Price: $149 (jersey or bibs)
Sizes: 0-18 (jersey or bibs)
Fit: Slim (jersey); Athletic (bibs)
Colors: Jersey (Purple Haze, Black, Witchy Woman); Bibs (Black)
Availability: Online and retail
Obtained by: Company samples
RBR advertiser: No
Wild Rye Ventures into Gravel Gear
Many readers may not be familiar with Wild Rye, but the company is well known in the MTB community. Per the company’s website, it was “founded in August 2016, to bring beautiful and technical mountain apparel to all women, and aims to inspire confidence and get more women outside. Wild Rye apparel never compromises on fit, performance, and contemporary style and is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive access point to the outdoors, cycling, and snowsports by building confidence and community, protecting the places we play. Wild Rye is proudly B-Corporation certified, Climate Neutral Certified, a member of 1% for the Planet and Wood River Trails Coalition Business, and a SheJumps partner. Wild Rye is a shape inclusive brand that celebrates all women and is continually working to improve both brand and product experience for consumers.”
For its Spring 2024 collection, Wild Rye released its inaugural gravel collection. I chose to test two items from their collection ― a Gem Distance jersey and Baddie bib shorts.
Gem Distance Gravel Jersey
From the moment you slip on the Gem Distance jersey, it wraps you in silky, soft, luxurious fabric. The UPF 50 fabric and the collar combine to provide sun protection for those long days in the saddle. There are strategically placed side mesh panels for extra breathability and comfort. The fabric is best suited for rides when temperatures are between 50-75 degrees and may not be the best choice for hot summer rides – especially the black version.
The jersey’s entire zippered front allows for easy on/off when wearing with bibs and also added ventilation. Contrasting silicone grippers at the bottom hem keep the jersey in place and prevent it from riding up. There’s ample storage with three large rear pockets and a fourth zipper pocket for valuables.
Plenty of storage with three jersey pockets and a fourth zipper pocket.
The company offers the Gem Distance gravel jersey in extended sizes from 0-18 as part of their inclusivity. The site states the jersey is a slim fit, however, I sized down for a perfect fit. The jersey comes in three colors: Purple Haze, Black, and Witchy Woman. I tested the black version with subtle pops of lilac accents on the rear zipper pull, logos, and rear hem silicon grippers. It added a nice feminine touch.
The Gem Jersey is priced at $149, and its performance and durable material will keep your riding in style and comfort for many years.
Baddie Bib Shorts
Wild Rye’s Baddie bibs are impressively constructed for the company’s initial bib offering. The fit was good, but a more compressive fabric might enhance the experience. They tend to run big, possibly going down one size would have worked better. The Italian-made chamois was very comfortable, testing it on gravel rides between 20 and 45 miles.
Mesh straps for breathability and comfort on hot rides.
The silicon gripper leg hems and mesh bib straps keep everything in place. The mesh also provides added breathability and comfort on warmer days. Wear the Baddie bibs alone or layered under a pair of MTB shorts, which I see some gravel riders opting to wear. Since these bib shorts are designed for gravel riding, side leg pockets would have been a great addition to stow nutrition, cell phone, or anything else you wanted to carry.
Available in black, the Biddie bib shorts come in extended sizes from 0 to 18 and are priced competitively at $149.
Bottom Line
Wild Rye’s first venture into gravel apparel was a success. The Gem jersey and Baddie bibs provide plenty of style, comfort, and performance for any adventure. Consult the sizing chart before ordering; I found both pieces to run big.
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.