.The new look, this seasons style..!!!

As you can see I now have the new Jitsie T1 08 Rail set of clothing, in Black/White/Grey..or Black Rail as the style is known. The first thing I noticed is the quality, the jeans are put together very well and feel like they should cost much more than they do... and there are some very neat touches to make them fit correctly and stay put once they are on. The waist has 2 sturdy poppers at the top of the zip, under the T1 logo, and you also get 2 velcro type adjusters at the side to allow for thicker shirts to be tucked in... or in my case a little larger belly than you would like!
The is also a grippy like elastic around the waist that prevents the shirt from coming out every time you bend over. There is also a little loop at the back which is handy for both hanging them up and also pulling them back up after a big fall..!!!

We rode for 6 hours on Sunday in rocky and muddy conditions so the whole outfit got a very good test. I put a wicking type Nike t-shirt under the top for this ride as it is still a bit cold but the jeans are perfect... they are fully lined so even when wet from the sleet we had they don't get cold but they also don't get all hot and sweaty. The velcro adjusters at the sides allow a perfect fit without getting too tight and I have to say that the silicon strips on the waist band are brilliant. Wasn't until I got home I realised that I had ridden all day, fallen off many times and also driven home still wearing the kit and not once did my shirt un-tuck itself. And I am also pleased to say that after a few tree then rock slides there is not even a run in the fabric let alone any rips or pulled stitching. The knee area has a thin inner foam padding which when you first feel it gives the impression that it won't do anything but I tested it against the trees and have to report that it takes the sting out. The inner leg has a balistic nylon covering which is far better at fending off the exhaust heat and other wear than the standard single layer efforts from other companies...

... what can be said about the shirt... it looks good, the pattern is not going to run or wear off and I like the cuffs as they don't have that tight knitted bit like many others. When you stretch and the sleeve rides up it doesn't sty there, it slides back down again when you want it too. I really like the pinstripe effect, after not being too sure on it when I saw the first photos.... and I am told they, along with the black colour is slimming..!!!!! God I need it.

The gloves are thinner than my usual pairs. Mainly because I tend to buy from motocross or mountain bike places. Although they are lightweight for those disciplines they still have padding on the palm so it is a while since I have had the full feeling from the grips.... does make you realise how hard the standard Beta grips are after a few hours!! But I am happy to say that I could grip the bars all day in all weathers... even when wet I had no problems and the fit is very good. The velcro closer tab is well out of the way as well and doesn't rub on your hand or wrist... and as the shirt doesn't have knitted cuffs it doesn't stick to them either. I do tend to wear out gloves very quickly so it will be interesting to see how long these last, but so far no scuffs or wear apparent.

After this wet and muddy ride It is also worth noting that all items washed up perfectly... so far so good. Although this was the first ride, we did stay on the bikes for 6 hours and I can't think of anything that I could find fault with. Obviously it is luck of the draw whether you crash into something sharp and nothing is going to stop cuts and tears in those circumstances but the jeans in particular feel like they are going to put up with an awful lot of abuse... which is just as well with my level of riding..... further news after more time on the bike.

click the logo to visit Jitsie.