Boutique road wear

[GamecockS2K]

7MESH is founded by the same guys who made Arc'teryx (saying they are like ASSOS in making climbing / mountaineering gears is even an understatement) what it is today. Their use of technical fabric, design patterning and like you said, the attention to detail is second to none.

Grab their Highline Jersey in person and check the crazy 6 mm seam tape work they have achieved. The quality speaks for itself. I also quite appreciate their unassuming design language.

Dang. Reading this makes me really want to try their kit. Love Arc'teryx stuff. Woooh, the prices are hard to swallow though...

[siim]

I have couple of items from 7mesh and rate them very highly as well! Synergy long sleeve jersey is a favourite during transitional seasons. Will try their MK3 bibs next.

[dmgdroid]

I have couple of items from 7mesh and rate them very highly as well! Synergy long sleeve jersey is a favourite during transitional seasons. Will try their MK3 bibs next.

Synergy is indeed an awesome piece. The hybrid construction (Windstopper front and breathable panel at the back) works fairly well; with a baselayer, it's even more versitile when the temperature drops further. My other favourite is their Corsa Jersey, again with a baselayer it becomes my go-to piece during deep winter.

The supple shoulder straps are definitely one of the highlights of MK bibs. You almost don't feel their existence. I have 2x MK2 bibs and it's worth noting that both of them developed some cosmetic issues (elastic threads that are woven in the straps somehow migrated up through the fabric; it didn't impact the function and I was offered to swap for a new one after contacting them). I think they fixed the issue in the later iteration.

[dmgdroid]

Dang. Reading this makes me really want to try their kit. Love Arc'teryx stuff. Woooh, the prices are hard to swallow though...

They are not cheap for sure, but there are also many brands that put out stuff at similar prices (sometimes even more expensive) yet are made of fairly cheap / non-technical fabrics..

I actually thought they would be slightly more recognised in cycling (apparel) industry by now, having come from their outdoor background where literally every gram counts when designing gears. You can make a super burly hardshell but then it weighs 800 g; this constant pursuit of perfect balance between weight, durability and functionailty has always been reflected on their design decisions.

They do have a sales section on their site, it's worth checking (especially during season changes).

[Jhomewood]

I have couple of items from 7mesh and rate them very highly as well! Synergy long sleeve jersey is a favourite during transitional seasons. Will try their MK3 bibs next.

The MK3 bibs are outstanding and the new RK1 is excellent for really hot climates (the cut away chamois is really innovative). The Synergy is a super versatile piece, I've worn mine hundreds of times including XC skiing and its held up impressively well.

I think their prices are reasonable compared to many other brands when you realize the attention to detail which you'll know if you try it. Sale items are a great deal so worth trying them. My number one reccomendation when buying from them is to trust the size guide.

[SamD]

Well, given it has ties with the legendary Arc'teryx brand, I'm pretty sure 7Mesh would be a great high-end option indeed!

By the way, is there anyone with experience with Specialized clothing? There's a lot of it at my LBS and I wonder how it compares to dedicated brands.

[Ypuh]

I've recently bought some Q36.5 products and I wouldn't say they are better than Assos (not worse either), but they at least offer a very nice technical alternative to switch things up and they really take a different approach to their clothing. The jerseys unfortunately have an Italian fit like Castelli, meaning no room for shoulders and sizing up creates loose materials. Pricewise you're better off with Assos (who could've imagined that).

Another brand I like a lot is Torm. It's just Rapha but without all the smuck and insane prices.

[ddddd1]

Seems like everybody is coming up with brands from their own country, so will I - Isadore from Velits twins (not really well known in the peloton, but one of them actually finished 2nd in GC on Vuelta 2010), especially their bibs are top-notch (lot of people say that their bibs are the most comfortable bibs out there). I had Climber's bibs (extremely comfortable), which unfortunately I had to return (their customer support is really helpful), then Echelon Light bibs (not as comfortable due to more performance oriented pad, nevertheless my favorite) and Jersey (which was too loose for me and it was already the smallest size, so I also had to return it).
Their manufacturers are all over Europe, so definitely not something manufactured just in one big factory in Italy, like a lot of the boutique brands. Additionally, they are trying to use sustainable materials, for example their Alternative line is manufactured from recycled plastics.

[AMGRoadster]

I'm a big fan of Kalas, a Czech company formerly producing for Assos. Nowadays they're mostly known for custom kit and as the outfitters of Alpecin-Fenix. They have a limited selection of off-the-rack stuff too, of which I wear items from the Passion X9 line. High quality technical garments, subtle design and fair pricing. I have to say though, I cannot compare them with Assos/Rapha/... as I have not worn something from those brands yet.

I have to disagree. Granted I only have 1 jersey. That said my experience is that Kalas uses the cheapest possible material. "Free" Jerseys from organized rides use better material. To add insult to injury their jersey is horribly built. After wearing it once or twice the stitching was falling apart. I have never experienced such sub par quality regardless of price paid.

[Sammutd88]

Seems like everybody is coming up with brands from their own country, so will I - Isadore from Velits twins (not really well known in the peloton, but one of them actually finished 2nd in GC on Vuelta 2010), especially their bibs are top-notch (lot of people say that their bibs are the most comfortable bibs out there). I had Climber's bibs (extremely comfortable), which unfortunately I had to return (their customer support is really helpful), then Echelon Light bibs (not as comfortable due to more performance oriented pad, nevertheless my favorite) and Jersey (which was too loose for me and it was already the smallest size, so I also had to return it).
Their manufacturers are all over Europe, so definitely not something manufactured just in one big factory in Italy, like a lot of the boutique brands. Additionally, they are trying to use sustainable materials, for example their Alternative line is manufactured from recycled plastics.

Must agree, mainly for jerseys with me though. I prefer a club fit and like merino, and their signature short sleeve and long sleeve jerseys are so comfortable. Not a racer so not fussed about a tight fit.....wouldn't look great in a tight fit tbh! Bibs - tried their thermo bib short, should've sized down but must say the chamois was almost non existent. May try another pair with a beefier chamois like the climbers bib, but the TMF pad was too thin and not dense in the slightest.

[velov]

Albion cycling is worthy addition to the list. Plain designs with high quality materials, made in GB and Italy.

[SamD]

I'm a big fan of Kalas, a Czech company formerly producing for Assos. Nowadays they're mostly known for custom kit and as the outfitters of Alpecin-Fenix. They have a limited selection of off-the-rack stuff too, of which I wear items from the Passion X9 line. High quality technical garments, subtle design and fair pricing. I have to say though, I cannot compare them with Assos/Rapha/... as I have not worn something from those brands yet.

I have to disagree. Granted I only have 1 jersey. That said my experience is that Kalas uses the cheapest possible material. "Free" Jerseys from organized rides use better material. To add insult to injury their jersey is horribly built. After wearing it once or twice the stitching was falling apart. I have never experienced such sub par quality regardless of price paid.

Whoa, that sounds horrible. Of which line and which year are we talking? Did you contact them for customer service?

[Tifosiphil]

Albion cycling is worthy addition to the list. Plain designs with high quality materials, made in GB and Italy.

Love the Albion designs and local to my hometown, they make some stellar kit.

I've been using some Le Col kit recently as I've had several Strava codes and really enjoying the Pro bibs and jersey

[corky]

Albion cycling is worthy addition to the list. Plain designs with high quality materials, made in GB and Italy.

Love the Albion designs and local to my hometown, they make some stellar kit.

Whenever I look they never have anything in stock...... maybe a good problem from their perspective but.....

[okimy]

I'm a big fan of Kalas, a Czech company formerly producing for Assos. Nowadays they're mostly known for custom kit and as the outfitters of Alpecin-Fenix. They have a limited selection of off-the-rack stuff too, of which I wear items from the Passion X9 line. High quality technical garments, subtle design and fair pricing. I have to say though, I cannot compare them with Assos/Rapha/... as I have not worn something from those brands yet.

I have to disagree. Granted I only have 1 jersey. That said my experience is that Kalas uses the cheapest possible material. "Free" Jerseys from organized rides use better material. To add insult to injury their jersey is horribly built. After wearing it once or twice the stitching was falling apart. I have never experienced such sub par quality regardless of price paid.

Strange. I only have one of their skinsuits, but my experience has been very good. The fabrics feel very nice and the stitching hasn't come apart yet and I've had it for about half a year now.