Check Out: BC Bike Race Edition

The material is light and quick drying (I wore the same pair all week, rinsing them off occasionally and letting them dry in the sun so they’d be ready for the next day), and the ratcheting buckle means there’s no velcro to wear out. A small pocket on the right side has just enough room for a phone, and that’s about it. I don’t have any complaints about the fit – the shorts are snug where they should be while still providing enough freedom of movement to avoid any unwanted constriction.

On some of the days I paired the shorts with Fox’s FlexAir Ascent jersey. Once again, a snug fit and lightweight material is the name of the game here. There were some seriously hot race days (at least for the Pacific Northwest), and even when it was soaked with sweat the fabric remained comfortable. The only small grip I have about the jersey is that it’s so tight that getting it off can be a bit of a struggle, sort of like removing a wetsuit.

Overall, Fox’s Ascent collection makes a lot of sense for riders heading out for XC or gravel adventures that don’t want to go the full spando route, and who also don’t want to look like they just finished taking laps in the bike park.

I went with Sweet Protection’s Memento Rig glasses due to their large amount of coverage and the moderate lens tint – that meant I could I could keep them on in the trees, and still have some protection from the harsh light reflecting off the logging roads snaking through clear cuts.

The Memento glasses did a great job of keeping dust and other debris out of my eyes, and the optics were excellent. I did struggle at times when the sweat off my forehead would drip onto the lens. On some of the days I did a pretty good job at keeping the lenses smear-free, but there were a few occasions when I just gave up and stuck them into my helmet. That’s more of a testament to the conditions rather than a mark against the glasses – for more normal rides, once where you’re not constantly trying to go as fast as possible, getting sweat on the lens will be less of an issue.

The price isn’t exorbitant either, at least compared to other high-end sport sunglasses in this category. 

I may not have used the jacket during the race, but I was able to get out on a bunch of rainy rides with it beforehand. As a just-in-case layer, something to wear when the weather can’t make up its mind, the Cinder Phantom is excellent. It’s waterproof and quite breathable, although, like all rain jackets, it will eventually start getting saturated if it’s raining hard and you’re working even harder. Still, for riders in the Pacific Northwest or similar climates I’d say it’s an ideal layer – it barely takes up any room, and work well when it’s needed. The fit was designed with biking in mind, which means the arms and back are a little longer to keep the jacket from riding up. The hood fits well underneath a helmet, and a small carrying sack is included that can be used to attach the jacket to your frame or handlebar.

I’m usually a size 45 for most cycling shoes, but if I had to do it again I’d probably go down a ½ size with the Vento’s. My feet weren’t swimming, but the fit was a little roomier than I would have preferred around my toes. As always, it’s best to try a pair on before you buy them. Luckily the large velcro strap and Boa closure make it possible to really lock things down, keeping my feet securely in place even with that extra room. The width of the rest of the shoe was ideal, close-fitting without being uncomfortable.

I’d put the Vento’s into the ‘seriously stiff’ category – there’s minimal flex from the carbon plate underfoot, ensuring that there’s no power lost while pedaling. That stiffness does create some heel lift when walking, but realistically most XC riders aren’t going to be spending much time trouncing around off the bike. If it does become necessary to walk, the sole provides a decent amount of grip, at least for this style of shoe. Again, they’re made for bike not hiking.

There’s something to be said about equipment that makes you feel fast, and the Vento shoes certainly tick that box – they’re a very good option for riders looking for a high-end, well constructed cross-country shoe.