Ok, so we spend a lot of time reviewing perhaps the most important kit for cycling, i.e. bikes, wheelsets, and shoes. But surely no one is out there riding in the raw, ergo apparel need not be neglected. Whether you are looking for increased performance from your apparel or not, I think that we can all agree that at the very least we want to be comfortable in our attire when we cycle. In this post, we shall discuss some of the Specialized road apparel line, helmets shall be discussed at a later date as they are well worthy of a complete post of their own.
This blog emphasizes the essentials, bib shorts and jerseys. With regard to endurance road apparel, Specialized offers three levels of bib shorts. The basic RBX Sport Bib Shorts still offer the benefits of VaporRize™ moisture transfer, they have a well articulated cycling fit, a silicone print on the fold-over leg cuff, the RBX Sport Chamois, and Deflect UV of 50+. For those unfamiliar with the Deflect UV technology, it is technology integrated into the fabrics to protect riders from Ultra Violet rays.
One model up is the RBX Comp Bib Short with which you get the all the benefits of the RBX Sport Bib Shorts, plus a higher grade Body Geometry RBX Comp Chamois.
And at the top end of the spectrum, the RBX Pro Bib Short, riders get the added benefit of the Coldblack® technology, which makes the black materials absorb less heat than others. Moreover, the rider also gets RBX silicone grip elastic, and the top of the line Body Geometry RBX Pro Chamois.
Specialized also provides endurance apparel Jersey at these same three levels, with benefits of each particular model as well of course. The basic RBX Sport Jersey is semi-form fit and made with VaporRize™ moisture transfer knit fabrics with Deflect UV 30, equipped with three expansion pockets, and has a full-length zipper.
The RBX Comp Jersey comes with all the features of the Sport Jersey plus a side panel stash pocket as well as more color options.
And with the RBX Pro Jersey, top of the line for Specialized endurance road jerseys, the rider gets the added benefit of the sweat-proof zippered pocket. This feature can be clutch when one is needing to carry their phone.
The Men’s Endurance apparel line is going to cover all the needs of the weekend warrior and/or distance yet non-competitive cyclists. But as we now, competitive cyclists have different needs, and those little advantages can often make a difference when fighting for fractions of seconds. For these cyclists, my recommendation is the SL Pro Bib Short. The SL Pro Bib short of course is constructed with VaporRize™ moisture transfer knit fabrics and Deflect UV 50+. But the true benefit to the competitive cyclist is going to be in the articulated cycling fit of these bib shorts, which is noticeable instantly when you put them on. Moreover, they come with the Body Geometry SL Pro Chamois, super comfortable and aerodynamic. And lastly the silicone infused fabric cuff is another added feature to this model meant to enhance the fit of the short.
Having used Specialized Bib shorts and jerseys in both road and track, they have held up better than most kit I have experience with. Moreover, the manufacturing of the high end kit is arguably equivalent to that of a comparable level of kit such as that from Castelli. Yet, I think the real benefits of specialized apparel are realized through their BG fit as well as the technology that is integrated into them such as the Coldblack® technology, VaporRize™ moisture transfer, and Deflect UV technology.
Keep it up Specialized, innovation at all angles.
Fulton Bikes 