UK Exclusive review of Republik Clothing range!

Republik clothing was only set up recently but they've been causing rumblings in the mtb clothing market. With well thought out competitively priced apparel, for the riders who don't want to look like a flashing neon billboard when they're riding. I only recently heard about the company and very quickly emailed them. Within a few hours I'd already got a reply from Matt (amazing guy thanks, for all the help) he was more than willing to help out with reviews and a few weeks later I had a small package from UPS awaiting on my doorstep, within it contained a long sleeve trail jersey they're top end xc shorts and a three quarter length all mountain jersey. Now from the outset these are different to most out there instead of being generally tailored for "biking", real thought has been put into these and it shows through the mesh side panels the stretch yokes the stitching and the choice of materials used. What makes them so different from nearly everything else out there is they’re subtly, no massive logos or artwork just simple clothes which you could go out not riding in without "too" many odd looks. The all mountain jersey aptly named the Flagline has a good weight to it made completely of polyester, the fit is superb very similar to the Oakley spiral, loose and baggy, its super comfortable thanks to the flat locked stitching and it appears very well made. On each side it features a mesh side panel meaning you don’t get too hot when wearing it the neck yoque is nice and tight without being restrictive in any way. Overall for general spring/summer/autumn riding it’s a really nice jersey all in all. Durability also seems very promising its held up well this is in part due to the quality stitching and also the quality and thickness of the polyester used to make the jersey. The Caldera long sleeved jersey is designed for trail riding in mind, fit is a little tighter than the _ length jersey but still lose and comfortable. Again it features a generous but not flappy fit and drop tail and raglan sleeves, for all round general riding and freeriding it’s a great purchase. Again durability appears very good it’s a little thinner than the Flagline but a lot thicker than a lot of their competitors are offering. Breathability is also impressive in part due to the sweat wicking polyester of both jerseys structure but also due to the mesh side panels which really do help cool you down when riding. They have reached a compromise between ultimate breath-ability and usage. Onto the shorts, now I'm going to admit it now I detest shorts I can't stand them I ride in jeans and it's as simple as that. But thought id give these a try they come in two parts an inner which most trail riders I’m sure are accustomed to, mesh lining with inner pad something completely new to me and quite enlightening experience. The shorts themselves though designed for xc are not all skin hugging and tight lycra affairs, Its more of a trail fit with stretch panels down each leg interconnecting with a yoke at the back in other words one very big stretch yoke. The closing system is quite interesting it doesn't use buttons, poppers or Velcro, this is an advantage in that it means nothing goes to prod you if you come off. The way in which they close is similar to a pair of board shorts it has a standard zip fly and then it has a lace system at the top, which allows you to tailor the fit just a little. It also features durable Velcro adjusters at the sides. Overall the shorts designed for wearability and longevity over little weight savings. Overall I’m really happy with the clothing, its got great, simple attention to detail something many manufacturers overlook these days. Pricing is exceptionally good at about £20 a jersey and £40 for the shorts (this is of course if you bought directly from them, their UK distributor I expect to be a little higher but still reasonably priced). Price to say the least is very competitive. I do however have a few issues with them generally; firstly sizing I know I'm big but would have really appreciated an inch extra especially in the shorts. An xxl might be useful for big guys who wear body armour especially. Apart from the issue of sizing i.e. if your normal you will be fine I really do fully recommend Republik clothing. Simple styles mixed with modern riding influences, have produced what I consider to be a killer range of clothing and also a superb company. This isn’t just demonstrated through their clothing but also the company’s attitude and outlook on the sport. Big thanks to Matt at Republik who has been awesome in answering emails and getting the gear to us. www.republikmtb.com © 2008 Review by Johnathan Clark