Test Run Tuesday – Craft Sportswear

I introduced a new feature last month where I created a space where I can offer up a test for some of the new products I am trying these days. If I have learned anything in my training, it is that testing product is key if you want to be successful. I do not race in anything I don’t trust in my efforts to put GI issues, chafing and back toe nails behind me.

One of my promises is that it will always be candid. I will not mince words and there will always be at least one thing that I would change about the product (unless there is one that I truly would not change a thing.)

Ok – so this week, I tried out Craft Sportswear cycling gear.

These were the pieces that I tried:

Velo Shorts

Velo Art Jersey 

Craft Visible Sock

Let’s start from the top shall we?

The Velo Art Jersey  is so bright and fun! It was a bit of a different material than I am used to in cycling jerseys and the fit was a little looser so I use it for mountain biking and more relaxed cycling trips like Sunday morning espresso runs and rides in the countryside on my cross bike.

The pockets add a unique detail as they are constructed a bit differently from traditional pockets which makes them so fun and reinforces their use as more of a fun ride than race gear. I am not saying that you couldn’t race in this, just that I wouldn’t as it is not as aerodynamic as my race kit.

The zipper is half zip and the sleeves fit well. There is a silicone print that keeps the jersey in place which is amazing for a long torso-ed rider like me. The jersey also comes with 50+ UV Ray protection which is helpful for long rides in sunny weather. It comes in 3 other colourways but this is by far the most bright and colourful.

I give it four stars.

The shorts are probably my all time favourite. I love how they fit and I don’t know about you but there is nothing better than a fresh chamois. (Side note: throw out those shorts after a year or so. I know they are pricy but ensuring you have consistent padding will minimize saddle sores which can stop you from riding for weeks…not worth it! If I become emotionally attached to my cycling shorts, which could happen with this pair, I put them in my adventure racing shorts pile where I need ample padding but also will need to run through creeks and canoe in them as well to extend their life).

I love the detailing around the leg and they just fit perfectly. They are not too tight around the waist but provide an aerodynamic covering for your legs. I would race in these.

This is a very small detail, but I love that the chamois is my favourite colour of blue as well. The fabric is stretchy but also provides support for my working muscles. Like the jersey, they also have UV 50+ protection.

I give them 5 stars.

And finally, the socks. I have become a bit of a sock snob since I started cycling and these have passed my test. Bright as a highlighter and the perfect height for cycling socks (mid-calf), they fit true to size and work in all of my cycling shoes from my ultra-light road racing shoes to my winter cycling boots. They have already survived a number of washes with no signs of wear.

I especially like the bright colour this time of year when lighting is low – it makes me even more visible as an athlete if I am riding on the road. It also comes in red and black. Four stars, only because highlighter colour is hard to pair with my cycling kits and you know that matching is everything for cycling.

I hope these are valuable for you. Whenever possible, I want to give you opportunities to try the product yourself, whether that is through giveaways or promotional discounts. These are all items that I have selected and agreed to participate in. If it’s not something I think will actually be useful, I will turn it down.

Stay tuned for some exciting giveaways coming up through this feature over the fall.

All photos by Nirupam Singh.