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Cycling in Style: Hincapie Cycling Apparel Review

hincapie-anthemI’ve learned a lot since I started getting more serious about cycling a couple of years ago. I’ve learned the proper hand signals. I’ve learned how to do a bottle exchange during a race. I’ve learned how to change a tire. And, perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that the right gear is absolutely vital to a successful long ride.

Seriously.

I started out riding in whatever spandex shorts or capris happened to be clean (FINE — clean-ish), along with whatever top was handy. I quickly found that wearing something form-fitting wasn’t just a common cyclist fashion statement — it makes for an easier ride. And actual cycling or triathlon jerseys with pockets designed to hold nutrition? Oh man, do they make life on a bike easier.

Also, the padded shorts! I hated the idea of wearing shorts with a ton of padding because it felt a bit like a gigantic maxi pad, but, lo and behold, the chamois fabric and padding positively save the lady bits when you ride for a few hours at a time. And so, I’ve come to terms with the fact cycling gear is worn by cyclists for good reason, and I’m nothing if not reasonable.

And hey, let’s be honest. I still like to look good.

Hincapie Sportswear: Anthem Series

Hincapie contacted us over the summer about their Anthem Series of women’s cycling jerseys, shorts and accessories. I immediately liked the fact that the design had a bit of a feminine edge without being all flowers and rainbows. (Not that I’m opposed to wearing flowers and rainbows, but sometimes, I like my Fit Bottomed femininity to be a little more subtle and kick-ass.)

As I read a bit more about the company, I was even more interested in the products. Hincapie Sportswear was created by the Hincapie family, a family with roots in cycling dating back over half a century and some serious chops — George Hincapie has participated on eight Tour de France-winning teams and has represented the United States in five Olympic games. So, yeah. They know a bit about the sport.

The collection I reviewed, the Anthem, includes a short-sleeved full-zip jersey, shorts (both of which I received for review), as well as knee warmers and arm warmers (which I did not). The shorts are seamless and feature multi-density Pro Chamois for serious comfort (and no ass chafing!). The jersey, in addition to having the full-zip feature (which is awesome when your body is all tightened up from a long ride and pulling things over your head may or may not require assistance), has stretch mesh for improved ventilation and two big ol’ rear pockets. Both feature SPF (30+ for the top, 50+ for the bottom) and solid moisture management.

But you know what I liked most? The fabric feels amazing. Like, nicer than the fanciest dress in my closet. It’s soft and smooth and totally flexible but thick enough to feel — can I say this about a cycling kit? — luxurious. I feel like I’m wearing seriously pro-level gear, and, considering who makes it, I guess I am.

Naturally, such a high-end product doesn’t come super cheap. The jersey is $90 and the shorts are $100. Other collections, such as the Power Series and Chromatic Collection, clock in with similar prices (and, as far as I can tell, similarly high levels of attention to detail, both in the design and the functionality).

Fit Bottomed Line: If you cycle a fair amount, having a couple of great kits to wear is well worth the investment. After all, you don’t want to come home from a group ride only to have your husband tell you that you might need a new pair of shorts because he could see, uhh, details through the ones you were wearing. ASK ME HOW I KNOW. Ahem. So, yes, if you’re looking for a sweet jersey-and-shorts combo, this is definitely a company worth checking out.

Are you willing to shell out a few bucks for specialty workout gear like this? What’s more important to you: looks or function? —Kristen

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!