Sweet Protection are known for producing high quality ski and bike gear. They have been developing helmets, protective equipment and technical clothing since 2000 and claim that with ‘Heart, talent and attitude’ they ‘create the best equipment possible’.

They are on a relentless pursuit of perfection and take their products very seriously. Their Bushwhacker helmet is right up there with my favourite MTB kit but my only disappointment was that they didn’t do any female specific MTB clothing…but is that about to change? It sure is and I couldn’t have been happier to receive the Sweet Protection Gasolina Shorts and Wheel 3/4 Jersey to test!

Sweet Protection Gasolina Shorts:

The styling and finish on the Gasolina shorts more than met my expectations – small laser cut holes as vents, waist adjustment, zip thigh pockets to stash my Jelly Babies in and a hip pocket on both sides. I wore a size medium and the fit on my waist was spot on – not too tight but also not falling down!

The fit on the legs of the shorts however was a bit snug and could have done with being a couple of inches longer for my height and build (176cm, size 10 but with cyclists thighs). The shorts didn’t ride up too much when I was pedalling but as they were a snug fit already, they didn’t really have anywhere to go. If you are more petite than me, then these shorts are likely to be a great fit. However, these were just production samples (lucky me) and a further 2cm’s on both the width and length of the leg has been added to the product before production.

The dark grey fabric on the Gasolina Shorts has a slight stretch and seems to repel the water during a light shower. I can also attest from personal experience that the fabric is durable during crashes! I managed to skid out on a corner, landing on my side – the shorts just needed dusting off and were ready to go again (I may not have fared quite so well) with no scuffs or tears to the fabric.

Overall, these shorts live up to the Sweet Protection promise of the ‘best equipment possible’ – the design and features have been well thought out, the cut and fit of the shorts is spot on around the waist and hips but I did find the legs of the shorts too slim fitting and a bit on the short side for my frame, which was disappointing.

The shorts also come available in blue to match the jersey and their Bushwacker helmet finishes off the whole look so well!

Price: £79.99, available from Leisure Lake Bikes.

Pros
– Great quality.
– Good waist fit, didn’t bag out at the back.
– Plenty of well-placed pockets.
– Vented inner legs.

Cons
– A bit short and tight on the legs if you have an athletic build like me.

Sweet Protection Wheel 3/4 Sleeve Jersey:

This jersey has a simple but striking design. It’s navy blue with ¾ sleeves, with bright blue stripes across the chest, white flashes down each side and a half zip at the front. I was impressed with the slim, flattering cut as it doesn’t flap around in the wind but also isn’t too figure hugging. The fit on my broad shoulders is also very good and the jersey itself is the perfect length (I tested the medium).

It’s a nice addition for the white flashes down each side of the jersey to be vented as the jersey is all the same fabric (100% polyester) and pedalling up long hills does get you a bit warm. Although the ¾ sleeves do mean that you don’t get too chilly on Spring or Autumn rides. A short sleeved base layer can also be comfortably worn underneath!

I tested the jersey at the same time as the shorts and I do feel that with so much bright and co-ordinating kit available from other manufacturers at the minute, it would have been nice for these Sweet Protection shorts and jersey to have a more punchy vibrant design!

Price: £54.99, available from Leisure Lakes Bikes.

Pros
– Good fit.
– Liked the design.

Cons
– Didn’t co-ordinate with the shorts, but I’m not sure this really counts as a con!