Altura has introduced the performance Raceline range as part of a revamped clothing collection.
Altura has traditionally focused on the entry/mid-level and commuter markets, but the Yorkshire-based brand has sought to overhaul a clothing line-up which now comprises of three road collections: Raceline, ProGel and Airstream, to cover what Altura call the performance, sport and leisure sectors.
“They are true performance garments,” said Ed Broom when guiding us through the Raceline range at the house show of UK distributor Zyro, whose brands also include Panaracer, Etxeondo, Giro, Bell and SKS.
“When you compare it to traditional ‘premium’ brands, you get more for your buck. There’s a lot of technology in there.”
The range certainly looks the part. The Raceline collection kicked off this autumn/winter but we got a sneak peek at what’s in store for spring/summer 2014, with understated red/white and black/white colours for a range which comprises of a short sleeve jersey, bib shorts, windproof gilet, arm/knee/leg warmers and mitts.
The Raceline Comp jersey (£64.99) is made from a soft, super-stretchy fabric, with a sleek cut, which Broom says wicks sweat away quickly. Impressive details include perforated grippers on the arms to improve breathability and an auto-lock zip. Out back there are three rear pockets, as well as an additional zipped pocket.
The Raceline Comp bib shorts (£89.99), meanwhile, also have perforated grippers and use Altura’s 3D Ergogel chamois, which has been pre-shaped to help it sit firmly in position. A lightweight mesh is used on the bib straps to maximise breathability.
Highlights of the ProGel range include the Comp bib shorts (£69.99), which use Altura’s mid-range ProGel pad. The entry-level Airstreem range includes a short sleeve jersey £34.99, available in black, blue, red and yellow, in a more relaxed fit than the Raceline and ProGel kit, and £39.99 bib shorts.
Altura is also the official manufacturer of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ jersey (£TBC), available in limited numbers through Altura dealers. The jersey was worn by Yorkshire-based framebuilder Ricky Feather in the Made in Yorkshire video screened at the presentation of the 2014 Tour’s route in Paris.
Meanwhile, we also got to take a look even further ahead to next winter’s collection, with the Raceline range set to be significantly expanded. We liked the look of the Vapour jacket (£120), which is already part of the line-up but will feature a new, on-trend black and fluoro yellow colourway.
The Vapour jacket is said to be fully waterproof and breathable, and includes plenty of subtle reflective detail, on both sides of the arms, the shoulders and back.
