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 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.

The Ground Effect Median Strip is a “Lightwave Merino” jersey. Lightwave Merino is part Merino wool and part polyester. The theory is that the material combines the comfort, warmth and low-odour properties of merino wool with the durability and moisture wicking ability of polyester.

Material
The result is a material that feels significantly different to traditional lycra jerseys. It’s much more comfortable, not in the  “never-go-back-to-lycra” way, rather that the retro-grouches will love it (their words, not ours).

Construction
On that note, while the material is nice, the way it’s constructed is incredible. The seams and shapes of the panels clearly identify this as a well-designed item. We wouldn’t normally consider making note of it unless it was exceptionally poor. But in this case, it’s one of the first things you notice. We would expect it to last very well.

Other notable features are zippered pockets and a repair patch sewn into the jersey – further evidence of the considerable thought that has gone into it.

Design
While it may have been stitched together with a lot of forethought, the overall look doesn’t give the impression of being a time consuming design masterpiece. You have the choice of silver with black zip and trimmings or orange with a white zip and trimmings. This style is characteristic thoughout most of Ground Effects’ range and will either suit your taste or you may consider it boring. In any case, it’s not a design that will “date” and this means it as a jersey that you will still be wearing in 5 or 10 years’ time.

One thing that we ought to mention is the size. It’s very large. The “Medium” feels at least the same size as a “Large”. If you want a tight  Euro-fit, you’ll need to go almost two sizes smaller than usual. Though if you don’t mind a looser, T-Shirt-style fit, then the larger size may suit you.

Performance
The jersey is an adequate performer. It removes sweat fine and there’s not much more to say. It doesn’t perform noticeably better or worse than traditional jerseys and shouldn’t be a problem on hot summer days, though it does provide slightly more warmth in winter.

The Verdict
A fine jersey that, while rather plain, is very well built and comfortable.

Recommended if:
You prefer a conservative look
You want your clothing to last for years
You appreciate quality; and
You are a retro-grouch

See the jersey and more sporting wear at www.groundeffect.co.nz

I headed out on my Sunday training session down Melbourne’s Beach Road and the best comment of the day was from a bloke who came up beside me, “wow, you’re really doing that jersey justice!”

On the front of the jersey are the words, “Tough Chik Performance,” and on the back, “tough chik; this is what tough looks like.”

I’ve gathered feedback from co-workers and friends, we’ve all given a big thumbs up for the black and white checkered pockets which are very cool and although I can’t guarantee they will make you faster, I’m 100% positive they made me faster.

The sizes are on par with standard sizing guides, if you think you’ll squeeze into a large its probably best to get the next size up so you’re able to wear a base layer under it in the Autumn, the elastic in the arms is top quality as is the stitching.

The fabric feels good against your skin and for approximately $78.00 AUD ($65.00 USD) you can’t go past this jersey for value for money, not only does it look great, it magically gives you that little bit extra that we all need on the road!

Try telling the boys who wear the maglia rosa in the Giro d’Italia that pink doesn’t make you go faster!

Check out: www.toughchik.com

The tailored shoulders, contrast chest-band and embroidered logo are the hallmarks of classic Rapha styling, with a slim, race fit and long-cut back. The jersey’s merino-rich fabric keeps you cool and dry, a superior alternative to many synthetic technical fabrics on the market. It also offers natural UV protection, is itch free, anti-bacterial and odour resistant.

A new, ergonomic side-panel construction, developed exclusively by Rapha, creates a narrower back and provides the basis for an improved pocket configuration. The rear pocket layout still has 3 main cargo pockets with an inner pump sleeve and zip-up, valuables compartment. The design and construction of the pocket layout helps to spread the weight of cargo and improve load stability.

The Club Jersey is the perfect jersey to reach for on those long summer rides. Made from sweat-wicking Sportwool, the jersey has side panels for an improved fit and an enhanced pocket configuration for greater storage and improved load stability. The jersey is Itch free, anti-bacterial and odour resistant.

Available online from Rapha in the UK for $180

Swedish performance apparel pioneer CRAFT shows girls the lightest way to coolness with its Superlight Mesh SL! Introduced last season for men, the prototypes of the featherweight quickly advanced to become favourite pieces with the pro cyclists.

It’s unique knitting technique shaves off grams and offers exceptional cooling properties. The honeycomb construction features mesh with big holes on the outside for fantastic ventilation. Whereas on the inside, CRAFT uses a plainer construction since only the contact area with the skin ensures effective moisture transportation.

CRAFT combines this new knitting technique with the elastic Pro Cool polyester fibre. Its six channel construction increases the surface area, which leads to so-called capillary action. This results in an unbeatable heat and moisture dissipation. For odour prevention, hygiene and freshness, CRAFT utilizes a silver ion treatment which complies with Oeko-Tex Standard 100.

The CRAFT Mesh Jersey is available through http://www.craft.se