Albion - SS21
We tested out Albion’s latest collection on the London commute in the height of summer.
British cycling upstarts Albion don't shy away from the fact that summer weather in our home nation is typically unpredictable. With forever changing conditions, varying requirements are constantly asked from the cycling kit. Since 2016, Albion has been making high-quality cycling gear that has stood up to everything British weather has thrown at them. Anyone who has worn Albion's gear knows that it performs wonderfully on the back roads through the British countryside. However, a muggy, inner-city London summer is another story. So, how does Albion square up for a different sort of challenge?
As a commuter who usually rides 26km for work, I feel it's essential to have a suitable kit to make this as comfortable as possible. So, I have been putting Albion's SS21 collection to the test for the past few weeks, and this is how it fared.
Good bib shorts are ones that I don't need to think about whilst on a commute. Undoubtedly this is the case for the ABR1 Bib Shorts. These are high-performance bib tights that provide comfort as I make my way into the centre of London. The quality of these bib shorts is immediately apparent. Primarily composed of recycled nylon main fabric, with a recycled polyester mesh on the back to help aid temperature regulation, the material panels are cut in all the right places to allow free movement on and off the bike. Furthermore, as a cyclist who often wears a commuter's backpack, the material runs close enough to the body to not cause any chafing or rubbing while cycling.
High-end cycling jerseys tend to be light and airy for warm weather conditions. Albion offers this with their Short Sleeve Jersey, made using a high-stretch, breathable and moisture-wicking fabric.
The jersey does not bunch up on the torso, rise at the arms, or ride up at the back. I no longer have to adjust my sleeves to sit comfortably or pull down the back of my jersey every time I stop at a red light. The jersey features three rear pockets, providing your cycling accessories without dragging the pockets down. Like the ABR1 Bib Shorts, the material is cut in all the right places. The sleeves are on the longer side, allowing them to sit more comfortably.
Part of every cyclist's summer gear should be a lightweight gilet - ideal for cold morning starts yet light enough to pack away for your warmer route home. I've never had a gilet as packable or as light as the Albion Ultralight Windproof Gilet. For the avid cyclists that obsess overweight, this gilet is a mere 70 grams (size M) and easily packs down to stash inside the jersey pocket. Despite the low weight, the gilet is still very effective at keeping out the elements for those early morning starts. To top it all off, the gilet looks stunning, with a translucent appearance that compliments any colour of top worn underneath.
To help effectively regulate my temperature, I wore the Sleeveless Mesh Base Layer alongside the jersey and gilet. The base layer wicks moisture away from my body, which is convenient for commuting to avoid starting the workday with a drenched shirt.
The Albion SS21 collection is completed with a high-performance cycling sock. If my feet aren't happy, it doesn't take long before the rest of me begins to feel the same. Constructed from a technical nylon yarn, these allow my feet to breathe under my shoes for effective moisture wicking.
Looking past their impressive products, it's clear that Albion is conscious of its impact on the planet. Immediately I noticed the 100% biodegradable packaging. It is also widely apparent that their products are built with the intention of long-term use. But, of course, garments do wear down over time, and accidents happen. So, to enable their customers to make the most of their products, Albion offers free lifetime repairs on all garments.
Right across the board, Albion's products consistently performed to the standard required for the daily commute across London, proving that you shouldn't just save their gear for your scenic weekend miles. Albion's high-quality yet versatile pieces will sort you out no matter where you need to go, no matter the conditions. And on top of that, you'll look bloody good whilst doing so.
To see more from Albion you can visit their website or follow their story on Instagram.
Reviewed by Arran McAskill (@arran.mcaskill)
Photography by Jonno Clifford (@jonnoclifford)
Produced by Joshua Murray