Polaris Bikewear www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk have just sent some samples of their challenge range, which are designed with input from Tegan Phillips and other epic adventure tourists. While retaining the classic cycling cut and materials, other features have been tweaked for comfort and practicality.
Starting with the Nexus short, this is a six panel design made from a
subtle navy blue Calvico (Polyester/Elastane) weave. One of the most unusual,
though very subtle features are an elasticated mesh pocket on the left leg and
a zippered “valuables compartment” on the butt compartment. The former have
swallowed my jailor’s bunch without feeling intrusive, overburdened, or indeed
ejecting mortar fashion at the first bump.
Inserts are probably one of the most personal contact points-they’ve
gone for a medium density TMF, a blend of Coolmax fibres to keep the crotch
region arid while a silver anti-bacterial component safeguards against
infection. 50 miles in and things are favourable, which isn’t always the
case- another 450 or so will give a much better idea of their capabilities and
compatibility.
Tasteful Orange/Blue/Yellow silicone leg grippers are more generous than
most and designed to prevent gathering and that unsightly branding when its
time to strip off and hit the campsite shower blocks. …They also compliment the
Challenge merino ride socks. Strictly speaking these are a Merino mix with
padded heel and toe sections. Longer cut gives a more civilian look, while
giving ankles and lower calves a sporting chance through long grass and brambles.
Then we have their Traverse Jersey, another Merino based garment for
fast wicking odour management. Not sure lime green is my colour (but there are
alternatives?). This deviates from the traditional jersey script in several
respects. A polo type collar gives better protection from harsh sunlight, while
also offering a more civilian look when off the bike. Longer sleeves and front
zipper offer similar benefits. The latter has one of the most user friendly
tags I’ve ever come across-effortless climate control and subtle reflective
detailing brings it to life around dusk and beyond.
Given the more casual design brief, Polaris has been very inventive with
the pockets. Two generous diagonal “Power mesh” stretch pockets sit on the
sides and will manage larger mini pumps, smart phone, wallet etc with no hint
of ejection over poorly surfaced roads/trails-to date at least. The men’s
version features a similarly deep, zippered nelson pocket on the right breast.
I’ve hauled my faithful compact camera around without feeling obviously
overburdened.
It’s been unseasonably warm this past week or two (well into the late
20s/early 30s) for me to put their windproof pioneer jacket through its paces,
even to arrive at any formative opinion.
It’s a two layer polyester design with a vented rear panel that
follows the more relaxed narrative, so won’t draw unwelcome attention and could
also be worn as a general outdoor jacket-looks good with Jeans. Looking forward
to seeing how it copes with wet and windy weather, the stuff synonymous with
autumn and falling leaves.
Elsewhere, the Univega’s Vittora Randonneur trail tyres finally
succumbed to irreparable cuts in the casing. Several thousands of miles under
their belt, I had previously patched a gash in the rear tread twice with a
“boot” and filling the remainder with high strength glue but a third signalled
their retirement.
I’ve gone back to those Vittoria city runner, a nigh on slick 26x1.6
road/commuter model, which rolls a lot faster than their 28tpi casings would
suggest. Now, things go in fashions- most of us took the slick route with our
mountain bikes during the mid to late 90s.
These days there are abundance of competitively priced, capable road
biased flat bar commu-do-mosts, some with derailleurs, others hub transmission
that are arguably much better working bikes, mtbs with slick tyres, full length
guards, rack and a taller spread of gears remain very versatile four seasons’
bikes. Having succumbed to a some minor knee discomfort, I’m staying off the
fixers for now and taking advantage of the Univega’s lower, variable gears and
masses of pedal float
Talking of derailleurs, tickly, noisy changes from its rear Microshift
mech were attributed to a dog-eared rear outer cable. Given the inner was in
rude health, I simply pruned some leftover compressionless Jagwire housing used
on the Ilpompino’s front disc. Crisp shifting restored in two minutes
flat-little victories!
