Feels Good, Looks Good: 2010 Running and Cycling Wear

Triathletes have to dress for three different sports – no easy task when it comes to dealing with the various weather conditions we face here in Canada. The latest clothing options for spring and summer, though, offer some excellent options that will keep you comfortable and looking good while you’re training for your next tri.

::GEARBOX
Technical Tank and Shrug ($80)
Merrell
53042

::GEARBOX
Women’s Propel Granite Capris ($60)
Merrell
53056

Using Merrell’s optiwick quick drying and moisture managing material, the super-comfortable Propel capris were a huge hit with our female reviewers. The wide waste band can be rolled down for a lower-rise if you choose. With superior moisture management properties and 50+ UPF protection, the ladies loved the looks and feel of this matching set, too. The tank has a flattering, feminine fit that flares at the bottom so it doesn’t ride up and a small zippered pocket in the back. The shrug has thumb holes and a little pocket for a phone or iPod on the arm.

::GEARBOX
Elite Run Top ($70)
2XU
53118

::GEARBOX
Run Shorts ($60)
2XU
53117

Extremely lightweight and comfortable, these stylish shorts feature a snug-fitting, anti-chafing liner. The shorter women’s style were a real hit with our female reviewers, while the longer men’s version was equally as popular and comfortable. The enhanced mechanical stretch allows for easy body movement and there’s a small zippered pocket that will only fit a key. The lightweight Elite Run top has a generous neck and the knit structure allows for unrestricted body movement. There’s a high-tech moisture management system thanks to the lower denier material on the outside that helps wick moisture from the higher denier material on the inside. There are also streamline seams for stretch and comfort.

::GEARBOX
Super Nova Glide Short Sleeve Top ($40)
Adidas
53059

::GEARBOX
Super Nova Baggy 9 Shorts ($50)
Adidas
53058

These extra-long shorts are about as far away from the shorty-shorts of the 70s and 80s as you can get, but remain every bit as functional while remaining in style. The clima-cool material wicks away moisture while the stylish side panel makes these shorts extremely comfortable. Using adidas’ climacool system, this good looking shirt is built for performance, comfort and style. There are lots of reflective panels on the front and back and a headphone guide on the shoulder that will work well with the adidas miCoach system.

::GEARBOX
ARD Short Sleeve Top ($70)
Asics
53041

::GEARBOX
ARD Shorts ($50)
Asics
53063

With UPF 50+ UV protection, this eco-friendly shirt uses polymers from renewable sources. It’s chlorine resistant so it is easy to wash. This relaxed fit garment stands out thanks to the bright colours, moisture management system and light weight. Featuring the most comfortable, soft waist-band and inner liner of our review, the ARD short is a winner. The fashionable middle rear mesh pocket is big enough for a key and some extra cash so you can grab a coffee at the end of your run.

::GEARBOX
Men’s NBX 5IN Shorts ($45)
New Balance
53052

::GEARBOX
NBX Adapter SS2 Shirt ($50)
New Balance
53067

This semi-fitted shirt uses lightning-dry fabric to keep you cool and dry even on the hottest days. Using odour resistant material, it can be used as a base layer or your only layer. There are reflective strips on the front and a reflective logo on the back for added safety. A unique information tag in these extremely comfortable shorts hopefully won’t get used in any accidents. There are a few air vents in the back to help with air flow, and an anti-microbial and X-Static material eliminates odour and static.

::GEARBOX
Women’s Elite Series Infinity Sport Tank ($65)
Pearl Izumi
53048

::GEARBOX
Women’s Elite Series Infinity Short ($55)
Pearl Izumi
53088

::GEARBOX
Women’s P.R.O. Series Octane Cycling Jersey ($240)
Pearl Izumi
53086

::GEARBOX
Women’s P.R.O. Series Octane Cycling Shorts ($300)
Pearl Izumi
53084

::GEARBOX
Men’s P.R.O. Ltd Jersey ($140)
Pearl Izumi
53082

::GEARBOX
Men’s P.R.O. Ltd Bib Shorts ($220)
Pearl Izumi
53080

With a built-in bra shelf and a unique back pattern, this tank is both super-comfortable and stylish. There’s an active moisture transfer system to help wick moisture away. Our only wish on this was for a pocket. The inner liner on the extremely comfortable Infinity Short had a unique fit, so you’ll want to try these on before you buy them. Mesh side panels help with ventilation and movement. If you’re heading out for a long ride you’ll love the generous padding in the women’s Octane cycling shorts. The snug fitting top has little grips on the back so that it sticks to the shorts – you won’t have to worry about it riding up when you’re crouched low on the drops. A wide, soft waist band is conducive to rolling and the legs were extremely comfortable. The P.R.O. Transfer fabric used in the P.R.O. Ltd Bib short and shirt is extremely comfortable, offering the ultimate in moisture transfer and ventilation. The shorts feature an anatomic multi-panel design and Pearl Izumi’s anatomic P.R.O. 4D Chamois, which offers lots of padding and protection for those long days in the saddle.

::GEARBOX
CompressRx Active Short Sleeve Top ($120)
Zoot
53044

::GEARBOX
CompressRx Active Shorts ($120)
Zoot
53045

Featuring super-snug compression material, these Zoot clothes are so lightweight that it feels like you’re wearing paper. The tights were the most popular with our reviewers – the top tended to ride up a bit but was surprisingly easy to get off. “Clearly for the long and lean,” one of our reviewers said.

::GEARBOX
NBX Sublimated SL Top ($50)
New Balance
53053

::GEARBOX
Women’s NBX Capri Pants ($65)
New Balance
53054

This feminine-looking women’s gear hit the sweet-spot with our reviewers. They loved the great looks, but were even more impressed by the comfort and technical features. The high waist band was immediately rolled down by our younger reviewer.

::GEARBOX
Primolite Short Sleeve Top ($55)
Saucony
53051

::GEARBOX
RXT Burn Shorts ($45)
Saucony
53078

The seven-inch inseam on these shorts means they’re fairly long, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t extremely comfortable. The SheerTek Reneu recycled boxer brief provides superior comfort. There’s a back zip pocket with a lockdown zipper pull for a key or some cash. Made with lightweight brushed Primolite, the SS top uses a shaped hem to enhance the fit and comfort and provides excellent moisture management.

::GEARBOX
Women’s ECS Jersey ($130)
Louis Garneau
53032

::GEARBOX
Women’s Equipe Shorts ($130)
Louis Garneau
53030

::GEARBOX
Men’s Pro Carbon ETS Jersey ($150)
Louis Garneau
53222

::GEARBOX
Men’s Equipe Bib Shorts ($150)
Louis Garneau
53026

The Pro Carbon jersey uses Resistex material to dissipate electric charges and transfer moisture while also shielding from the sun. The comfortable material is bacteriostatic, too, enhancing this super-comfortable and lightweight cycling shirt. The Equipe men’s bib shorts have an extremely generous chamois that utilizes Garneau’s airgel and fitsensor technology to enhance comfort. The top of these shorts is vented and features a tiny pocket for a phone or iPod to keep you entertained for those long days of training. The women’s Equipe shorts are every bit as comfortable, utilizing the same airgel technology and fitsensor chamois and moisture-wicking material. The lightweight and stylish ECS Jersey has three generous rear pockets and a full zip down the front.

::GEARBOX
Men’s Silverline Short Sleeve Jersey ($120)
Giordana
53022

::GEARBOX
Men’s Silverline Bib Shorts ($120)
Giordana
53023

The lightweight and breathable MCK Mesh used in the SS Jersey will keep you comfortable on even the hottest of Canadian summer days, while the Moovix spandex fabric helps make this form-fitting jersey stretch comfortably. The front zipper is easily opened or closed with just one hand and on the back there’s three decent sized pockets with an additional zippered pouch for your valuables. The FR Carbon Bodyclone short somehow manages to fit like a second skin while remaining extremely comfortable. The HC44 Lycra Power material provides compression and support without feeling too tight. Giordana has made sure they’ve covered everything to make this an outstanding short, including a OniniForm chamois, seamless straps and a ventilated mesh back panel.