Amy McPherson
Verona is an Italian city of great art and culture. It is also a city of romance, for those familiar with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
It is no wonder then, that a cycling apparel brand from this city should possess such creative pizazz, with clothing so wonderfully colourful without being tacky, yet so functional and comfortable, it is loved by both professional and amateurs.
That name is Alé Cycling.
There is something I really like about Alé, an Italian cycling kit brand that has a feminine soul. In fact, I’d like to think of the brand as the only established brand that unconventionally starts with the women’s kit first before the men’s kits, and this observation is certainly reflected in their designs for both genders.
Games PR-E Ladies Short Sleeves Jersey
Brand new to the style line is a salute to this year’s Paris Olympic Games. The Games PR-E Ladies Short Sleeves Jersey comes with Alé’s patented Micro Aero fabric that is light and windproof, and comes with the Body Mapping technology where the fabric somehow moulds around your body for a better fit.
The back has reflective patterns for visibility, is UPF 30+ for sun protection and has three lovely pockets for keys, phone and wallet. Having worn it on a couple of rides, it is fast becoming one of my favourite go to jerseys.
The confetti like pattern is fun without being flamboyant, and is a happy addition to the palette of my otherwise rather block coloured lycra wardrobe. The only complaint I have is there are no zip pockets to the back, and I am one of those nervous wrecks who will keep checking on the pockets to see if anything has fallen out!
Master 2.0 Lady Bibshorts
True to the Alé promise, the Master 2.0 bibshorts are very comfortable to wear and ride with. I like the wide straps that stay in place without digging into the shoulders, I like that there is a slight compression to the material, a feature which I find helps with muscle tiredness on longer rides and I like the raw-cut hem design so the shorts don’t attempt to cut off the circulation around my thighs.
And it has UPF 50+ sun protection.
Small details then. The legs of the shorts are shorter than the average bibshorts, which I don’t mind but might be an issue with some women. And I found the chamois, while comfortable, a little on the thin side. Not that thin is a bad thing but it is not firm enough to stay supportive for really long rides.
Overall, it’s another triumph for Alé’s collection. I would also recommend for the colder months, the ‘Level’ thermal and windproof jacket keeping you riding all year long, and while you are there, grab a pair of the brand’s leg warmers too!
Keen on this Olympic themed kit? Head over to www.alecycling.com.au for further details.
