Foldable Bikes Party: Specialized Women's SL Pro jersey and bib shorts review

Sunday 29 May 2016

Specialized Women's SL Pro jersey and bib shorts review

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It features colours bright enough to stand out on the road, but that's not the only reason the Specialized Women's SL Pro kit stands out.

The SL Pro line from Specialized is the Big S's top-of-the-line women's kit, based on the kit worn by pro teams such as Boels Dolmans. In fact, there's a great-looking version of the SL Pro in Boels Dolmans colours, minus the sponsor logos. Both the jersey and shorts have a well-thought-out panelled construction that uses multiple fabric types to optimise temperature regulation, moisture control and comfort. And it works!

This is some of the most comfortable kit I've worn, and boasts some great features such as the rear catch on the Hookit bib shorts – more on which later.

True sizing

One thing worth noting first-up is the fit. While this is pro-level kit, which usually translates as extremely tight fitting, actually the Specialized Women's SL Pro jersey and shorts size up true, and possibly even a touch on the large size. I'm a curvy UK12 (US8) and the medium size jersey and shorts fitted perfectly, which means it might come up a little large if you sit at the lower end of a clothing size bracket – if you do, and you want your kit to fit tightly, then go down a size. Everyone else, enjoy riding some very nicely fitting kit.

Both the jersey and shorts feature subtle reflective accents in various locations on the body, legs and arms.