Merino and Mud: Kitsbow Mountain Biking

Spring is in rare form across the country, and that means urban and backcountry trails are in perfect condition for some serious riding. Whether you’re a serious enduro mountain biker whose idea of a good ride is a 30+ mile suffer-fest, or one of those crazy downhill riders launching 40 foot red rock cliffs, the last thing you want to be caught wearing on your next ride is nondescript decades old spandex. At the same time, having a set of purpose built biking clothes will be the difference between adding a few extra miles to your evening ride, or heading home after battling sweat and chafing – and losing.

We love the line up from California based Kitsbow because it not only keeps us from looking like the dreaded Middle-Aged-Man-In-Lycra, but hits all the right technical design notes to build the perfect mountain biking jersey and shorts. Kitsbow was born from a pair of friends obsessed with designing cycling apparel that took cues not just from performance driven metrics, but also from well tailored suits and high fashion. The result is a line of jerseys, shorts, and base layers sourced from top shelf Australian and New Zealand merino blends, and treated using industry leading Schoeller technical fabrics and water resistant nano treatments. Details like silicon gripper hems, strategically placed zippers, and ergonomic fits make the entire line a must-have for any performance minded and fashion conscious rider.

For summer weight apparel we recommend staying with their merino-nylon blended jerseys. Their unique fabric blends provide all the durability of a synthetic fabric with the enhanced temperature control and breathability (not to mention odor control in case things get a little too sweaty) of natural wool. the Rudy Jersey ($220) is our favorite. It’s understated style is at home charging mountain single-track, and in some places would even pass muster for office casual (we’re looking at you, Boulder, CO). Layered with the all new Wind Vest($175), you’ll easily weather spring storms and deep mud. As if that wasn’t enough, the A/M Midweight Shorts ($230) are easily our new favorites for everything from serious backcountry rides, to the evening bike commute to your local dive bar. Made with Schoeller dryskin fabric, they shed water and mud with ease, and have five pockets to protect your essentials from the elements. Whatever you choose, when you’re out on the trails with Kitsbow this summer, you’ll get more than your fair share of compliments and envious stares as you crush miles of mud on two wheels.