SUGOI RS Jersey & Bib Shorts Reviewed

 

 

OVERVIEW

All jerseys come in 2 basic styles or cuts, (a) ‘club cut’, usually a more relaxed / looser fit, and (b) ‘fitted’ or ‘pro/race-cut’ which features a more form-fitting/aerodynamic cut. The Sugoi RS is a ‘Fitted’ jersey. Then there is the

size issue. I say issue since one size does not fit all. What I mean by this is that if you bought a LARGE jersey from 8 different manufacturers and compared them side-by-side, the comparative sizes would range from SMALL to X-LARGE. This is why its usually important to try on your cycling clothes. As an example, I have a Castelli Aero Race jersey in X-LARGE that runs a little smaller than the Sugoi RS jersey which is in LARGE. But, the good news is that the Sugoi RS product line runs pretty true to size.

The RS Bib Shorts are considered compression shorts, so they will actually run a little on the small size. This is really what you want when using a compression fabric. These bibs feel uncomfortable when standing around before the ride, but after a minute on the bike, you don’t even know you have them on. They are very comfortable for crit races or long rides. For these bibs, Sugoi is using a new performance material called “Power Mesh” which is very soft and very stretchable, i.e., compression.

TECHNOLOGY:

The RS Jersey uses a new technology called VECTOR STRETCH (fig. 1) which is woven as a checkerboard with high areas and low areas. This type of weave makes for a cooler feel by allowing the air to circulate between these checkerboard squares. The squares that sit against your skin provide much quicker sweat wicking away from your skin.

The RS Bib Short uses two different materials in its construction. The upper ‘bib’ area uses a very lightweight and stretchable MOBIL MESH (fig. 2) while the bottom uses a new compression technology called POWER MESH(fig. 3) which is very light, very soft, very supportive and very stretchable (in all directions). POWER MESH also offers great

ventilation and great wickability.

FEATURES:

RS Jersey:

• Full length zipper
• Ergonomic sleeve construction provides perfect riding fit.
• Wide arm bands which serve two purposes. The sleeves stay put, as well as being non-constrictive (unlike other jerseys which cut the blood flow to the arms causing fingers and hands to feel numb.
• Rubberized waistband – jersey won’t ride up.
• Middle pocket is two pockets-in-one. Regular pocket and a small zippered compartment.
• Mesh in several areas allowing great airflow.

RS Bib Shorts:

• Mobil Mesh upper bib is highly breathable, lightweight and straps stay in place

  

• 10 panel body contour fit
• 8 inch inseam
• Flat seams for increased comfort
• Small back pocket for keys, cell phone or ID
• Rubberized elastic leg grippers
• Formula FX Chamois – pure comfort for long rides or short

 

HOW DID THEY PERFORM?

The RS Jersey is quickly becoming my favorite jersey.  Even though it is a “race-cut” design, it is still very stretchable so that you are offered a perfect fit with or without a base layer. The wide arm sleeve bands do not constrict at the arms so that no blood flow is cut off. It is high quality and well designed from the zipper to the rubberized waist band. It gets a 5 star rating from me!

The RS Bib Shorts utilize two different complementary materials for the top and bottom. Both materials are very

soft and very stretchable. The bottom of the RS Bibs is woven as a tight/compression-type fit. I have tried both types of bibs (compression and non-compression) and the compression fit is more comfortable during the ride and your legs feel more refreshed after the ride. This aspect of the bib shorts is perfect.

My only dislike and this became apparent after using my other bibs (Castelli Body Paint 2.0), is with the RS Bibs ½” wide rubberized elastic for the leg bands. They are just not as comfortable as the Body Paint’s leg grippers. Body Paint 2.0 uses a very wide 2-1/4” leg gripper where the rubberized elastic is part of the weave, so no constriction is felt. Due to this one issue, I give the RS Bib shorts a 4.5/5 rating. Don’t get me wrong, these are still excellent bib shorts.

But, for a few dollars more, the next model up, the top of the line Sugoi RSE Bib Shorts DO have the wider vertically elasticized leg grippers. These would be my preference.

OVERALL SUMMARY:

Sugoi makes very high quality active wear. The RS jersey and bib shorts are among the highest quality bicycle clothes I have used, very comfortable, fantastic quality and a perfect fit. I highly recommend these products!