Isadore winter cycling clothing | Review

So far I rode almost 2400 kilometers this year. During about 20% of my rides I wore the amazing designed cycling apparel from Isadore (read my previous review about Isadore). I got to test their Ovada deep winter base layer, the Thermoroubaix tights 2.0 and their Medio winter jacket. 

Without a doubt a perfect winter kit, which I tested in the months of February/March at temperatures from -2° C to around 3° C. Read the test results below.

Ovada deep winter base layer

A really fantastic and beautifully designed thermal layer for the cold winter days. I wore just this base layer underneath my Medio winter jacket {anchor link to review} and it was more than enough. In terms of design, the chestpiece and turtleneck are beautiful details. A thick thread (a combination of merino wool and polyamide) ensures a nice and tight fitting as well as warm undershirt, with enough stretch. The neck is wonderfully warm and does not irritate for a moment. Just like the rest of the shirt. At the end of the (longer than average) sleeves there are two holes for the thumbs to stick through (I didn’t use it, because the shirt itself is so tight, that it stays in place without rolling up). Isadore has added an extra panel on the chest to protect riders even better against the cold and wind. This thermal shirt is probably also perfectly resistant to temperatures between -5°C and -10°C (it is mainly the hands and feet that get cold then). Retail price: € 89.

Medio winter jack

In this jacket Isadore uses 3 types of fabric: an elastic material at the front, around the neck and at the top of the sleeves. On the sides and bottom of the arms a transparent fabric (also with elastin) from Schoeller in Switzerland: the product is called c-change and is water and windproof. The back contains reflective material, so that each rider is clearly visible in the dark. At the bottom (front) there is a reflective elastic band which is provided with silicone on the inside. The back of the jacket has a “mud flap” which can be folded on the inside with snaps; useful for really wet rides.

There are also two pockets without a zipper at the back, and one with a zipper (beautifully taped against rain). The jacket is quite tight and stretches less than, for example, a softshell. This jacket is one of the hardshells from Isadore. I personally found – despite all the techniques used, that the jacket breathes less well than, for example, a softshell. That’s the only downside to this jacket. A zipper under the armpits would have been useful to ventilate a bit more. The jacket is wonderfully tailored and fits like a glove. I wasn’t cold for a moment. Certainly not in combination with the Ovada undershirt. This jacket is not cheap: it retails for € 275.

Thermoroubaix tights 2.0

Lovely lined winter tights with an excellent chamois. The stirrups at the bottom of the pants keep the tights down. Although it didn’t bother me while wearing it, I personally find it less stylish, especially without overshoes or socks. My two cents: I think many other good solutions are possible instead. Isadore has chosen to sew separate pieces on the thigh and in the back of the knee. The whole thing is super comfortable.

There are some subtle reflective elements at the back on the outside of the calf. The logo on the thigh is also reflective. The shoulder straps are wonderfully wide and are immediately in place. A little pee is a piece of cake with these pants, because the fabric around the crotch is very supple. All in all a great winter pant. Compared to the competition (Etxeondo Orhi € 180, Rapha Pro winter tights € 250, Assos Mille GT € 190) Iasdore offers a great alternative with the Thermoroubaix 2.0. Retail price: € 190.

Conclusion

The combination of these 3 items retails for € 555 which is a lot of cash. And perhaps not for everyone. But it has to be said: everything is perfectly finished and beautifully designed. The seasoned cyclist knows that good clothing costs money.

The author is 1.81m and 72KG and wears a size M.

Review: Isadore winter cycling clothing

Review overview

Fit
9,5
Comfort
8,5
Windproof
9
Breathability
7,5
Features
8
Price/quality
8

Summary

It must be said: the Isadore winter cycling clothing is beautifully finished and beautifully designed. The "seasoned" cyclist knows that good clothing costs money.
Albin Bronkhorst
Albin Bronkhorsthttps://www.instagram.com/albinrene/
Serial entrepreneur. Founded several companies. Internet, news & sports junk. Survivor. Passion for cycling, hiking, travel, outdoor sports. Instagram: @albinrene. Country: Canada. Bike: Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8. Gravelbike: RodeoLabs Flaanimal 5.0. Board: Burton Supermodel.

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It must be said: the Isadore winter cycling clothing is beautifully finished and beautifully designed. The "seasoned" cyclist knows that good clothing costs money.Isadore winter cycling clothing | Review