Aussie kit brand Attaquer has its roots in unapologetically loud and lairy kits, and although it still offers plenty of bright and busy limited editions, the majority of its range has become a bit more subdued, but by no means boring.
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The latest addition to Attaquer’s kit range is the A-Line. Based around a more relaxed fit than the Race or Core kits, the A-Line Jersey and bibs come in bright colours with basic designs that are meant to be mixed and matched.
Attaquer A-Line jersey
Comparing my size medium A-Line jersey to the brand's ‘race fit’ tops in the same size there is a bit more room through the torso. The fabric still fits close to the body and there is nothing flapping in the wind, but it's not second skin tight in an effort to be aero either. There is also a women’s specific cut available.
Attaquer has also opted for quite long sleeves, which on me go most of the way down to my elbow. There’s no gripper at the bottom but there is no need as they stay put and don’t bunch.
Still made from Italian fabrics, the A-Line Kit is the brand's most budget-friendly offering, it’s also the first time its kit has been made outside of Italy. While the tag says made in China, it’s clear the team at Attaquer have partnered with a reputable manufacturer as there is no lack of quality here.
The jersey is made with a mix of three fabrics by my count; the front uses a slightly stretchy mesh, the sleeves a non-mesh but still stretchy fabric and the back panel is made with a slightly more substantial non-stretch mesh. The more rigid fabric on the back prevents the pockets from bouncing, even when stuffed to capacity.
In previous reviews of Attaquer kits I’ve noted that the pockets were far too small, but that’s not the case with the A-Line jersey. The pockets are noticeably bigger than any of the company's previous designs that I've ridden in, with the middle pouch being roughly a third bigger than the other two.
The heat and humidity in Queensland going into to the Australian summer pushes a kit's moisture management to the limit, and the A-Line kit has come through with flying colours. It handles the heat and sweaty humidity well, fending off that swampy, sweat saturated feeling even in the afternoon sun.
There’s a reflective tab on the rear of the jersey, although with the candy apple red colour visibility is not likely an issue. The branding is subtle with a small logo on the chest, a medium sized ‘A’ on the sleeve and a small tag on the pockets, which is likely to please those who hate the rolling billboard look.
The jersey also has a standard collar and a large rubberised zipper pull, which is easy to handle whether your mitts are drenched in sweat or covered with full finger gloves.
Attaquer A-Line jersey bibshorts
The bibs feature an elastic interface chamois, which comes in both men’s and women’s specific versions. A chamois that you don’t have much to say about is a good thing because its job is to disappear from your consciousness as you ride and that’s exactly what this pad did.
It’s a good thickness and there is padding where you need it, not where you don’t. The bibs also come in men's and women's cuts with gender-specific chamois to cradle your bathing suit parts just right.
In the same vein as the top, the five-panel bibs are void of much branding beyond two small logos. The four-way stretch fabric is extremely soft to the touch yet provides pleasant compression when they’re on.
The fabric does however have a sheen slippery finish which Attaquer co-founder Stevan Musulin told BikeRadar is because the material is made with 30% recycled lycra. Unfortunatly this does, however, allowe you to slide around a bit on the saddle while pedaling.
Having said that, it is possible that some of the blame partially falls on the cover of my Astute Star saddle.
There is a wide leg band on the bottom of the legs that's infused with little silicone dots, which provided a comfortable fit and, like the jersey, all the seams are flatlock stitched.
At the top of the bibs the straps are lightweight mesh and are soft on the skin and provide plenty of stretch.
Overall, the A-Line kit hits a price point that is a first for Attaquer, and it's produced a fantastic kit. It looks good, it feels good, and it won't drain your bank account. How much more can you ask for?