Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The end of summer always feels a little somber. It means checking the weather app more frequently before making plans, packing a night light for after-work rides, and donning more weighty layers.
Often, those layers mean more accumulated sweat underneath that transfers to the fabric and saturates thick material. But our mobility shouldn’t be limited by a heavy, wet flannel that feels like a bear rug draped over our shoulders.
Club Ride’s new fall collection looks to make a happy compromise and satisfy the need for warm athletic wear that still looks good when the temperatures drop.
Based out of Sun Valley, Idaho, Club Ride was born out of the idea that mountain bikers don’t have to look like Olympic wrestlers wearing a helmet and funny shoes. It should be easy to walk in a pub after a hard ride and sit at the bar without attracting funny looks.
From there, Club Ride has kept a casual, Western and work-inspired look to its apparel. Jerseys, shorts, and pants work on and off the bike and are top-notch quality, without busting the bank.
Shaka and Liv’n flannel
Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The Shaka flannel is made with a moisture wicking Poly Woven Yarn, or about 97% polyester and 3% Spandex. It’s a solid fall and winter wear flannel, and for me, it will likely see more office and casual use than on the bike, only because I spend more time doing the former. Sad, I know. But, it’s great to add a piece to the closet that’s multi-functional.
A zippered breast pocket is ideal for a credit card and ID, and other post-ride necessities. Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The Liv’n flannel shares the same material and features as the Shaka, but with different colors. It seems to fit pretty true to size and offers great coverage standing or in a riding position.
I’ve found the Shaka flannel best for more casual riding, like dirt jump lines, closing days at the bike park, and brewery commutes. It’s not the shirt I’d wear on 20+ mile days, but those days are just about over for the year.
Club Ride Liv’n Flannel in Blush for women. Photo: Matt Miller
The underarms are vented for more airflow and evaporation on the pits. There is a media pocket on the right, rear side, and a zippered breast pocket.
Photo: Matt Miller
I have found the fit on the Shaka flannel to be just about right, and with a wash, it’s spot on. The Shaka and Liv’n flannels retail for $89.
Gold Rush pant
A reinforced knee for crash or kneeling protection. Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The Gold Rush pants are an ode to trail riders and builders alike, and are the work/life balance equivalent of a mountain biking bottom.
The Gold Rush pants are made from a mid-weight polyester double woven stretch fabric. As far as the ingredients go, they’re 37% Recycled Polyester, 60% Polyester, and 3% Spandex.
What this actually means is that it’s a tough fabric, and it feels much lighter than it looks. The knees on the pant are articulated for easier movement, and they’re flexy.
Again, like the Shaka flannel, the Gold Rush pants aren’t the best choice for big, backcountry rides, but, winter is coming. It’s time to take it easy and reflect on the miles from long rides that have come and gone. They are best for a shuttle ride, short rides into a dig zone, dirt jumping and sculpting, or commuting.
The same material that covers the knees can be found on the inside of the ankle to resist oil and gunk from the drivetrain. On the left leg, there is a zipper that opens up to a vent/pocket.
The fit on the Gold Rush is a little loose. They fit true to size on the waist and length, but are a bit baggy before the first wash. After a wash, they fit much better.
The feature I’m most stoked about on the pants is the integrated belt with the hook waist adjustment. Basically, there’s always a belt attached to the pants, which is way less clunky than any traditional belt. The Gold Rush pants retail for $99.
Imogene pant
The Imogenes are a comparable female pant to the Gold Rush, although they are even more focused on cold rides. They are a technical winter pant, with a fitted look and a lot of stretch.
The fabric is a mid-weight, bonded waterproof polyester, treated with DWR. It’s 91% Polyester and 9% Spandex.
For activities that get the sweat pouring, the Imogenes have a zippered side vent. The ankle is also gusseted to fit larger winter boots for fat biking. They blend yoga pant comfort with work and ride functionality. The Imogenes retail for $130.
Open that vent when it gets warm. Photo: Matt Miller.
New West short sleeve shirt
Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The New West is an athletic take on Western attire that will shine on the bike or at the dude ranch.
Club Ride offers the New West in four different colors, and like the other Club Ride pieces, the ‘CR’ logo is reflective for visibility riding back from the trail.
Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The New West also has mesh underarms for ventilation — and to fight the stink — and keeps a media pocket in the bottom rear of the shirt.
Photo: Hannah Morvay.
It fits true to size and is truly comfortable, light, and attractive. The New West retails for $80.
Jack flannel
Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The Jack flannel is even sturdier than the Shaka, with reinforced elbows and shoulders. The reinforced bits are articulated for greater movability.
Like the Shaka, I’ve found the Jack best for cool, easy-going rides, like after-work ventures in the high country, or gravity riding.
Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The Jack has ventilated, mesh underarms like the other tops, with brushed metal snaps, a hidden lens wipe, two breast pockets, and a rear, zippered media pocket.
Also like any other Club Ride piece, the Jack flannel has a lifetime warranty from manufacturer defects. The Jack retails for $99.
Mountain Surf shorts
Photo: Hannah Morvay.
The Mountain Surfs are far from baggy downhill shorts or the bottom half of a sausage suit. Club Ride makes a quiver-killing short with these, and they double as riding shorts for warmer days, and casual shorts for the car-b-que at the trail head.
Photo: Hannah Morvay.
To get the fit just right, the Mountain Surfs have an internal velcro waist adjustment and still have six pockets to carry a little bit of cargo on the trail.
They have a gusseted crotch for better movement and a water resistant finish. The Mountain Surfs retail for $80.
Find these pieces and more at clubrideapparel.com.
