Storck are best known for their bikes but since last year the German firm’s also been producing a range of cycle clothing and we’ve received the Comp jersey and Comp bib shorts to review.
Storck’s debut range is comprehensive and also includes winter kit, accessories and post-ride clothing. The collection has been put together by designer Alberto Celante, with input from Storck’s sponsored riders, and is manufactured in Italy.
Storck say the range is designed to offer “everything you would expect from Storck: function and unrivaled design”. We’ll find out whether that’s the case over the course of our review – but first, here’s an overview of the tech spec before testing begins.
Seamless Textile Technology
Both the jersey and bib shorts use what Storck call Seamless Textile Technology (STT), which is essentially the use of textile panels, under the arms and on the sides of the jersey, and on the bib straps on the shorts.
Storck describe it as an “ultra-flexible, super-light, custom weave”, which is essentially a very stretchy, multi-textured fabric used because it doesn’t have any elastic elements in it, which Storck say attract moisture. That explains why the STT panels are used in areas generally more prone to heat and moisture build-up.
That said, we haven’t encountered any significant heat build-up issues on more conventional jerseys, like the Sugoi RS recently reviewed, but will find out whether Storck’s solution offers any increased benefit.
Storck Comp jersey
Otherwise, the rest of the jersey is constructed from various panels made from lightweight polyester. The hem is finished with a thick, elasticated, Storck-branded band, which is also lined with silicone grippers which spell out ‘Handcrafted Perfection’.
The jersey has a full-length zip – a good option for the heat of summer as it allows the rider to regulate air flow – and the zipper itself is oversized, so should be easy enough to grab while on the move. Out back there are three rear pockets, the middle of which is lined with a vertical reflective stripe, while there’s also a zipped pockets for valuables (again with an oversized zipper).
Storck Comp bib shorts
Meanwhile, the shorts’ bib straps are exceptionally wide – probably the widest we’ve seen, in fact, at four inches at their base – and are made from that multi-textured STT fabric described earlier, other than for a nine-inch section at the top, where the straps run over your shoulders, which is made from a mesh polyester.
The bottom half of the shorts are made from polyamide – that’s lycra to you and I – with the same silicone-lined, elasticated grippers as used on the jersey on the end of either leg.
The pad, meanwhile, is very plush and has a dimpled texture, like a golf ball. It reminds of the chamois found on the Assos T FI.Mille_S5 bib shorts reviewed last summer, which proved very comfortable. Storck vary the thickness of the pad according to the size of the shorts, with the idea being that a heavier rider will need a thicker pad.
The shorts and jersey share the same styling, with blue flat-locked seams, and blue detailing on the STT panels to highlight is multi-textured feel. Both are available in five sizes from small to XXL.
Storck is a premium brand and the Comp jersey and bib shorts attract a premium price tag, at £115 and £139 respectively. We’ll find out how each performs, so watch out for full reviews.
Website: Storck
