Cycling Gillet – pedalnorth

GripGrab Mens PACR Spring and Summer Cycle Kit

Pedalnorth Website — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:06:13 +0000

GripGrab PACR Kit

Summer 2026 - Men's

GripGrab Men’s PACR Kit Review

Mid-Season & Summer Performance

by Robert Thorpe

Mid-season and even summer can be a challenge in North Yorkshire. Yes, I know all about heatwaves and water shortages. I also know that in the higher hills, the temperatures can dip to around 10 degrees or colder in summer, and especially so in autumn. And, with autumn now on the horizon, You need the right cycle clothing to prepare you.

I’ve been a fan of GripGrab for many years. Here at Pedalnorth, we were probably one of the first publications to spot what they were doing, with their world-leading accessories. Then we watched as the guys turned their expertise to cycling jerseys, jackets and bibs with the same level of care and detail. Their latest kit is testament to their quality and both stylish and functional in just the right way.
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Tested Equipment

• PACR Long Sleeve Jersey
• PACR Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey
• PACR Windproof Lightweight Vest
• PACR Bib Shorts
• Ride Arm & Leg Warmers

First Impression – Clean Design, Functional Fit

The people at GripGrab don’t go for unnecessary design and gimmicks. GripGrab follows a very clean and minimal design approach, but what stands out more is the fit. All pieces feel purpose-built for riding, with no unnecessary bulk or distractions. They use a body mapping process, meaning that the fit is performance-oriented but not overly aggressive, which makes it suitable for long endurance sessions without compromising comfort.

Fabric quality makes for fun rides

How did I find it: unbelievably comfortable, with the PACR long sleeved jersey soon becoming my go-to colder ride choice in spring and on those colder summer days. It fits exactly as it should and has easy movement, with the excellent multi-directional stretch fabrics. It’s not too thick or too warm – it’s actually just right and feels soft against the skin. As my colleague and fellow tester, Kristi says: ‘Ultimately, if it’s comfortable and functional, then I feel better and I’ll perform better. Do GripGrab achieve this – yes, I think that they do.’

Small points matter and GripGrab do these very well. They use high-quality, high-performance fabrics and they finish things off with a quality that is second to none. The wide and comfortable straps on the bib shorts simply sit nicely against the legs and the compression feels about right. If I had one point to make, I’d probably like a bit more weight to the bib shorts fabric, but that’s just a personal choice. The fit is excellent and the pad is high-quality too. And, my pet hate – the bib straps – are as good as you’ll find elsewhere at this level.

Overall, GripGrab have used their experience working with world tour riders, and the latest PACR products use a variety of technical fabrics in the right areas, all with the aim of keeping you comfortable all ride long.

Jackets and Jerseys deigned for rider comfort

On the long sleeved and the short-sleeved jackets, the zips work well and are strong, and the pockets are strong and easy to reach, with a good quality zip on the security pocket. Small points matter with cycling kit, far more than loud aesthetics. What was really impressive was the mesh sleeves and fabric used for the arms and the side panels on the PACR short sleeved jersey. This makes a world of difference to comfort on warm days. And, like its long -sleeved sibling, the PACR short sleeved jersey is body mapped and fits like a second skin. Both jerseys also benefit from high-quality hems at the waist – which for me is another area than too many brands get wrong with an after-thought approach. Not so for GribGrab.

One particular favourite for me has been the GripGrab PACR Windproof Lightweight Vest. Ironically, it’s an item of kit that I don’t usually use or find that comfortable. However, this one from GripGrab has not only changed my perspective, it’s become a regular go-to choice of cycling clothing for me.

Featuring a windproof front panel made from premium Japanese windproof fabric, this vest genuinely works in providing that necessary shield from those cold winds and icy descending on cool windy days. The fabric is also treated with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment – so it will shrug off light showers and front wheel spray. And, living here in the Yorkshire Dales, this has been tested several times – all thankfully positive! The open mesh back panel on the gilet allows moisture and heat to escape from within – so even as you work hard, you don’t build up a chill-inducing sweat. An elasticated lower hem with silicone gripper dots on the back of the gilet keeps everything securely in place as you battle into those headwinds.

I really do like the two-way YKK® Vision zip on the front of the gilet, which allows you to unzip from the top and allow airflow through your layers, or unzip from the bottom to allow for easier access to your jersey pockets beneath. It’s a small but important point, and one that makes this GripGrab Gilet stand out from the crowd.

Fabric quality makes for fun rides

Jackets and Jerseys deigned for rider comfort

Men’s PACR Bib Shorts

Bib shorts can so often be a poor example of a brands attitude towards cyclists. They often relfect last minute choices, and are simply not well thought out or comfortable. These PACR shorts from GripGrab however, have several points that I look for and they do it well:

strong mesh uppers to keep you cool and that sit well against the body
high quality and strong, wide staps that sit flat and softly,and importantly don’t move or show poorly under a jersey
laser cut legs with wide silicon gripping that sits against the leg and keeps things in place
multi panel body-mapped design to ensure a good fit
multi -directional and strong fabrics that move with your body
high-quality pad that performs on intermediate and hilly routes and keeps you comfortable – and dry in summer!

The PACR Bib Shorts combined with cool summer days leg warmers also provided a surprisingly versatile setup. They offer enough warmth for cold starts, while still feeling lighter and more flexible than full winter tights. Best of all, the compression and cut means that they stay firm and stable when I ride – like a second skin, allowing you to focus on the ride, without that annoying slippage that often happens with other brands. One area I will mention though, is that on the leg panels themselves, I’d prefer a heavier compression material – but that’s just a personal choice. The multi-panel design ensures a soft second-skin fit that feels comfortable all day long.

On the Bike – Comfort and Stability

During longer rides (2–4 hours), the key factors for me were:

• Stability of the fit – no shifting or adjustment needed
• Breathability – no excessive overheating even during harder efforts
• Freedom of movement – unbelievable, and like a second skin feel, without being too close.

GribGrab work closely with World Tour riders, and this becomes evident in the comfort of their clothing. The fabric choices, the technicity and the design and fit is all superb.

Gloves – Simple, well-made and comfortable

Gloves are often an overlooked but critical element of our cycling kit. GripGrab made their name with gloves, and they still stand out today. I tested their RIDE padded fingerless gloves, with the white material. Incidentally, I liked that when I put my hand out to signal, drivers were more likely to see my hands. The GripGrab RIDE short finger cycling gloves are the successors to the ProGel gloves, and offer superior cushioning, breathability, and grip with a recycled microsuede palm and flexible back panel. How do they work in practice – well, very good actually and the palms are just about right.

• hands stayed comfortable and gloves felt a part of me
• tough and well-made of strong fabrics
• grip remained secure in both dry and damp conditions
• no loss of control or dexterity during braking and shifting

As Kristi quite rightly says in her own review: gloves should never be a secondary thought, and these from GribGrab are a good option for early spring, summer and autumn. They feel well made, from quality fabrics and are tough, and should last a long time.

Breathability vs Protection

One of the most important aspects of early and mid-season gear is balancing insulation with breathability and the changing conditions. GripGrab manages this well:

• the fabrics protect against wind and cold without being oppressive
• technical fabrics still allow moisture to escape during effort, especially the mesh fabric on the PACR ss arms and sides
• the bibs are light and functional, and have superb uppers with a minimalist approach and high-quality straps that say seated.

Good, high-quality technical fabric choices and well mapped out designs help to reduce fluctuations in temperature and comfort. The latest PACR kit from GripGrab is stylishly simple, extremely functional and offers that protection from the elements without sacrificing breathability. Mid-season and cold summer days are always a difficult choice.
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Who This Setup Is For

This kit is especially well suited for riders who:

• cycles consistently in variable conditions
• prioritize functionality over aesthetics
• need reliable gear for long endurance rides

It’s priced in the right area to make it accessible for most riders, and will give you a comfortable ride – and ultimately, that is always a key focus. GripGrab design and produce cycling clothing and accessories that work. The kit is also stylish, in a cool and modern way, which I like. It’s not loud or garish – it simply works on the bike and fits my purpose, whilst adding that modern styling.

Both Kristi and I were impressed by the PACR range from GripGrab, and the brand have obviously taken time to create kit that works as well as looking good.
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Conclusion

GripGrab may not position itself as the most visible premium brand, but it delivers where it matters most: performance, reliability and functionality in real training conditions. And for a rider, that’s exactly what counts. Kristi and I both enjoyed testing their latest kit, and it does actually work. They’re a brand that doesn’t go for unnecessary headlines. Instead, they focus on function and fit, which is what all cyclists want, isn’t it.

Read Our Blogs

2026 Spring-Summer Cycle Clothing Collection from ALÉ

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:18:27 +0000

New ALÉ Spring-Summer 2026 Collection

A collection that blends technological innovation, cutting-edge materials and contemporary design, created to experience cycling with freedom, comfort and personal style.

As the cycling seasons begins once more, and we start to look ahead to warmer spring days and short sleeved jerseys, Italian brand Alé has unveiled its new Spring–Summer 2026 cycling apparel collection. This latest range from their world-leading design team, celebrates the warm season with a distinctive balance of technical performance, functionality and modern style. It’s a range for the complete cyclist, bringing the Alé experience to all riders, from professionals to passionate enthusiasts.

Alé’s DNA is rooted in the fusion of functionality, design and textile engineering. Each garment supports the cyclist on a journey that is both physical and emotional, where comfort, innovation and aesthetics coexist in perfect harmony. Clean lines and carefully engineered details, and meticulously selected fabrics define a collection designed for those who experience cycling as a personal and authentic expression.

SS26 Collection – inspirational themes

The Spring–Summer 2026 collection is built around several creative universes and themes:

• Pure Essentialism – Clean, no-frills garments designed for riders who want only what truly matters, with no compromises.

• Cosmic Horizons – Celestial colour palettes and space-inspired textures turn every ride into a visual experience, where each shade evokes a journey toward new sensations.

• Energy & Dynamism – Vibrant tones and bold designs that convey speed, adrenaline and freedom, expressing the most instinctive and passionate side of cycling.

• Urban Style – Metropolitan vibes that merge performance and contemporary aesthetics, created for cyclists who live the city with a sporty, distinctive attitude.

• Reinterpreted Heritage – A tribute to cycling’s history, reimagined through modern fabrics and contemporary cuts, preserving the elegance of tradition without sacrificing functionality.

The five macro clothing collection families for 2026

As always, the Alé SS 2026 collection is structured around five main product lines:

• R-EV1 – The capsule collection representing the pinnacle of Alé innovation: advanced technologies, cutting-edge materials and design developed in the brand’s research center.

• PR.E – Creativity and performance inspired by the professional peloton. Garments designed for riders who want to combine technical excellence, colour, style and originality on every ride.

• PRAGMA – Essential, comfortable and practical. A range of durable, refined pieces where quality and craftsmanship are guaranteed by Alé’s long-standing expertise.

• OFF-ROAD GRAVEL – Designed for gravel and mountain biking, a robust and functional collection engineered to tackle off-road terrain with comfort and protection.

• TRIATHLON – Built for triathlon challenges. Ultra-high-performance materials, advanced aerodynamics and maximum breathability for every leg: swim, bike and run.

Together, these lines form the Alé Spring–Summer 2026 catalogue, a comprehensive offering for every type of cyclist, from elite athletes to leisure riders.

Garment engineering and technical performance

At the heart of the collection lies Alé’s commitment to seamlessly integrating technology, materials and design to deliver high performance in all riding conditions. Highly breathable, lightweight and elastic fabrics are combined with advanced construction techniques aimed at reducing friction and improving aerodynamics, while seams and hems are optimized to follow the body’s natural movement without interfering with pedalling efficiency.

Bib straps are anatomically shaped and crossed to distribute pressure evenly, ergonomic cam-lock zippers ensure ease of use and safety while riding, and reflective details enhance visibility in low-light conditions. Selected fabrics feature textures and microstructures engineered to increase stability and grip on the saddle, while advanced body-mapping technology allows each garment to adapt to different areas of the body, improving fit and comfort on long rides.

Every element of the collection is designed to maximize performance without compromising style, making the garments suitable for professional cyclists, dedicated amateurs and everyday riders alike, on the road or off-road. The combination of innovative materials, technical construction and attention to detail defines a versatile, high-performance and comfortable collection, engineered to support every ride with confidence and freedom.

It’s all ready and waiting for eager, style-conscious cyclists, and will no doubt light up the tarmac and trails this cycling season. We’ll be testing out a few selected items from this extensive tapestry of cycling style, with detailed reviews coming to our website, soon.

Visit the ALE Website

ALÉ Ladies Thermo Cycling Vest

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:03:43 +0000

ALÉ Ladies Thermo Cycling Vest

by Larisa Chinces

Sitting nicely within the ALÉ Clima Protection 2 range of garments, this gillet certainly looked like a good quality garment. It’s not a fully windproof vest, more of a thermal wear to give added warmth, so it’s probably best suited for late winter and early spring, or those colder days through the year.

I tested the black garment, which did look really nice and went well against the bib tights. It sits nicely alongside other jerseys from their range, but is just at home on a warmer day in early spring, with the long sleeved seamless baselayer as its partner. It’s made from the same SuperRoubaix fabric as the Colour Block jersey, but with a neat addition of more technical aero fabric under the arms and to the sides, which helps with breathability and fit. In effect, this lighter weight material ensures that when you’re wearing this as a third layer, you don’t feel too bulky. It isn’t waterproof, but Alé cater for this elsewhere in the range.

The 3 rear pockets are well placed and cut with a hemmed and elasticated edging to ensure that items stay inside, but using a very strong elasticated fabric that really does hold items firmly in place. Our only recommendation back to Alé would be an additional small zipped pocket for keys and coins. Importantly, the ladies vest is designed for ladies, which sounds ironic but isn’t always the case, with poor design where ladies need it. No, it tapers nicely at the waist, and the panels are designed specifically to fit the female form, sitting comfortably across the chest and tapering towards the waist. I’m quite a slim waist and I like my cycle clothing to accentuate this and show me off to my best, as well as to perform superbly.

Yes, I’m fussy, but we ladies deserve to be looked after by our gear, and this ALÉ cycling vest does just that; showing off our style and fitting so comfortably across us, without restricting movement or feeling tight. The hem is narrow elasticated with a silicone padding gel. you in neatly. The full length zipper is strong and stops with a round neck finish, meaning that you don’t feel too wrapped up. It’s a simple cycling vest, intended to give you added warmth and some style at the same time. The neatly cut and tightly trimmed arm holes around the shoulders are spot on for tying things together and making you look stylish and chic, whilst keeping you warm.

Autumn, winter and early spring can be a tricky time for knowing what to wear. Alé clearly understand this and have produced a super stylish accessory garment just for this purpose.

ALÉ Thermo Cycling Vest

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 20:48:26 +0000

ALÉ Thermo Cycling Vest

Sitting nicely within the ALÉ Clima Protection 2 range of garments, when this simple but stylish thermal vest arrived for testing I was a little hesitant. I’m not usually a vest or gillet wearer, but it did make me think that for this reason I was probably just the right person to provide an independent review. It certainly looked like a good quality garment; but as with all cycle clothing, performance is the key.

Alé have excelled themselves with their latest winter range, producing kit of the highest quality and with a simple style that looks superb. There’s a high degree of technicity across the range and a flow to the various garments, which are able to be worn together or in isolation; adaptability is the key and as cycling gear can come at high financial price on occasions, adaptability is crucial. Thankfully Alé have priced this thermal vest just right, meaning that it’s affordable as well as adaptable.

It sits nicely alongside their Colour Block jersey, but is just at home on a warmer day with the long sleeved S1 Carbon baselayer as it’s partner. It’s made from the same SuperRoubaix fabric as the Colour Block jersey, but with a neat addition of more technical aero fabric under the arms and to the sides, which helps with breathability and fit. In effect, this lighter weight material ensures that when you’re wearing this as a third layer, you don’t feel too bulky. It isn’t waterproof, but Alé cater for this elsewhere in the range.

It’s a race fit cut, with 3 excellent pockets to the rear, as you’ll not be able to access the jersey. The pockets truly are worthy of mention, being cut with a hemmed and elasticated edging to ensure that items stay inside, but using a very strong elasticated fabric that really does hold items firmly in place. There’s no saggy pockets here, which we all know can be a nuisance. Our only recommendation back to Alé would be an additional small zipped pocket for keys and coins.

The hem is narrow elasticated with a silicone padding, and really does hold you in tightly. This is Italian sizing, so you’ll need to ensure that vanity doesn’t get the better of good judgement ?? The full length zipper is strong and stops with a round neck finish, meaning that you don’t feel too wrapped up. It’s a simple cycling vest, intended to give you added warmth and a some style at the same time. Using it for this purpose in the Dales and Moors over winter, it’s done just that, without being restrictive. I particularly like how well it performed when worn with just the long sleeved S1 Carbon long sleeved baselayer. The neatly cut and tightly trimmed arm holes around the shoulders are spot on for tying things together.

Autumn, winter and early spring can be a tricky time for knowing what to wear. Alé clearly understand this and have produced a super stylish accessory garment just for this purpose.

Cycling Gillet – pedalnorth

GripGrab Mens PACR Spring and Summer Cycle Kit

GripGrab Men’s PACR Kit Review

Mid-Season & Summer Performance

by Robert Thorpe

Tested Equipment

First Impression – Clean Design, Functional Fit

Fabric quality makes for fun rides

Jackets and Jerseys deigned for rider comfort

Fabric quality makes for fun rides

Jackets and Jerseys deigned for rider comfort

Men’s PACR Bib Shorts

On the Bike – Comfort and Stability

Gloves – Simple, well-made and comfortable

Breathability vs Protection

Who This Setup Is For

Conclusion

Related Content

2026 Spring-Summer Cycle Clothing Collection from ALÉ

New ALÉ Spring-Summer 2026 Collection

A collection that blends technological innovation, cutting-edge materials and contemporary design, created to experience cycling with freedom, comfort and personal style.

SS26 Collection – inspirational themes

The five macro clothing collection families for 2026

Garment engineering and technical performance

Related Content

ALÉ Ladies Thermo Cycling Vest

ALÉ Ladies Thermo Cycling Vest

Related Content

ALÉ Thermo Cycling Vest

ALÉ Thermo Cycling Vest

Related Content