In February, Ornot introduced several pieces of gear to address the shoulder season – Spring and Fall. In the Midwest, you never know what you’ll encounter. Sometimes mornings are brisk and become warmer as the ride progresses. Or a ride may start windy and cool, only to turn windy with drizzle.
Ornot has you covered with their new men’s and women’s versions of a Micro Climate Jacket and Micro Grid Long Sleeve Jersey, and a women’s Droptail Cargo Bib Shorts. There are other pieces as part of this launch, but I tested three of them. After testing on multiple rides, I am impressed by their performance and versatility, regardless of what Mother Nature throws my way.
Micro Climate Jacket
Price: $248
Temperature Range: 40-60 ° F
Sizes: XS – XL (2XL available only in men’s)
Colors: Citron, Oat, Stone Blue, Olive (women’s); Citron, Oat, Stone Blue, Olive, Night Shade, and Azul (men’s)
Material: Oeko-Tex, wind and Water-resistant, quick-drying due to patented DWR thread treatment
Fit: True to size, close to the body, plenty of 4-way stretch
Closure: Two-way zipper
Pockets: One rear zipper pocket doubles as a stuff pouch
Availability: Online
How Obtained: Company sample
RBR Advertiser: No
Inspired by San Francisco’s microclimates, the Micro Climate jacket has become one of my go-to layers this Spring. The four-way stretchy fabric allows me to layer over a long or short-sleeved jersey.
The fabric is windproof and water-resistant. During a windy, cool International Women’s Day ride, I really put the jacket to the test. The ride started in the high 50s with strong north winds and quickly dropped by 10 degrees during the ride. Then, for good measure, Mother Nature threw in some rain mid-ride. The Micro Climate’s lofted interior fabric provided insulation, keeping me comfortable the entire ride by blocking the wind and drying quickly. For temperature regulating, the two-way YKK zipper allows me to vent from the top, bottom, or both.
Another useful feature of this jacket is how it packs down small enough to fit into a jersey pocket. The jacket’s rear zipper pocket doubles as a stash bag.
The company rates the jacket for temperatures between 40 and 67 degrees, and I can confirm it performed flawlessly at those temperatures.
I tested the Citrin (yellow) version of the jacket, and I loved how visible it was to drivers, especially in the rain. Other colors include Oat, Stone Blue, Olive in the women’s version, and Citron, Oat, Stone Blue, Olive, Night Shade, and Azul in the men’s.
Micro Grid Long Sleeve Jersey
Price: $174
Temperature Range: 55 degrees with the Micro Climate jacket to 85 degrees on its own
Sizes: XS – XL (2XL available only in men’s)
Colors: Glacier Freeze, Nightshady, Charcoal
Material: Polartec Power Dry
Fit: True to size, close to the body, plenty of 4-way stretch
Closure: Full zip
Pockets: Three rear pockets
Ornot’s new Micro Grid long sleeve jersey is perfect for layering or on its own. Made with lightweight Polartec Power Dry fabric, pair it with the Micro Climate jacket or vest for cooler temperatures, or wear it on its own when it’s warmer. During testing, I wore it underneath the Micro Climate jacket or on its own.
The unique brushed grid structure is commonly used for winter thermal jerseys. I own several and love how warm they keep me. However, the fabric used for the Micro Grid is a lightweight version with small voids created by the grid, allowing air to pass through.
The Polartec Power Dry fabric is breathable, wicking, and treated with an anti-microbial agent to keep you comfortable and smelling fresh. Other features include three rear pockets and reflective details. The jersey is available in men’s and women’s versions in three colors: Glacier Freeze, Nightshady, and Charcoal.
Women’s Droptail Cargo Bib Shorts
Price: $228
Temperature Range:
Sizes: XXS – 2XL
Colors: Black, Midnight Purple, Midnight Blue, Dark Slate
Material: Oeko-Tex recycled compression fabric
Fit: True to size
Pockets: Two side pockets
UPF Rating: 35 UPF sun protection
Ornot redesigned their popular Droptail Cargo Bibs to be even more comfortable and durable. Perfect for long endurance rides on the road or gravel, I found them to be extremely comfortable. And who doesn’t like pockets? The two thigh pockets securely held my cell phone in place, preventing any movement. The other pocket was great for snacks and lip balm.
The newly designed bib straps are wide, comfortable, and breathable. While these bibs are designed with a drop tail feature, I wasn’t able to use it. The straps did not stretch long enough for me to pull the shorts down. I’ve had issues with other brands because of my height, so I’m not ruling out that shorter women wouldn’t be able to use them as intended.
The combination of a high-density chamois and moderately compressive, breathable Oeko-Tex fabric allowed me to ride longer in comfort. I found these bibs fit true to size. However, the company recommends that if you’re between sizes, you should size down for a more compressive fit.
Ornot’s Droptail bibs are available in extended sizes and four colors: Black, Midnight Purple, Midnight Blue, and Dark Slate. I tested the black, and the matte finish was a nice touch.
One feature I’d change is a slightly longer inseam, but that is a personal preference.
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.