Women’s Cycling Gear Roundup
SHREDLY
In June, SHREDLY, known for women’s MTB clothing, launched its Cadence Gravel and Road collection. This is the company’s first venture into road and gravel, something they say SHREDLY riders have been asking for. The full line comes in extended sizes from XS to 3X, making it inclusive of women of various shapes.
“Women have been asking us for these products for years, and we’re so excited to finally give them more ways to have fun on the bike, express themselves, and adventure in style,” said Ashley Rankin, Founder & Designer of SHREDLY. “The Cadence Collection is designed by women, for women, with the same care and personality that’s defined SHREDLY since day one.”
The company sent me a short-sleeve Cadence jersey and a pair of Biker bibs to test and review. The collection also includes a long-sleeve thermal jersey, thermal tights, and a jacket.
Cadence Jersey
https://shredly.com/products/short-sleeve-cadence-jersey-flora-sol
Price: $128
Sizes: XS-3X
Colors: Flora Sol, Flora, Flora Azul
Fit: True to size
Material: Main fabric is 86% polyester and 14% Elastane, while the mesh side panels are 100% polyester.
SHREDLY hit all the right notes with its new Cadence Jersey. From the lightweight, breathable Italian fabric and mesh side panels to laser-cut sleeve hems for a comfortable fit. The full-length zipper also helps with ventilation, and three rear pockets plus a fourth zipper stash pocket provide plenty of storage.
The floral pattern in three unique colors adds a feminine touch and style points. To complete the look, the Biker Bibs come in matching colors/patterns. I tested the Flora Sol, a golden yellow background with a red flower print.
Biker Bib
https://shredly.com/products/biker-bib-flora-sol
Price: $148
Sizes: XS-3X
Fit: Runs big
Colors: Noir (Black), Flora Sol, Flora, Flora Azul
Material: Nylon/spandex blend
UPF sun Protection: Yes, 50
Chamois: Endurance, low profile, and anti-microbial
Droptail Back: Yes, for quick bio breaks
Pockets: Yes, two side pockets
Leg Hem: Scallop with silicone grippers
Inseam: 7 inches
My favorite feature of these new Biker bibs is the antimicrobial chamois. It is not too thick, yet it has the right amount of padding for a long ride. My test rides ranged from 40 to 60 miles with no chafing or discomfort.
Other features include a droptail for quick bathroom breaks without removing your jersey. A mesh modesty panel in the front and wide, soft bib straps add to the comfort of these bibs. As a side note, I prefer that a modesty panel not be made from white fabric, since white shows dirt and sweat over time.
SHREDLY’s signature scalloped leg hem creates a more flattering transition, eliminating sausage legs, and silicone grippers keep the shorts in place. Two side pockets are perfect for storing nutrition, a cell phone, and other small items. Unlike most bib pockets made from mesh, these pockets use the same fabric as the shorts. Why is that important? On gravel roads, a mesh pocket doesn’t protect your phone or other items from dust. Lastly, these bibs provide UPF 50 for added sun protection on long summer rides.
Note that the fit on these bibs runs large. I needed to size down for two reasons. First, the leg opening hem was too loose, and the shorts would ride up while pedaling. Second, there was virtually no fabric compression. The company sent me one size smaller, which resolved both issues. However, the 7” inseam is a little too short for my long legs, and I would prefer a couple more inches of length.
The new Biker Bibs are available in black, or if matchy-matchy is your thing, choose the corresponding jersey and bibs.
Van Rysel Endurance Bibs
Price: $99
Sizes: XS-2X
Fit: True to size
Colors: Black
Chamois: Anatomical design with high-density foam
Compressive Fabric: Yes
Droptail Back: No
Pockets: Yes, two side pockets
I’ve never tested Van Rysel clothing, but my first experience was very positive. The Endurance Road bibs are priced at only $99 and deliver the comfort, fit, and durability of a bib twice the price.
I tested these bibs on rides ranging from 40 to 75 miles. The compressive, moisture-wicking fabric kept me comfortable the whole ride. The chamois is made from high-density foam, and even though the marketing materials say, “up to 3 hours,” I was comfortable for 75 miles.
A mesh back and wide, comfortable bib straps are also a nice feature. The leg openings have raw edges and silicone grippers that keep the shorts from riding up. Mesh side pockets hold items securely without shifting and are perfect for snacks, a cell phone, or other small items.
Van Rysel offers extended sizing from XS to 2XL, and the fit is true to size.
My only minor complaint about these Endurance bibs is that they don’t have a droptail. On longer rides, I have to remove my jersey (and hydration pack) to use the restroom.
Castelli
UPF W Short-Sleeve Jersey
Price: $170 (on sale at the time of review for $102)
Sizes: XS-XL
Optimal Temperature Range: 20-38°C / 68-100°F
Sun Protection: Yes, UPF 50+
Colors: Mango Mojito/Ultraviolet or Winter Sky/Violet Pink
Fit: Tailored fit (runs a little small)
Pair Castelli’s new UPF short-sleeve jersey with its sun sleeves (see the review below) for the ultimate coverage on warm, sunny days. This lightweight, breathable jersey offers UPF 50+ protection, plus slightly longer sleeves and a higher back collar.
For added comfort and ventilation, the full-length front zipper improves airflow. The raw sleeve edges provide a smooth transition from jersey to skin. Three rear pockets and an additional zippered security pocket offer plenty of storage options.
The UPF jersey is available in sizes XS to XL and in two colorways, Mango Mojito/Ultraviolet and Winter Sky/Violet Pink. I tested the Mango version as pictured above. A men’s version is available here.
UPF 50+ Light Arm Sleeves
Price: $50
Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Fit: True to size
Colors: White and black (arm and leg sleeves), black (knee sleeves)
Material: Solare
UPF sun Protection: Yes, 50+
Sun sleeves are perfect for protecting your arms and legs on long daytime rides. Castelli’s new UPF 50+ line of sleeves is a lightweight, breathable option that protects arms, knees, and legs. They are constructed from a stretchy Solare fabric with a silicone top band for a perfect fit and stay-up comfort.
I can only comment on the white arm sleeves, as that is what the company sent me to test. The sizing was true to the chart on the company’s website, and the length was spot on. The sleeves stayed securely in place and did not slip down.
The arm and leg sleeves are available in white or black, while the knee sleeves are only available in black.
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.
