Gear News

Altura launch ‘Performance Layering System’ for autumn/winter 2016 clothing range

Yorkshire firm to offer 'most comfortable ride performance yet' with new flagship garments

Altura have launched a ‘Performance Layering System’ to help riders maintain their optimal core body temperature throughout autumn and winter.

The North Yorkshire-based firm, now approaching 20 years in the business, have also debuted their autumn/winter 2016 collection, with a wide range of clothing from the top-of-the-line Podium Elite series, mid-range Peloton line-up, entry-level Active collection, and Urban line-up, as well as the women’s-specific Road Series and Urban Collection.

Altura’s Performance Layering System essentially takes three of their flagship pieces, using three different fabric technologies to help the rider stay warm and dry. Altura Dry moves sweat away from the skin, Altura Thermo provides insulation and warmth, and Altura Shield offers protection from wind and rain. Altura say the lightweight layers are designed to complement each other, allowing the rider to either strip or build layers to maintain core body temperature and achieve their “most comfortable ride performance yet”.

Altura have launched their 2016 autumn/winter clothing range

“If the body overheats, it works harder to regulate temperature through sweating,” say Altura. “Without correct temperature regulation we experience dehydration and muscular fatigue. If the body becomes too cold, the muscles need to work harder to stay warm and rapidly become exhausted.”

At the base is the Dry Mesh Baselayer (£39.99), featuring Altura’s high-wicking Altura Dry fabric tech and a tubular body mapping construction for enhanced air flow.

Layer two is designed for its thermal, insulating qualities, and Altura recommend the Podium Elite Thermo Long Sleeve Jersey (£79.99).

The jersey uses thermosuede fabrics for insulation and warmth to maintain core body temperature, while Altura say 3D patterning provides a more comfortable cut. Five rear pockets, with an additional zippered pocket, feature on the rear, alongside integrated silicon grips and reflective trims.

Finally, the third layer – or ‘Shield’ as Altura have dubbed it – is the Podium Elite Softshell Jacket (£119.99), which is both windproof and waterproof, while still offering plenty of breathability.

The lightweight, softshell jacket features two rear pockets, an integrated silicone grip and reflective trims.

The Performance Layering System takes advantage of three of Altura’s fabric technologies to help maintain the rider’s optimal body temperature

That’s the core layers covered, but for the legs, Altura’s Podium Elite Shield bib tights (£134.99) use both the Shield and Thermo technologies to protect from the wind and water, and further help to regulate body temperature.

Elsewhere in the autumn/winter 2016 range are the Thermostretch II Neoprene Gloves (£29.99); a high-stretch, insulating glove offering a close fit, while still offering breathability and reflective trims.

Safety is also a key issue, with Altura continuing to offer their NightVision clothing, which now includes the Peloton Jersey (£59.99).

Offering 360-degree reflectivity, the jersey is said to provide maximum dark light visibility and also boasts Thermo tech for warmth and the ErgoFit 3D patterning for a comfortable fit.

To see more of Altura’s AW2016 range, visit altura.eu/road