Stolen Goat Climbers Jersey and Bibs Review (men’s and women’s)

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Jersey

(Jersey/Bibs)

Hot!

• Breathable CoolLight fabric for superior moisture management on hot days
• Race cut style for aerodynamics
• Laser cut sleeve hem support muscles and stay in place
• 3 rear pockets and one zipper side pocket
• Full zip for easy on/off and ventilation
• Zipper garage prevents chafing at the neckline
• Lifetime Guarantee and Crash Damage Replacement Policy

Not!

• No reflective elements
• Sizes sell out quickly

Bibs

Hot!

• Compression fabric keeps muscles supported, thus less fatigued
• AquaRacer fabric is treated with a hydrophobic coating for quick drying
• Pre-shaped and sculpted around the body in the cycling position
• Chamois is extremely comfortable tested on a 72-mile ride
• Stash pocket in back bib strap fits a few gel packs
• Wide laser cut elastic leg bands stay in place
• UV protection
• Lifetime Guarantee and Crash Damage Replacement Policy

Not!

• No reflective elements
• Low cut waistline doesn’t provide a lot of coverage and white bib straps show in drops
• Would prefer longer inseam (personal preference)
• Sizes sell out quickly

Socks

Hot!

• Extremely comfortable and quick wicking
• Thermolite fabric is lightweight, breathable, insulating and temperature regulating
• Slight compression and molds to the contour of your foot
• FUN with a capital “F”
• Unisex

Not!

• Nothing

Price: $104 (Jersey), $139 (bibs); $15 (Socks)

Jersey Sizes: XS-2XL (women’s); XS-3XL (men’s)

Bib Sizes: XS-3XL

Sock Sizes: S-XL (Unisex)

Fit: Race cut

Colors: Jersey – 3 stripe designs for women’s and 4 for men’s. Bibs – Black; Socks – B/W stripes

How Obtained: Company sample

Available at: Online, retail

RBR advertiser: No

The Name makes You Chuckle, but the Performance is No Joke

The company name, Stolen Goat, just makes you chuckle, but there’s nothing funny about the performance of their gear. It’s fun and stylish with bold designs on the outside, but all business on the inside. Working with BioRacer for the manufacturing, SG gets to add the fun graphic design and logo.

I tested the Climbers kit which is available in both men’s and women’s versions. When I showed up to rides or posted on social media, the response was extremely positive. Yep, I got compliments and who doesn’t like that. But it isn’t all about looking good. If the kit doesn’t perform well, you don’t perform well.

I tested the kit out on several warm humid rides that were well into the high 80s. Distances were from a 24-mile hilly ride to a 72-mile group ride. I felt cool, dry and comfortable. The chamois was outstanding with zero discomfort after 72 miles.

Starting from the Top

I’m not used to wearing race cut jerseys, but I found the Climber model very comfortable and not confining. It was snug, but with the 4-way stretch I never felt restricted on the bike. Actually, it had a barely there feel.

The CoolLight fabric is breathable and provided superior moisture management even on a near 90-degree day in August. The sleeves are made from Lycra and have a laser cut hem for added comfort. A full zipper front let’s you control ventilation and easy on/off with bibs. There’s a zipper garage at the top to prevent chafing at the neckline. Lastly, there are 3 rear pockets and one zipper side pocket to store valuables.

The Climber jersey comes in a variety of stripes with the version I tested reminiscent of the world champion design.

And Now the Bib Bottoms

The SG Climber bib shorts were designed with input from a panel of race-winning pro cyclists. The goal was to create the fastest, most breathable bib short. I’m not sure it made me faster on the climbs, but I was extremely comfortable when it was hot and humid.

When I first received these bibs, I notice the fabric was like nothing else I had felt. It’s made from AquaRacer fabric which according to the company is 40% lighter than a Lycra bib short. Being lighter doesn’t mean you can see through the fabric. Bottom line, you won’t give the person riding behind you a show. What it does mean is that it’s breathable, quick drying (due to a hydrophobic coating), and provides UV protection.

The race fit of these bibs mean they are compressive which helps to reduce muscle fatigue. SG has designed the bibs to be pre-shaped and sculpted around the body when it is in the cycling position. Thus, they are much more comfortable on the bike than walking around. There are also less seams which adds to the comfort and reduces the chance on chafing.

The bib straps are made from a mesh fabric for breathability. Unfortunately, they are white and the bib short do not come high on the waist. The white mesh shows in the back when I’m on the bike. I’d prefer the bib shorts come up higher on the waist and the straps to be black like SG’s Epic bibs.

I’ve said this before in previous reviews, but I prefer a long inseam (9.5-10”). I found the Climber inseam to be a little short for my taste (personal preference varies), but I did like the wide leg band. It’s made from elasticated fabric and does not use silicone gripper. For the men and those women who don’t shave the upper thigh, this may be better as it doesn’t pull on your leg hair.

The Climber bibs are paired with SG’s Vapour chamois which I found extremely comfortable even on my 72-mile ride. It has a women specific design, soft to skin feel and supportive in all the right places. The website boasts it is light weight coming in at 24 grams, but I have nothing to compare it to since most manufacturers don’t provide the weight of just the chamois.

Don’t Get me Started on their Socks!

Most cyclist have a thing for socks. Maybe not as much as coffee and beer, but darn close. The Thermolite unisex socks SG sent me were soooo much fun. Comfortable, lightweight, breathable and had just a little compression. Bottom line, the fit was outstanding.

SG has a wide selection of socks on their web site. If I had an unlimited cycling budget, I’d definitely snag several pairs.

Standing Behind their Products

SG stands behind their gear by offering both a Lifetime Guarantee and a Crash Damage Replacement Policy.  Under the Crash policy they will assess if the damage can be reasonably repaired under the Lifetime Guarantee. If not, SG will give a 50% discount on a replacement item.

And There’s More

SG offers free worldwide shipping, with no minimums. They also give back to charity by teaming up with the World Bicycle Relief (WBR). Currently there are two jerseys on the SG site where all the profits go to organization.

The whimsy of SG can also be found in a Facebook Group called The Stolen Goad Heard Immunity Pop Up Group. They have over 800 members and people love posting pics of themselves in awesome places wearing SG kits.

Bottom Line

Stolen Goat has found the perfect balance of style and performance in the apparel. Bold, fun designs along with high performing fabrics give you miles of comfort and tons of compliments from your friends.