Here are some thoughts on bike kits; I am 6'0'', 152 lbs with a scrawny build but with wide shoulders:
- Pearl Izumi - more "American" fit; a skosh more room (everywhere), so to speak. Rear of the shorts rides up a little too high though; I hate that. Descente's used to do that, too.
- Louis Garneau - had a Jittery Joes kit from them. Too much compression in the quads. Bibs were a little too short, further pulling up on the quads. I had some trishorts as well from them; a bit too much compression in the legs and the shorts were too short.
- Voler. Similar to Pearl Izumi; more roomy and the bike shorts ride up too high. Not great for TT's but relatively comfortable for long road rides. Generous cut for the jerseys. Good basic kit.
- Champion Systems - some nice pieces (shirts, sweat shirts for ITU) but sort of weak with things like socks and shirts. Bike shorts also ride up too high.
- Squadra - very good but not great. Bib shorts yank up a bit and thigh wraps loose their elasticity
- Giordana - very nice though you have to make sure they fit. Bib shorts a bit too tight and jerseys seem a bit short. Try before you buy but that is hard to do for custom kits.
- Castelli - hit or miss. The trishorts are excellent. But the jerseys fit was awkward. Sizing seems to be a bit inconsistent. (Again) try before you buy but that is hard to do for custom kits.
- Jakaroo. Sort of like a compromise between Pearl + Ale. Very comfortable, they have the cell phone pocket in the jersey. And seemingly very durable. Probably the best for regular use and many shapes/sizes and variations within.
- Ale - wow, amazing quality; luxurious, comfortable and pretty durable. The finest kit I've tried. Love the cell phone pocket as well. That said a bit "aggressive" in that the bib shorts are somewhat tight. I bought a kit from Italy and had to pay some serious taxes. But have been very happy.
Overall, IMO, Ale really has it nailed for a cycling kit. Incredible fabrics and fit. But you have to get it right. Favorite overall.
Though for a club kit, Jakaroo has a bit more flexibility with their sizing to better accommodate variances within sizes. Probably best for a club buy; most versatile with fewest complaints.
3rd place for a custom kit is a tie between Voler and Squadra.
- Hope this helps,
Twain
- Pearl Izumi - more "American" fit; a skosh more room (everywhere), so to speak. Rear of the shorts rides up a little too high though; I hate that. Descente's used to do that, too.
- Louis Garneau - had a Jittery Joes kit from them. Too much compression in the quads. Bibs were a little too short, further pulling up on the quads. I had some trishorts as well from them; a bit too much compression in the legs and the shorts were too short.
- Voler. Similar to Pearl Izumi; more roomy and the bike shorts ride up too high. Not great for TT's but relatively comfortable for long road rides. Generous cut for the jerseys. Good basic kit.
- Champion Systems - some nice pieces (shirts, sweat shirts for ITU) but sort of weak with things like socks and shirts. Bike shorts also ride up too high.
- Squadra - very good but not great. Bib shorts yank up a bit and thigh wraps loose their elasticity
- Giordana - very nice though you have to make sure they fit. Bib shorts a bit too tight and jerseys seem a bit short. Try before you buy but that is hard to do for custom kits.
- Castelli - hit or miss. The trishorts are excellent. But the jerseys fit was awkward. Sizing seems to be a bit inconsistent. (Again) try before you buy but that is hard to do for custom kits.
- Jakaroo. Sort of like a compromise between Pearl + Ale. Very comfortable, they have the cell phone pocket in the jersey. And seemingly very durable. Probably the best for regular use and many shapes/sizes and variations within.
- Ale - wow, amazing quality; luxurious, comfortable and pretty durable. The finest kit I've tried. Love the cell phone pocket as well. That said a bit "aggressive" in that the bib shorts are somewhat tight. I bought a kit from Italy and had to pay some serious taxes. But have been very happy.
Overall, IMO, Ale really has it nailed for a cycling kit. Incredible fabrics and fit. But you have to get it right. Favorite overall.
Though for a club kit, Jakaroo has a bit more flexibility with their sizing to better accommodate variances within sizes. Probably best for a club buy; most versatile with fewest complaints.
3rd place for a custom kit is a tie between Voler and Squadra.
- Hope this helps,
Twain
