The idea that clothes make the man is a bit of a stretch. But there's no doubt cycling clothing can enhance (or screw up) a ride. This summer, we filled the Mtbr apparel closet with outfits from a host of kit makers, ranging from the ultra high-end (Kitsbow) to more budget friendly (Pactimo), to a lot of in between.

In part 1 of this three part series, we take a look at some (but certainly not all) of the offerings from Pearl Izumi, Qloom, and Pactimo. In every case, we logged at least a half dozen rides in the garment, allowing us to pass judgment on fit, fashion, and functionality. Here are some of our favorites - and a few that were just so-so. Check back to Mtbr soon for parts 2 and 3, which will include clothing from Endura, Gore, Louis Garneau, Kitsbow, Mavic, and Voler. All photos are by Dave Kozlowski.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Qloom

This Swiss-based company that's making a push into the U.S. takes inspiration from the colorful world of surf wear. As the story goes, founder Didi Rüegg "felt sad" always having to wear blacks and greys when aboard his bike, so he decided to do something about it. The result is a line of clothing that boldly announces itself on the trail.

Our favorite Qloom piece are the Rockingham Shorts ($190) pictured above and below. The three-quarter length interfaces exceptionally well with knee pads (absolutely no chance of a gaper gap), and construction is robust and durable.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Highlight features include quick-drying four-way stretch fabric, an adjustable Velcro waist band, and a pair of hidden venting zippers.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


There is also reinforced material at the crotch/saddle area, and four zippered pockets (2 front, 2 rear) with easy to-to-grasp tabs, plus a pair of open hand pockets. They've also come completely clean even after some very muddy rides. And that's not something you can say about all MTB shorts.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


And, yes, we love the green. It's fun without being over the top. Bottom line, these shorts get a big thumbs up if you can stomach the price tag. More info at qloom.com. Qloom also offers its Hey Dude Inner Shorts ($55, more info here), which have a super soft feel and very comfortable chamois. Just know that the gripper tape on the leg hem can feel a little pinchy at times.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


On the more cross-country side are the Qloom Fraser Premium Bibshorts with built-in liner ($200). Like the Rockingham shorts, they're a little tough on the wallet. But we love the security of bibs when we ride (minus the Lycra look).

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


These shorts won a Eurobike award in 2014 bolstered by features such as their wicking four-way stretch fabric, super comfortable chamois, and wide Lycra mesh suspenders with elastic tape inserts that help alleviate bunching.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Storage is limited, with just a single zipper pocket on the right thigh (where things can get a little bouncy), and there is no waist adjustability, though that was never an issue because of the suspender straps and stretchiness of the waist itself.

These shorts are a great choice for XC rides, as long as you're wearing a pack or jersey with pockets to handle storage duties. For more info click over to qloom.com.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Finally from Qloom is the quick-drying Avalon Enduro Jersey ($70), which makes a nice compliment to either pair of the shorts above.

Mesh panels on the underarm and sides help keep you cool, while a small, zipped side pocket provides room for a gel or a credit card (a smartphone will not fit). This colorway is a little loud for our tastes, but Qloom makes a more understated white version, too.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Thus far construction has been durable, with no sign of seam fray. The Avalon is available in five size. For more info go here.

Continue to page 2 for a look at Pactimo's new Apex MTB apparel collection »

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Pactimo

Colorado's Pactimo is a new player in the MTB apparel market, having launched its Apex line in April at the Sea Otter Classic. Before that, they were all road all the time, which they continue to do quite well.

While the quality and function are solid, it's the prices that stand out. The Apex Jersey (short sleeve $50, long sleeve $60) is not especially fancy (and has no pockets). But details such as breathable mesh fabric on the back, and shoulder seams that are positioned out of the way of hydration pack shoulder sleeves illustrate that this is more than just a simple tech tee.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


There are five color options, ranging from the Denver Broncos orange shown here to a more subdued grey and black. Fit is on the baggy side, but no overly so. And even on hot days, it didn't soak up with sweat. Sometimes simple is the best answer. More info at www.pactimo.com.

Accompanying the Apex Jersey are, you guessed it, the Apex Short ($90). Again Pactimo kept things fairly simple (no built in liner here).

Up front are two open hand pockets, which you wouldn't use for anything but trash during a ride, but they can be a handy place to stash stuff while you are getting ready. Just don't forget it's there, lest you end up losing it on the trail. There's also a small zipped pocket on the right thigh that's perfect for a gel or credit card. In the back is another zippered pocket that's plenty big enough for a smartphone.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Waist closure is achieved via a medium-weight zipper, plus a dual snap button, which is a really nice touch, as I've had single snaps come undone on me more times than I can count. Waist adjustment is handled by an interior elastic belt that's held in place by a button. There are eight button holes on each side of the waist, availing a broad range of sizing. And you don't have to worry about the buttons coming undone, which occasionally happens with the more commonly used Velcro set-ups.

Material is primarily a soft four-way stretch, with some smoother material at the waist and crotch. Inseam length is just long enough that you could get away with wearing knee pads without offending the fashion police. Bottom line, these shorts are clearly a solid value, though I do have my doubts about how the lightweight material will hold up in the crash. And avoid the lighter colors if you ride in the mud a lot. It can be hard to get them completely clean. More info here.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


The last piece in the collection is the Apex Bib Short liner ($70), which is designed to be worn under the Apex Shorts. It has a comfortable multi-density chamois and a pair of rear swat-style pockets that can hold a water bottle, phone, or lightweight jacket.

Main construction material is an open mesh, while inner legs and chamois area are more standard Lycra material. Leg length is shorter than normal exterior bibshorts, which lessens overlap with outer shorts and wont interfere with kneepads. A small strip of silicone keeps the legs in place.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Overall, it's a decent piece with one major flaw. The bib straps are thin and prone to rolling up, which can be uncomfortable, especially if you're wearing a hydration pack. More info at www.pactimo.com. Also know that all these items are offered in women's versions, too.

Continue to page 3 to check out MTB kit from Pearl Izumi »

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Pearl Izumi

Another Colorado-based company, Pearl Izumi has one of the broadest cycling apparel collections of any manufacturer. From pro-level road racing, to triathloin, to enduro shredding they have you covered.

For XC/trail riding, the Summit Short ($80) has been one of our summer go-to pieces. We dig the pop of the yellow, of the cut is trim enough to not hook your saddle, but not so slim or short that you can't slide on a pair of kneepads for a gnarly descent.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


Waist closure is secure thanks to a zipper combined with Velcro tab and snap. Waist adjustment is done via an interior Velcro belt that has a very firm hold.

Two zippered hand pockets provide storage, while the DWR-treated 4-way stretch fabric is water resistant (but not waterproof). The look is casual enough to wear off the trail, but like most light colored MTB shorts, it's hard to keep the butt area clean if you ride in wet conditions. More info at www.pearlizumi.com.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


If you ride mostly in hot weather, Pearl also offers the lighter weight Divide Short ($85, more info here). The cut isn't quite as long legged as the Summit Short, but you could still get away with a pair of kneepads. Waist closure is a sturdy zipper plus dual snap. An interior Velcro belt handles waist adjustment. One padded center back and two front leg pockets provide ample storage for essentials.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


The Pearl Izumi Launch Jersey ($60) pairs well with either of these shorts. It's essentially a simple tech tee with vented fabric on its lower half and underarms. It also has a handy built-in sunglasses wipe.

Fit, as you can see in the photos, is very relaxed, and it has no pockets. Just be careful near tree branches. We snagged a sleeve and cut a hole in it. Available in six colors and five sizes. More info here.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


We already reviewed the Pearl Izumi WRX Jacket, but it remains one of our favorites foul weather items, thus the shout out here.

The $175 jacket is wind and water resistant, packs down fairly small, and best of all, has a hood that easily fits over most mountain bike helmets. Other features include abrasion resistant sleeves, vents at the armpits and hood, and hey, it looks good, too. More info at www.pearlizumi.com.

Photo by Dave Kozlowski


And like we said before, Pearl Izumi (whose parent company is Shimano) makes almost everything, including shoes. Lately, we've been rocking the X-Alp Launch II ($160) for some trail rides. They have a carbon fiber injected composite shank to enhance power transfer. But they're also plenty comfortable when off the bike and hoofing it. Best of all is the BOA dial, which is placed out of harms way and allows for a even (and micro-adjustable) fit. More info here.