Nat Bromhead
Relatively unknown in Australia, Ground Effect is a 30 year young New Zealand brand that hand makes cycling apparel. Here we put their winter kit to the test.
“Battledress for toughing it out when the weather turns to custard.” That’s how New Zealand brand Ground Effect describe their aptly named Storm Trooper wet weather jacket.
But before we put the mother of all rain jackets plus two other pieces of Ground Effect kit through their paces, who exactly is this highly-regarded Kiwi company?
Unlike a lot of the apparel and gear we review from the constant new brands that appear on the market, Ground Effect have done their time.
The Aotearoa-based company originated in the pre-digital age of 1994, less than a decade after the first edition of Bicycling Australia was printed in 1987.
Over the years, the brand transitioned to e-commerce, emphasising the best quality gear using technical fabrics and promising fast delivery. They stood out with their less serious approach and locally manufactured products, maintaining efficiency despite higher labour costs.
Beyond business, Ground Effect engage in advocacy, campaigning for mountain bike access and promoting cycling as transportation. They’ve invested in trail building, contributing over $200,000 to volunteer projects.
After reading some of the hundreds of reviews on their website, I was surprised to have not previously come across the brand. One example that stood out was one of the almost 300 reviews on their Storm Trooper jacket page that states ‘This jacket is the best cycling/multisport jacket I have ever owned. I’ve had it nearly ten years and its construction and performance is exceptional.’
Ten years! Yes, we are talking serious quality kit here.
We recently received a range of review items from Ground Effect and were initially quite surprised that the small package contained three of their more popular offerings. Rolled and wrapped in paper rather than folded and placed in plastic, initial impressions were faultless presentation, top quality fabrics and lightweight, minimalist performance-inspired gear. Unwrapping the jacket, pants and top, the impeccable attention to detail was clearly evident, with faultless seams, perfect stitching and that genuine handmade feel that’s becoming very rare these days.
Unrolling the Storm Trooper jacket, taking a close look at the hydrofoil fabric, welded seams, tough looking zip, raised collar, elasticised cuffs and reflective strips, and the overarching impression was ‘this is clearly a very serious wet weather jacket.’
With the review coinciding with a very frustrating 10 days of rain, the Storm Trooper arrived with perfect timing.
Cold Front, Warm Jacket
With a cold front aka a dreaded Southerly Buster heading our way, I put my life on the line for the job and headed to a nearby lighthouse on top of a 75m south-facing cliff face. There I tested out the jacket in winds up to 140kp/h and squally, cyclonic rain. You think I’m making this up? Checkout the BA Instagram feed for the video.
To say the Storm Trooper made light work of the heavy weather is a massive understatement … this is the ultimate in bad weather kit.
It was 100 per cent waterproof and did a wonderful job in keeping the cold 100+kph winds at bay. In sub five-degree temps I remained dry and comfortable while the jacket breathed exceptionally well. The raised collar conceals a packed hood which was also super handy in sudden downpours. The hood, similar to a skullcap, remained in place even in the strongest gusts of wind.
The jacket doesn’t have any pockets as such, but it does have a rear zipped off section. In here is one of the Storm Troopers key features – an inbuilt bum bag. Simply invert the jacket, stuff it into the bag, zip it up and carry it around your waste. 10 out of 10 Ground Effect – in our books this is the mother of all rain jackets.
A Baked Alaska?
Ground Effects ‘Baked Alaska’ sounds way more like a variation of a tasty dessert than a warm cycling top.
A mix between a warm long-sleeved pullover and a cycling jersey, this is a truly unique design. The front chest panel is considerably thicker than the sleeves and rear panel, and there’s a 3/4 length zip to help regulate temperature while riding. The rear panel features three lower pockets with the centre pocket being zipped for security. Each sleeve features thumb holes, and the neck is high cut for extra warmth when required.
This is cozy and warm to wear, it feels soft and comfortable on the skin, and maintains that impeccably high handmade quality of the Storm Trooper jacket. Perfect for cool to cold weather road or gravel rides, this will be a winter go-to.
Stovepipes
Looser fitting long pants are not exactly something you’d expect to read about in a cycling magazine, but these stretchy strides standout as great way to keep warm during winter gravel or XC MTB rides. Tapered to fit the legs, offering incredible stretch, and featuring elasticised waist bands, these pants feel great on and lend themselves to cool weather leg protection. Being cycling specific pants, there are no rear pockets or seams to ensure 100 per cent saddle comfort. The fabric is incredibly stretchy, it feels great on and these are top quality pants. Full marks Ground Effect! We love your work. 
ABOVE: The jacket retails for $400 but has proven itself as the best of the best, the quality is next level.
TOP: Ground Effect hand make a wide variety of high-end cycling and outdoor gear.
“I tested out the jacket in winds up to 140kp/h and squally, cyclonic rain”
Storm Trooper Key Features
Lightweight waterproof-breathable 3 layer HydroFoil Plus fabric with fully tape-sealed seams for maximum waterproofness.
Full-length AquaGuard water resistant front zip with internal flap.
Über breathable fabric means no need for underarm zips.
Thumb loops keep your wrists under wraps.
WhaleTail cut keeps all of your back covered all of the time.
Reflective trim explodes with brightness under headlights.
Zip-away skullcap hood fits snugly under your helmet – without blocking peripheral vision or restricting movement.
Rear pocket turns into itself to form a lightweight bumbag with room to squeeze in a few small items.
S and XXL sizes in selected colours only.
Designed & made in Aotearoa | New Zealand
$NZ429
Baked Alaska
Merino inner layer with a fast-drying polyester outer.
WindFoil micro-fleece softshell front deflects chilly winds.
Long front zip for temperature control.
Flat seams for enhanced comfort.
Integrated thumb loops keep your wrists under wraps.
Rear security pocket and twin elasticised angle-pockets.
WhaleTail longer back for greater cycling warmth.
Designed & made in Aotearoa | New Zealand.
$NZ199
Stovepipe Pants
Hi-Impact Stretch nylon fabric.
Slim performance fit.
Easy-Rider stretch hip panels with Broadband rear waist.
Smooth fitted waist with zipped fly.
Open hand pockets plus side zip security pocket.
Gusseted crutch for pedalling freedom.
Combine with Innuendos, Underdogs, Stowaways or Flatliners mesh liner for increased performance.
Articulated knees with room for low-profile knee pads.
Tapered cuffs to avoid chain suck.
Hazard! reflective logos on each calf for visibility.
Designed & made in Aotearoa | New Zealand.
RRP $NZ249
I’ve been wearing their gear for years, I have a Baked Alaska, Model Tee and best of all Frosty Boy all of which I’ve had for over 10 years and they all get a lot of use. When you realise how long their stuff lasts it is not expensive at all and an absolute joy to wear! (especially when it’s cold)