Sweet Protection Clothing – Review
We check out some of what premium Norwegian brand Sweet Protection have to offer.
I am a big fan of Sweet gear, a bank balance damaging quantity of my ski gear is from the Norwegian guys, and I’ve been really enjoying getting the winter miles in in some of their bike kit, as has the wife in their ladies gear.
Chiwaukum SS Jersey
The Chiwaukum jersey is a super simple T shirt, in a techy antibacterial fabric that is designed to reduce the potential for becoming stinky. On hot days this is a dream to ride in, light and loose fitting with a simple design so you don’t look like an overly dressed athlete during your mid-ride-pint, while on cold days it makes a great first layer under a second jersey. RRP £39.99
Mudride Shorts
Waterproof shorts rank alongside single malt and wood-burning stoves as the things that get me through winter riding. If shorts were whiskys, then these are definitely a 21 year old Islay; sophisticated and satisfying, but at a price. Like a fine bottle, these are an investment that will see you through plenty of bad weather and early darkness.
- Double snap buttons with grip flap
- Adjustable waist
- Zag- and waterproof fit
- High performance garment combination
- Extremely articulated knees
- Polyester comfort hem facing
- Fully taped seams
- Strategically placed stretch mesh vents
- Cargo pockets
The Mudride shorts are a 3 layer waterproof and breathable pair of shorts, cut to cover the knees and sit reasonably high above the back. Two fabrics are used, a tough and hardwearing panel in the seat, and a more flexible set of panels round the outside of the thighs. The back of the legs have long vents with waterproof zips, as well as two small pockets on the thighs with the same zips. At the waist there are two large velcro adjustors to cinch it in, and a super secure twin popper and zip waist. Inside, all the seams are taped neatly. Sweet also make top end kayaking and skiing gear so this doesn’t come as a surprise.
Riding in the Mudride is great, the cut gives enough room to move freely, and long enough to avoid a tw@gap. Even after long rides in pouring rain and endless puddles I’m clean and dry. The option to cinch in the bottom of the legs means you can seal yourself up against pretty much anything nature can throw at you. The pockets are bit small for more than a small multitool or a snack, but anything bigger than that is better off not on your legs anyway. All through winter I’ve been really impressed with just how comfortable these are, even on full days out in filth. A top end set of shorts, expensive but they deliver value for money and with such high build quality they will keep going for plenty of riding. RRP£129.99
Colchuck Womens Jersey
The Colchuck is Sweet’s long sleeved women’s jersey. A relatively athletic cut means that ladies of a fuller figure, or with big chests will need to keep an eye on the sizing and perhaps go a size up. This is probably because in Norway, everyone is slender and beautiful. The fabric has been both tough and yet comfortable for both uplifts and long days on the bike. The colours are suitably ladylike; pastels and purples aplenty. RRP£64.99
Gasolina Womens Shorts
The Gasolina are Sweet’s women’s shorts, designed it seems for the more cruisy of lady-riders. 2 way stretch fabric, a relaxed cut and velcro tabs at the waist make these a comfortable pair of shorts that don’t restrict movement at all. The zipped pocket is ideal for a set of keys or a normal sized phone. THe perforations on the inner thigh help with ventilation and have held up to plenty of mud.
- Ergonomically shaped two-way stretch panels
- Adjustable waist
- Double snap buttons
- Backward facing Hypolon Velcro
- Lasercut inside legg perforated ventilation
- Cargo pocket
What let these shorts down is the length. They sit above the knee which is great for hanging out and looking pretty, but leaves you with a bit of a gap to your knee pads. A great set of shorts for the gentle riding, but not the hardcore set you’d hope for – proper length legs please Sweet! RRP£79.99
Words by Tom and Rab Laws
Pictures by Tom Laws and Martin Francis