Indoor clothing: Cycling shorts and jerseys for roller training & spinning

The coronavirus lockdown in spring 2020 gave indoor training an immense boost - almost all companies that primarily manufacture products for indoor cycling training were able to report record sales. The professionalisation of indoor cycling is also leading to an increasingly wide range of products: two years ago, the US company Wahoo presented the Wahoo Headwind a fan for roller training that adapts to the virtual speed (to the Test report) and the Wahoo Climbwhich can simulate rises (to the test report).

<<How smart indoor training works: the world's largest test of roller trainers>>

So the step to an indoor-specific road bike set was not far away. But how does indoor clothing differ from normal clothing for the road? The most important requirement is good Ventilation and a fast Welding receptacleAfter all, every racing cyclist sweats a lot more when there is no cooling airflow. Even fans can only help to a limited extent, as the room temperature is always higher than when riding outdoors.

Indoor clothing: 9 jerseys and cycling shorts

The test products were selected based on the labelling of the products as indoor clothing. Castelli, Santini and Wahoo/Le Col already had their own product lines before the coronavirus lockdown in early summer 2020, Gore recommended the ventilated C7 Vent shorts for both hot summer days and roller training, and Rapha reorganised its existing products into indoor sets to coincide with the indoor boom. In November 2021, we were able to add the Superlégere products from Assos.

<<This is how the summer jerseys and trousers fared in the big test in TOUR 7/2020>>

The test subject was our editor, who is 1.90 metres tall and weighs 75 kilograms. Accordingly, all products were ordered in size L, with the exception of Santini, where XL was used due to the extremely tight pattern.

All jerseys and trousers of the tested indoor clothing at a glance

We asked several major clothing manufacturers whether they have a special indoor product line and would make their new products available for a test lasting several weeks. As of November 2021, indoor cycling kits from these nine brands have been tested, click on the brand to go to the respective section:

• Assos
• Castelli
• Gore
• Maap
• Nopinz
• Santini
• Rapha
• Ryzon
• Wahoo X Le Col

Assos

Just in time for the 2021/2022 winter season, Assos is now also launching Superléger products, a clothing line geared towards indoor cycling, to accompany the racing and training series of the same name on Zwift. The focus of the new Superléger collection is on the Equipe RSR Bibshorts Superlégere S9, a pair of trousers which, according to Assos, are designed to minimise weight and maximise breathability. At just 140 grams (measured in size L), the Superléger S9 is actually the lightest trousers in the test field. The wearing comfort is correspondingly light - despite the sporty fit. Compared to the conventional S9, the Swiss company uses Breezer-Tex fabric for the Superléger, which saves weight and is supposed to be more breathable. The cut and material are somewhat reminiscent of Gore's C7 Vent (further down in the test), whereby Assos uses a harder and shorter pad - which provides additional ventilation via eight small holes. You can feel the smooth transition at the few seams and the remarkably thin finish on the thigh, which nevertheless fits well. The straps with perforated holes are also in line with the motto "less weight, more ventilation". Although it was not possible to determine which design component makes which contribution, the overall cooling effect is clearly noticeable.

The new collection also includes the SS Skin Layer vest, the RS Socks and the RS Sweat Blocker, two sweatbands for the forearms. The latter may be the simplest accessory in the selection, but with a measured absorption capacity of up to 150 millilitres of liquid per arm, they are a decisive help in keeping the hands as sweat-free as possible and thus preventing corrosion on the handlebar unit. The SS Skin Layer is a thin vest with a mesh-like structure designed to maximise breathability, particularly on the arms, shoulders and back. Perhaps a little too airy for outdoor riding, but very suitable for sweaty indoor intervals, also thanks to the reinforced, close-fitting fabric at the front. The RS Socks round off the indoor combination with a tight fit and light, airy material. Assos uses InfraRed yarn here, which results in a light weight of 16 grams (measured in size XL) and is very comfortable to wear. The socks are also reinforced at the heels and toes, which ensures a good grip in the shoe.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 20 cm
• Seat cushion length: 27 cm
• Price: Equipe RSR Bib Shorts Superléger S9: 250 euros (shorts), 85 euros (base layer), 24 euros (socks), 12 euros (sweatbands)

Castelli

Castelli launched its own indoor collection back in 2018, long before other established brands. The Insider Jersey, available in either green or black, is very light thanks to the polyester honeycomb structure and therefore also pleasantly breathable. Compared to the visually similar Wahoo/Le Col jersey (read more below), it is woven a little tighter and therefore less transparent - an effect which, according to the manufacturer, was intended so that the jersey can also be worn on group rides without hesitation. The collar is cut very low, which should allow additional cooling through evaporating sweat. It makes sense that there are only two jersey pockets: this saves material and seams - and who has so much luggage on the roll that three jersey pockets are needed?

The Insider Bibshorts is only available in black, which will make the fashion-conscious road cyclist shed a tear. The polyester/elastane blend is woven into a tight, opaque and absorbent layer on the legs. Only the "Giro Air" cuffs are designed to be extremely airy again. The straps of the shorts are made of extremely thin mesh material that extends down to the coccyx. There is also a small emergency pocket on the lower back, which can only hold a very small gel.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 21 cm
• Seat cushion length: 29 cm
• Price: 119.95 euros (trousers) and 74.95 euros (jersey)

Gore

The almost complete absence of seams ensures a very comfortable fit. This has an extremely positive effect, especially during long, sweat-inducing indoor rides. Equally advantageous: the ventilation points on the outer thighs of the Gore C7 Vent help with ventilation. However, this feature only really comes into its own in steady winds on the road. The thick cuffs are tight, but not too tight. The long and extremely thin padding offers more comfort than you might think at first glance, but is clearly aimed at more sporty riders. The wide straps sit firmly and are designed to provide additional cooling via small air slits. However, this was not noticeable during the test rides.

Recommended as an indoor top Base Layer is a thin vest with sleeves. The honeycomb structure of the fabric is designed with ventilation in mind and makes the jersey pleasantly light. However, this also means that it absorbs less sweat than the competition's indoor jerseys.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 19 cm
• Seat cushion length: 30 cm
• Price: 179.95 euros (trousers) and 39.95 euros (vest)

Maap

The Australian label Maap is gradually competing with its established rivals Rapha, Café du Cycliste and others in the market for stylish, high-priced road cycling clothing. With its own racing series on Zwift and a matching indoor collection, Maap now wants to gain a foothold in the ultra-lightweight clothing niche. The set consists of a classic racing cycling cap - albeit made of ultra-thin mesh material -, a colourful racing jersey and matching trousers. The cut is typically Maap tight, which will please performance-orientated racing cyclists. While the width parallels the cut of Italian brands, Maap has gone a few centimetres longer than Castelli, Santini and the like - which suits tall, lanky riders.

The Men's Allied Pro Air Jersey has very long sleeves with a relatively thin cuff. Thanks to the overall tight fit, nothing slips even during sweaty training sessions. Somewhat airier jerseys from the test field, such as those from Rapha or Santini, scored better in terms of breathability, but the Maap jersey felt very absorbent, as did the matching cap. The supplied bib shorts, Team Bib Evo, is less airy than the indoor-specific models from Wahoo x Le Col and Nopinz, but fits very well thanks to the wide waistband and high front at the stomach. Convincing products, if it weren't for the extremely high price.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 21 cm
• Seat cushion length: 32 cm
• Price: 215 Euro (trousers) and 150 Euro (jersey)

Nopinz

Overheating is a road cyclist's worst enemy when training indoors. British cycling clothing manufacturer Nopinz has developed its new Subzero collection, consisting of a one-piece and bib shorts, to combat this: the fabric is perforated with small air holes; plastic packets filled with cooling gel can be inserted into special pockets on the lower back and between the shoulder blades, which can be repeatedly frozen in the freezer. Sweatbands for the forearms also offer space for small cooling inserts. The cooling effect is enormous without being uncomfortable. After half an hour of intensive roller training, the cooling pads are used up and you can add the second set of packets supplied.

Both the one-piece and the bib shorts have a very sporty cut, with tight silicone prints holding the leg cuffs in place. Only the sweatbands on the wrist are rather loose and the seams are a little rougher; however, their effect is striking, as the cuffs prevent sweaty hands, which also keeps the handlebars dry. This is a real plus, especially during high-intensity workouts and indoor races. The rather thin and narrow seat pad of the shorts was also comfortable over longer periods of time, while the cool pack on the lower back and the absorbent fabric in the kidney area prevent the shorts from soaking up sweat. Thanks to the Coolpack solution, the Nopinz products offer even more cooling than other products in the test field; the British company's approach is more consistently focussed on indoor needs than almost any other manufacturer.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 20 cm
• Seat cushion length: 28.5 cm
• Prices: 177 euros (one-piece), 122 euros (bib shorts), 33 euros (cool packs for back), 33 euros (sweatbands with cool packs)

Santini

The variety of products in Santini's indoor range is astonishing: the "Tono Studio" model range is available for men; women can choose from both "Tono Chromosome" and "Tono Puro". As we have come to expect from the Italian manufacturer in other TOUR tests, the Santini jerseys has a slightly sportier (i.e. tighter) cut than competitor jerseys. The concept of breathable, thin mesh material on the back and a firmer, opaque jersey front is exciting. This results in a slightly less airy overall feeling than, for example, the consistently thinner jerseys from Castelli or Wahoo/Le Col, but the jersey seems to absorb more sweat than its wide-meshed competitors. The same applies to the very long, hemless sleeves, which fit like a second skin.

The corresponding bib shorts with gel-core padding do not have any ventilation slits, unlike most of the competitors' test products. As a result, the polyamide-polyester-elastane fabric sits somewhat closer to the body. Whether you like the seat pad depends on the intended use and your individual physique: The measured seat pad width is the smallest in the entire test field - even though all other products came in size L, but Santini came in XL! The gel core of the pad provides plenty of volume. At first, it's an unfamiliar feeling, reminiscent of the cycling shorts of the 1990s and early 2000s. However, this feeling quickly subsides, and even after more than an hour and a half on the static roller, there was no numbness or other discomfort during the test rides - a clear plus point. The material of the trousers, the "Thunderbike Power" fabric patented by Santini, is supposed to create a slight compression effect and fit particularly snugly against the skin. At least we can confirm the latter - no other kit was as close-fitting as Santini's. Also good: the outfit is available in four different colours.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 18.5 cm
• Seat cushion length: 25.5 cm
• Price: 159 euros (trousers) and 95 euros (jersey)

Rapha

How do you benefit from the corona-related indoor boom, even if you can't offer a complete indoor kit? You do what Rapha does and combine existing products with individual innovations in order to market them in a new way. One of the perennial favourites that has been taken up again in the indoor collection is the Core Cargo Shorts . This has a generous padding, which is somewhat more voluminous than that of most other manufacturers. It also works well on sweaty rides on the roll, but can't keep up with the competition in terms of ventilation. The two mesh pockets on the legs, in which you can stow food or other utensils, are also of no advantage indoors. Anyone who doesn't feel comfortable in bib shorts will be pleased to note that this is a strapless model.

The sleeveless Indoor Training Shirt is extremely light and, with its wider cut, doesn't fit as tightly as you're used to from road bike tops. Also helpful against sweat is the Sweat Cap in the collection, a lightweight cap whose material absorbs a surprising amount of sweat. Definitely a plus point, especially for spectacle wearers. Since this year, socks have also been available in a breathable lightweight version, which are suitable not only for indoor training but also for hot summer days. The Rapha indoor collection is rounded off by the stylish but very expensive wireless headphones Beoplay E 8 Sport.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 22 cm
• Seat cushion length: 32 cm
• Price: 115 Euro (trousers), 40 Euro (Indoor Training Shirt) and 35 Euro Euro (Sweat Cap)

Ryzon

The Cologne-based brand Ryzon has long been an established name in the triathlon scene and is also becoming increasingly well-known in cycling - thanks in part to the immense advertising power of testimonial and partner Jan Frodeno. Their cycling clothing is characterised by a very sporty cut and predominantly muted colours. Similar to Rapha's Indoor Training Cap, Ryzon also has a piece of clothing on offer that is designed to reduce perspiration: The DryTerry Performance Headband from the Performance Series. The headband does indeed work well as a sweat barrier. However, despite the elasticated fabric, the one-size-fits-all approach can cause a little head buzzing, especially for athletes with a large head circumference.

The performance base layer is comfortable to wear and is a good choice for running and cycling sessions on hot days or at home. It is not for nothing that the thin vest is also listed in the "Running" category on the Ryzon website. The jersey/shorts combination from the Generator Arrow product line has the same performance-orientated cut as the base layer. Generally speaking, Ryzon clothing is well suited to athletes with long arms or legs, as the sleeve and leg lengths are at the upper end of the spectrum compared to the other brands tested here. However, a low BMI is required to fit into the Arrow Bike Jersey and the corresponding Arrow Bike Bib Shorts - Frodeno-like measurements. The good workmanship with wide cuffs, high-quality zip and sparingly used seams is impressive across the board. However, high-quality materials and production in Europe are clearly reflected in the price: at over 400 euros for the jersey set alone, Ryzon is the undisputed leader in the test field.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 21 cm
• Seat cushion length: 30 cm
• Price: 199 euros (jersey), 229 euros (trousers), 59 euros (base layer), 14 euros (headband)

Wahoo X Le Col

When hardware manufacturer Wahoo is on board with the clothing concept, you can expect the clothes to have a consistent indoor focus. The colourful set, which was created in collaboration with the British clothing brand Le Col, lives up to this expectation. A very thin polyester jersey combined with a honeycomb knit pattern gives the jersey plenty of breathability, similar to Castelli's Insider jersey. Short sleeves and a wide-cut collar add to the airy overall look. Even more air is only available in the sleeveless women's top, which is otherwise modelled on the men's models in terms of material and fit.

The trousers* also focus on air exchange: hundreds of tiny air holes are designed to help cool the muscles during exercise. The straps of the trousers are also perforated accordingly. The cooling effect is indeed noticeable - provided a fan is running. The purpose of the long-sleeved warm-up jerseys, however, was not clear to us.

• Maximum seat cushion width: 20 cm
• Seat cushion length: 34 cm
• Price: 180 euros (trousers) and 145 euros (jersey)

Test conclusion: Who needs special indoor clothing?

The quality in the test field is good, but the price of the indoor sets is correspondingly high. At just under 195 euros, Castelli offers the cheapest jersey-trousers combination of the five brands. That's a lot of money for anyone who only occasionally gets in a few roller sessions in winter when the weather makes it almost impossible to ride outside. However, most of the indoor kits are perfect for hot summer days, as their lightweight mesh materials and breathable fabric structures have exactly the right features to protect you from overheating both indoors and outdoors.