Top-to-toe review: Polaris Bikewear Geo Performance Road Cycling Kit

New for Summer 2016, I’ve been testing the Polaris Bikewear Geo Performance Road Cycling Kit. The Geo range is the premier road offering from the brand, with a slim fit tailored for road performance and a super-bold geometric sublimated print which will ensure all eyes are on you. Constructed from moisture-wicking fabrics with mesh side panels for temperature regulation, it’s a lightweight summer cycling kit intended to keep you comfortable on those long, hot summer rides.

There really should be a stating the obvious siren that I could sound before I make the following statement: this kit is BOLD.

For all the geometrical fetishists amongst you, Polaris really have hit pay-dirt here. You would have have to be John Major not to get noticed in this kit.

Polaris Bikewear Geo Performance Road Cycling Jersey, £74.99

The Geo Performance road cycling jersey has three rear pockets, plus a zipped security pocket for valuables. The sleeves have gripper cuffs for added aerodynamic performance and the jersey features reflective trim details for extra visibility (though in a kit this eye-catching, there should be no excuse for anyone to miss you).

The Geo Performance Jersey on its own makes a bold statement but it doesn’t stop there, with coordinating bib shorts, arm warmers and socks for those of you who want to make a stronger statement…

 

Polaris Bikewear Geo Performance Road Cycling Bibshorts, £94.99

The Polaris Geo Performance Road Cycling Bibshorts feature a sublimation design to match the jersey and a performance pro race pad for comfort in the saddle. They also have laser-cut leg grippers to keep things in place when you’re pedalling. The chamois pad in the bib shorts is excellent. It is quite thin and I did wonder how effective it would be, but the fabric technology makes it really effective. I would happily wear the kit for a sportive of up to 100 miles.

 

Polaris Bikewear Geo Performance Road Cycling Arm Warmers, £28.00

The inconsistent weather we’ve been experiencing in recent weeks means I’m still taking arm warmers on most of my rides. (Yes, my hardy Northern ancestors are turning in their graves…) Nevertheless, I’ve been glad of the co-ordinating Polaris Geo Performance Road Cycling Arm warmers so far this year – they’re well fitting and provided a surprising amount of protection for a very lightweight bit of kit.

If you don’t want to admit you’re still feeling the cold in, erm, June, you can also use the UV protection offered by the arm warmers as an excuse to wear them.

(And if you’re not quite up for head-to-toe pattern when you’re cycling, you could wear these with a plain black kit to add just a bit of excitement to your look…)

 

Polaris Bikewear Geo Performance Road Cycling Socks, £11.99

Because I’m no shrinking violet and I’m all about the sock doping, the fact that co-ordinating socks are also available makes me happy. Again, for those of you who want a more subtle look, you could just opt for these and the arm warmers to add some wit to your kit. I’d really like to see more cycling brands offer a complete look – I like having the option to go all out, or to be able to add some bold accessories to more pared down kits.

 

Sizing

I have been wearing size medium which fits my 6ft, 11st 6lb frame perfectly. No notes here – it’s true to size and fits exactly as I would expect.

 

Quality

Polaris Bikewear is a new brand for us so we didn’t know what to expect in terms of fabric quality and construction. We’ve both been really impressed by the high-end feel of this kit, which is the brand’s premium offering.It feels like a kit that could command a much higher price point than it does.

The kit is also available in charcoal grey and cyan, from polaris-bikewear.co.uk.