To offer the world a niche of truly extraordinary garments; so refined in design, so exquisite in fabric composition, so rigorously researched in development, that they would represent nothing less than the international epitome of elite sporting apparel. 2XU will shortly release PROJECT:X. No precedents, no barriers, no competitors – The high performance revolution.

Each garment within the PROJECT:X collection is produced on an exclusive, limited edition international production run. Owners of 2XU PROJECT:X garments will be among a select few in the world granted priority 2XU PROJECT:X benefits to enjoy for the duration of the garment’s warranty.6

602nds had the opportunity to speak with 2XU Co-Founder and Product Specialist Jamie Hunt ahead of the Project:X:C1 launch that will feature a new range of cycling clothing hitting our stores in May.

602nds: Let’s step back and tell our followers a little about the history of 2XU. How did the vision first come about?

Jamie: The 2XU concept evolved from a discussion between myself and the two other 2XU Co-Founders/Directors (Clyde Davenport & Aidan Clarke) almost six years ago now.  We were reflecting on the absence of a high performance sporting apparel brand in Australia and felt that our combined extensive knowledge of the sporting and textile worlds placed us in perfect stead to do something about it.   The hole in this market niche was significant – ‘the big boys’ had run after mass market fashion trends and neglected the fundamentals of developing technical garments, so we decided to give it a crack.  It wasn’t long before we filled this void in the sports we attacked – we were right on the money.

602nds: The cycling clothing industry is a very competitive market. What makes the 2XU brand name a more attractive purchase than other manufacturers?

Jamie: At 2XU, we know fabric, sport, what it’s like to be an athlete (be it elite or everyday) and boast solid experience in the clothing industry.  This powerful matrix is rare to find within one organization and it has fared us well.

602nds: Apart from here in Australia 602nds has a following base that covers the US, Canada, Europe and many other countries. Tell us a little about how the 2XU brand name is growing overseas?

Jamie: We are found in over 2,000 retail stores across 45 countries worldwide and continue to grow.  While Australia, the USA, UK, Japan and Germany are as strong as expected, we also have some other real gem markets, which we like to keep to ourselves.

602nds: From speaking with the general cyclist, we hear the same story in that they are not confident when it comes to purchasing the right clothing. This is where the 2XU Performance Centre is the perfect place for advice and choosing the correct garment. What else can the general person expect?

Jamie: While it’s often viewed as a cliché, our knowledgeable Team 2XU staff are our greatest Performance Centre asset.   They go through extensive ongoing training to ensure they’re up to speed with all our latest developments, garment innovations, features and key benefits.  Most of our Team 2XU Retail staff are serious athletes themselves – we want to create an environment where customers are offered all the attention and detail they deserve when buying world-leading garments.

602nds: 602nds has recently have the opportunity to review select products from the 2XU cycling range and were blown away by just how good they really are. What is in store for cyclists with the new Project X:C1 range due for release in May?

Jamie: This awesome new Project:X piece has a membrane which hardens and softens according to climate in order to keep the wearer comfortable and dry when out in the elements.   The X:C1 also wicks moisture from the body when the micro climate heats up.  Once again, we’re excited to have reset the benchmark when it comes to ‘intelligently engineered’ apparel.  Like all Project:X items, this one does half the work for you!

For more information on the fantastic range of 2XU garments then follow the team on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.

Images & Intro text courtesy of 2XU

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.

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.