Gear News

HOY Vulpine range expands with race-inspired Senko collection

Collaboration between Sir Chris Hoy and Vulpine moves into high-end kit

Sir Chris Hoy’s clothing collaboration with Vulpine – HOY Vulpine – launched this time last year with an initial spring/summer collection, before growing over winter – now the latest range has been unveiled and includes the new, high-end Senko collection.

The HOY Vulpine range is now split into two distinct collections: Sportive and Senko. The former – the kit launched in 2015 – has a forgiving fit, which became apparent through our reviews, but the latter has been “introduced to cater for those looking for high-end performance cycling kit”, according to HOY Vulpine, and that translates to a closer cut.

The Senko collection is new from HOY Vulpine, as the collaboration moves into high-end clothing

The Senko collection is named after the Japanese term for a daring attack during a Keirin race, a discipline in which Hoy won two of his six Olympic gold medals, as well as four World Championship titles.

“I have always wanted to create a clothing range that would suit any cyclist, whatever their shape or size, so it’s great that we can now offer a sportive range right through to a performance range with HOY Vulpine,” said Hoy.

“Developing the Senko range has been a detailed but enjoyable collaborative effort with myself and the team at Vulpine and I’m really proud of what we have produced. The kit looks great and the technical capabilities of the kit far exceed the price point.”

The £99 Senko jersey, available in men’s and women’s versions, is made from a lightweight Italian fabric, with Coolmax mesh side panels to offer additional ventilation. Otherwise there’s a full-length zip, three rear pockets reportedly angled to provide easy access and deep arm grippers.

The Sportive jersey, pictured here, has a more relaxed fit than the Senko

HOY Vulpine say the £125 Senko bib shorts, which also come in men’s and women’s-specific options, use the best pad from chamois specialists CyTech. The men’s shorts have wide, laser-cut bib straps, and deep, soft leg grippers, while the women’s shorts use a Coolmax mesh to cover the front of the body. The women’s range also include the £85 Senko vest, essentially a sleeveless version of the jersey.

– Industry Insider: Nick Hussey on the launch of HOY Vulpine –

Nick Hussey, creative director and founder of Vulpine, said: “Chris and I are both from a racing background, obviously of somewhat varying levels, but we have a shared passion to create beautiful kit, with fantastic materials and technology, but simply presented.

The excellent Portixol rain jacket remains in the range

“The word we’d use to describe our range is ‘classy’; we want each piece to make a more subtle style statement, yet completely nail the fit and function, with outstanding attention to detail. Comfort and performance moved on, quietly. The results make us hugely proud.”

The newly-named Sportive range includes a jersey (£75), bib shorts (£89) and mitts (£39), with men’s and women’s options across the board. The excellent Portixol rain jacket, which we reviewed last year, also remains in the collection, alongside a range of HOY Vulpine accessories.

Website: HOY Vulpine