I wore this kit to the cycling club track morning to review it. I’d only been there for about ten minutes when a rider (female!) strolled over and said: “I like your shorts”. So, good start for Hincapie.
Does the design look too lacy? I like kit that looks sporty and is cut to flatter the figure and while this gear definitely ticks those boxes I was concerned that the lace print might be a bit incongruous. Over coffees I garnered the opinion of several riders (male and female) who reassured me that the lace was the right side of stylish – especially as the kit is black – and that I didn’t look like I was in my underwear.
The shorts are a size M (I’m a size 10, 5’ 9”). Despite being described as a compressive short (to stabalise muscles and reduce fatigue) they are very supple and easy to wear. The legs feature ProGrip leg bands to hold the shorts in place without giving you what the website charmingly describes as ‘sausage legs’. They also offer SPF 50+ UVA/UVB protection – which explains why I managed to come home with the beginning of cyclist’s tan lines on a sunny Sunday morning in April.
The chamois – seamless, multi-density, 4-way stretch and with a centre relief channel – is noticeably more comfortable than the one in my own kit.
The inside seam is a thigh skimming 7 inches. I like shorter shorts as I think they make your legs look longer but, as was pointed out by a member of the club, longer shorts are ‘better for hiding lumps and bumps’.
The top is a designed to hug the body (this one is size M and to be fair it’s a little big for me). It’s made of stretch performance fabric and mesh designed to wick moisture, ventilate and dry quickly. It feels very light, soft and silky. The top offers SPF 30+ protection, ProGrip armbands for enhanced comfort, a full length zip and three rear back pockets (hidden behind each other).
The Arenberg Arm Warmers in the main shot are super comfortable with a soft fleece lining, articulated fit at the elbow and soft gripper elastic at the top that stayed in place. I am a great fan of arm warmers (once you’ve tried them, you never go back) and these are fabulous.
When you’re riding this kit becomes one of those ‘don’t notice it’s there’ outfits – which, in my opinion, is just about the biggest compliment you can give to sportswear.
Pros: comfort and performance details, eye catching design.
Cons: that eye catching design may not be to your taste!
Shorts: £59.95.
Jersey: £53.58.
Available from: Hincapie.
Photos by Paul Mitchell.
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