WORDS: THOMAS OPSTRUP
PHOTOGRAPHY: ELISABETTA COCO
Isadore Echelon Jersey
Understated aesthetic features the new Echelon Jersey from Isadore. The jersey is made of different pre-dyed high-quality fabrics. The main body and back are made from a traditional weave fabric while the side, the arms, and part of the neck are made from a pre-dyed mesh fabric. Both fabrics seem very durable, something that can last a long time. Because the fabric has a bit of thickness, it is well suited for a wide range of temperatures between 14-25 degrees.
The pockets are well placed on your back so you can easily reach them. They are quite elastic which makes them easy to stuff them. On the other hand, Isadore has chosen to make the side pockets smaller, which makes the jersey fit more fit in conjunction with the body even with things in the pockets.
The downside is that the side pockets are not as usable as those of standard size. So if you want to pack a lot of things in your back pockets like mini pumps, gilet or wind/rain jacket etc. then I would not recommend this jersey for you.
The Isadore Echelon jersey does not have a safety pocket with a zipper, in contrast, an extra compartment inside the middle pocket to separate carried items. Equipped with an inner loophole for headphone cables. The idea behind this middle pocket is not bad, but in reality, if you put your phone in the back middle pocket and fill the outer, middle pocket with something else it is hard to grab the phone and put it back in again. But if used for separate other stuff you carry then it is functional.
The Utility Bib shorts from Isadore are their most technical bib shorts to date. Made of high-quality Schoeller fabric, pre-treated with Coldblack and 3XDRY fabric has been used. The Coldblack treatment gives the bib shorts protection against UV rays and stays cooler than other fabrics on hot days. Personally, I have never really been able to feel the difference from non-Coldblack fabric. Perhaps this is due to small differences in temperature, but the UV protection alone is great when riding under the Sicilian sun.
However, they do feel quite warm as the temperature rises, so I would definitely not recommend them for use in a very hot summer climate. Instead, they are suited for use in changing conditions in lower temperatures and should you be caught in a rain shower the DWR treated fabric does really well to keep you dry on the inside. Use them in North Europe in Spring, Autumn, and mild winter with temperatures between 8-18 degrees. Combine them with leg warmers when the under 15 degrees.
The chamois is a very good Italian made quality designed exclusively for Isadore. It feels incredibly supportive on the bike, but at the same time, it is not bulky. The sides of the bib shorts have panels with a ceramic coating applied. They enhance protection in case of hitting the tarmac. The aesthetic of this ceramic coating is questionable, but to be able to reduce the risk of asphalt wounds in case of a crash is brilliant. The bib shorts also feature a reflective fabric on the area at the back of the thighs to enhance visibility.
I rate James as one of the best cycling photographers in today’s world. He lives in the beautiful City of Paris and works for Peloton Magazine. I have been lucky to work with him in Sicily. Here you can get an insight into how he sees cycling photography at the highest level.
Cycling in Sicily is becoming more and more popular. With that has followed a growing demand for Guided cycling in Sicily. I had the chance to plan a great ride experience with Alexandre choosing our Rack’n’Ride concept. A very simple concept where you stay at a beautiful hotel for your taste in Catania. I’ll pick you or your group up in the morning outside your hotel. We drive to a selected place and together we have a great bike ride from there. After the trip, we drive back to your hotel and you can relax and go out and enjoy the city.
ISADORE ECHELON COLLECTION REVIEW
WORDS: THOMAS OPSTRUP
PHOTOGRAPHY: ELISABETTA COCO
Isadore Echelon Jersey
Understated aesthetic features the new Echelon Jersey from Isadore. The jersey is made of different pre-dyed high-quality fabrics. The main body and back are made from a traditional weave fabric while the side, the arms, and part of the neck are made from a pre-dyed mesh fabric. Both fabrics seem very durable, something that can last a long time. Because the fabric has a bit of thickness, it is well suited for a wide range of temperatures between 14-25 degrees.
The pockets are well placed on your back so you can easily reach them. They are quite elastic which makes them easy to stuff them. On the other hand, Isadore has chosen to make the side pockets smaller, which makes the jersey fit more fit in conjunction with the body even with things in the pockets.
The downside is that the side pockets are not as usable as those of standard size. So if you want to pack a lot of things in your back pockets like mini pumps, gilet or wind/rain jacket etc. then I would not recommend this jersey for you.
The Isadore Echelon jersey does not have a safety pocket with a zipper, in contrast, an extra compartment inside the middle pocket to separate carried items. Equipped with an inner loophole for headphone cables. The idea behind this middle pocket is not bad, but in reality, if you put your phone in the back middle pocket and fill the outer, middle pocket with something else it is hard to grab the phone and put it back in again. But if used for separate other stuff you carry then it is functional.
BUY THE ISADORE ECHELON JERSEY HERE
Isadore Utility Bib Shorts
The Utility Bib shorts from Isadore are their most technical bib shorts to date. Made of high-quality Schoeller fabric, pre-treated with Coldblack and 3XDRY fabric has been used. The Coldblack treatment gives the bib shorts protection against UV rays and stays cooler than other fabrics on hot days. Personally, I have never really been able to feel the difference from non-Coldblack fabric. Perhaps this is due to small differences in temperature, but the UV protection alone is great when riding under the Sicilian sun.
However, they do feel quite warm as the temperature rises, so I would definitely not recommend them for use in a very hot summer climate. Instead, they are suited for use in changing conditions in lower temperatures and should you be caught in a rain shower the DWR treated fabric does really well to keep you dry on the inside. Use them in North Europe in Spring, Autumn, and mild winter with temperatures between 8-18 degrees. Combine them with leg warmers when the under 15 degrees.
The chamois is a very good Italian made quality designed exclusively for Isadore. It feels incredibly supportive on the bike, but at the same time, it is not bulky. The sides of the bib shorts have panels with a ceramic coating applied. They enhance protection in case of hitting the tarmac. The aesthetic of this ceramic coating is questionable, but to be able to reduce the risk of asphalt wounds in case of a crash is brilliant. The bib shorts also feature a reflective fabric on the area at the back of the thighs to enhance visibility.
BUY THE ISADORE UTILITY BIB SHORTS HERE
ISADORE ECHELON JERSEY
Pros:
High quality fabrics, reinforced pockets, understated aesthetics.
Cons:
Missing a zip pocket, narrow side pockets.
ISADORE UTILITY BIB SHORTS
Pros:
High quality fabrics, Ceramic coating deliver better crash protection, DWR Treatment, High level Chamois
Cons:
Questionable esthetics
ALSO READ THE ISADORE WINTER APPAREL REVIEW
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Cycling in Sicily is becoming more and more popular. With that has followed a growing demand for Guided cycling in Sicily. I had the chance to plan a great ride experience with Alexandre choosing our Rack’n’Ride concept. A very simple concept where you stay at a beautiful hotel for your taste in Catania. I’ll pick you or your group up in the morning outside your hotel. We drive to a selected place and together we have a great bike ride from there. After the trip, we drive back to your hotel and you can relax and go out and enjoy the city.