Team Sky have had a massive impact in their first year on the ProTour circuit, and now you can look just like Bradley Wiggins et al with the launch of this official replica kit – although you may have to suck in the beer gut!
As well as short-sleeved (£70), long-sleeved (£80) and kids' jerseys (£40), there are bib shorts (£75), a winter jacket (£150), windproof gilet (£85), armwarmers (£35), mitts (£30), a cycling cap (£15) and even Team Sky socks (£10).
Made by Adidas, the kit has been designed to be a step above most replica strips, with use of higher performance fabrics and feedback from the squad's racers, which has led to details like the full-length zip on the jerseys for better cooling.
Along with strong performances in this year's races, it could well help team principal Dave Brailsford in his stated aim to "persuade a generation to pull on Team Sky colours". The team replica clothing is available now in the UK from "all good bike stores". The core kit (tops and shorts) is available in sizes XS to 2XL. For details, call 0870 240 4204 or email customercareuk@adidas.com.
You too could look this good in Team Sky's replica kit!
Dirt Shirt technical Ts from Fox
These new tops from Fox look like standard T-shirts at first glance, but get a little closer and there's a slight sheen to the material which gives the game away – they're actually designed for riding. The material is a mix of polyester and bamboo charcoal, which is said to keep odours at bay.
Fox's Three Minutes Dirt Shirt looks just like a T-shirt until you get up close
We reckon they could be just the thing for those hot summer days when you want to head to the pub straight after a quick blast on the bike, or when you want to keep things low-key down at the trails but don't want to end up soaked in sweat.
Four designs are available, including this New Waves graphic
There are four versions to choose from, each with screen printed chest graphics. RRP is £30 (US$39.95). For more details, visit www.foxeurope.com (UK) or www.foxracing.com (US).
Limited edition wet weather gear from Montane
British outdoor clothing company Montane have released a limited edition version of their Atomic Stretch jacket and Dynamic Pants to raise funds for Mountain Rescue England & Wales. The jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable, and scrunches down into its own little carry pouch.
Funds will go to Mountain Rescue from every purchase of a Montane Atomic Stretch jacket
It has a slight drop tail for riding, fully taped seams and an offset front zip to prevent rubbing. Adjustable cuffs should keep out the wind and rain, and the single-hand operated draw cord on the hem should be easy to use. £75 of the £125 RRP will go to Mountain Rescue.
Montane's Dynamic Pants are lightweight, breathable and should keep out the worst weather
We'd love it if this summer's weather was good enough that we didn't have to use these trousers (or the jacket), but Montane’s Dynamic Pants with Polartec Stretch Powershield fabric are lightweight, breathable and should keep out the worst.
Poppers on the bottom of the legs mean you can stop them flapping in the wind
Leg cuff poppers are a godsend for on-the-bike use, and a plastic-buckled belt makes sure the trousers stay in place. £35 of the £65 RRP will go to Mountain Rescue. Visit www.montane.co.uk.
Oz Riders grips
Australian brand Oz Riders' products are now available in Europe via KAM Creative. The first kit to hit our desks is these high-density foam grips in a striking royal blue colour. Also available in black, white and red, the hexagonal grips are 125mm long and weigh less than 45g per pair, including plastic bar plugs.
Oz Riders' grips are used by Australian racers including Chris Jongewaad and Daniel McConnell
Kids' lids from Bell and Giro
These are two of the latest children’s helmets from Bell and Giro, which take advantage of their new One-Step fit system. This replaces the usual dial or ratchet system with a simple elastic strap, meaning that the helmet self-adjusts to the correct size, so no more loose straps or kids with helmets perched on the back of their heads.
Giro's Rascal uses in-mould construction, as seen in adult helmets. RRP is £24.99
Bell's Splash sells for £19.99. As with the Rascal, it has integrated rear red LEDs
