The Latest Performance Cycling & Running Wear
By Jenny Willden
Retire your worn-out duds and spring for new race- and training-wear this season. Our staff did the dirty work for you by testing the latest cycling and running pieces, then picking our favorites to feature here. Find them at local cycling and running shops or online.
Men’s Cycling
1. Ibex Indie Chase Cycling Jersey
Constructed of high-quality Merino, this casual mid-weight jersey is ideal for spring rides. With rear pockets for storage. $120 ibex.com
2. REI Headwind Jacket
Ride through blustery weather unscathed in this jacket with windproof front and sleeves. Breathable with plenty of pockets, the softshell design moves with you for an enjoyable ride. $99 rei.com
3. Julbo Dust Glasses
Keep your vision clear in these snug-fitting, outdoor racing shades. The gripping nose and temples prevent slippage, and they fit nder a helmet. Venting prevents fogging on tough hill climbs. $160 julbousa.com
4. Cannondale IQ300 18 Function Computer
Ditch your bulky smartphone and ride with this sleek, powerful cycling computer. A pressure-sensitive touchscreen makes it glove-friendly, and it offers accurate readings on your speed, distance, temperature, and calorie consumption. $65 cannondale.com
5. Fox River AXT Adventure Socks
A ribbed top and compression zones keep these socks from sliding in cycling shoes. Side venting sections means no sweaty feet. $12 foxsox.com
6. Zoot Ultra Jersey
Luxurious Italian fabric makes this jersey a moisture-wicking machine! Spacious rear pockets let you carry gear and GU while a silcone gripper secures them from start to finish. $100 zootsports.com
7. Zoot Ultra Bib
Anatomic patterning provides a stellar fit while a multi-density foam pad supports on long rides. Made with long-wearing Italian fabric. $150 zootsports.com
8. Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves
Nope, these aren’t arm warmers, they’re arm air conditioning. The anatomic sleeves provide UPF 40 protection to exposed arms while cooling on contact. $20 pearlizumi.com
Women’s Cycling
9. Novarra Conversion Jacket
Jacket or vest? You choose with this quick-changing, multifunctional piece. Wind resistant to 50 mph and coated in DWR to let you fight stormy skies without seeking shelter. With a stowable head for full coverage. $80 rei.com
10. Ibex Echo Sprint Long-Sleeve Top
On cooler days, opt for this wicking, long-sleeve Merino zippered top that favors simplicity over complicated design. $110 ibex.com
11. Icebreaker Viva Jersey
High style meets the road in this short-sleeve Merino jersey, a great price for hot summer rides. Functional back pockets offer quick accessibility to gels and music. A half zipper lets you vent. $130 icebreaker.com
12. FITS Active Light Socks
Get all-star performance and the perfect blend of cushioning and cooling with these wool cycling standouts. $16 fitssock.com
13. Pearl Izumi Elite Road Shoe
Perform your best in the high-quality, yet affordable, Elites. Made with a one-piece upper and carbon power plate for lightweight stiffness with a well-fitting anatomic buckle. Compatible with SPD and Look pedal systems. $180 pearlizumi.com
14. Novarra Mezzo Road Shorts
Conquer your next century without saddle sores! The women’s-specific, Gelspot chamois contours to your curves and compression hem cuffs keep shorts from riding up without elastic or silcon. $60 rei.com
15. Cannondale Teramo Helmet
Protect your head in this revolutionary helmet that’s so light, you may forget you’re wearing it. The dual-density EPS foam construction reduces weight without compromising safety, and 23 vents eliminate overheating. $110 cannondale.com
16. Helly Hansen Pace Singlet
Be it cycling or running, this multipurpose top performs beautifully in any active pursuit. Innovative fabric pulls heat and sweat from skin to keep you dry and cool. There’s no built-in bra so pair it with your favorite. $40 hellyhansen.com
17. Helly Hansen HH Dry .5 Zip Bike Shirt
Helly’s first long-sleeve bike shirt! Warm up in it or ride all day; a dry, cool experience is guaranteed. Rear pocket space let you stash snacks, tools, and tunes. Reflective decals keep you safe on night rides. $110 hellyhansen.com
18. Smartwool Ewetopia Knicker
On chilly mornings, take to the street in these mid-calf cycling knickers. The SmartWool-lined chamois wicks moisture and multi-thickness padding cushions without bulk. $165 smartwool.com
Men’s Running
1. Columbia Flyin’ Dry Shell
Don’t let rain spoil your run! Just sport this uberbreathable, waterproof shell to keep you dry without getting clammy. $250 columbia.com
2. Brooks Rev Sleeveless II
When the weather heats up, this moisture-transfer mesh shirt goes the distance. Now with updated styling, a semi-fitted design, and retroflectivity on all sides. $32 brooksrunning.com
3. Headsweats Super Duty Race Hat
Stop sweat from blinding you mid-race. This hat features a moisture-absorbing COOLMAX® terry sweatband and provides UV sun protection in a nearly weightless package. $22 headsweats.com
4. Icebreaker Tracer Shorts
With a quick dry time and great airflow, these stink-free Merino shorts dominate synthetic pairs. On race-day the fitted liner and flatlock seams provide continuous comfort. $70 icebreaker.com
5. Brooks Unisex T7 Racing Shoe
A favorite of many top Brooks’ athletes, these are one of the lightest, fastest racing flats around. But this minimalist shoe is designed for speed, not support, so use caution if racing longer than 13 miles. $85 brooksrunning.com
6. Patagonia Gamut Shirt
Superior breathability and dryness is yours with this polyester/mesh blend shirt. There’s little stitching and tag-free construction to prevent rubbing, and Gladiodor® control means your friends will willingly give you a ride home after your race. $49 patagonia.com
7. Patagonia Strider Short
If the thought of running with wet fabric clinging to your thighs makes you ill, try the Strider. Weightless quick-dry fabric lets you to run in any temperature without feeling sticky. $39 patagonia.com
8. Newton Gravity Neutral Training Shoe
This brand’s cult following and unique design, which is famed for its impact reduction and increased energy return, makes Newton a well-known running shoe newcomer. The large lugs underfoot take getting used to, but they gave testers increased forefoot cushioning and bounce in their step. $175 newtonrunning.com
9. Altra Instinct Shoes
Created in Utah, Altra’s gaining fame for their Zero Drop heel with supportive cushioning. The foot-shaped design and roomy toe box relieves foot pain and helps prevent injury. A unique sole mimics human foot bones and tendons for traction on varied surfaces. $100 altrazerodrop.com
Women’s Running
10. Moving Comfort Distance Run Dress
Go from racecourse to after-party in this sexy run dress. Pair with compression shorts for full coverage. A low-impact shelf bra is built-in, but most sizes require a supportive bra underneath. $64 movingcomfort.com
11. Moving Comfort 4” Compression Short
Partnered with a running dress or on their own, non-chafing fabric and flat seam construction let you go long distances without discomfort. $30 movingcomfort.com
12. Moving Comfort Jubralee Bra
Relentlessly biomechanically tested before its release, this bra’s support is impossible to beat. Our size 32DD tester ran in it with no bouncing or movement at all. Jubralee is a must-have for hard-charging, active ladies with larger cup sizes. $54 movingcomfort.com
13. Fits ultra light active socks
If you like zero cushioning, this sock’s for you. Ultralight and cool in hot weather, the deep heel pocket keeps them in place. $15 fitssocks.com
14. New Balance 890v2 Training Shoes
Updated for 2012, this neutral favorite now has an 8mm heel drop instead of 12mm, but cushioning remains the same. The new full contact outsole allows heel and forefoot strikers to solidly connect with the ground, while a redesign makes them even lighter. $110 newbalance.com
15. Columbia Solar Polar Top
Say no to sunburns and overheating. This techy top solves summer running issues by protecting you with UPF 50 fabric, and using your sweat to cool on contact with the innovative Omni-Freeze ICE® treatment. It activates with moisture to provide a cooling sensation. $60 columbia.com
16. Icebreaker Running Socks
A taller length offers ankle support and the left and right foot-specific designs ensure a proper fit. Merino keeps them dry and smelling fresh on even your longest runs. $20 icebreaker.com
17. Brooks PureFlow Shoes
Free your feet with lightweight shoes that balance a minimalist feel with cushioned support. A flexible sole and lower heel drop helps you run efficiently and the Nav Band locks in a secure fit. $90 brooksrunning.com
18. Lucy Long Distance Run Short
The space-dye detail adds a trendy look to these summer shorts with built-in brief. Features a rear waistband key pocket and reflectivity for nighttime runs. $45 lucy.com
19. NEWTON RUNNING MOTUS TRAINER
Runners needing extra support can get it while enjoying natural running in this fast, flexible shoe. Offers medial posting to offset pronation. $175 newtonrunning.com
Jenny is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a self-proclaimed gear and grammar nut. She loves adventure and is happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Llama racing and deal finding are her secret superpowers. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden. Or follow Jenny Willden on Google+.
