MTB

On Test: Women’s MTB Wear from ION Bikes

We review the full women's trail kit from ION Bikes

The 2016 women’s MTB range continues to produced some of the best kit we’ve seen to date.

After massive success in the surf industry, ION established their bike division in 2012 where they began producing quality mountain biking apparel.

With a strong company ethos: “Challenge yourself and experience nature through innovative technical wear”, ION Bikes have succeeded in producing a wide selection of kit for both men and women.

With an avid female bikers on the design team, ION Bikes have adopted this seasons teal greens and orange pinks colourways, which are dominating the market.

I was excited to get my hands on the new trail wear and give it a go, and where better to do that than at the Wild Boar Chase.

Shirt SS Pure

The short sleeve Pure jersey from ION Bikes has a flattering slim fit, but it’s not too restrictive on the body.

Constructed from Sanitized antibacterial fabric, the jersey has a variety of properties that make it an ideal trail jersey. The material is able to wick away moisture, and help prevent bad odour on those hot days.

The breathable material is suer soft and comfortable against the skin, and the mesh panelled sides kept me feeling cool throughout the 20 mile ride.

The back hem has a soft rubber strip to gently grip your shorts when you’re riding so you have that little extra coverage.

The Pure jersey is very cool to the skin on a hot day, with multi-stretch way fabric, I really liked the feel and fit of this garment.

Colours: Green, Black, Hibiscus

Sizes: X.Small – X.Large

Available here for £52

Bike Shorts Ivy

The Ivy shorts are a classic soft shell trail short, and great for the summer with their lightweight fabric.

I got on really well the the regular fit cut of these shorts. They sit low on the waist, and provide a decent length on the leg, stopping just above the knee cap.

The waist fastening system involves a Velcro strap on each side so you can fit the shorts comfortably.

Rather than a zip and popper combo, the Ivy shorts have two Velcro tabs with a popper button to secure them in place. I couldn’t help but feel this added unnecessary faffing around. Having to align the tabs and the popper correctly is important, otherwise your fly is on the wonk.

After riding in the Ivy shorts for a number of miles, I found them to be really comfortable and very breathable. I love the soft fabric which moved with me throughout the ride.

Ion have tried to incorporate a phone pouch inside the front right pocket, however, it just didn’t fit my phone, and accessing it was rather difficult.It’s a nice idea, but I just didn’t find it useful.

My favourite feature of the shorts is the pockets. There are two zipped pockets at the front which provide ample room for essentials. With a smaller leg pocket on the right, and a Velcro pocket at the back, these shorts are perfect for storing keys, cash, sweets and passes without having them dig into your legs as you ride.

Colours: Green, Blue, Black

Sizes: X.Small – X.Large

Available here for £74

Path Gloves

ION’s lightest riding gloves are intended for maximum breathability on hot days.

They are constructed from a ultra-light mesh fabric for the back of the hand, and a single layer of suede for the palm.

With some light padding on the palm, and silicone grips on the fingers, these gloves are compatible for touch screen devices. Ideal if you’re a QoM hunter.

These gloves are ultra light and very comfortable to wear. My hands were certainly able to breathe throughout the ride, and they didn’t restrict lever or shifter movements at all.

However, I was disappointed to find that 12 miles into the Wild Boar Chase, the single layer piece of suede began to bobble and come apart on my grips.

Colours: Black, Hibiscus, Blue

Sizes: X.Small – X.Large

Available here for £30

Verdict

I love the new women’s Trail kit from ION Bikes. It’s super comfortable to ride in, it’s flattering, colourful and most importantly, it moves well with the body on the bike.

Apart from the impractical phone pocket and the fiddly popper and Velcro fastener, I find the jersey and shorts to be well thought out for women’s riding.

Even though the Path gloves are very comfortable to wear and breathable for riding in, I was disappointed to find they wore very quickly on their maiden voyage.

ION’s trail kit is another wonderful kit option for female dirt shredders this summer. It’s fun, colourful and functional for riding in, and equips you with the clothing you need to take on any trail.