby Mickey, Laura Brown, and Linda Villumsen will also return for the 2016 season. Villumsen will sport the coveted Word Champion’s rainbow jersey throughout 2016 in time trial events with the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team.

Speaking about the 2015 season, General Manager Mike Tamayo said: “When I look back at the season, I see wins from many different riders, in many different types of a races. As a director and general manager, a record like that shows depth, adaptability, and most of all, effective teamwork. That makes us at the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team immensely proud of these riders and this program.”

The team is also set to welcome five new riders in 2016.

Reigning British national time trial champion Hayley Simmonds (pictured below with Vamper’s Victoria at a recent VoxWomen event) boosts the team’s time trial lineup for 2016. Simmonds commented: “I am incredibly excited about starting my professional cycling career with UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team. The team has a very strong roster and an extremely professional set-up which I think will provide me with the perfect environment in which to develop further as I make the move to full-time rider.”

All-rounder and former two-time junior Canadian National champion Annie Ewart joins the team from Optum Pro Cycling following her breakaway victory on stage two at the Tour of the Gila and her win at the Dominguez Hills Criterium in 2015.

Former Dutch national champion and veteran racer Iris Slappendel will bring years of high-level racing experience to the team. Slappendel has wins at Thuringen Rundfahrt (2010) and Route de France (2014) under her belt.

Colombian rider Diana Carolina Peñuela, who was victorious at the 2015 Criterium Manizales Fair, will bolster the team.

Finally, American cyclist Shawn Morelli, 2014 UCI Para-Cycling Road Race World Champion and 2015 World Championship Para-cycling Track Pursuit Bronze Medalist, will complete the 2016 lineup.

 2016 UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team Roster, Women

• Abby Mickey
• Annie Ewart
• Cari Higgins
• Coryn Rivera
• Diana Carolina Peñuela
• Hayley Simmonds
• Iris Slappendel
• Katie Hall
• Laura Brown
• Lauren Tamayo
• Linda Villumsen
• Rushlee Buchanan
• Shawn Morelli

It’s just over a year now since RedWhite Apparel, based in Singapore, entered the market with their flagship product, The Bib.

The company, which was built around the need for long distance bib shorts, have secured dealers in US, UK, Australia, Korea, Japan and several Southeast Asian countries to bring The Bib to a wider market.

Now entering their second year, and following feedback from their customers and racers, they have launched The Race, a brand new bib short with a focus on long distance needs but also with more aggressive riding positions in mind.

The Race was a product 8 months in the making. With several iterations and prototypes made and tested by individual riders and teams around the world, RedWhite has delivered a product that retains all the key elements of its flagship, The Bib, with added refinements for racers.

The key difference in The Race lies in the chamois.

The chamois follows the same design as the highly popular version in The Bibs, but with two new features: a dimpled surface for better heat dissipation, and a reduction in density and thickness at the mid layer.

 

The Race will be available for pre-orders through www.shop.redwhite.cc and dealer stockings will be announced shortly.

For more details on the race, please visit http://www.redwhite.cc/the-race/

Cycling clothing and accessories brand Primal has been revealed as the 2016 clothing sponsor for UCI continental cycling team Raleigh GAC in a move which demonstrates its support of elite cycling in the UK.

Team Raleigh GAC will be wearing Primal’s Elite QX5 cycling clothing, part of its Custom Range, throughout the 2016 season. Primal will work with the team’s professional riders throughout the year to develop its product offering.

“Elite cycling in the UK is continuing to gain momentum and we’re delighted to be a part of such a successful team like Team Raleigh GAC.”

James and Judith Smith, Directors at Primal Europe, said: “Elite cycling in the UK is continuing to gain momentum and we’re delighted to be a part of such a successful team like Team Raleigh GAC.

“The professional cycling team has a whole host of incredible riders and we’re looking forward to receiving feedback from them to continue to improve our products at the highest level. We’re certain that our cycling clothing and apparel will play a part in helping to achieve the team’s goals and aspirations for the 2016 season.”

Team Raleigh GAC has had a successful year: for the third time running, the team had a rider in first place in the British Cycling Elite Road series with Steve Lampier picking up the Star Trophy.

Raleigh GAC also came second in the series’ team competition.

Team Raleigh GAC Owner Cherie Pridham added: “We are particularly excited about working with the company on their innovative product development programme to improve aerodynamics. There is a real buzz amongst the team and we are very proud to partner with Primal.

“We are can’t wait for the 2016 season to begin and we of course hope that Primal will play a major part in helping us emulate and build on the success achieved this year.”

For more information about Primal, visit www.primaleurope.com and to learn more about Team Raleigh GAC, visit www.teamraleigh.co.uk.

In a recent article about cycling participation in The Guardian, one paragraph in particular caught my eye.

“For several female participants in the study, being a cyclist – or choosing not to be one – was very much entangled with concerns and convictions about femininity, appearance and their inclusion in a highly visible minority transport culture – a sort of club. One, Rachel, new to cycling, described uncertainties about what to wear: “I swing between, should I go all in Lycra or should I go for a more girlie look.” Others recognized the dilemma but felt they handled it quite comfortably, and some fully embraced the cyclist look: “I’ve got the kit, I’m a cyclist, yeah.” There was also outright rejection: “The women that do cycle are probably more blokey than feminine.”

I understand those concerns about appearance and femininity.

Only 18 months ago I was cycling to work at a gentle 12mph so as not to get sweaty in whatever I planned to wear at the office that day. A skirt and blouse with heels; a dress; a pair of skinny jeans and a blazer. I was always safe in a helmet and a fluorescent sash at night, but I was adamant that the only way I wanted to ride was at a comfortable pace in my regular clothes. And I enjoyed it.

It’s safe to say my view of cycling has changed in recent times.

Why would I want to ride fast and get sweaty on my way to work? Why would I want to wear specific cycling clothes, and have the rigmarole of getting changed at the other end? Couldn’t cycling just fit in with my lifestyle?

Well, of course it could.

But it’s safe to say my view of cycling has changed in recent times.

Fast forward a few months, and a persuasive Matt – co-founder of Vamper – convinced me to put my name down for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 mile cycling event. Quite how he managed it, I still don’t know; but sure enough, I entered the ballot – and was so disappointed to not receive a place that I immediately signed up for a charity spot instead.

It gradually dawned on me that to ride 100 miles – up some hills! – on my steel-framed single speed would be a challenge. I wasn’t sure Leith Hill was really made for a cyclist with a basket on the front of her bike. And I was fairly sure heels weren’t going to be the most appropriate footwear.

That aversion to sweat? Gone.

I realised I was going to have to make some concessions to practicality.

With Matt’s guidance, I settled on my first road bike. With a budget of £1,000, I wanted the best bike I could possibly find for that money. We decided that Sheffield-based Planet X was my best bet, and I opted for the Pro Carbon SRAM Rival 22 Women’s road bike.

I couldn’t very well ride a carbon road bike in heels, though, could I?

With some coaxing, I agreed to go the whole hog on the pedal front. I duly bought a set of Shimano SPD-SL pedals, and a set of cleats. They weren’t going to fit on my stilettoes, so I bought a pair of road shoes. And road shoes would not look good with a skirt, so I ordered a pair of padded bib tights. Which required a coordinating jersey… and a sportier helmet……

I couldn’t very well ride a carbon road bike in heels, though, could I?

I spent some time in a state of panic, practising clipping in and out on our private road until I felt reasonably confident that I could free my feet in case of emergency. And off we went. Me, riding a road bike, with gears, in Lycra.

I enjoyed it.

My hands hurt a bit, so I ordered a pair of cycling gloves. And a cycling jacket.

I enjoyed it all the more.

We put our names down for the 38 mile Le Petit Depart recreational ride in the Yorkshire Dales. I acquired a Garmin, and a cadence sensor. I started caring about Strava sections – and realised that I have a little bit of a competitive streak.

And by ‘a little bit’, I mean that it transpires my competitive streak is a mile wide.

I spent some time in a state of panic, practising clipping in and out on our private road until I felt reasonably confident that I could free my feet in case of emergency.

That aversion to sweat?

Gone. That’s what Muc-Off Dry Shower is for. And hell – if my hair is a bit messy at work, I can always tidy it up with the straighteners I keep in my desk drawer in case of emergency.

Having a physical, competitive outlet has given my life a new direction. I worry far less about my appearance than I used to: I’m happy to have a body which is active and healthy. I’m happy to have strong legs that allow me to nail sections and keep up with Matt.

I like to sweat.

Sweating keeps my skin healthy, and it tells me that I’ve worked hard.

I like my legs to ache after a 17mph commute or a hilly sportive.

I like my cycling tan from a summer of long rides, and I like the tell tale oil mark on my leg when I’ve been messing about with my bike in the house.

I like road cycling, and I’ll never again be content to ride at 12mph in heels again.

“The women that do cycle are probably more blokey than feminine.” Riding hard, challenging myself, breaking a sweat and dressing the part don’t make me feel blokey, that’s for sure. I feel like a stronger woman than I did before – and that makes me feel better about my gender than adhering to any modern constructs of what constitutes femininity.

This woman can.

 

Only a year ago, I vowed that I would never be caught wearing Lycra.

“I’ll never be a Lycra road warrior!” I cried. “I’m perfectly happy to ride in my regular clothes. I want to look like me on a bike!”

How times have changed.

I only bought a road bike in April, after being somehow mind controlled by Matt who convinced me to sign up to the Prudential RideLondon 100 miler. I still don’t understand how he did it. But I’m glad he did, because taking up road cycling has been one of the best decisions of my life. And it made me realise that, while it’s perfectly possible to ride a bike in jeans, it’s much more fun to ride a bike in dedicated cycling gear. My bum certainly thinks so.

As a woman, I want kit which has been designed with women’s bodies in mind.

But that is not to say that I don’t still want to look like me when I’m out riding. I want chic kit. I want kit that is well designed, well crafted and high performance. And, as a woman, I want kit which has been designed with women’s bodies in mind.

Fierlan is a new player in the women’s cycling apparel market and they’re acing it with their focus on stylish performance apparel which is designed in the UK and crafted in Italy from the highest quality fabrics. I tested Fierlan’s Three-Quarter Length Cycling Tights on three rides of 15 to 20 miles each.

 

 

Style, Comfort & Performance

Fierlan’s Three-Quarter Length Cycling Tights are far and away the chicest bib tights on the market for women. I don’t know about you, but I can’t bear the look of most bib tights when I’m getting changed: that awful gap between my sports bra and the waist which shows off my untoned stomach. So unflattering. But the Fierlan tights are completely different: with their flattering and feminine crossover top I feel put together and pleasantly unexposed on the midriff front. As Autumn draws in, it’s nice to not have that gap, too. Style-wise, these tights are a hit even before I’ve put my jersey on. What else do I like about the styling? Well, the fact that the legs are so plain – and a really true black – is a bonus. These tights go with anything – you needn’t worry about clashing stripes or logos.

The tights are comfortable, too, which – even for someone as vain as I am(!) – is, ultimately, what we’re all looking for when we’re cycling. The best looking tights on earth will be quickly discarded if the pad is rubbish. But the women’s specific pad Fierlan have incorporated isn’t rubbish: the bright turquoise foam is comfortable, and after three washes hasn’t shifted or gone limp. (I have only ridden distances of up to 20 miles in them so far, so I can’t comment on the pad’s performance for a longer distance.) The MITI Lycra in the legs and body has a lovely robustness – it isn’t flimsy, they’re not remotely see-through and the cut means they skim rather than cling which makes them look rather elegant. The silicone dots around the leg hems prevent the legs from riding up as you pedal – and the longer length is flattering, too.

Fit & Sizing

I usually wear size 12 clothing and the Fierlan team advised me that a Medium would be the best fit. They were right, the fit is spot on – close fitting but not skintight. As I’m somewhat top heavy with a 32G bust, the crossover top doesn’t provide a huge amount of coverage; but it still meets up with my (very heavy duty) sports bra and there are no gaps. It’s far superior to the style of all the other bib tights I’ve worn, and for anyone with a slightly less – erm – ample upper half, shall we say – you’ll be well covered. The tights are available in sizes XS to XL and you should feel confident ordering your usual clothing size.

Value for money

The Fierlan Three-Quarter Length Cycling Tights are currently in the sale and you can snap a pair up for £60.00, which is extremely good value. They’re beautifully made, flattering, comfortable and sophisticated. And for the cooler days we’re now experiencing, that extra leg length will keep your knees warm which is no bad thing.

Reviewer stats

Height: 172cm

Weight: 69kg

Measurements: 99-77-100

Cycling activity: 80-100 miles per week, in moderate British conditions.

I’m rather envious of the boldly coloured and highly patterned kits that Matt finds. The world of women’s cycling apparel tends to be rather more sedate – at least in the UK – and I’d love to see that change. I’m all for simple and elegant kits – but sometimes, you want to make a real splash. This is my roundup of the best kits from international brands if you want to turn heads on your next ride.

 

I’m all for simple and elegant kits – but sometimes, you want to make a sartorial splash and stand out from the pack.

 

First up: the Leaf It Out jersey by Jaggad may be a unisex cut, but it looks great on both models – and that monochrome nature print is super cool. Smart and versatile – it would look great with any of my bib shorts, and the longer length sleeves are a nice in-between length for mid season. (I do wonder how flattering unisex cuts are to top heavy female cyclists like me… I’m not entirely convinced it would work for me, but it looks fabulous on the model!)

 

Next up: SWOON. I’m crazy about all the Fondo kits but the Disco print is my favourite. The colours are fantastic; it’s one of the most eye-catching kits I’ve seen. And, it’s a women’s-specific cut – even better. (I honestly don’t think I can afford to lose my waist in a straight-up-and-down men’s jersey.)

 

 

Although the Black Sea Skinsuit is another unisex offering, I’m sure you’ll agree that the female model looks even better than her male counterpart. This is one good looking bit of kit, and I love it. Gorgeous colours and sharp detailing from Warsaw Cycling

 

 

If you follow us on Instagram, you will have seen me sporting a rather natty cycling cap from Aussie brand Queen of the Mountain. I’m crazy about the bold geometric print of the Prestige kit, and the slogan is pretty awesome, too. 

 

 

And finally, I’m hankering after the smart black and white Kaleidoscope jersey from Tenspeed Hero. It’s graphic and bold and smart and it would be fun to switch things up with contrasting accessories in different hues. We like.

 

 

Have you seen any eye catching women’s kits? Please share in the comments – we’re always on the lookout for women’s cycling brands! I’ll be adding to this list as time goes on, so check back in a few weeks.

– V

 

 

Has anyone else noticed that, although it’s nearly October, there’s still rather a dearth of (nice) long sleeved cycling jerseys out there? Fear not. As Autumn swoops in and you’re feeling the chill in the mornings, you could do a lot worse than order a pair of these Merino Arm Warmers from Planet X. They’re an absolute steal at only £3.99 in the sale (and at full price, they’re still considerably cheaper than most).

I’m 5 ft 7″ and size 12. I ordered them in size Small/Medium and they fit perfectly. The wool is soft and not itchy (and I have quite sensitive skin). They don’t slide down, at all, despite having no silicone strips. Quite how they stay in place so well beats me. Some kind of magic. Full marks.