Sumattory is a Spanish company producing a comparatively small range of products. I’ll admit that personally I’d never seen any of their gear until this review. Also, their products certainly come at a premium price, being designed in Spain and made in Italy. Truth be told, I was a bit worried that I would be disappointed – I wondered how Sumattory expected Australian cyclists to buy premium-priced products from a brand they have never heard of before. And over the internet, too!

It took just one ride, however, to understand. Sumattory sent me their gear to review because it’s the real deal.

I received a complete kit with summer jersey, knicks and base layer which was selected by Summattory for my size. While this is well matched and essentially belongs together as a kit, you can still mix and match so we are looking at each piece in detail.

Sumattory Hermida Jersey
The “Hermida” jersey comes in short and long sleeve models, in orange or blue. I received the short-sleeved orange version in size “small” and right out of the packet, something seemed different.

Material
This isn’t a glorified quick-dry shirt. The very high (72%) nylon content gives it an odd feeling in the hand, but an amazingly tailored feel when it’s on. The outer surface feels incredibly slick and aerodynamic. The material follows the contours of your body to the point where you could even see the permanent bump on my collar bone from my close encounter of the parked-car kind; no other item of clothing I own does this. Despite this, it’s not restrictive – the material is so stretchable that it just feels as though it had been designed specifically for you.

Design
Most jerseys are passable items of clothing, but the Hermida jersey is clearly at the next level. It’s so light there’s nowhere for sweat to accumulate. It’s so well fitting it won’t flap even at 70km/h, and it’s ridiculously comfortable.

It’s reasonably practical too. It has a super long pocket in the middle that works perfectly for a hand pump or loose items you are paranoid about. It also has a zippered compartment for your phone with a waterproof panel between it and your skin to protect it from moisture. I loved this – I didn’t really need it, but it’s such an elegant solution I can’t help but smile when I think about it. The zipper feels solid and locks in place very well.

The jersey also features tiny holes for airflow and moisture evaporation as well as silicone grippers on the waist. The only thing I could find to gripe about is the sizing. If you take a look at the pictures, you’ll see that really, I needed the next size up. It’s a testament to the design that it was still so comfortable and not restrictive – still, if you happen to be right on the cusp of sizes, go up one.

Verdict
At around $175 (€135), the Hermida is not cheap. But to describe it as anything less than a premium product would be doing it a disservice, and if you’ve never paid these sorts of prices for a jersey, or let alone any item of clothing, it’s unlikely you’ll have anything in your wardrobe that feels like it.

Now, to be honest, not everyone needs a jersey like this. I mean there are plenty of cheaper jerseys that will “do the job”, but no one really needs a Lamborghini either!

Sumattory “Hermida” Bib Shorts
The Hermida Bib Shorts come in orange or blue, with a long winter version available in black.

Material
As with the jersey, you can tell something’s different right out of the box. Even higher in nylon content (80%), you notice that same thin, stretchy and aerodynamic feel straight away. The chamois is made by the company called Elastic Interface and is named the Cytech “Endurance 3D.” BNA asked however didn’t receive much info about this chamois, but “Endurance” means it is one of Elastic Interface’s long distance chamois and it’s likely specifically made for Sumattory.

The chamois sports two very thick sections directly under your “sit bones”, but it’s not just thick, it’s firm too. Conversely, the front of the chamois is much thinner, though still firm. This design makes sense in the context of long distance rides, where pressure on the pedals is lower and your weight is shifted a little more towards the back.

Design
The fit is fantastic, due largely to the high-quality, body hugging material used. When on the bike, I don’t think I could find a wrinkle in these shorts. The absence of a traditional hem gives it a great, modern style. They never ride up, always sit flat, and they sport some very unique leg grippers too. Like the jersey, the shorts are slightly on the small side and again, if you’re somewhere in between sizes, you should definitely go up rather than down.

Verdict
At around $190 (€145), these shorts, like the jersey, are definitely premium-priced but, again like the jersey, they more than live up to the price tag. There are plenty of shorts that cost a lot but offer little benefit, and you can always get away with cheaper shorts. But if you want to get a pair of really good shorts, and you’re willing to pay for them, then consider this an endorsement of a genuinely premium-quality product.

Sumattory “Hermida” Spring Base Layer
The Sumattory Spring Base Layer is yet another high-quality item, though maybe not appropriate for the hot Australian summer. I’m looking forward to making use of this in mid-to-late April

It’s made from a high-quality material, just like the rest of the range, though it has a high (63%) polypropylene content which some riders dislike. I’m relatively indifferent as, once again, the quality is just so evident straight away – this is a specialty product designed for a specific purpose.

It’s incredibly soft and very water permeable, so ultimately I didn’t even realise it had a high polypropylene content until I began writing this review. I gave it a go on a hot summer morning and found that after a minute off the bike the jersey was probably wetter than the undershirt. I thought this was a figment of my imagination, but I’m reliably informed that this is due to the “hydrophobic” nature of polypropylene.

The fit is great, but being sleeveless it ought to fit well. Like the rest of the range, the sizing is ever-so-slightly smaller than you would find over here.

Verdict
Like the rest of the range, the base layer sports a premium price tag at around $70 (€55)  and, like the jersey and the shorts, the quality of manufacture is exceptional. Don’t let the polypropylene content fool you, this is softer than some merino base layers I’ve worn.

Last Word on The Sumattory “Hermida” Kit
I probably would not have ordered the Sumattory kit unless I knew someone who had touched it, ridden in it and given it the thumbs up. I’ve touched it, ridden in it and I’m giving it the thumbs up.

While there are many competitors offering products at lower price points, if you want to ride in the very best gear then seriously consider the Hermida range – it’s unlike anything you’ve worn before and probably better than anything your mates will be wearing.

If you are a budget cyclist, this cycling wear is simply not for you – you would absolutely love it though at the premium price this is reserved for the cyclist who wants a premium product.

Summatory currently don’t have an Australian importer however promise fast shipping internationally (and free shipping for orders over €200), for more information and ordering details, visit: sumattory.com/en

The cycling jerseys and bib knicks they stock all have an air of “classic”, from the retro team jersey reproductions to current era pro-team wear, you quickly get the feeling that it is a well collated collection. Some of the classic style jerseys are Prendas’ “interpretations” of original team wear, made with modern materials to keep you looking good and feeling good.

When Prendas put together a few items for me to review for BNA, they concentrated on the functional side of their product line: “Made in Italy”socks, gloves and a base layer short sleeve vest. While the socks and gloves are solid performers, they don’t neglect style.

Socks
The Socks have a straight forward construction, they are relatively light and feature a lovely thick cuff and perfect length; not too short and not too long. As all-rounder ‘Coolmax’ socks, I found them well suited to medium to high temperature riding conditions and opted instead for thermal/winter socks for cold early morning starts.

When I start to like a pair socks, they find their way on to my feet when I am not riding. This, typically, adversely affects the lifespan of the socks. For the Prendas Ciclismo socks, though they show signs of regular use (and washing) they are holding up well, unlike cheap and nasty socks that quickly get holes and lose their shape. With a current Aussie price of $8.62 a pair (or $26.51 for four), even for classic style socks, it’s pretty hard to pass by.

The Prendas Winter thermalite socks and High Summer Dryarn-Resistex Carbon Socks both feature a more high-tech construction and weave; for $10.54 a pair they compare favourably with other brand socks that cost twice the price.

Gloves
I fell in love with the New Generation Track Mitts/Summer Gloves. These are solid and functional fingerless gloves that do away with velcro and instead have a longer wrist support section. They are purposely a little tight to get on, but have a comfortable fit and include little loops to help pull them off again after the ride.

My other cycling gloves tend to destroy themselves when I wash them; the velcro will attach to the lycra and, after a while, they become scruffy. The New Generation gloves have a more solid feel and the well constructed grip is solid and comfortable. I have used these gloves both road cycling and mountain biking and they are simply my favourite gloves to wear.

In the kit they sent me, Prendas included their custom DeFeet (USA) made DuraGloves, which reminded me of my BMX riding days as a kid. While they are a warm glove, I didn’t warm up to these simply because I feel more comfortable with a more rigid long finger glove with a solid grip. It is really down to personal choice and if they are for you then you will have a bit more comfort than a “stiff” winter glove, and a more natural handlebar grip.

Base Layer Short Sleeve Vest
The Prendas Comfortec 1000 Base Layer seems really simple; an all white vest with a Prendas logo on the chest. What I noticed with this is that I didn’t notice it  – that is a real plus. I have several other base layers that have: hi-tech chemical impregnations (which make them uncomfortable ), slim sport cut or no sleeves (also uncomfortable), or hi-tech weaves (that seem more at home on a pair of fishnet stockings). In contrast, the Comfortec 1000 is comfortable and reliable. It is just happy being a normal base layer without a song and dance. The price is just right too: $24.52

All in all, the Prendas Ciclismo cycling wear builds on quality manufacture to create reliable and functional kit. Cycling tradition and style play an important roll at Prendas, so if you’re after a more high-tech look, except for the current proteam kits, you may want to skip the jerseys they stock. Either way, you will find the functional socks and gloves, as well as the knee warmers and arm warmers, to be quite appealing.

Given that they’re an online retailer, I found the Prendas Ciclismo website to be cluttered, after a while it reminded me of a trusted local family store. Where it was lacking in flashy buttons, bling and usability, it made up for with photos from yesteryear of cycling legends wearing classic jerseys as well as current pros in Prendas wear. The average jersey is about $66, but some of the run-out gear can be a little as half of this, but with limited sizes available. The Prendas branded gloves, socks, arm and leg warmers and overshoes are all attractively priced

Visit Prendas Ciclismo online: www.prendas.co.uk

Giveaway
In the comments below, tell me in less than 25 words what your favorite moment in cycling history is. You’ll have the chance to win a Prendas cycling cap and matching socks. I have two to give away and will choose the best 2 responses. This give-away closes in 7 days from publication. Terms and Conditions apply.

I used the Supersonic knicks primarily for road biking, but I did also wear them for mountain biking, underneath light shorts of course. I chose the medium size which was a good fit for me; not too tight but firm enough. The wide leg bands are really good; they seem to work well keeping the knicks from bunching up and it was a good feel compared to the narrow and tight cuffs common in knicks. The black is neutral, so if you are after style points, they can be easily matched to the rest of your kit.

Supersonic knicks, a nice cut and good look

On the bike I found that I was adjusting my position on the saddle for the first five to ten kilometres of each ride before I become settled. Every backside is different and some knicks tend to suit me better than others. Once I settled into the knicks however, they were flawless, no discomfort or chaffing, even on long rides. Wearing leg warmers with these worked well, though for cold weather these knicks are a little “light” in the parts you want to keep warm.

Softtail chamois in the Supersonic’s

The 3/4 Snake Bite bib knicks really suited me well but, I have to admit up front, they are incredibly un-sexy. When people use the pejorative Middle Aged Men in Lycra (MAMIL), they’re thinking of me wearing these knicks. I really wasn’t helping the cause at all; full length tights or standard knicks are a better look. The annoying flip-side is that they are quite practical and I really enjoyed wearing them.

Your author, wondering if he can go out in public like this

As bib knicks they are comfortable and add another clothing layer to the lower torso (good for the kidneys). They stretch over, and keep warm, your thighs and knees, and only your lower calves are exposed. During an early morning criterium, another rider in my grade commented that I had no chance of performing in the race with my legs exposed. I don’t know whether he was being thoughtful or had spotted me as a serious contender and wanted to intimidate me, but I took the challenge and achieved my best placing for the season in that race. Obviously my legs were warm enough.

Where these knicks really stood out was during long rides with cool early morning starts. They work really well for the transition from cool to warm; you may get a little more air on your calves when it’s cold, but when it does warm up they are light enough to keep you from feeling as though you are stuck in jogging pants. It’s a bet for both sides; if you face changing weather conditions they leave you a little less exposed and they save you from having to stow leg-warmers in your back pocket.

Compared to the Supersonic knicks, these were comfortable the minute I sat on my bike and didn’t need time to adjust and wear in. For long rides I never had issues with a sore backside. The chamois used in the Snake Bites is the (relatively) new eXo skeletal pad and Ground Effect are onto a winner with this, at least for me.

Super comfort (for my backside) with the eXo skeletal chamois

Both of these knicks are well made, they have nice and clean stitching and when you have them in your hands (and on your butt) you can feel that they are quality products. Ground Effect are still making their gear in the land of the long white cloud (New Zealand); they don’t outsource their quality.

While the Supersonic knicks are good knicks, the ‘Softail’ chamois in these didn’t seem to fit my backside as well as the Snake Bite 3/4 bib knicks with eXo skeletal chamois. The Snake Bites hit a sweet-spot for me and were perfect for transitional weather and varying riding conditions. Well, almost perfect, as they though don’t earn any points from me in the euro-cool department.

If you’re into the technical details, like the 4-way stretch nylon lycra, contour fits and multi-level pads, you can read up on these on the Ground Effect website.

The Supersonics retail for $109 and the Snake Bikes for $179. You can order from Ground Effect directly.

At around $9.50 for one pair, or $13.58 for two, these are actually some of the cheapest cycling specific socks I’ve personally come across. But, there’s a problem: they come from Wiggle in the UK, which makes it difficult to get up close and personal with them before you buy.

The pair I received was the blue, 8cm ankle length version. The material is very stretchy and, as you can see in the photo, it has an arch support section. I’ve always wondered why socks have this feature as I can’t understand what practical benefit it provides – but I still love it and it feels very comfortable.

I found the socks performed well with regard to wicking away sweat. One thing that I think contributes to this is the fact that the material is thick without being dense. In other words, it allows plenty of airflow through it.

These socks performed admirably – they did the job they were supposed to and they’re priced competitively; I’m suitably impressed. In fact, I’ve been seen more than once wearing these socks with my sneakers at the shops!

Fellow BNA reviewer, Christopher Jones, also has a few pairs (which he purchased) and comments “for the money, these are good socks, particularly if you find it hard to fork out $25 or more for one pair of cycling socks. They are far superior to generic supermarket sports socks and the colours on offer mean you can choose the ones that suit your kit, bike and colour preference.”

“However,” he continues, “you will notice that while these are comfortable, more expensive socks are also noticably better in the way they fit your feet and they will take you to a higher level of comfort. The dhb’s may be a

The cuff at the bottom of the shorts is wider than most traditional cycling shorts and it will steer you away from that sausage look that none of us really enjoy. The larger cuff was a feature that I had been looking forward to when I  unwrapped them. They’re rather long in the leg so, for women who are looking for something a bit more modest, this might be what you’re after. The waist band is thick without being so thick that it will cut into your waist and it is supportive and holds everything in without a hint of muffin top. I was rather surprised by this as I normally expect to get this in bib knicks and not plain knicks.

They’re comfortable enough for a quick commute, a trip to the shops or a 100km in the saddle without a problem. But (yes, I found a but), when I wore them on a commute to work one day and then had to put them on again for the trip home, there wasn’t the same amount of elasticity as their had been at the beginning of the day. I don’t like having to pull my shorts up when I’m fanging it through Melbourne at peak hour.

Are they better than any other pair of knicks? Probably not. The big bonus with these shorts is that they do have the longer leg for the extra modesty, the thicker cuff (for better looking leg muscles) and the quality waist band which doesn’t cut into you (and no muffin top). If you’re not into branding yourself, these knicks are perfect, and if you’ve been looking for the right fit but still haven’t had any luck, try these on the chance that they might work for you. It is a different and new product that’s totally thinking outside the box in a different direction.

 Coming onto the market at $149.00 AUD, the Sirens are priced reasonably. Go here for frequently asked questions and all the technical info.

I was pretty excited by the arrival of this cycling top, when it came by post it was nicely rolled up in a little package with information on the outside. I received the purple Popsicle Jersey and it’s a great colour. Hidden in the back pocket is a secret tube repair patch which I thought was ridiculously cute and if you’re into repairing your tubes it’s a nice little extra. The tube repair patch doesn’t last long in the wash and with my handling skills, I’d say best to remove it and put it straight into the saddle bag.

The Look and Feel
The top has a really nice fit. I requested a medium (size 12) and it fit me perfectly and had enough space underneath for base layers. It comes with a long back which I know a lot of women are really keen on, though this is not something that I personally require in a cycling top.

The Popsicle does have a longer front zip than most jerseys with the half length zip, I tend to get frustrated that they aren’t long enough and this one hits the spot very well. The pockets at the back have zips and reflective piping; I’m not a huge fan of the zips when riding because it’s just not as easy, but if you’re not in the habit of getting nutrition out of your jersey whilst cycling then it wouldn’t be a problem.

When to Wear the Popsicle
On the bike it’s great. I like to think of the soft-shell that covers your chest as a ‘piece of armour’, Ground Effect calls it WindFoil and it protects your chest from the wind and ultimately the windchill. If you’re in Melbourne riding at the moment, you will know how cold it’s been, so it has been worthwhile having this top as part of my wardrobe. I get pretty cold on the bike in the mornings and Beach Road loves a head wind. To counteract this, I use this jersey as the top layer to make it warmer as I’m not the sort of person who likes to be cold. The WindFoil does what it says it does and deflects chilly winds, though the Popsicle is not something you would wear without layers. For example, I use a merino base layer, a cycling jersey and arm warmers as a minimum in the mornings; all of this goes underneath the Popsicle.

Popsicle Performance
I introduced this as a multipurpose top which it really is. You can easily wear this top in summer, merino wool is really good at drawing sweat away from the body and its job in summer is to keep you cooler. I’m sure you’re wondering how I tested that in the middle of winter? Luckily, I run as well as cycle and I’ve been wearing it over the top of my sports bras on my long and short runs. I’m not a good runner, but I sweat when I run which makes me a good tester when it comes to merino wool. More often than not my jersey comes home soaked in sweat; I can take it off and be completely dry underneath.

To properly review the Popsicle I read the washing/care instructions on the Ground Effect website. They’re very specific about avoiding cold water and suggest washing in warm water of 45 degrees. Honestly, if I can’t just toss it in with a wash I’m really not interested in it, so I have been just tossing this in the wash and I always wash with cold water. The jersey is still good, but to get the best wear out of your wardrobe you should probably follow the instructions.

The Verdict
Ultimately, it’s a good piece that does what it says it will do and belongs in a cyclists or triathletes wardrobe. At $129.00 AUD it’s worth the spend.

Ground Effects gear is available online and you can also see the tech details and FAQs for the Popsicle online.

The format of the book presents photos of the original jerseys that were worn by professional cyclists and it is split into sections including Track, The Classics, Grand Tours and World Championship jerseys. The US section takes a different approach to categorising jeseys to better suit the competitive road racing on that continent.

While some pages show only jersey photos and rider names and year, a number of jerseys are singled out with background information on the rider. If you follow pro-cycling, the stories of current and recent cycling pros will be familiar. Since the original collector was Dutch, a generous selection of jerseys are from Dutch riders and there are plenty of classic jerseys and stories from European cyclists of yesteryear.

This book is available in Australia for RRP $34.95 and $5 from each sale goes to the Tour de Cure to fund cancer research, support and prevention projects in Australia.

Your local bike store SHOULD have these books in stock, and they don’t, get them to contact the Tour de Cure: www.tourdecure.com.au  (bike shops can order via email). It’s for a good cause so each purchase helps to make a difference.

Melbourne mum Sarah Garbuio, a keen cyclist, discovered that when her first child was born there were no jerseys available for the little ones. She wanted a cute baby jersey, decided to create her own, and thus Spin Baby was born. For road cyclists, lycra is the uniform and Gabuio recognised that children looked up to their parents dressed in lycra “and want to look like us”.

“It’s not just about being comfortable, it’s about embracing cycling with your kids and becoming positive role models.  You can buy football jumpers for kids, so why not cycling jerseys”? says Gabuio.

There are three styles available: ‘baby’ blue, pink and, my favourite, the mini King of the Mountains red polka dot jersey. The 100% polyester jerseys come in eight sizes from newborns to around 5-6 years and include a short front zip and back pockets, which are handy. These days the little ones start on balance bikes which are a fantastic introduction to two wheels before the coordination kicks in for pedalling and Spin Baby have the kids covered for their journey into cycling.

Buying these jerseys won’t break the bank either; they’re priced at $39.95 plus postage. They’re a lovely gift that will put smiles on faces and have the little ones looking just like dad or mum.

The Spin Baby jerseys can be ordered online: www.spinbaby.com.au

The inevitable change-of-season head cold that seems to catch me in its grasp each autumn had finally gone when the Baked Alaska arrived in the mail. Perfect timing. The forced week off the bike had seen all sorts of temperature variations in the weather from low teens to mid-twenties. I was pretty keen to avoid freshening my head cold by either failing to stay warm or by overheating, and the Baked Alaska looked like it would fit the bill.

While Aussies may joke about New Zealanders’ relationship to their sheep, the folks at Ground Effect have turned that close familiarity to their advantage in the materials selected for this jersey’s construction. Their slick technical Heatwave fabric combines a merino wool layer next to your skin with a polyester outer layer for fast evaporation. It certainly seemed to work: good for keeping the core warm, but without overheating you when the sun comes out. I could feel the material wicking away the sweat on the long steady climbs while doing hill repeats past Taronga Zoo in the early morning, and there was none of the itch and scratch I normally associate with having wool next to my skin.

The front of the jacket is in a contrasting colour and uses their soft shell WindFoil fabric to stop the wind from biting through your flesh on long fast descents. It has a “crinkly” feel in the hands, like it has a plastic layer built into the middle, but on the inside facing your skin is a soft polyester fleece. On the climbs the WindFoil breathed well. I felt no need to for extra ventilation on the hill repeats, although they’ve thoughtfully put in a long front centre zip to give you the option. Given that I’d normally don a rain jacket to stay warm, and then be forced to peel it off at the start of the first ascent, it proved a welcome change.

When descending, the WindFoil fabric came into its own. This is especially noticeable on the first long descent of my commute, as the climb up to the main road is only 200m and doesn’t really give me a chance to get properly warmed up before commencing a 7-8 minute 40-60km/hr descent. My arms were a little cool, but my torso was fine and the high collar added welcome extra insulation.

To test the companies claims about wool being low odour, I deliberately didn’t wash it midweek, and while I wouldn’t recommend that for hygiene reasons there was no smell when it finally went into the front-loader on Saturday morning.

The burnt orange and titanium grey colour scheme of the jersey I received would stand out reassuringly for cyclists mixing it with the notorious Sydney traffic without being obviously “hi-vis”. The jersey is also available in azure blue and jet black. At the back of the jersey are a pair of zip pockets with reflective piping. There’s plenty of room to fit your wallet, keys, phone, rain shell and building security cards. The back is nice and low to keep your lower back covered if you’re wearing non-bib knicks or baggy shorts. The only downside of this was that it showed up the inadequacies of my rain jacket which – compared to Ground Effect’s offerings – is on the short side. Riding during the flash-flood inducing deluges Sydney experienced in April left the bottom halves of the pockets saturated , but fortunately I had packed everything vulnerable in sealed sandwich bags. The rain jacket is showing its age, so I’m thinking this is a good excuse to take a look at Ground Effect’s rain shells.

Fit-wise, it’s not skin tight. It’s close enough to wick moisture away effectively, and doesn’t flap annoyingly in the slipstream. I’d describe it more as “fitted”. For reference, I’m a 185cm 80kg adult male, and the medium was a great fit. I’m not sure how big they build ‘em in NZ, but if you’re smallish on the stature scale you may find it a challenge to find an appropriate size, although if you’re female they do a similarly tasteful women’s apparel range with sizing adjusted accordingly.

While it’s not a full-on winter jersey, the Baked Alaska works very well indeed as a between-seasons top.  It takes the bite out of the morning chill, while still dealing well with perspiration and cooling needs. You can layer above and below with jacket and thermals if required as the temperature drops, and the pockets are roomy enough to cope with stowing the extra layers when you need to peel them off.

Likes:
+ WindFoil chest panel takes the bite out of the autumn chill (I’ve already decided I’ll be investing in a pair of Ground Effects’ WindFoil socks before winter starts in earnest).
+ Cosy high collar
+ Roomy pockets with accessible zippers
+ Merino and polyester works well to wick away perspiration
+ Long sleeves with thumb loops sewn in to help keep them in place

Dislikes:
- The emergency tyre patch sewn into one of the pockets is cute, but gets in the way.

The Baked Alaska is available online directly from Ground Effect for $129

When looking at a rain jacket all the words and technology like wind proof, rain proof, breathable, and reflective should be included into the technology of the product.

The Tineli Rainman jacket that I received has all of these technologies included with it, it’s a given these days. Technology in cycling gear is at the top of it’s game right now and it’s only going to get better. I read up on the Tineli jacket and learnt the new term Rainskin which is used in the advertisement of the jacket.

Tineli describes Rainskin as, “ a light weight and transparent membrane which apart from being waterproof and highly breathable is also very light to wear and compact to stow.”

There is nothing worse than a bulky jacket that doesn’t fit in the back of a jersey pocket (I have one that doesn’t, I don’t use it), except perhaps a jacket that is too complicated to scrunch or fold. Luckily the Tineli Rainman scores full points as it is easy to stow in a back pocket, I’ve even squished it into my saddle bag on a day when even the weather just wasn’t sure what it was doing and I didn’t want it in my pocket.

Fan’s of light weight bicycle culture and minimalism should be looking at this jacket, not just because of its fold-ability and squish-ability, but because of the reflective piping along the back of the seams that provide a bit more confidence when you don’t really know what’s coming up from behind.

I don’t tend to sweat much on the bike unless I’m going uphill or I’m competing in the Melbourne commuter races and then I find that the jacket does stick to me somewhat if I have skin exposed. If you cover up the skin and wear arm warmers or a long sleeve jersey underneath the jacket then breath-ability is top notch.

It seems to be a durable garment , I’ve been using it and abusing it for 4 months and I’m happy with the way it’s holding up. If it’s not in my bag it’s thrown into a draw until that last minute rush for kit on a rainy morning.

The fit is good, I can’t fault it, plenty of space to stretch and move. Don’t forget Tineli designs their gear for your position on the bike so if you want a more relaxed fit then they suggest the next size up. If you do like to go out and get dirty, you can throw it in the washing machine (cold water wash) and it will be fine, I’ve done it a few times and the product stays true to its original self.

Most importantly, I’ve stayed dry during my cycling journey’s and if I knew about this jacket before I bought my other jacket, I would have probably chosen the Rainman because of the simplicity of the design and the added bonus that other people can see my kit under my jacket.

Check out the technical speak and read the full details on the product page of the website. It’s the perfect jacket for those of us who like to pack light with the added benefits of durable and breathable.

I’ve used it frequently for approximately 4 months, you tend to see pretty quickly if your kit is going to last and this is definitely a piece that’s in it for the long haul.

The Tineli Rainman Jacket retails for $134.95 and is available from all leading bike shops or you can organise with Tineli to pickup the next day from your favourite bike shop. Tineli do both custom cycling wear and offer a range Tineli brand cycling wear with good looks and prices: www.tineli.com.au