At the end of July, Machines For Freedom (MFF) launched its Everyday Collection, which prioritizes comfort and affordability. Previously, MFF focused on the endurance rider, and now, with their Everyday Collection, they can offer gear tailored to those everyday riders. “Technical gear so often has a high price tag,” says Jenn Kriske, founder of Machines For Freedom. “Part of being inclusive is creating high quality, well fitting, products that don’t break the bank. By reducing fabric compression, and using a lower density chamois, we were able to achieve this without losing the luxurious fit and feel riders have come to love about Machines.”
Like many cycling gear manufacturers, MFF realizes not everyone can afford or needs a $300 pair of bibs or a $200 jersey. To make cycling more accessible to a variety of riders, including experience and size, companies need to figure out how to offer affordable clothing, in extended sizes, without sacrificing quality or features.
The new MFF collection includes a short sleeve jersey (available in four colors), a tank, bib shorts, and shorts. The company sent me bib shorts, a jersey, and their Signature Cycling Cap in a mosaic print.
Price: $118
Sizes: 2XS – 3XL
Colors: Black, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, and Haze
While MFF’s higher-end jerseys come in prints, the Everyday jersey is available in four solid colors. The four-way stretch fabric is soft to the touch and is UPF 30 (black jersey UPF 50+) for added protection from the sun.
My test rides were on warm days, and this jersey provided excellent moisture management, keeping me comfortable. A full zip front helps control ventilation and offers easy on/off when wearing bibs. The fabric has a slight compression feel, so I suggest sizing up for a looser fit.
There are three rear pockets for plenty of storage along with reflective elements. One unique feature is the silicone grippers inside the two outer pockets. These help keep items from falling out, making it hard to grab items when wearing gloves. The grippers would “grip” my glove. The center pocket does not have grippers making it easier to pull my cell phone out while riding. On the first ride, I went to grab my phone to take a picture, and I couldn’t get it out. I had to learn by trial and error.
MFF’s Everyday jersey is well-made, comfortable, stylish, and comes in extended sizes. But I wouldn’t call it affordable. At $118, it is still pricey for some riders.
Price: $168
Sizes: XS – 2XL
Colors: Black, Blue Haze
The Everyday bib short has many of the same features as a high-end bib except at a lower price point. These are a nice pair of bibs, from the seamless, laser cut leg openings (no sausage leg) with silicone gripping dots to the moisture-wicking, lightly compressive material.
The bib straps are mesh for comfort and moisture management. There are two rear pockets with room for nutrition. I couldn’t easily fit my iPhone in the pocket, plus it would get all sweaty. So while I did like the design of the mesh bib portion, be careful when pulling them up. My fingernail accidently went through the fabric, making a hole.
MFF uses their new Everyday chamois in these bibs, which was comfortable on my 40-mile test rides. The UPF 50+ fabric helps to protect your skin on sunny summer days. And like the subtle reflective element found on the jersey, these bibs have them located on the leg.
Price: $30
Sizes depend on the pattern: One size fits most, small or medium
Patterns: Six different fun patterns
Caps are a great way to keep the sun or rain off your face or even hide helmet hair. MFF offers its Signature cycling cap in various fun and colorful patterns. Made from 100% cotton, it is breathable and won’t hold in the heat. The elastic gathering along the back of the cap ensures a comfortable fit. But note there is no hole for a ponytail.
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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