In Bloom Jersey
Hot!
- Lightweight Italian performance fabric provides comfort on the hottest days
- Tons of storage with three deep rear pockets and one side-zip waterproof pocket
- Four-way stretch fabric for freedom of movement
- Full-zip for added ventilation and easy on/off with bibs
- A rear hem gripper prevents the jersey from riding up even in the drops
- Risk-free purchase – love it, or Coeur offers free shipping and returns
Not!
- A darker pattern reduces visibility to drivers, especially in low light
Lisse Elite Bib Shorts
Hot!
- The Elite Italian fabric is super soft next to the skin, compressive to support muscles, and has enough stretch to allow for freedom of movement
- Laser-cut leg bands eliminate chafing and provide a smooth transition (no sausage legs)
- Hypoallergenic silicone dots keep shorts from riding up
- Lady-Bit specific chamois is very comfortable even on a 50-mile ride
- Mesh suspender back for added ventilation
- The moisture-wicking fabric kept me dry even in 90-degree heat
- Two side pockets to stow extra nutrition
- Reflective elements for increased visibility in low light
- Extended sizes to fit most body types
- Seaming provides a flattering silhouette
- Risk-free purchase – love it, or Coeur offers free shipping and returns
Not!
- 8” inseam was short for my long legs, hitting mid-thigh
Price: $129.99 (jersey); $149.99 (bibs)
Sizing: XS – 2XL (jersey); XS – 3XL (bibs)
Fit: Close to body, true to size
How obtained: Company sample
Availability: Online
RBR Advertiser: No
Style, Performance, and Comfort. Coeur Delivers.
I met Kebby Holden, founder of Coeur Sports, at an industry trade show back in 2016 and had worn the company’s gear for my full distance aquabike race two years earlier. What I loved about the gear is it’s designed for women by women. They understand a woman’s body and know how to make it stylish for endurance athletes but also high performing and super comfortable. If you don’t love it, Coeur offers free shipping and returns with their risk-free purchase guarantee.
The two pieces I recently finished testing were the In Bloom cycling jersey and the Lisse Elite bibs. Both receive high marks for comfort, performance, and style.
Feminine Details With Great Style
The In Bloom cycling jersey is made from lightweight Italian performance fabric. I tested it on very hot and humid days as well as cool morning rides. Test rides were on the road and trail. I wore it while searching for quilt gardens on the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail in Indiana to pay homage to the floral pattern.
The jersey is form-fitting, but the four-way stretch fabric provides superior freedom of movement, never restricting me. A full-zip front allowed for easy ventilation as the temperatures rose and made it easy to remove for nature breaks when wearing bibs.
Plenty of storage with three deep pockets and a side zip waterproof pocket
This jersey has tons of storage for those longer rides. There are three deep rear pockets and one side-zip waterproof pocket perfect for money and car keys. Even with full pockets, the rear hem gripper prevents the jersey from riding up. I never had to tug at the jersey to pull it down into place.
Something everyone loves to hear compliments on their gear, and that’s precisely what I received on this jersey. It’s a beautiful floral design, but I wish it were a little more vibrant to be more noticeable to drivers.
No Angry Kitty on Long Rides
Coeur has a slogan #NoAngryKitty which equates to saddle comfort. The Lisse Elite bibs felt good from the first time I slipped them on. Made from Elite Italian fabric, the bibs are super soft next to the skin. It is compressive enough to support your muscles but enough stretch to not be restrictive. The seaming and cut of these bib shorts are such that it is incredibly figure-flattering; it’s the little black dress of cycling gear.
Two side pockets for added storage
The laser-cut leg bands provide a smooth transition from shorts to leg, eliminating any sausage leg. Hypoallergenic silicone dots prevent the shorts from riding up while pedaling. There are two side pockets with room for a gel pack or a smaller cell phone. The 8-inch inseam on these bibs is a bit short on my long legs, cutting me mid-thigh. As I’ve mentioned in other bib reviews, I tend to like a longer inseam. If these were 1-2 inches longer, I’d give the bibs a perfect 5 star rating.
The bib straps combine with a mesh back to keep everything in place while also staying cool. I was amazed at the end of a hot, humid, and hilly ride the fabric had wicked the moisture leaving the bibs dry.
Mesh suspender back for added ventilation and two reflective strips for increased visibility in low light
Lastly, the Lady-bit specific chamois was very comfortable. My longest ride testing these bibs was 50 miles. The combination of fabric, suspenders, and chamois made for zero discomfort.
Lady-bit specific chamois for long hours in the saddle
Accessorizing Your Kit
To fully accessorize your kit, Coeur offers an In Bloom cycling cap for $29.99. Wear it under your helmet for added protection from the sun or to cover up helmet hair while having that post-ride beer.
Bottom Line
Coeur Sports knows how to design gear for endurance athletes and the female body. The In Bloom jersey and Lisse Elite bib shorts provided comfort, style, and performance on all my rides. Most body types can find the right fit with extended sizing XS to 2XL for the jersey and up to 3XL for the bibs. And remember, if you don’t love it, Coeur offers free shipping and returns with their risk-free purchase guarantee.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
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