{"id":44974,"date":"2022-12-29T14:00:08","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T13:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=711005"},"modified":"2022-12-29T15:34:13","modified_gmt":"2022-12-29T14:34:13","slug":"felix-smiths-gear-of-the-year-2022-the-kit-and-accessories-behind-felixs-long-distance-adventures","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/felix-smiths-gear-of-the-year-2022-the-kit-and-accessories-behind-felixs-long-distance-adventures\/","title":{"rendered":"Felix Smith\u2019s Gear of the Year 2022 | The kit and accessories behind Felix\u2019s long-distance adventures"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Felix Smith\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 29 December 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The more adventurous side of road cycling continues to inspire me. One of my cycling highlights this year was a back-to-back 100-mile ride with my friend and colleague, Jack Luke.<\/p>\n

We stayed in a classic backpacker hostel in Swanage on the stunning south coast of England, before heading back home to Bristol.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s safe to say I was struggling halfway through the return leg, and I had to dig especially deep up the final climb over the Mendip hills.<\/p>\n

The gear I used this year on many of my longer rides helped me to get through the tougher moments, while old favourites continue to give me perfect service.<\/p>\n

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While Jack smashed along like a self-proclaimed legend, I huffed up Old Bristol Road like a poorly Beagle.<\/span><\/figcaption> Felix Smith \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Ale\u0301 Kenya jersey<\/h2>\n
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I feel like an audax panther in this jazzy jersey.<\/span><\/figcaption> Felix Smith \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The design of the Kenya jersey from Al\u00e9 is reason enough to include it in my list.<\/p>\n

I can\u2019t deny I have enjoyed the ego boost of receiving compliments from other riders while wearing the jersey.<\/p>\n

But the jersey\u2019s inclusion isn\u2019t for looks alone \u2013 its performance also wins it a place.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s made using two different fabrics. A micro aero material on the front and sides is super-light and comfortable \u2013 if you look closely, you can see small perforations.<\/p>\n

The back of the jersey has carbon woven into the fabric, chosen for its antibacterial properties. This is perfect for my longer rides, which sometimes involve wearing the same jersey for multiple days.<\/p>\n

The combination provides a decent aero fit with plenty of breathability for when things get hot.<\/p>\n

The cut combines a tight, racey fit with comfort and flexibility.<\/p>\n

Eating bigger meals during a longer ride inevitably means a bigger stomach and I\u2019ve ridden in some jerseys that don\u2019t allow for that extra stretch, which makes for uncomfortable miles.<\/p>\n

Plus, if I can save a few watts without riding in a more aggressive riding position, I\u2019ll take that.<\/p>\n

A final shout-out goes to the pockets at the back. They\u2019re stretchy enough to really stuff in extra layers, but with enough stability so you don\u2019t feel as though the contents are swinging left and right.<\/p>\n