On Test

Holmbury Jersey – £90 rrp, £39.99 on SportPursuit

The first day I rode out in this jersey, we covered around 70km, so not super long but a good 3 hours of wear. The jersey fitted well, felt snug and soft, so soft. The pockets are well sized but not like you’ve saddlebags sewn onto your back. There’s a handy zipper pocket for keys too. The jersey was a good length, I sometimes find jerseys can be a bit short in the body for my 5ft8 frame, but this was a perfect fit.

Tideswell Bibs – £120

Thankfully my inner Christina Aguilera didn’t have to make an appearance, hot-pants they were not. The primary fabric is a 70 denier circular knit Invista Lycra – and my legs felt supported wrapped up in the comfortably compressive construction.

The upper, which instead of straps is a fitted bodice with zipper up the front; felt comfortable and remained so for the duration of the ride. Two different fabrics are used on the body, with greater breathability at the back where sweat tends to accumulate. I didn’t experience any rubbing or chaffing even when absolutely soaked to the bone once the heavens opened.

The chamois pad as first observed is thick, and really firm – but I have to say throughout the ride if was comfy. I could imagine if you were to do some heavy mileage, it would serve well. For me the thickness was perhaps a little overkill, but then again this will flatten with increased use. Even in the wet conditions it felt comfortable and the support in the material felt good.

The rubber grippers in the legs moved upwards a little on the ride, but not excessively so and they still fitted well and there wasn’t a need to constantly re-adjust.

Washing and wear

I machine washed both pieces, and they washed well—and went out for another ride a few days later. Again I received another soaking, but the jersey dries really quickly so I didn’t find myself shivering. The bibs again were still comfy to ride in, and didn’t rub even when wet.