Summers here and I'm pretty sure we are all thinking... more bike rides! With the combination of rising temperatures and wanted comfort on the bike, I got to thinking... what makes a good summer kit? Summer kit's this year are introducing high performing materials that are ultralight, anti-bacterial, odor and moisture wicking, UPF 50, ventilating, and with waterproof zip pockets for phones, cards and cash. For many women, this changes the game for longer rides with comfort and style without the worry of overheating, lady bits damage, and tan lines.
When it comes to summer kits, women are looking for quality comfort. We tend to prefer a full zip to make bib straps easier to manage when needing the toilet and when needing to unzip for a breeze underneath on hotter days. Shorts need to be form fitting, non bunching, seamless or non-squeezing of thighs or waist with enough grip so they do not ride up or down. Bib straps shouldn't do anything weird to our breast and chamois should always be of high quality to prevent bacterial build-up, non rubbing or shifting, and supportive of sit bone widths and aero positions.
I've developed this menu of some of the top quality women's summer cycling kits of 2017 designed to maximize performance, fit, and comfort for women during warmer climates. There are plenty more brands like Giro, MATCHY, Isadore, TenSpeed Hero, Pedla, OrNot, Pas Normal, Velocio, and Forward Cycling, that make great women's kits too. What I include in this post is a mix of seamless fitting style, body temperature control driven fabric, sun protection, and high performing fabric and chamois comfort so you can get the most out of your summer cycling kits, even after multiple washes.
New from Machines For Freedom 2017, the Summerweight Long Sleeve Jersey provides UPF 50 to protect your skin from the sun. Made from a super lightweight fabric that keeps you cool, it's perfect for even the hottest days. Their Print Jersey's are made of the high performing European fabric for the best moisture wicking, breathability, and form fitting comfort. The Endurance Bib is made of high performing fabric for moisture wicking with a top quality chamois sized for all sit bone widths and carbon micro fiber fabric to prevent bacterial build up. I personally am a huge fan of MFF's quality material, form fitting design, and comfort in their kits. I don't think I could survive a long warm days ride on the saddle without my endurance bibs, top quality kits here.
Summerweight Jersey / Endurance Bib / Print Jersey's / Pro Classic Socks
Qom's Race Jersey / Padded Shorts / Base Layer / Summer Socks
Queen of the Mountains 2017 summer kit release features updated power lycra cycling shorts, a mesh base layer, and their classic race jersey. The Race Jersey is made of technical thin fabric with superior softness that will stretch, not squeeze, and move with the contours of your body, even for a more aerodynamic position on the bike. QOM's mesh base is ultra light with tiny holes for ventilation, sweat evaporation and breathability so your jersey isn't sticking to your body when it's sweaty. All jersey fabric is uv protective, anti-abrasive, fast sweat wicking and also holds a water proof zip pockets for phones and other items. Their cycling shorts are made of power lycra to reduce muscle fatigue, uv protective fabric, a Cytech chamois pad for long hours on the bike, and a yoga band on the wast to avoid squeezing at the hip.
When I began investing in women's kits, Cafe Du Cycliste was the first brand I bought kit from. Their 2017 Micheline Ultra Lightweight and Fleurette Lightweight cycling jersey's are made of premium mesh and performance fabrics great for hot days on long roads. Mixed with unique designs for extreme comfort, breathability, and temperature control, they really hit the nail with these two. Arm sleeves are slightly longer than normal for extra protection from the sun that are my favorite to wear during the summer season. There Odile bib shorts are cut wider at the front to ensure comfort while the rear is constructed of mesh which provides support and temperature control across ranges of conditions. Their female specific chamois is high performing in comfort, breathability and anti-bacterial layers for those warmer longer rides. I couldn't recommend these kit's any more.
Best suited to riding in the heat, Rapha's 2017 Souplesse Aero and Soupless Lightweight II Jersey's are best in the hottest and most humid conditions. The Souplesse Aero Jersey wicks away moisture quickly and efficiently, keeping you cool and comfortable in hot conditions. A mesh yoke at the rear and a mesh lining inside the pockets increases ventilation in areas of high sweat. The Souplesse Lightweight Jersey II is the lightest jersey using the high-performance wicking semi-sheer fabrics that makes the jersey light and breathable to increase airflow and block absorption of sunlight while reflecting heat. The new Souplesse bib shorts have been updated using softer fabrics that offer support, comfort, and are cut to eliminate unnecessary seams and fabric. The mesh fabric is fast drying, high wicking, with flat bonded seams to eliminate chafing, rubbing, or hot spots. These bib shorts are the new rage of the season by many women.
Femme Velo's new 2017 Ascend Jersey and Randonneur Bib Shorts are designed for long-distance cycling. The Ascend Jersey's high performance super wicking stretch 4-way stretch fabric on side panels and sleeves are soft, wicking, breathable, and moves with you rather than rub against you. Plus there is a zipper waterproof lined pocket for carrying items that keep them dry from sweat or water. The Randonneur bib is a high compression bib that holds close to your bodies shape, keeping the chamois from shifting while offering support with breathability.
Mont Royal Jersey / Signature Navy Bibs / Peak Tank Jersey / ACDA Socks
MAAP's has taken women's cycling kit into some of the highest quality materials in a competing market. Their M-Flag Pro Light Jersey is air-like with providing breathability and temperature regulation with quality textiles to help control heat, UVA and UVB protection from direct sunlight. Their Team Bib shorts are developed with high compression fabric that wicks away moisture and holds a women's specific chamois comfortable for a 6 hour day in the saddle with anti-bacterial and anti-odor properties. Theses bib shorts are seamless with a hem that prevents rising on the legs, leaving a clean overall look. Their mesh base layer is a super lightweight fibre which leaves the skin dry and in a constant temperature between various micro-climates.
I'll be posting another Gear segment on this summer's cycling gear from shoes, helmets, and more. For now, if you are curious of what I'm eyeing on women's summer kits, please visit my Women's Kit + Gear Pinterest Board for the latest trends. Happy summer cycling!
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