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Featured
Reviews: Over the years, we have discovered that when a cyclist dons a Protective short or top, even the most Eurosceptical rider appreciates the cut, the detailing and the feel of the garment. Then over time, the rider is won over by its performance and longevity. Being one of Europe most prestigious sports apparel companies, Protective have first call on the latest innovative fabrics. Better still, they are big enough to negotiate the best prices. Here's a rare example of an exclusive brand that does not charge top dollar. Or is it top Deutschmark? Come to think about it, while I'm banging on about supposed national characteristics, at these very reasonable prices, it's little wonder the canny Scots have embraced Protective and helped establish them as the Edinburgh Bike Co-op's fastest-growing brand of clothing. Stand out Protective features include:
PROTECTIVE AMARILLO 3/4-LENGTH LONGS £39.95
Verdict:
8/10. Great performance, great styling and all at a reasonable price.' Protective Amarillos have been superseded by Protective Alassio 3/4s which feature, for instance, an even better chamois. PROTECTIVE
ANGELA WOMEN'S 3/4-LENGTH LONGS £39.95 We tried the Protective Angela 3/4 tights and were immediately impressed by the way they were made. The legs are crafted to fit the female form from an impressive six, specially shaped panels, which end comfortably, just below the knee and are held in place by elasticated grippers. As a rule of thumb, the more panels used, the more precise the fit will be and this was certainly true of these tights, which felt great on and allowed for a full range of movement, with never a hint of bagginess. For me, the ultimate test for tights and shorts, is the pad and these tights boast a top of the range, highly technical pad, with greater protection where you need it most and channels to help wick away moisture. I wore the tights on a number of long road rides and even on some two hour turbo torture sessions (words have been exchanged with the coach!) and there was no hint of soreness. The attention to detail continues with the waist band, which is wide and sewn to sit comfortably around the waist without rolling or restricting movement when you lean forward. There is even a small internal pocket for money or a key. The fabric is light weight, and transfers moisture away from the body and when you are done on the bike, they can be thrown into the washing machine with no special care requirements. • Price:
£39.95 www.shecycles.com 19 April 2006. For more information about Protective Angela 3/4 and to order. PROTECTIVE
CALI WOMEN'S SHORTS £34.95 Verdict: Perfect shorts for summer Sunday rides.' Cycling Plus: September 2001. These short shorts have been superseded by Protective Zima Shorts which feature, for instance, an even better chamois. PROTECTIVE
HUNTER 3/4s The back panel is stretchy and cut slightly higher, so they don't sneak down when you're leaning forward. The loose-fitting pop button waist is comfortable, with side straps to synch it. There's a reflective logo and ventilation panels, a gusseted crotch, 2 slimline pockets and 2 mesh-lined thich pockets with grippers. Protective's rather peculiar mesh inners have seen a revamp - the new versions are much better with a supple chamois. Despite their lightweight feel, quality and stitching is very good all round - and there's been a price drop too. (Last year's equivalent 3/4s, the Pembertons were £55.) Verdict 8/10. Lightweight 3/4s for city commutes and touring.' Cycling Plus: July 2006
PROTECTIVE
KAP YORK BIB SHORT £59.95 Protective Kap York Bib Short £59.95 PROTECTIVE
KID SET £32.95 He was less keen on the tight Lycra shorts from both fit and style perspectives. They're of a 4-panel construction and feature a large synthetic pad. For day rides this is a great help for comfort. However, older kids will be happier wearing baggies - or at least summer shorts over the top. Cannondale shorts look good. The mitts
will prevent scuffed hands. Comfort levels aren't great, as the light
foam padding compresses easily. However they are better than nothing.
The shirt's great, while the shorts and mitts are merely okay. This kidset was a runaway success in its introductory year, 2005. So much so that Protective have introduced 3 distinct versions of their kidset for 2006.
PROTECTIVE
KNIT 1 JERSEY £69.95 On first sight it looks like wool, but is actually made of a 50% cotton, 50% acrylic mix - this should make it less susceptible to shrinkage. In use, the Knit 1 feels slightly heavier than a wool jersey, but is less irritable for those with sensitive skin. The wicking properties are super-fast, and come into their own when things get really hot. Sizing is spot on and the cut is more relaxed than a full-on race jersey, making it an extremely comfortable top to wear. The zip, although short, is metal and heavy duty, and the backing is deep enough so as not to catch the skin. The finish is where the Knit 1 really shines through though with high quality seams and embroidery. In all, the Knit 1 has all the qualities of a top-line wool/sportwool jersey (Rapha, Allesandro) but not quite the performance. However, at £69.95, it's significantly cheaper than its rivals. Verdict: A
classy-looking good performer with a realistic price tag. 8/10. Recommended.' This jersey is now called the Protective Ole and it costs £10 less. PROTECTIVE
LECTON SHORTS £49.95 The Lectons are basically a good quality pair of Lycra shorts with a super lightweight baggy outer - so light that sometimes you forget that you're wearing baggies at all. This makes them ideal shorts for hot summer day rides. Available in
S, M, L, XL and XXL, but like most Protective clothing these are on
the snug side, so go for a size larger than usual. Leg length is shorter
than most too. A women's specific version is available. This has all
the same features but with a women's specific liner and cut.' The Lecton has been superseded by the Protective Griffith for men and the Protective Ashmore for women. PROTECTIVE
MATTHEW TEAM TOP £39.95 Verdict
Quality and good looks and generous sizing makes the ideal race shirt
for the bigger built rider. 8/10.' More Protective Matthew info and to order PROTECTIVE
PEMBERTON 3/4-LENGTH LONGS £49.95
Sizes:
S-XXL. Review
#2 PROTECTIVE PEMBERTON 3/4-LENGTH LONGS £49.95 Verdict:
A lighter summery 3/4 length with great cut, comfort and looks. If you've
been looking for the perfect 3/4 lengths for kicking around town, the
Protective Pembertons might be what you've been waiting for, with their
comfortable and summery fit. We weren't convinced by the mesh inner,
but you could always swap this for something else. Recommended 8/10.' Pembertons have been superseded for 2006 by the Protective Hunter 3/4s which boast a much improved liner short. PROTECTIVE
SAN REMO PERFORMANCE SHORTS £32.95
PROTECTIVE
VICTORIA JACKET £59.95 Review
#2 PROTECTIVE VICTORIA JACKET £59.95 The features on this jacket are good for the £60 mark with one breast and one rear map pocket, fleece lined collar, draw-cord neck and waist, and elasticated Velcro cuff. In use the jacket just gets on with its job. It'll keep you warm and dry through most of the worst weather and combined with a good base and mid layer it'll even suffice through all but the deepest winter months. Overall: excellent
value for money and good all rounder. The high viz yellow version makes
for a great commuter jacket.'
A
surprisingly lightweight jacket considering its mesh lining. A high
neckline, with adjustment should you want it any tighter, along with
panelled sleeves and body makes for an excellent fit despite the entry-level
price point. Finishing is also spot on, even down to the tape sealing
visible through the liner.... The Victoria proved a worthy wildcard.
9/10.
For further information and to order.
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'These
German-made 3/4-length longs from Edinburgh Bicycle are not a brand
we have come across before at Cycling Plus. They are 4-panel shorts
made from Dupont Lycra, a wide (4cm) waistband, rubbery leg grippers,
a small internal pocket and a reflective logo running down the left
leg. In use they are ultra comfortable with a synthetic chamois liner
that is well shaped and doesn't bunch - staying comfy even over long
periods in the saddle. At £39.95, they are well priced for an item of
this quality. All in all a comfortable product with good looks and high
quality construction at a more than reasonable price. Our test pair
are in dark grey but these are also available in black. 
'Made
of the same DuPont matt Lycra as the 3/4 men's longs tested in
C+118 these shorts also have an antibacterial chamois insert which is
well shaped and ultra comfortable in use. They have a wide waistband
(4cm) which does its job well and a small internal pocket - a good place
for a scrunched-up fiver or a bike lock key. The main reason for choosing
these shorts over another pair is that they are ideal for summer being
only 14cm long - and prevent the typical just above the knee cycling
tan. This may not worry everyone but it can look odd when you want to
wear a short skirt. In addition to this the insert is fairly thin and
unobtrusive so that you can even get away with wearing them to the gym,
though I wouldn't use them on harder rides where longer shorts provide
more support for your hamstrings. Available in grey and black in sizes
from XS-L.
'Another
entry into the casual shorts market, these feature an imitation chamois-lined
Lycra inner short (non-removable) and an outer made of super-lightweight
stone-washed polyester fabric that feels silky to the touch - this not
only feels great on but dries remarkably quickly. The shorts feature
two small front pockets and 2 zipped cargo pockets which fit close to
your legs but have a decent sized pleat so you can carry a fair amount
in them; a deep 4cm waistband with built in 'clicklock belt keeps everything
securely in place.
‘If
enquiries to the magazine and questions posted on our forum are anything
to go by, quite a lot of you are on the lookout for 3/4 length casual
riding shorts and these Pemberton Shorts from Protective fit the bill
perfectly. The outer is constructed from Tactel which is extremely lightweight
and highly breathable. Along with this there is a mesh liner with Protective’s
excellent AFS chamois.
Review
#3 PROTECTIVE VICTORIA JACKET £59.95