Ride are a new clothing company based near the South Downs and the BDS Long Sleeve Jersey is part of their five-strong winter collection.
All Ride clothing’s designed in the UK and handmade over in Italy, and the ethos behind the company is to create functional, practical clothing for everyday cyclists – and that’s reflected in this jersey. It’s an understated (stylish and with a flash of colour, and with a black/white version also available) winter jersey, relatively lightweight and manufactured from a Super Roubaix material which is stretchy on the outside and fleecy on the inside. While the fabric isn’t windproof, it is well insulated thanks to that soft fleecy lining, with excess moisture soon wicked away.
If you read RCUK’s recent guide to winter clothing, the jersey’s thicker than a conventional plain knit piece but it remains ideal for the rider who likes a little air to pass through without the overheating effect that can soon arrive after putting on a windproof garment. Still, if you’re after further protection against the elements, or it’s a truly foul day, you can combine with a wind/waterproof shell to achieve the desired outcome.
Moving on, the jersey employs IQ Seen technology, or four reflective strips to improve visibility in low-light conditions. Neat touches include lock-down zips, with a zip garage to protect your chin, three generous rear pockets (ergonomically shaped to make them easier to dip in and out of), close fitting wrists to stop rain or wind entering beneath the cuff, and a zipped waterproof pocket for valuables. An elasticated hem and silicon gripper helps keep the jersey in place when its pockets are well stocked.
“The people who work at RIDE are not pro riders and neither are the people buying most cycle clothing,” Ride told us when the winter collection was launched, and that translates to both a fair and accurate fit, with the medium example provided proving perfect for this reviewer, as opposed to the super-tight race-inspired clothing that often makes its way to these shores from the Continent.
The price is good as well, at £49.99, so all that makes for an excellent long sleeve jersey for the winter wardrobe. There is one negative to note, however. A hint of pilling has appeared on the inside of the collar, possibly after contact with facial hair (see the gallery below). That aside, and judging by this piece, Ride are a welcome addition to the cycle clothing market.
