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The rebirth of Sombrio clothing

Northshore proven riding kit - but does it still cut it?

they are back! Some of our favourite riding kit from over the years has been from Sombrio, and much of it is still going strong and in daily use. BUT Does it still cut it against the current crop of clothing brands?

Photos: Ben Winder

Now with different owners, we are keen to see whether this brand still has the edge that kept it at the top of our wish list. The original Sombrio range (which included shoes – none in the new range so far) managed to combine an enviable mix of quality fabrics, a ‘just right cut’ all rolled out with a good dose of style. A winning combination that we were (and still are) truly sold on.

Sombrio weren’t just pioneers, they created a whole new possibility & experience, just like the trail builders & riders of the North Shore had done.

Back in the UK, and distributed by Cycling Sports Group, we first spotted this new range at the 2016 Bike Place show back in late January. The first drop of Sombrio has now landed and as before is split into four ranges with both mens and womens styles in each.

What’s on offer?

FREERIDE

The Freeride collection is where it all started for Sombrio. When the North Shore freeride movement kicked off, there was a demand for clothing that reflected this new wave within the sport. Sombrio pioneered a new-look range of kit from the ground up, with these riders in mind. A fresh approach that was an instant hit.

From this, grew the world’s first authentic freeride mountain bike clothing brand.

EPIK

With the Epik series, Sombrio have designed a range of trail riding clothing for the rider looking to ride longer, further & harder, with fabric technology to do the same. This Epik range has a slimmer fit with lightweight fabrics and refined styling but still with the neat detailing and dose of style that Sombrio are renowned for.

These are the most purpose-built and lightweight trail garments that Sombrio have ever produced.

GRAVITY

Between the tape or against the clock, Sombrio’s gravity Collection leads the way with a specifically tailored range of race–inspired apparel. Using cutting–edge fabrics that are durable & lighter weight than many of their competitors’, Sombrio’s Gravity collection is designed to give increased comfortable at flat out speeds.’

Look fast, feel fast, be fast.

CARTEL

Designed for action but slick looking & casual, Sombrio’s Cartel range has you covered from head to toe and brings their North Shore style to everyday life but not missing out on fabric technology or on the bike versatility.

The Cartel collection will suit you all day long while roaming the streets on two-wheels, or away on a roadtrip.

We’ve had a bundle of the new kit in to test (no doubt showing up in a bike test photoshoot very soon…) so here are a few highlights.

Duster jersey

Gravity range

“Designed for optimal performance with retro pop colour” is how Sombrio describe the Duster jersey. A high performance polyester mesh fabric with a four-way stretch for comfort is finely perforated to aid ventilation, speed up drying times and help wick moisture from the body. The ribbed cuffs are angled to improve fit and on bike comfort and have enough stretch to allow the sleeves to be pulled up when the going gets hot. No pockets or fuss, just a great design.

The Duster uses Sombrio’s RLX relaxed fit, and the cut of the main body (as well as the sizing) is great, with a bang on sleeve length. The sublimated graphics and bold colours match up well with the rest of Sombrio’s Gravity collection and gets the nod from us here at Dirt.

Sombrio are now offering a lifetime warranty on all their clothing – great news for you harder riders who may need the reassurance that this kit is built to last and the brand stands by what they make.

These are Sombrio’s official words on this:

“Sombrio gear is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday adventures, both on and off the bike. We know you want to pin it with confidence. That’s why we build durable gear to last, now guaranteed for life!

Our Lifetime Guarantee covers all Sombrio apparel products against manufactures defects for the expected life of the product. If something should happen to your Sombrio gear (purchase from the 2016 apparel collection or later), just return your gear to the original place of purchase for a replacement of equal value.”

SIZES: XS – XXL

COLOUR: FLAME/BLACK/BIG AIR BLUE

PRICE: £55

Rev shorts

Gravity range

Another all-new design from Sombrio, the midweight Rev has a gravity/DH bias but weighs in at little more than many brands’ trail shorts. Using Sombrio’s standard (SND) fit with a 15 inch inseam length means a short that sits well with lightweight or DH kneepads yet is not overly bulky or heavy, especially when wet. The fabric is robust, comfortable and uses panels of four-way stretch fabric on the lumbar and inside leg panels to give more freedom of movement. No pockets around the waist area also assists with this and gives a cleaner fit.

The details are well thought through too. Twin waist adjusters, a velcro and twin press-stud waist closure and full mesh lining finish off this top quality and very well designed short.

SIZES: XS – XXL

COLOUR: FLAME/BIG AIR BLUE

PRICE: £75

Highline shorts

Epik range

If you’re after a lightweight short for trail riding then here at Dirt we have found some real favourites over the years, including the Troy Lee designs Skyline which hits the spot in every way. These Highline shorts are Sombrio’s latest take on a short that won’t hold you back when riding hard on warm days. The four-way stretch fabric is featherweight yet tough, quick drying and with carefully placed panels gives a great all-round fit. The fabric is also ventilated with sections of laser-cut holes to further aid airflow in both the lumbar and thigh areas and has a water-repellent DWR coating. A 13.5″ inseam is only just long enough for us, but Sombrio offer the Lowline short which runs in at 14.5″. Two side pockets (one with a key clip) and one on the upper back panel are all zipped for secure storage.

A short for longer, harder rides when lightweight comfort is a top priority. We’ll be testing these up against our proven favourites…

SIZES: XS – XXL

COLOUR: BIG AIR BLUE OR BLACK

PRICE: £80

 

Quality waist adjusters keep the fit in check
Well placed zips keep cargo secure
Tapered cuffs are typical of Sombrio's detailing

It’s looking good for Sombrio with this new range of kit. Well designed with great detailing and plenty of choice from lighter duty trail riding through to DH use. All with the North Shore pedigree and style that’s been part of the brand since day one. Let’s hope they bring a footwear range back too…

sombriocartel.com

cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk

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