Back in December(ish), I stumbled across an Instagram post by @iconik_apparel it was fairly innocuous they were talking about a competition #21in21iconik the competition was to ride 21 iconic climbs in 2021, I typically pass by the majority of Instagram competitions because I'm not a fan of the constant notifications I get when I'm tagged in to comps so don't like doing the same to others (unless it's a prize I think they might want) but anyway I've not got enough time to tag enough people into those posts to stand a chance of winning anyway, but I digress... I try not to shy away from climbing and the group of friends I ride with were already planning on riding the iconic climbs in Cheshire anyway so I thought I'd give it a shot. I didn't know much about Iconik Apparel at that point, I knew they hadn't launched any cycling kit yet, they had some t-shirts and caps and it wasn't until they arranged some Zwift climbs that I started taking an interest... what they had planned and what they were doing seemed different. The founders of Iconik Apparel Andy and Mark have sustainability at the centre of what they do, you can read more about their story on their website here, and I won't go into too much detail but in a nutshell, they wanted to create a brand that not only performed alongside the best kit out there but also considered the next generation, the environment, health and they aim to positively contribute to society and the environment through what they do. From the off, they have committed to donating a portion of their sales to World Bicycle Relief and The National Forest. to me at least, demonstrates they're committed to it, their core ethos, but also carefully sourcing materials to make jerseys and bibs using 100% recycled materials manufactured by ethical companies. Whilst all that is great, when it comes to cycling kit if you're planning on spending all day in the saddle, or even just an hour or two, you don't want to be feeling it for the rest of the day, after all, I could if I wanted to, donate some cash to those charities and then buy a pair of shorts and a jersey. Fortunately, Andy and Mark have managed to create something pretty exceptional for the price point, I now own 3 items of Iconik Apparel cycle kit (which I've bought using the discount provided on their mailing sign up) I started with the Summit Jersey and then without seeing any other reviews or indeed anyone else other than Andy and Mark wearing them, took the plunge and bought a pair of the Altitude Bibs and the Switchback Jersey (because the first one I had was comfortable and I liked the design) and I've not been disappointed. the Jerseys fit well are comfortable and wick well in toasty weather, can't fault them at all, pockets are spacious the zip pocket takes my iPhone 12 and the other three pockets are amply sized for tubes wallet etc, in all honesty, I don't think I've ever pulled on an uncomfortable jersey, I very much like the style and fit of the tops and look forward to seeing what new designs they come up with in the future, but the shorts.... having been wedded to the same brand of shorts for several years now, the Altitude Bibs genuinely surprised me. Now for clarity, this isn't my review after 2 hours in the saddle, these are my thoughts after riding the Tan Hill 200. A 200km (125mile) Audax across Lancashire and Yorkshire taking in 4,000m (13,000ft) of climbing up some pretty steep gradients with temps hitting 18c so not the usually chilly conditions. They're great, starting at the end first I wore these shorts from setting off at 6:30 in the morning to getting home around 20:30 (there was nowhere to change so that includes car journey as well) but I didn't feel that moment of relief that I have with other shorts when I take them off, they're compressing but not restrictive, at no point during the ride do I recall have to adjust myself or reposition to get blood flow back to my extremities, the pad is long enough at the front to support the crotch and provides just enough movement around the seat bones to subtly move your contact point. Straps wise they're very comfortable wide and supportive but with enough stretch to make comfort breaks, comfortable without feeling like you're going to either tear the seams or slice something off (or maybe that is just me). I really can't fault these bibs, at £90 less any discount you might find, they are all around the most comfortable bibs I own, I'm a big fan of the functionality of cargo cycling shorts (great for commuting with work passes and having easy access to phones etc) so I'm not quite ready to swap my entire wardrobe to Iconik Apparell yet, but this certainly won't be the last pair I buy.
My understanding is that ladies kit is due to drop soon and the images I've seen on Insta so far look good. Go give them a follow and check out their website www.iconikapparel.cc (the kit visualiser is pretty neat), their story is interesting, the intent is exciting and the kit is fantastic, Go buy some.
1 Comment
23/6/2021 12:40:21
Hey Mike thanks for the great review, we're so happy that you love our kit, we're super pleased to hear that the bib shorts proved comfortable on such an epic ride! Thanks for all your support, Mark, Iconik.
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Mike GaskellI started commuting around May 2017, mainly to save the £45 a week train fare and get ready for the Dunwich Dynamo. Archives
August 2022
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