Cycle
Founder Mike Herlinger created Club Ride with a simple goal in mind; he wanted to be able to shred, hang out at the saloon, and maybe even score a ride on a tandem bike with that badass racer chick that everyone has always been crushing on, all in the same apparel. And after holding some of their stuff up to some harsh ripping (and chilling), I can attest that their gear feels as good as it looks.
BOLT SHIRT ($80)
The Bolt has become my favorite warm weather jersey, hands down. The RideDryWear™ is ridiculously light, and combined with the pit vents and loose, button-down fit, make the shirt my go-to when the thermometer is peaking. It has clever, yet subtle features, like a built in glasses wipe and a hidden side pocket that’s suitable for lighter storage, like gels or a CO2 cartridge. The material has held up so far, but seems like it could rip if you bail in the wrong place (but the thin layering is worthy a sacrifice made for breathability). If you’re one for button up shirts and enjoy riding in the peak of summer, this loose fitting, heat shedding shirt needs to make it into your lineup.
CAMOTION JERSEY ($60)
The Camotion is Club Ride’s take on a traditional jersey, as demonstrated by the quarter zip and double back pockets. But the biggest difference between the this piece and a standard MTB jersey is the Camotion’s 91% nylon and 9% spandex, combining to be the stretchiest fabric I’ve ever worn, by far. Wearing this feels like a constant hug, which makes those grueling climbs a bit more tolerable.
This jersey runs a bit warmer than the Bolt Shirt, and takes longer to dry. Ideally, this is your go to when the leaves start to change and you need a midweight jersey to crank in and then hit the pub afterwards (as it was surprisingly clean-smelling after a sweaty day’s ride).
MOUNTAIN SURF SHORT ($80)
These are a fan-favorite at Club Ride, and for good reason. The shorts do everything exceptionally well; they are light enough for long days pushing pedals, yet durable enough for DH laps. Two handy thigh-side zipper pockets keep valuables secure and prevent them from flopping around (and hitting you in the sensitive spot) when your legs are spinning. Plus, the internal waist adjustment makes for a snug fit without the added weight and discomfort of a belt. My favorite aspect of the shorts was the loose, free-flowing fit, and the generous 12” inseam that kept my quads from showing in between my shorts and kneepads (the equivalent to a gorby gap in MTB).
COMMANDER SHORT ($100)
The Commander is built to be a do-it-all cargo short, from town to trail. And I won’t lie, it does everything, as it’s stretchy, abrasion resistant, and breathable. It has very similar features to the Mountain Surf, but with a heftier price tag… So if you want what feels like a beefier built short with a bit better water resistance, than these might be your go to. If not, the Mountain Surfs will suit you perfectly.
GUNSLINGER CHAMOIS ($40)
Ahhhhh…. Sorry, that’s just the sound I make when riding in the Gunslingers. Built for “two hour rides,” they come with a mid-range thickness foam pad that’s comfortable yet light. The ActiveAir™ netted fabric was breezy as could be, and made me question why all my underwear isn’t already made with the woven material. The “silicone strip gripper leg elastic” was a little intense for me though, and tried to steal my leg hair on multiple occasions (I just folded it back and was good to go). Overall, these Chamois are worthy of all the time that I spent in them.
