- 4.5 / 5 Bee's Knees -
At the time of writing I call Duluth, MN home. Gorgeous Summers, short Springs and Falls, brutal winters. For this venue, thermal riding gear is paramount in your arsenal. Tested to extremes, the Fission Bib Knickers and L/S jersey gets the full monty, no white glove treatment here.
The Fit -
Part of the draw-back of having the figure of a green bean is that most apparel simply isn't cut for my size. However, some garment brands are starting to take notice and cater to consumers of all sizes. Although the Hincapie Fission tops and bottoms aren't designed exclusively for bean-poles, let me start by saying the compliance and stretch of all fabrics employed goes a long way to achieve a custom fit.
For me, 6'1 and generally 31x32, the Medium Bib Knickers were spot-on perfect with a snug but not overly tight fit. The placement of each panel played well to eliminate contact with seams and promote stretching as-needed in each direction. Each component felt appropriate in size. The bib straps had a perfect amount of tension and seemingly disappeared after a short period of riding. Leg length was appropriate for a 3/4 knicker style. Staying true to a thermal-centric design, both the front and back of the bibs have a high rise to provide additional insulation.
Fitment of the jersey was a touch different but still very good. According to Hincapie, the fission jersey is more of a "club fit" which puts things into perspective well. A size small achieved adequate sleeve length (a frequent issue for me), generous torso length that extended well for riding in the drops, and a roomy core to retain warmth. For me, only the torso was more loose than I'd prefer and resulted is some bunching of the zipper in lower riding positions. However, the fit was by no means baggy and would suit a great majority of riders.
Fitment of the jersey was a touch different but still very good. According to Hincapie, the fission jersey is more of a "club fit" which puts things into perspective well. A size small achieved adequate sleeve length (a frequent issue for me), generous torso length that extended well for riding in the drops, and a roomy core to retain warmth. For me, only the torso was more loose than I'd prefer and resulted is some bunching of the zipper in lower riding positions. However, the fit was by no means baggy and would suit a great majority of riders.
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Fabric & Performance -
Again, starting with the bibs, wow...just wow. A plush fleece-like thermal lining leaves you feeling like you're going on a winter century whilst wrapped in your beloved childhood blankie. Hincapies own BodE Thermal Heat and BodE Thermal Loft are placed in key areas to retain heat and transfer moisture. Speaking of retaining heat, how's that key area? The chamois achieves a brilliant balance of softness, compliance, and even roominess while still keeping things secure. There was only the faintest detection of wind which again aids in carrying out moisture. The bibs were rarely tested in the 40's, mainly in the 30's and 20's. While those temps often call for full length bibs, testing these knickers to the extreme showed their potential, not to mention leg warmers can always be used. If I could find a target, I'd estimate these bib's ideal range would fall between the low 50's to high 30's. If the temps would rise above 40° maybe I could give you some firsthand feedback but we're months away from weather like that.
Similar to the bibs, the long sleeve jerseys inner fabric has a brushed fleece-like texture. The overall weight of the jersey is much lighter and much more breathable compared to the bibs which gives riders more options for layering. In temps 18-30°F, I found a base layer tee topped with the fission L/S jersey and a breathable shell/jacket to be the ticket. For lower temps, the jersey by itself with an insulating jacket worked quite well. Part of the jerseys breathability is due to its QuadroHot fabric which introduces fresh air especially at the perimeter of each square. Additionally, a hollow core fiber design further draws moisture away from your skin.
Similar to the bibs, the long sleeve jerseys inner fabric has a brushed fleece-like texture. The overall weight of the jersey is much lighter and much more breathable compared to the bibs which gives riders more options for layering. In temps 18-30°F, I found a base layer tee topped with the fission L/S jersey and a breathable shell/jacket to be the ticket. For lower temps, the jersey by itself with an insulating jacket worked quite well. Part of the jerseys breathability is due to its QuadroHot fabric which introduces fresh air especially at the perimeter of each square. Additionally, a hollow core fiber design further draws moisture away from your skin.
Features -
A handful of additional features found on the Fission items include gel grippers along the hem of the shirt as well as along the base of each leg. A single reflective strips is placed on each bicep as well as one that runs the entire width of the back, just beneath the pockets. Three pockets comprise a vast full-width area to stow plenty of goodies. Each of the pockets is velvety soft which protects contents like a phone. However, there is no security zipper or water(sweat)proof barrier between the inside of the garment and each pocket. A final feature I found no mention of, is a nice covered seem just behind your neck. Since this is a point of frequent contact, Hincapie stitched in a piece of fabric with a hidden seam to eliminate irritation...what a nice touch!
Apparel is often difficult for me to review principally because nothing ever seems to fit but also because no two riders are alike and it is hard to remain objective. Still, I will postulate that both the Fission bib knickers and L/S jersey will be real crowd-pleasers regardless of the fact that I'm a huge fan. The bibs were easy to love due to their exceptional fit and terrific warmth...warmth in key areas I'll reiterate. While the bibs did steal the show, the jersey was no slacker and proved to be the perfect companion to complete this set.
Apparel is often difficult for me to review principally because nothing ever seems to fit but also because no two riders are alike and it is hard to remain objective. Still, I will postulate that both the Fission bib knickers and L/S jersey will be real crowd-pleasers regardless of the fact that I'm a huge fan. The bibs were easy to love due to their exceptional fit and terrific warmth...warmth in key areas I'll reiterate. While the bibs did steal the show, the jersey was no slacker and proved to be the perfect companion to complete this set.