This, my cycling brethren-in-arms, is not that time.
More cycling apparel brands than ever before are bursting onto the scene with bold designs and a complete disregard for any previously accepted rules. The more they challenge the status quo, the more we find ourselves taking risks; after all, why shouldn’t one have actual donuts on their kit? #donutwatts
From Black Sheep to Tenspeed Hero, these 11 ensembles are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.
Attaquer
1 of 12
Home to probably the craziest kits you'll ever see, and certainly the wildest one on this list, Attaquer takes an "exciting, fresh and fashion-forward" approach to its designs.
From 80's styles to kits covered in watermelons or flamingos, Attaquer's limited designs aren't around long—ensuring you'll have something distinctive that will turn your cycling buddies green with envy.
The Psycho Stick design (pictured above) especially caught our eye. If you can't beat your competitors, why not distract them with this bright, bold, crazy and wild number?
Find:
Your Next RideBlack Sheep
2 of 12
Self-proclaimed as "the world's most exclusive kit," Black Sheep Cycling has the market cornered when it comes to the term "limited edition." Each season they release a totally distinct and (extremely) limited range that inevitably sells out in mere hours. To don a kit with the Black Sheep logo lends a feeling of individuality—a silent nod to the exclusive club you are now a member of.
We'd tell you which kits we loved from Season X, but why bother? They were sold out months ago. Lucky for you, Black Sheep's Essentials line is no slouch and available year-round—we love the sleek simplicity of their Team Collection in particular.
Find:
Your Next RideTwin Six
3 of 12
Twin Six set out more than 10 years ago to mix up the "predictable regurgitation" that most cycling apparel companies were producing. And it continues to do just that with styles that are trendy, but classic enough to honor the cycling of yesteryear. Plus, there's truly an option for everyone, with designs ranging from retro-looking polka dots to pixilated roses.
Find:
Your Next RideHeavy Pedal
4 of 12
Started by two guys who met in design school, Heavy Pedal produces cycling kits that are fresh and innovative. Who wouldn't want to wear the old-timey TV error screen on a jersey (pictured above) or one that looks like it stepped right out of a graphically designed rain forest? But best of all, Heavy Pedal claims it actually makes spandex look good. Try one out and see for yourself.
Find:
Your Next RideTenspeed Hero
5 of 12
A small but mighty team based out of Chicago, Tenspeed Hero is known for more than just their eye-catching, inventive kit designs. In fact, they've dedicated their brand's mission to promoting an uncompromisingly equitable and positive cycling community, and they do it through creative partnerships with like-minded artists, killer photography and what they call their "real world fit guide." The guide shows a variety of body types in their kits, ensuring whichever bold design you choose fits exactly how you want it to.
We love their first collection from 2018, which features fresh takes on their signature sprinkles, plus the all-new Confetti From the Sky Above kit (pictured above), inspired by how you might celebrate riding down 5th Avenue, the Champs-Élysées or at the top of the Alp D'Huez.
Find:
Your Next RideTeam Dream
6 of 12
Beginning as a funny fake race team, Team Dream was established with the main goal to look good and have fun. Every piece is made in the U.S. and 100 percent approved by Team Dream, making any item you own one of a kind.
But enough about how these kits are made. The designs are even cooler than the "watts per cheeto" the designers get while creating new collections. We're big fans of the Purple FS Lightweight Jersey that combines an asymmetrical design, bold, contrasting colors and the company's signature logo.
Find:
Your Next RideEmbrocation Cycling
7 of 12
Self-described "raconteurs of the cycling life," Embrocation Cycling is one half apparel shop and one half cycling journal. Founded in 2008 by Jeremy Dunn, Embrocation spends countless months refining its product.
Often collaborating with other brands to produce kits, their team creates quality jerseys, taking even the smallest details into account. The jerseys come with rubber-tabbed zippers for easy use and extended arm sleeves to protected you from countless hours in the sun. We're big fans of the After Party Jersey (pictured above)—because why wait to celebrate when you can bring the party to the bike?
Find:
Your Next RideMachines for Freedom
8 of 12
Self-funded by former interior designer, Jennifer Hannon, Machines For Freedom is one of the only brands launched exclusively for women. Its total focus on creating the perfect kit for a woman's body is apparent in every last detail, from its painstakingly designed bibs to its technical jerseys. MFF describes its kit as "The Little Black Dress" in your cycling wardrobe, and the fashion-conscious cyclist would most certainly agree. We're loving the Fruits Print design (pictured above) in this season's collection.
Find:
Your Next RidePrimal Wear
9 of 12
Primal Wear has the benefit of being a large, established cycling apparel brand—which means they have the wiggle room to take some major chances. Take, for example, the Cosmic Citrus Cycling jersey pictured above. Planets-turned-fruit, an astronaut in full space suit and a vintage step-through? This jersey has all the elements we didn't even know we wanted.
Find:
Your Next RideMash SF
10 of 12
What started as a small cycling shop in San Francisco has now grown into a full-blown movement. Mash SF has a fervid social following and has parlayed their popularity into some sweet kit designs that fly off the shelves. Although visited in person by travelers from all over the world, their digital storefront also features some of their coolest offerings. We especially love the Mash Alert kit pictured above for its crazy head-to-toe color scheme.
Find:
Your Next RideVelocio
11 of 12
Mixing designs seen in high fashion and architecture, Velocio set out with the goal to create kits that improve cyclists' experience riding. But the kits aren't just functional and comfortable but pretty sweet on the eyes, too. You can't help but talk about their unique designs, which is exactly Velocio's goal when creating new patterns. Our favorite? The Stained Glass design, which pairs rad colors with intricate designs. You're guaranteed to be the talk of the next group ride.
Discuss This Article