Here at BrandAlley HQ, we like to look the part as stylishly as possible, whatever we’re doing. And to show you that we’re not about ‘all the gear but no idea’, we asked Bonnie, our super-fit and sporty Marketing Exec to test drive Dare 2B cycling clothing for her imminent bike adventure, which starts in Germany and ends in Venice. Very exciting!
Here’s how she got on…
Next week I am taking on a 350-mile cycle challenge over the Alps, so I’ve had plenty of opportunity to test out the Dare 2B gear during my training sessions.
First up, we have the White Sparkoff Jersey Top, which I took for a 20-mile spin after work this week around Richmond Park. I also bought it in black, which has lovely pink detail to it.
Shape & Fit: 8/10
My favourite thing about this top was the length in the scooped back, which is also elasticated and gel-gripped, meaning that no matter how much I stood up and sat down it stayed put. Hurrah, no unexpected breezes across my back whilst out on my bike!
I bought it in a size 10, which is my usual size, but could have definitely gone down a size as it was quite a loose fit and plenty long enough in the body.
When I first bought my bike, a friend said, “Buy one that looks really cool, then you’ll want to be on it all the time!” He was absolutely right, and I honestly believe the same about sports’ kit. The better you look, the better you’ll feel, and the harder and more often you’ll train. This top did just this; it has a lovely feminine cut, which offers a flattering silhouette – and I think in a size 8 would have been spot on!
Quality: 9/10
As I wore it from early to late evening, I opted for a base layer underneath. I began my ride with the neck zipped the full way down to give me a bit of air and only zipped up as the sun disappeared behind the trees. The mesh panelling and breathable, lightweight fabric is designed to wick away any sweat so you don’t get a chill as the sun goes down, and it kept my temperature just right.
Additional Features: 7/10
Both the black and white tops have reflective strips built in, but when the light slowly ebbed away I felt they were perhaps a little too subtle for my liking. On my 20-miler I had my lights plus a reflective backpack so this wasn’t too much of an issue, plus white adds a bit of brightness anyway!
The Sparkoff has large pockets in the back for the usual energy gels/pumps that are often carried around on these long rides – plus a zip pocket, which many cycling tops I’ve tried don’t seem to have. I always like these for my keys and spare change – ka-ching!
Next up, we have the Blue Illuminee Jersey Top, which I trialled on some commutes to and from work over the past few weeks.
Shape & Fit: 7/10
This top doesn’t have the shaped back, so feels more like a running top than a cycling top in some ways. Apart from that though, it fits comfortably. I wouldn’t have wanted a smaller size because of the body length, but it’s a looser fit than the tight jersey feel you often get with cycling gear.
Quality: 8/10
The Illuminee has great breathability with lightweight, quick drying fabric. You can see the mesh venting zones in the photo, which keep you feeling fresh during a ride and reduce the chances of getting a chill in colder weather because you stay dry for longer.
This top also has anti-bacterial odour treatment, which is great if you have to commute to and from work as it doesn’t pick up a pong during the day between rides!
Additional Features: 7/10
With reflective strips and a zipped back pocket for security, it gets a thumbs up from me! I also really like the feminine colour palette of the blue and white, with pink detailing – and at just £14 I didn’t think twice about popping this in my basket!
Finally, I tested out Black On Your Bike II Cycling Shorts.
Shape & Fit: 7/10
I’m yet to find a pair of cycling shorts that don’t feel like I’m wearing a nappy, but these shorts at least look a lot less nappy-like which is re-assuring! The gel-grip on the hem means they stay in place and the elasticated waist is comfortable.
Quality: 7/10
The quality is fine and after many wears and washes, still look and feel good. Plus they’re only £9, so they’re a bit of a no-brainer if you need to stock up on padded shorts!
So, my bags are packed with my Dare 2B gear, my bike is tucked up in the support van ready to be driven to our starting point in Germany, and I’ll be hopping on a plane in the early hours of Tuesday morning. I think I’m ready to tackle those big old Alps!
You can buy Dare 2B gear for your own adventures in our BrandAlley sale today here. And if you’d like the chance to win one of two Dare 2B jackets, visit Twitter to enter our competition now. Good luck!
