Words: Imogen Smith Photos: Tim Bardsley-Smith
Attaquer was founded in Sydney just five years ago, but has since grown into a clothing company with international standing and a respected reputation among roadies, ‘crossers and mountain bikers alike. Named for the French word meaning ‘to attack’, Attaquer has definitely shaken things up in the cycling clothing world.
Gone are the days when casual riders were limited to boring black knicks and baggy monotone jerseys, or sneaky purchases from Pro-Bike Kit. Gone too, are the days of paying for expensive European brands that, while sleek, don’t quite get the Aussie aesthetic, and come across as, well, a little bland. Attaquer not only capture the style we want to portray on a bike and make it comfortable, they make it look so damn easy it’s a wonder they didn’t show up a little sooner.
It’s great to see innovators like Attaquer engaging with the women’s market, sponsoring the Roxsolt Attaquer ladies cycling team and providing a small but unique range of women’s limited edition kits alongside the wider men’s ranges, as well as their staple Race, Core Static, and All Day kits in ladies’ cuts.
Attaquer made its name off the back of its Limited Edition kits. Sold only as sets, and with new designs released twice a year, these incredibly bold, witty outfits – designed to be worn together – garnered immediate attention. Available in basic black, white, and purple, the Race and Core ranges we’ve tested here are quieter than the Limited Edition kits. And while Attaquer’s Limited Edition clothing is sold in single-size sets, Race, Core, and All Day leave you free to mix and match, which is exactly what we did here at Bike, teaming Race bibs with a jersey from the Core Static range.
First released between 2012 and 2013, these lines have been through years of refining, and the brand say they now feel that they are engineered exactly as they should be. Race gear has a close cut and compression fit, designed for maximum aero gains and pure performance, while the Core Static range suits general training and riding. All Day (not tested) is designed to be ultra comfortable, so suits those epic weekend rides or endurance sportives.
Teamed together, Race bibs and a Core Static jersey matched up nicely into a coherent ensemble. Both fit slightly small for their size, which makes sense when you remember that these threads are manufactured in Italy (Euro clothing is always tiny). From the moment I stretched the Race bibs on I knew I liked them. A little radio pocket for an MP3 player, phone, or key (or hey, a radio for the pros out there) at the upper back is a neat little inclusion.
The high-density chamois is well cut, sewn, and positioned, the bib and brace are stretchy and hug the body like a second skin. Thermotaped leg grippers were unobtrusive and smooth against my quads – fitted without feeling restrictive. The multi-panel design gave me the most figure-hugging, custom-feeling fit I’ve ever experienced from a set of bibs, and the all-over effect was fast. These bibs are definitely oriented towards performance, so those looking for a more relaxed experience should check out Attaquer’s Core and All Day lines, where there’s less emphasis on compression, and more on comfort.
The Core Static jersey feels silky smooth against the skin and, without any strong elastic or grippy, sticky Lycra, fitted perfectly smoothly against my arms (no flapping!). The waist band has a gripper, and I found that the cut of the jersey was such that it too sat flat and smooth; close to my hips, right where I like it to. True to its pro-style cut, the jersey has three rear pockets. I found these a little narrower than those on my other jerseys, and had a bit of trouble cramming all my spares and equipment into their usual configuration.
If I have any criticism to level at this clothing, and I had to think pretty hard, it’s that the Core Static jersey’s fabric was perhaps a little less breathable than I would have liked – in spite of mesh panels at the front and sides. But, to be fair, I did test it in the heat and humidity of a Queensland summer.
While Attaquer cause a splash twice a year when they release their new Limited Edition designs, the Race and Core Static lines are the brands’ quiet achievers, offering comfort and performance that you’d expect from Australia’s pioneering premium kit designers, just with a little less noise. Treated right, the versatile kit from these ranges will keep you comfortable and stylish for long enough to make the investment well worth your while.
Pros: Incredible, sleek fit / Fantastic designs / Italian made quality
Cons: A little pricier than some are willing to pay / Jersey material could be a little more breathable
RRP: Womens Core Static Jersey: $179.95. Womens Race Bib short: $279.95
From: attaquer.com