I have been testing a pair of cycle shorts and a short-sleeved cycle top made by SKINS. Most of you will be aware of SKINS compression clothes for running. I had not tested their cycle wear before. I have tested other SKINS products such as the DNAmic thermal running tights for winter.
Shorts hanging on the line to dry.
SKINS Dnamic cycle shorts
Features include:
- DNAmic Gradient Compression to “ensure compression levels are optimised for activity, providing increased support and driving more oxygen to your muscles for better performance”
- Elastic Interface Technology Women’s Bastogne HP chamois for “ultimate comfort and protection on long rides”
- Reduced friction for enhanced riding comfort and durability with no inner leg seams
- Wicks moisture to keep you dry
- Silicone gripper on hem keeps shorts in place
- Reflective heat seals
- 50+ UV protection
- £100
See SKINS
On test: SKINS Dnamic cycle shorts
SKINS call these half-tights. I am not sure why since they are shorts.
Anyway, I have not worn cycling shorts (instead of bib shorts) for many years. That is because I hate a waistband digging in at the waist. I also find that bib shorts prevent that annoying gap at the back.
But these shorts are actually very comfortable and practical in that area. The wide waistband is made of a thinner fabric and they rise up fairly high so you do not feel the wind on your skin between the shorts and a cycle top. The fabric feels nice and flat – ie not bunched up – against the skin and this was surprising. I thought they would be very annoying around the waist but they felt great.
The length of the shorts on the leg is good. I prefer a longer leg and the fabric at the hem is really nice against the skin. There is a nice gripper on the inside of the fabric to keep the shorts in place.
While the shorts are black, the pink hem on one leg creates a nice look.
The fabric of the shorts feels nice against the skin.
The pad is a bit thick for me. SKINS state: “Elastic Interface Technology Bastogne HP Chamois has a three-dimensional shape to support the anatomy, provide the perfect fit for favourable blood flow and saddle stability.
“It offers increased protection with a central channel in the perineal area with high density, perforated foams on each side for breathability.
“The foams are applied underneath for a comfortable, flush surface with close and continuous skin contact. It’s the perfect chamois for rides of four hours or more.”
I confess I prefer something less padded. Perhaps my bum is padded enough?! I also like the padding to be wider than the SKINS pad (or maybe I have a wide butt?!). I felt like it was padded in the middle like a nappy, although this might just be my shape that caused it.
Some people like very padded shorts and others don’t so I would only buy these if you like a thick pad for your butt.
Overall the shorts are nicely designed.
£100 is quite a lot to pay for a pair of cycling shorts but they have the advantage of the SKINS fabric, if you believe in these things, if he compression component.
SKINS state: DNAmic Gradient Compression is “our most advanced compression technology and increases muscle oxygenation, stabilises active muscles and reduces blood lactate build up, to enhance performance and speed up recovery time.”
I am never sure if this actually works but I do like wearing compression tights and shorts for running so I reckon the same benefits are there for cyclists too.
SKINS Classic short-sleeved jersey.
SKINS Cycle Women’s Short Sleeve Jersey Classic
Features include:
- Ergonomic fit for the “ultimate comfort in the riding position”
- Strategically placed stretch zones “to maximise freedom of movement”
- Mesh inserts for “optimised ventilation”
- Three back pockets
- Full-length lightweight front zip with clipdown
- Wicks moisture to keep you dry
- Reflective heat seals
- 30+ UV protection in non-mesh areas
- Price: £70
On test: SKINS Cycle Women’s Jersey Classic short sleeve
It’s a nice top and it fits me well. The wider hems on the arms are very comfortable and the torso length of the jersey is perfect.
The torso hem is grippy to stop it riding up the back when cycling and that works well.
The fabric is lightweight and easy to wear and the mesh panels under the arm are in the right position for making them more breathable.
Apart from that the jacket is quite basic. The rear pockets are sufficient but it would be nice to have a zipped or waterproof pocket.
The black with pink features is a flattering look but I think that if you are a road cyclist you would be better with a brighter coloured top. There is a “Kasbah” colourway, too, which is a bit different.
I think that £70 is quite a lot to pay for a short-sleeved jersey but many brands do charge this. You pay for the brand and the nice design and it’s worth it if you like the colour and looks.
See SKINS cycle wear.
- I was gifted the products to try. My views are independent of the brand.