Gear That Got it Done: Cycling in Chile

January 20, 2016

by Peter Reese
Gear That Got it Done: Cycling in Chile

We’ve spent hundreds and hundreds of hours cycling in Chile. From pedaling beach cruisers along the coast of Valparaiso to ripping down active volcanoes in Puerto Varas and road biking just outside of Santiago, Chile’s been a central destination for our cycling gear testers the past couple years.

Here are two of our favorite kits, one from Club Ride and another a combo of L.G. Garneau and Pearl Izumi. These versatile tops and shorts proved their worth over every trip and trail. Peruse the following reviews—no passport required.

Club Ride Rialto Long Sleeve:  And there’s no excuses

Club Ride Apparel Rialto Jersey - Long Sleeve Starting at: $37.24

Taking on multi-sport in Chile could fill duffels with specialist apparel sculpted for single activities and narrow weather conditions.  Active Junky chopped wood, paddled open water, dropped MTB downhills, scrambled up live volcanoes and grabbed for pisco sours; sometimes all in the same day.  Club Ride’s Dri-sulate wool blend, utilizing poly in the mix, maintained warmth when moderately or completely wet.  In addition, the fabric’s abrasion resistance put the 260g Rialto over the top in the carefree category.

Tester Quote: “Ridden the brand since early in their history.  While some styles lean toward Western casual, Rialto carried an expedition vibe even with dual drop-in rear pockets.  Knowing it had reflective accents made it easier to go long and late, even when near traffic and town.”

Best For: Active athletes, a traveler out for big objectives and small luggage – dark charcoal gets it done

Club Ride Board Short: When the world was young

Tom Ritchey, a friend and one of the accidental creators of mountain biking, would likely love this short.  It harkens back to the early days when gravity ruled, bikes barely held together and warm beer was the only trophy.  Club Ride’s got it going on with a West Coast look wrapped up in a ventilated, seamless short that Active Junky loved while getting blasted by Pacific Coast waves and wind.  Quick-release side buckles adjust fast as you lose winter pounds on your favorite bike. A natural for places like Chile’s Valparaiso, there’s no reason to keep this one in the drawer thanks to abrasion resistance and cycling-specific features.

Tester Quote: “How may times do you throw on something that works, looks incredible and stuns your friends with a sense of humor?  Not enough and I’m sick of black cycling apparel that’s technical, ugly and unwearable off the trail.”

Best For: Gravel and dirt roads, technical trails and doubling up for casual on international trips

Check out the Cargo Away Shorts >

L.G. Garneau Sport Enerblock Cycling Jacket:  Off to races and places

Louis Garneau Sport Enerblock Cycling Jacket

Buy this jacket.  Now.  If you pedal fast or slow in wind or rain, Enerblock is, dollar-for-dollar, one of the best values testers have ever ridden.  With styling that hints at podium-level performances, the features stream out like early spring rain from the Patagonian sky (believe me, we know).  A seamless front neck protected without binding as elbows flexed to accommodate every riding position.  Climbing strong on fractured roads, the lead tester kept stopping to marvel at easy-flowing zippers, plenty of secure pocket storage and Enerblock’s nearly weightless warmth.

Tester Quote: “I’m not a sponsored racer but I felt like one outside of Coyhaique, Chile.  The freedom to stand, grind and tuck were new sensations for me.  Plenty of room for a solid baselayer let me adapt to the day’s conditions.”

Best Aor: All-season riding in marginal weather, off-bike utility

Pearl Izumi Elevate Shorts:

Pearl Izumi Elevate Short

Somewhere between cruising through the park and dropping down hills on the European circuit is the way we ride.  With a protective 15” inseam, Elevate pumped us up with four-way stretch to twist, turn and push uphill.  Sold without a liner short, this model masquerades as a lifestyle piece off the trail; two zippered hand pockets plus one center back made for abundant carrying.  Active Junky took them to Chile, finding performance and security with a double-snap waist.

Tester Quote: “Call it good – and beyond – in multiple categories.  Fit is cut for movement without getting sloppy, and the adjustable waistband responded to the day’s layering when Andean winds prompted a tuck, long-sleeve base.  P.I.’s matching Canyon Jersey added Direct Vent comfort on warmer days; I’d recommend spending a little more for their well-padded liner.”

Best For: Single-track and cross-country riding in Patagonia and beyond

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