The 2XU Cruise Jacket (M21884a) is designed with high strength elastane for flexibility while also providing long lasting shape.

From a fit perspective, typically when I have purchased other jackets they have had problems with length through the waist and arms (too short). The 2XU Cruise Jacket had none of these issues as it had sleeves that were just the right length for my longer than standard arms.

The sides and rear of the jacket were just the right length to keep my 6’2 height warm without riding up my body.  The sleeves feature elastane providing a grip to keep them from also riding up the arms.

The Cruise Jacket also has a slim, race cut fit which didn’t have any access material to flap around which I liked. The jacket also comes with side pockets and thumb holes.

The second jacket we will look at is the 2XU X:C1 Cycle Jacket (MC1728a). While we don’t experience the sub zero temperatures of Europe, at some stage a jersey and arm warmers won’t be enough through winter.

The 2XU Cycle Jacket with its Swiss membrane technology is designed to simply respond to temperature change. The technology of this jacket traps heat for greater warmth while remaining light for enhanced moisture control.

Amazing engineering was put into the 2XU Cycle Jacket design process. The jacket provides angled pockets for easy access, 360 degree reflectivity for those dark mornings, concealed chest pocket, eyewear docks and a comfortable tailored fit.

The 2XU Cycle Jacket is one of the best purchases I have made though the wallet took a hit so visit your local 2XU Performance Centre and see if they will cut you a deal. You won’t regret the investment.

Footnote: 602nds purchased both of the above products and is in no way affiliated with 2XU.

When I first received the Rapha Stowaway Jacket I thought straight away it looks good and felt very soft. I like how the jacket fits when wearing, it isn’t to bulky and doesn’t look like I’m pitching a tent. It was comfortable to ride in and I wasn’t constantly pulling the jacket down at the back to cover my umm, “rear”.

The jacket has a drop tail in order to provide protection from spray and it works well, as mentioned on the Rapha site, “The tail has been stitched to prevent the jacket flapping whilst riding”.

The jacket has many features such as, friction locks on the waistcoat, wear-resistant lycra cuffs which provides a wind-proof seal, soft-fleece chin guard to prevent chaffing when the jacket is completely zipped up and the zip is sewn on in reverse for maximum water resistant. The jacket feels soft; it doesn’t have that plastic feel that most wind-proof jackets have.

I didn’t find myself sweating after wearing the jacket for a while, although I was riding in Brisbane and it really only drizzled down, so I wasn’t able to test the jacket in Belgian winter conditions.

Another feature I liked is the reflective stripes the jacket has on the sleeves, with a reflective Rapha Logo on the rear to help with visibility when riding in dim lighting conditions or night.

The jacket weighs 150g and folds up easily to store in a jersey pocket.  It comes in red or cream and matches perfectly with the Rapha Women’s Range of Jerseys and Shorts available.

Rapha states on their website that the jacket is windproof, water-resistant and extremely breathable, and is ideal for riding in changeable conditions. I have to agree with Rapha, this jacket provides everything that they say and is comfortable to wear, looks great and although pricier than most of the stowaway jackets on the market is well worth the money. The quality of the jacket will have you wearing it for many years to come.

I also want to mention the Merino Rapha Socks I have been wearing constantly since they were sent to me. These socks are good; they feel great on, no sweaty feet after taking them off and no annoying rubbing along the top of the toe s due to stitching.

If you have trouble wearing socks whilst riding then give the Merino Socks a go. The socks are made from Merino wool with the natural fibre providing a better wicking of the sweat away and also provides a natural anti-bacterial to stop the socks smelling after repeated use.

The women’s range keeps all the positive classic qualities of the Rapha range with the addition of a exceptional anatomical fit for women.

All up I have to say is that I really enjoyed wearing the Rapha Womens Range and if you too like looking good whilst riding, then do it, you won’t be disappointed.

To purchase the Rapha Stowaway Jacket or any of the Rapha Womens range take a look at the Rapha Website.

For those cycling fans in Australia who have wanted to wear the gear, and that now includes ladies, Rapha was officially launched in Australia last October when Rapha Condor Sharp raced at the Jayco Sun Tour.

Whilst orders are fulfilled out of the UK, the Australian customer base now has everything priced in AUD, $20 flat shipping no matter what the amount, free shipping for larger orders and a quick 3-6 day delivery from Fedex. Australian Customers also have a local distributer contact as well.

The Rapha range already has a large female customer base, many of whom have been wearing the men’s range for years. Rapha thought it was only fair that female cyclists should be able to enjoy Rapha but with a completely tailored fit.  This leads me to being lucky enough to review a few items from the new Rapha women’s range.

From previous reviews that I have done I have mentioned that looking good on the bike is just as important as feeling good whilst on the bike, and the gear that I was sent will have you looking good on the bike.

When I opened the package from Rapha I was pleasantly surprised. The Rapha gear was in a soft waterproof plastic bag, not the crappy plastic bags that you just throw away. The bag could be used to store the gear in when traveling, not bad I thought, with recycling helping the environment.

When I pulled the jersey out of the packaging I was instantly drawn to the quality of the jersey, it looked great and felt soft. I was thinking this jersey is going to feel nice on.  The jersey is made from sportwool™ (40% Merino & 60% Polyester), slightly narrower waist with being wider at the hips.

A full-length zip with Zip guard, three rear cargo pockets with a zip pocket for valuables and a sleeve for a pump. The jersey also has a drawcord to make easy adjustments to the jacket whilst riding. It’s not very often that I take my hands off the handlebars, due to my fantastic riding skills I hold on for dear life, but it was actually very easy to adjust the bottom of the jersey when required.

The jersey didn’t feel uncomfortable at all and I was surprised with how well the jersey fabric soaked up perspiration (women perspire not sweat I’ve always been told) without feeling wet or cold.  I had no rubbing from the zip or edges of the jersey, with no feeling of tightness around forearms or hips.  The classic design with the cream strip around the arm looks good and with the red jersey, you are sure to be noticed by other riders.

When purchased you also receive a complimentary set of matching arm warmers. The arm warmers have a brushed fleece inner and soft gripper tape to hold them in place. The times that I have used the arm warmers I have had no problems with them falling down.  The arm warmers are finished with contrast piping and colour-on-colour logos.

The women’s classic jersey and the matching arm warmers can only be improved by wearing them with the Rapha women’s shorts.

The Rapha shorts are made from a lightweight, durable stretch fabric, with a panel construction and the chamois pad from specialist manufacturer Cytech. The Shorts are very comfortable and have been made to ensure there is no rubbing in those places that can make riding the bike uncomfortable for women.

The little detail of having no stitching across the front of the waistband I think is fantastic, a known place for chaffing and annoying rubbing for women. I noticed the waist was a little higher than normal shorts with the rear of the shorts even higher, which made them, feel very comfortable. They are also longer in the leg so no worrying about the shorts riding up whilst on the bike. It’s like wearing spankx, but looking and feeling much better.

The chamois is good and I had no trouble with rubbing whilst riding and was feeling pretty good when I got off the bike. The Rapha shorts look great with the cream detail at the rear waist, reflective tape on the legs and the Rapha logos on both legs.

I must say that the Rapha Classic Jersey, matching arm warmers and shorts look fantastic when wearing them all together as a complete kit. The colours are vibrant and the small matching colour details on the arm warmers and shorts to match the jersey are a stylish touch.

The whole kit is very comfortable to wear and looks amazing on. For all the women out there that enjoy looking fantastic whilst feeling good on the bike, the Rapha kit is the kit for you. Must say, I thoroughly enjoyed wearing the Rapha range and is looking forward to showing it off on my next ride.

I was also wearing the Rapha Stowaway Jacket and the Rapha Merino Socks with the rest of the kit which will be reviewed in the near future.

Rapha is supporting a grass-roots female cycling team in the UK which formed earlier this year. Rapha hope that it will further promote the growth of female cycling as it has been gaining momentum for some time.

If you would like to purchase this great looking kit or have a look at the Rapha Women’s Range then check it out here – Women’s Range

Images courtesy of Rapha

Tiffany is currently studying an Advanced Diploma in Fashion Studies. When not riding she is designing her own cycling apparel range. The range is designed exclusively by Tiffany and made in Australia by cycle clothing company Triple Play. Tiffany released her first line of cycling wear in 2009, called Tiffany Jane Signature Collection, with the motto being “look gorgeous, feel great”. Tiffany’s second line, Tiffany Jane Star Gazer Collection was released in January 2010.

602nds was lucky to meet up with Tiffany at the recent Tour Down Under in Adelaide to discuss the new range. Tiffany’s aim for the new range is to expand the market to a wider range of women. The aim is to have a simple yet effective design with the main focal point being the star. I had the opportunity to view both designs, and I must say they captured my eye straight away.

The first thing that came to mind was “wow”, this gear will match my bike. The Star Gazer Collection includes a white & two tone pink and a black, purple & blue kit, with the Star Gazer star featuring in the design. Tiffany left me with the black, blue & purple Star Gazer kit to review. If I had seen this kit in a shop it definitely would have made me stop and have a look.

The jersey is manufactured using ‘Tri-Flow’ fabric (exclusive to Triple Play), fitted with a full length (exposed) zip and three rear pockets for storage. The jersey is very comfortable to wear, with no tightness around the arms and the length of the jersey long enough that it didn’t creep up whilst riding. The bib ‘n’ brace knicks are made with premium 245-250gsm lycra, utilising Sorbtech moisture management fabric with over locked seams.

The knick is fitted with high density chamois, industry leading gel grip technology used on leg cuff to keep them in place and finished with a light and breathable mesh bib. I found the bib ‘n’ brace knick comfortable when on, there was no pulling down of the leg cuffs and no rubbing of the chamois or feeling uncomfortable (not a good thing when riding or after you finish riding).

As a lady who loves looking good and feeling good whilst riding the Tiffany Jane Star Gazer Collection is a great looking women’s cycling kit. Tiffany’s motto is “look gorgeous, feel great”, this kit definitely made myself feel both.

So, if you are looking for a stylish kit, that has a great design and with a bit of flair, then the Tiffany Jane Collection is for you. Check out the Tiffany Jane Website for more information.

All images courtesy of CJT Design

Recently I was sent a delightful handmade cycling cap from Rocket Fuel – Vintage Cycling Style, not only did it look great, it matched my Orbea bike – pink & white.

Remember, I’m a girl that thinks looking good on the bike is just as important as having the right gear.

Rocket Fuel is an Australian company  based in Sydney. They use vintage, recycled & reused fabrics to make their caps, which means most of the time the caps are a one offs, even if not, there would only ever be 2-5 of the same cap in the world. As the Rocket Fuel website says “this is not very often”. So not only do you have a great looking cap, when asked by your friends about the cap, you can tell them it’s an exclusive one off design.. Something the fashion conscious rider will enjoy doing.

The handmade caps are made from cotton, wool, or leather. Rocket Fuel also has winter caps for those cold days when your ears need to be snuggly warm.

I have worn the cap a couple of times, not only on the bike but also when I’ve been outside and the weather has been hot. Obviously I have the luck of living in Queensland, so that is most of the time (sorry for those readers currently going through winter).

The cap fitted really well and I didn’t find myself having an indent along my forehead like I normally get when wearing hats, one of the reasons I hate wearing them. The caps visor is made so if you like you can flip it up. At no time did I feel uncomfortable wearing the cap, and actually forgot I had it on when wearing it under my bike helmet.

Must say that this cap is a new favourite of mine and I’m sure I will be wearing it many more times in the future. I am also looking at purchasing a few of the caps for presents for friends.

The Rocket Fuel website has a wide range of vintage caps, but if there is a specific colour you like, Rocket Fuel provides custom design, just check the website out. Also, if you are worried that you may have a big or small head, you can contact Rocket Fuel with measurements & they will be able to custom make one to fit you exactly.

Rocket Fuel also has a range of jewellery, basket covers, ladies clothes & even caps for the little ones. Rocket Fuel has also slashed International shipping costs in order for you to buy more caps and spend less on shipping, something which I think is fantastic.

So, if you are looking for a stylish, one off, vintage looking cycling cap, Rocket Fuel is the place to go. Check out the Rocket Fuel website for more information.

Rocket Fuel states on their website: We ride, we make good products, we hope you like them.

Well Rocket Fuel: CycleGirl rides, agrees the product is good & I like it!

Developed in Australia in 1996, Skins has almost become a synomymous term when discussing compression garments. With a heavy investment in research and development, the Skins compression garments are favoured by many top athletes and sporting teams around the globe.

Once again, I am blown away with the advancement in technology and quality that companies such as Skins are implementing into their garments. With a heavy investment in research and development Skins is an industry leader

With their unique design and construction that applies just the right amount of engineered gradient compression to the muscles, the Skins Bib Shorts ensure that you experience a scientifically proven circulatory benefit that will improve your performance on the bike. The Bib Shorts also help speed your recovery off the bike the moment you finish your ride.

The mesh upper of the bib shorts provides great ventilation to the upper body and is smooth and comfortable to the skin. The silicon leg grippers ensures the shorts stay in place without riding up the leg. The grippers are very comfortable with restricting movement or circulation.

The Skins Multi-D Elastic Interface Technology chamois are designed and engineered in Italy and have been put through extensive wear testing in purpose built testing facilities as well as on road by a panel of experts to ensure they provide the ultimate in comfort, performance and durability.

The chamois are manufactured using the very best fabrics and the finest quality foams available. The built in patented Elastic Interface Technology guarantees maximum comfort, freedom of movement on the saddle, protection for sensitive areas and optimum breathability to transport moisture.

I have been cycling with the male Skins Bib Shorts for the past month and am more than impressed – I am blown away.

I have cycling kits made by a wide variety of manufacturers, and I find the Skins product to be more comfortable than any pair of non compression knicks I have worn. In fact, the Skins are simply the most comfortable pair of knicks I have tried.

As with the Skins compression range, the Bib Shorts feature the distinctive yellow stitching that is sure to stand out in any ride without being too confronting.

The Skins range of cycling clothing are worn by Team Jayco Skins, Australian Olympic Gold & Silver Medalist Anna Meares along with professional cycling teams: Team Columbia-HTC, Rabobank and Milram.

Along with the bib knicks, Skins also manufacture a range of mens and womens jerseys, jackets and shorts that we hope to review of the course of 2010.

A new range due for release in the second quarter of 2010 and from what I have seen, can’t wait to get my hands on.

Take a look at the Skins website to find your nearest stockist.

We all know that compression wear is all the rage these days. 2XU’s compression cycling short are a well made and reasonably priced way to jump on the compression bandwagon, offering faster recovery, improved circulation and a reduction in muscle fatigue.

The quality of the material and the silicone leg gripper are excellent and soft against the skin. The waist has a narrow elasticated band which I found very comfortable and in no way slipping on the skin. I was extremely impressed by the quality of the cycling shorts, particularly the materials used are far superior to other shorts which I have previously worn. Coupled with 2XU’s new fusion pro chamois: 3 different density foams for the right cushioning in the right anatomical regions (Exclusive to 2XU). This is a long life garment with fantastic wear and moisture management properties.

The 2XU cycling range consists of a variety of jerseys, shorts, bib shorts, along with such accessories as legwarmers, arm warmers, knee warmers, booties and gloves. We hope to review more of this classy range throughout 2010. The range is available via one of the 2XU Performance Centres or one of the many dealers Australia wide.

602nds will be at the opening of the new 2XU Performance Centre located in Subiaco (WA) late this month and filling you in on what new products are in store for the year ahead.

During the European winter, Cadel returns home to his Australian base in Victoria and offered the public a chance to ride with him.

Just prior to last Christmas, Cadel took us on a social ride from Hurstbridge Station to Arthurs Creek, through Stathewen and onto Kinglake for a “We remember, we care” ride through communities devastated by the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

The ride gave fans a first look at the rainbow World Champion jersey so well earned after a luckless and unfavourable 2009 season.

The next public ride that Cadel participated in was the Amy’s Ride just into the New Year in memory of Amy Gillet who was fatally struck down in a motor accident while training a few years ago.

The integration with the public and fans has given us another insight into Cadel who is often misunderstood my media. Promotion of a range of merchandise which for now only includes a t-shirt gives us a teaser of what may be available in the future.

The “Don’t stand on my dog!” t-shirt is proudly made in Australia from 100% organic cotton. The organic cotton fabric is a light weight and fits to standard sizes. The main image is screen printed onto the front with a smaller line of “Don’t stand on my dog!” text printed just under the rear neck. A screen print of Cadel’s signature appears at the inside label.

The t-shirt can be ordered through Cadel’s website, available in a range of sizes with postage offered both locally within Australia and overseas. The t-shirt arrived within a couple of days and was nicely packaged in a sealed plastic bag, packed in a blank ‘pizza’ box with a complimentary post card.

The t-shirt only means something to cycling fans and pledges your alliance and support for Cadel. The quality is great, the artwork is clean and the fit is perfect. The styling is current with a somewhat grunge look and feel.

Get your “Don’t stand on my dog!” now while stock lasts and get behind the World Champion.

You can follow Cadel on his website and Twitter as he leads his new team, BMC Racing Team though 2010.

For those wondering, “Don’t stand on my dog!” is a light hearted reference that goes back to Stage 15 of the 2008 Tour de France when Cadel being swamped by reporters and camermen directed his voice at someone who nearly stepped on his beloved dog,  Molly, “Don’t stand on my dog, or I cut your head off!”.

The 2XU Compression Race Sock has been specifically designed for competition and training wear to stabilise muscles for less fatigue and tissue damage. Through a graduated fit and powerful yarns the Race Socks aid blood circulation for faster flushing of lactates and improved oxygen circulation.

The Race Socks are long and fit above the calf to just under the knee. Each sock is labelled L & R and have the feeling of a light weight sock. The first thing I noticed was the tight fit. Getting the sock on over the foot and then over the calf was not easy and took a couple of minutes to fit.

The supplied sample was a size M and is supposed to be worn tight, as tight as possibly comfortable. I have fairly large calves that were a challenge fitting over. Once fitted, the socks are amazingly comfortable with the feeling of compression very noticeable.

The only negative of the 2XU Compression Race Socks may be the actual look of them whilst being worn. It is perhaps not the most fashionable statement to wear knee high white socks in public but with the benefits outweighing modesty it’s all thumbs up for the Compression Race Socks.

The 2XU Compression Race Socks retail for AU$50 and are available in a range of sizes from S-XL.

When I first opened the package with the race kit in it, my first thoughts were “Wow, Love the colours” and “How sweet will this kit look on, it even matches my bike”.  The colours are so vibrant and the pink, black, grey and white matched up so well, it looked good.

Part of the process of getting the Race kit to review was using the online sizing chart on the SheSpoke website. Must say it was easy to figure what sizes I needed, and when I put the kit on the fit was perfect. Finding size charts that actually represent the kit itself is part of the problem when ordering kit online, but with SheSpoke they have it right.

The Race Kit Knicks is constructed from 210gsm Lycra with SPF 50+UV properties to protect you from the sun, but the most important part of the knicks is the integrated multi-layer chamois designed for the female anatomy. It is seamless, breathable, and gives comfort where needed most.  I have to tell you the chamois is probably the best part of the kit. No stitching to annoy areas where you shouldn’t be annoyed, and no soreness after riding for a couple of hours. Another great part of the knicks is the silicone infused gripper band that ensures maximum grip, softness and no tightness around the thigh.  Problems I have found in the past is the elastic band around the bottom of the knicks ride up and also dig in to us ladies who don’t have thin thighs. These knicks are definitely made for all women of all sizes.

The Race Kit Jersey is simply stunning, I couldn’t wait to get out on the road and wear the jersey.  The graphic design will stand out in any pack, and with the vibrant colours I’m sure it will turn a few heads. The jersey incorporates Inner Cooling Efficiency (ICE), fabric wicks moisture away from the body, high breathability and 50+ UV sun protection factor.  The jersey has a 40cm full length zip which allows you to control the ventilation. I believe that the best thing about the jersey (apart from looking good wearing it) is the easy fit womens cut. The jersey length is good; I didn’t have to keep pulling the jersey down whilst riding. I found that the jersey wasn’t tight around the arm, the chest and especially the hip, which happens with jerseys not correctly cut for women. The Jersey has 3 deep pockets at the back, enough room to fit in the essentials when riding.

The SheSpoke website mentions that it “aspires to encourage women to participate in cycling by providing fashionable, functional, innovative and comfortable cycle wear”. SheSpoke has achieved all that they aspired to achieve, the kit is comfortable, looks great and is an absolute pleasure to wear, and I’m putting it on my Christmas wish list.

For more information check out  www.SheSpoke.com.au