KIT REVIEW : Iris Meadowia Cycling Jersey and Escape Bib Shorts
Reviewed by Steph
This jersey and bib shorts from IRIS are a great technical option for those looking for performance cycling clothing.
FEATURES
The jersey is made from a really lightweight and soft fabric. The back and underarm areas are both made from a mesh fabric that provides coverage but also ventilation to help you stay cool. There are three pouch pockets on the rear plus the welcome addition of a waterproof zipper pocket.
The bibs are very stretchy and soft, and have gripping printed directly onto the leg fabric. There are two thigh cargo pockets which are a good size for keeping a phone or snacks in, and a women's specific chamois. The straps that go over your shoulders are really wide and stretchy, and have a handy magnetic clasp pee-break feature (which allows you to unclasp the bibs at the back) that makes bathroom breaks way easier.
SIZE AND FIT
I am a size 20 with a 51 inch hip and 41 inch waist and wore a size XXXL in both items. The bib short size chart is for a hips of 47-49 inches, and the jersey 47.5-50.5 inches, and both fitted me well. The jersey wouldn't fit much larger than me, but the shorts potentially another inch or so. I am tall (5'10) with a long torso and also found both to be a good length on me, where I've struggled with jerseys being too short in the past.
PERFORMANCE
I found the jersey kept me really cool on warm days, with the mesh panels really adding to the ventilation on some of the recent hot summer days. There is a wide gripper at the bottom of the jersey which I found also really helped stop the jersey rolling up when I was leaning forwards - something I've struggled with on other jerseys.
The gripper on the short is also excellent - they didn't roll up at all and no sausage legs! The pee-break feature works really smoothly, and the clasp allows you to slightly shorten or lengthen the bibs too. I found the chamois really comfortable and I didn't experience any chaffing or discomfort even on longer rides.
This isn't entry level kit - it's performance gear designed specifically for women's bodies
RRP Bib Shorts €199 and Jersey €125
