At the Vail Outlier Festival this fall we were happy to see the Qloom bike wear US launch and took immediate note of the refreshing change from what is currently offered here in the US for bike wear. Qloom is a surf-inspired mountain bike apparel company, based out of Steinhausen Switzerland, just south of Zürich. When I think of Switzerland, I think of big mountains, big adventures, delicious chocolate and precision timepieces. The swiss make quality stuff! Qloom is no exception.
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“Qloom is about the ride, not the race and creating memories from the first espresso to the last cold brew.”
Looking good and snapping photos on awesome rides, sounds familiar. Relaxed style for serious adventuring? It’s what Crankjoy is all about. Less about racing and competition. These threads are made so you can ride comfortably with quality, performance based products and look and feel great. Despite their swiss roots, the clothes are true to size. Great care has gone into all of the details.
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Kudos to Qloom for figuring out how to keep your shorts on without velcro, the good-old fashioned way, with snaps, buttons and zippers. Their tabs in the shorts are pretty amazing with an elastic strip of button holes that can be snugged up depending on your shape. This allows for an endless configuration of adjustability, and the tabs sit really flat and are comfortable against the waist. The shorts have a high, but not too high panel to prevent rider’s crack in the back. The pocket is well placed on the shorts, but I would have preferred more of them. Snaps and zippers stay put and the cut of the clothing is really flattering, fitted but not too tight. The fabrics are cool and cool looking, they do their job well to wick moisture without stinking.
The Cowells Jersey Hookipa short that Chad tested looked pro with a little splashy pattern for style points, nothing over the top. My Trestles Jersey and Sunset Short’s style had just enough pink for me, without being too girly. I really like the style and fabric, especially the liner shorts. They are my new go-to liner and they go right to the laundry when I get home so I can wear them again (who’s gonna know I wear them everyday?) They have just the right amount of padding, stretch and the fabric is light and airy. They are super comfortable. They come with tabs to keep them in the shorts, but who needs that really? I just cut mine off so they don’t flap around.
Digging deeper we found out that Qloom actually uses recycled coffee grounds in and on their fabrics to cut odor, protect us from harmful UV rays and allow the garments to dry quicker so they don’t feel like a sloppy mess on your back. Yet another reason to get into these clothes.
Jersey and shorts go for $69-$169 on the website with limited release of products until Spring 2016- when a more expanded offering will be available, not just here, but in Europe and Australia. For now in the US you order direct from https://qloom.com/ and if you feel like giving them your email, (why not? They are cool people and won’t spam you) you can get 25% off your first purchase. (Most likely a limited offer, so get on there quick before they change their mind!)
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- No velcro to ruin technical fabrics (while in the wash)
- Great construction and style
- Quality fabrics
- Comfortable fit
- Unique and different style
Cons:
- It would be nice to have an extra pocket in the shorts
- Tabs on the liner shorts not necessary (no biggie- I just cut them off)
- Longer short option or capri for wearing pads without the goober gap (full disclosure: I have ridiculously long femurs so this is a problem I have with most shorts made for women.)
In summary, we really enjoy these clothes. Light, comfortable without being too baggy or heavy, stylish and functional. It’s a bonus that Qloom’s company philosophy aligns perfectly with ours.
Great adventures + great friends = great time on the bikes. That’s math even we can understand.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
