Bib Shorts

These are without a doubt some of the most comfortable bib shorts I have ever worn. This is extremely unusual as even the perfect pair often take some wearing in, but these immediately took my vote.

Designed to work as a layering piece on spring days, the full bibs worked perfectly in keeping that extra warmth as I set of on a chilly October morning and I can imagine would be greatly appreciated on warmer days and when cycling abroad as they could then be worn alone without giving too much away! I took the opportunity to put this to the test when cycling indoors, the closest I could get to a summers day in London mid October! I felt very comfortable throughout both in terms of my dignity and my temperature control.

The brightly coloured back fits snugly and comfortably between your shoulder blades, with 50+ Uv/ubf protection, it also has a Mesh panel for extra ventilation, which again, I am sure you would be grateful for in the summer months.

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The bib shorts have a centre front zip, designed for easy on-and-off. The zip is very convenient and does allow for extra ventilation when wearing the shorts alone and conversely for extra warmth should you wish to close the zip fully.

My only concern surrounding the design is the notion of needing toilet breaks part way through a ride. When using the bibs as part of a layering system there is no option of sneakily slipping the sleeves of the bibs from under your jersey to take the bibs off; Instead there is no way around it but to remove every layer first.

Luckily I only went for a short ride and never came across this problem, but I can imagine it would be quite a task just for a quick pee! And given that hydration is key for those longer rides, this set back may outweigh the benefits of having full bibs as part of the layering system.

On first impressions the leg length of the shorts did appear to be extremely short but despite this being the case, I didn’t feel too uncomfortable, although I can imagine some girls would be.

However I did find that where the shorts rode up whilst on the bike it was possible to pull them a bit further down the leg once off the bike too, which may help for those of us whom are a little more self conscious.

The shorts have a small reflective tab on each leg. In front of this, on the right leg there is a small pocket. I’m yet to decide what I would use this small pocket for and as yet I haven’t but I am sure this may come in handy for something.

Jersey

The first element I noticed about the jersey was the unusual and beautifully textured merino wool which forms an almost ribbed affect. Not too hot, this jersey does immediately provide the feeling of comfort simply because of the texture. Inkeeping with the style of the Fierlan kit, the Fierlan logo on top left breast is matching in colour to the gilet.

The Fierlan jersey is cut with a princess line shape, specifically for women, to make it super flattering. As per its design the jersey isn’t too tight on the hips and too big on the shoulders and the lower part of the jersey flares a little to fit the female shape, which is great if you are such a shape but for those skinny minis among us this does mean that the lower section is a little baggier than one might want.

The benefit of course is that you can fit a lot more into your pockets! The shoulders are perfectly fitted with a very elegant feel. The sleeves are not at all baggy as is often the case with some jerseys and have the longer pro style fit. Like the matching gilet, the jersey boasts an elasticated silicone hemline to prevent the rear of the jersey riding up when cycling, and the dipped hem also allows for extra back coverage, when on the drops.

Three rear pockets to stop your belongings from slumping to one side and one pocket has an extra zipped outer layer to keep your card or money and stop you losing them when reaching for a gel.

Gilet

The Fierlan gilet is made from a beautiful, soft and light-weight fabric and is the perfect finish to the layering system. Worn with the Fierlan bibs shorts and jersey or with other kit, it will become a go-to piece in your wardrobe.

I have worn the three pieces together a lot and on doing so have the confidence that the gilet is lightweight enough to fit snugly into the back pocket of my jersey should I get too warm and is also perfect for the chillier mornings when leaving early as it can be worn with a pair of arm warmers to save taking an over-layer. I have also worn the 3-layer system under a lightweight rain jacket, again to save taking a thicker outer layer; the difference in using the layering system as opposed to fewer thicker layers is second to none and I can’t recommend this enough.

Made from a wind proof shell fabric, and as suggested the difference the gilet makes in keeping the any chills at bay is such that I have already come to depend on it in such a short time of having it. The side panels are made out of the same MITI material that the shorts are made from which is extremely comfortable and soft. As with the Fierlan jersey, the silicone gripper at the rear lower hemline is elasticated to allow for a bit of extra comfort where needed, and keeps it in place when on the bike.

I was a little concerned when it came to changing my inner-tube following a puncture, given the beautifully feminine colour of the Fierlan gilet. Inevitably I managed to get some oil on the front of my gilet and was rather upset that I had ruined it. The good news is, this wasn’t the case! A quick wash at 30 degrees and the stain had gone – I do apologise for sounding like an advert! Not only this, but the light green colour is surprisingly reflective under street lights and is further enhanced with a stylish reflective stripe down the centre of the back, making it perfect for your commute into work, or those autumn rides where dusk has the habit of falling a little earlier than expected.

Overall it didn’t take very long at all to fall in love with the Fierlan kit and layering system. So comfortable to ride in whilst also making you feel good wearing it, it has soon become my favourite kit and can be worn in all weathers, from beautiful lucky sunny days abroad to frosty winter mornings due to the nature of the layering system.

Bib Shorts: £90.00 (RRP £120.00), Fierlan.

Jersey: £75.00, (RRp £100.00), Fierlan.

Gilet: £80.00, RRP (£10500), Fierlan.