Clothing roundup: Endura, Peter Sagan, OPQS and Alé

Here's a roundup of the most interesting looking clothing that has come our way recently.

Alé clothing reaches UK

Alé (pronounced a-lay, or allez, not ale!) is an Italian brand that you’re likely to see a lot more of soon because it is now being distributed in the UK by Paligap, home to brands like Mekk, PowerTap and MCipollini (it’s not yet featured on www.paligap.cc).

We received a couple of Alé summer items a couple of weeks ago and the quality looks exceptional. They’re going through the review process right now. The clothing is from the same people who produce Giordana and it is all made in Italy – Verona, to be more precise.

We’ve had a quick look at some of the winter clothing that’s coming up from Alé (sorry to mention winter). This is from the PRR Carbon range which is made from high-end fabrics and is designed to be ergonomically fitted.

The Ponente jersey (£115) is lightly fleeced, designed for autumn/spring conditions, while the Ponente jacket (£160), which looks very similar, has lightweight windproof panels at the front and on the sleeves to keep cold winter air out.

The thermal fleece winter bib tights (£115) come with reflective zippers at the bottom of the legs and the piping is reflective too.

The Fleece gloves (£30) are made from a soft fabric and come with an anti-slip design on the palm.

Alé has an extensive range of women’s clothing too and they’ve certainly not just gone down the ‘shrink it and pink it’ route (okay, there is some pink in there!), giving equal weight to that side of the market.

We’ll try to get the summer clothing reviews online while it’s still actually summer, with winter kit reviews to follow later in the year. Our early impressions are that it's great stuff.

www.apgcycling.com/en/ale

Hawte jersey designed for taller riders

If you’re a tall rider who struggles with jersey length, Hawte could have the answer. This is a new British brand making cycle clothing just for taller riders.

“Standard cycle jerseys are often too short or baggy for riders who are over six foot,” says Hawte manager Dom Findon. “Buying cycle clothing can be a bit of lottery for taller riders. You don’t know whether the gear is going to fit you. Personally, finding jerseys and base layers of the right length was a real problem.”

Hawte’s first product is the 53/11 Jersey. This is cut about an inch longer than average. The idea is that as well as improving the fit this makes it easier for riders to access the rear pockets.

The 53/11 is a short-sleeved, aero fit top with stretch sleeves and side panels. It also has a full-length zip, full-width silicone gripper around the hem, reflective detailing and a stubble resistant collar. It has four rear pockets, including a zipped security pocket.

The 53/11 Jersey available in red, blue, black and fluorescent yellow, and in sizes S to XXL. It is European made and sold via www.hawte.eu at £49.95 including p&p.

Endura launch new Equipe clothing

Endura have launched their latest top-of-the-range Equipe clothing, the Equipe Infiniti CB bib shorts and the Equipe Helios Comp CB jersey.

The Equipe Infiniti CB Bibshorts (£139.99) are designed with the minimum number of seams necessary, using only three panels. Each of the legs is made from a single panel of Italian Power Lycra and the upper is just one panel of stretch mesh.

The shorts feature a 1000 Series Italian CVP (Continuously Variable Profile) stretch pad with antibacterial finish and the raw-edged legs come with silicone grippers. You get a laundry bag and a pot of Endura chamois cream as part of the package.

The Equipe Helios Comp CB Jersey (£79.99), available in black and white, is a rapid wicking jersey in an athletic race-cut. It features Coldblack technology to deflect sunrays and prevent heat build-up as well as providing a sun protection factor of UPF 40+. A low-stretch fabric is incorporated in the back of the jersey to stop the pockets sagging.

www.endurasport.com

Omega Pharma-QuickStep T-shirts

If you’re a fan of Omega Pharma-QuickStep, you can show your allegiance by buying the T-shirt.

They actually do several designs, including this Mark Cavendish one, at €28 a throw.

Treat yourself to a Cav keyring (€5) while you’re at it.

www.omegapharma-quickstep.com

Peter Sagan Collection

Speaking of pro riders (as we were), Cannondale’s Green Jersey winner Peter Sagan has launched a “Peter’s Flowers” women’s T-shirt in association with G4 (not that G4).

According to the blurb, “The passion-pink shirt with contrasting white collar, portrays Peter’s face in flocked flowers on the front with his signature & year of birth on the back, revealing his gentler, more romantic side.”

So that’s nice. It’s priced €39.90.

Not into the pink? You’re in luck. The same design is available on a blue polo shirt for €64.

www.g4dimension.com