What do you get when two pro-cyclists turn their attention to product design and manufacturing?

Introducing Isadore Apparel, a Velits family company based in Eastern Europe, that promises classic cycling essentials created with insider knowledge from the pro-peloton.

KATIE QUINN

With the first glimpse of spring sunshine I gave the ‘Woolight Jersey’ and the ‘Climbers Bib Shorts’ a whirl, teamed with their ‘Climbers Socks’ and ‘Climbers Cap’. With so many references to the hills it made sense to head for some. I wanted to really see if this kit lives up to the high expectations created by a market place full of beautiful kit with technologically advanced fabrics and designs.

It didn’t take long to feel the passion of the Velits family. Their products reveal attention to detail and practicality for long days spent in the saddle. In an era where cycling kits are getting louder and more retina-blinding by the season, the Isadore Apparel range is a refreshing change. Back to traditional style, design and colours – it’s true what they say – there’s beauty in simplicity.

ABOUT

Isadore Apparel is a family affair. Brothers Martin and Peter Velits provide the inside-knowledge; Mum works on logistics and Dad handles the over-the-counter tasks. You can just imagine the type of family holidays that this mob went on... hills anyone?

Isadore Apparel focuses on producing top-end products with sustainability in mind, with materials locally sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers, that once crafted are carefully placed in recyclable packaging. They manufacture close to where they live with their factory “Makyta” located in Puchov Slovakia, employing over 500 local people and supporting local community initiatives.

QUALITY

Isadore Woolight Jersey

The jersey is made from a blend of fine merino wool, well-known for its breathability, comfort, odour resistance, ease of washing and minimal care requirements to keep it looking sharp and fresh. The material is literally ‘Woolight’, weighing in at 160g/m2. The texture is like a waffle fabric with active moisture wicking to keep you cool when it’s hot outdoors and a high SPF, making it ideal for summer riding in the heat.

There are three reinforced back pockets with a small extra pocket inside the jersey pocket. There’s also a buttonhole and eyelet exit point on the collar to run headphone cables inside the jersey (unless you’re off to get an iPhone 7 – bluetooth headphones anyone?) and an additional zipper, to keep contents dry and secure.

Isadore Climbers Bib knicks

The bib knicks are advertised as being suitable for all seasons with a “4D technology chamois” that uses the Italian ‘airmesh’ padding to provide a cool and comfortable experience. The thick fabric is comprised of a premium mix of polyamide, lycra and elastane. The bib straps are lightweight with flattened overlocked seams to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing and the bib legs are completely seamless with adequate compression and feature light silicone tape to keep them in place on the thigh.

Isadore Climbers Socks

The Climbers Socks are what we’ve come to expect - lightweight, durable, elastic and above all comfortable with extreme wicking and breathability.

They are made in Italy from 97% lightweight polyamide and 3% elastane, and the 6 inch cuff is comfortable with a suitable amount of compression and resistant stitching on the toes and heel.

Isadore Climbers Cap

The Climbers Cap is 100% cotton and of a classic 3 panel style, with a larger than normal fit (great for those among us with massive brains), and is lined with antibacterial tape to give you the perfect amount of luft. The material is breathable and transfers moisture away from your sweaty head, particularly handy if you’re your missing your thick and luscious locks of yesteryear. The care instructions for the caps are a bit more specific - hand wash only, and do not bleach/ iron/ tumble dry or dry clean.

RIDE

The short capped Jersey sleeves are comfortable and the ‘slim fit cut’ is very forgiving, with ample stretch to hide all the winter donut indulgences. The jersey cut itself is a little different from what I’ve grown accustomed to, being longer in the torso than most that I’ve worn, sitting low on the hips, but I didn’t find that it bunched up when riding. The material is soft good quality.

The climbers bib knicks are definitely comfortable, and fill the brief of being “well designed”. They were more than suitable for a brisk spring morning and when teamed with leg warmers provided enough compression to stay in place and hold them up. The elastic grippers are firm but don’t dig in.

All up it is clear that Isadore Apparel should definitely be considered when heading out to purchase your cycling wardrobe staples. They provide a classic option for the discerning cyclist that wants something to wear season after season. Your ride isn’t always going to be perfect, but your outfit can be.

CONCLUSION

Isadore Apparel produce versatile cycling gear that is stylish and timeless in design. Their products are classy and elegant and will look good and current from season to season. After all, classic never goes out of style.

PRICE

The Woolight Jersey is priced at $165, the Climbers bib knicks at $195, Climbers Socks at $32 and Climbers Cap at $30. The full Isadore range is available from our friends at Cycle Closet with free shipping for orders over $250.

Got an Isadore kit? Tell us what you like... or don't like about it... would you recommend it? Comment below.

Full disclosure - Cycle Closet sent us this kit to review. It is not a paid review and La Velocita does not get any proceeds of sales of kit from Isadore, Cycle Closet or any of Isadore's other retail outlets.