Rightly or wrongly, I've always considered Vulpine's gear to be aimed at the urban commuter or "smart-casual" cyclist, rather than the speed-oriented sportive set. Nicely tailored jackets and shorts, sure, but not the sort of gear you'd pack to ride La Marmotte.
So I was interested to see the launch of the HOY Vulpine collection earlier this year, a collaboration between Vulpine and track legend Sir Chris Hoy. HOY V seems to mark an entry into new territory: the sort of territory that comes marked with brightly coloured arrows, dubious medals, timing chips and energy gels. In short, sportive territory.
The new HOY V line sees Vulpine finally tackle a pair of bib shorts for the first time - a sign of sporting ambition. There's also a "proper" jersey - and, of course, some matching accessories in the shape of caps and socks to help you stay spiffing.
As a distant admirer of Vulpine (they are a likeable, chatty brand, primarily through the heroic social media efforts of founder Nick Hussey) I was keen to check out the kit. When they unveiled a "Sportive Groupset" comprising a Valldemossa Jersey, El Toro bib shorts, cap and socks, it was a no-brainer: we had to test it.
We've now had a few weeks to try out the kit, so how does it stack up - and is it worthy of a place in your sportive kit bag?
Valldemossa Race Jersey
Named after a village in Majorca, the Valldemossa Jersey comes in a choice of three colours and has an understated, classic look. First impressions are good - the version tested (Orion blue) is an attractive slate grey, with a bright red full-length zip providing a bit of personality.
The material is medium weight, and the collar is particularly chunky offering decent protection against neck chills or, for that one day a year, sunburn. The jersey uses a material called S.Cafe which is apparently made from coffee grounds. Vulpine claim it adds softness, and the jersey certainly feels good against the skin, aided by flatlock stitching and printed care instructions to avoid scratchy labels.
The Valldemossa has the standard three rear pockets, and a neat touch is that the side pockets are angled to allow easier access on the hoof. There is also a short strip of silicone dots on the inside hem beneath the pockets, designed to hold the jersey in place and stop it riding up.
Finally, as a decorative flourish, some bright red Hoy V logos are printed on the rear centre pocket and sleeve. They are a bit shiny, but still look nice.
So far so pretty: but what about the fit? When you see the word "race" attached to an item of cycling clothing you can generally count on having your blood circulation cut off; however, the Valldemossa is an exception to this rule.
The cut errs on the generous side. After trying on my usual size medium and finding it baggy, I asked for a small. The replacement arrived speedily, and this time the fit around the torso was tolerable - albeit with a fold of spare material around the chest that gave me a mild case of "illusory bosom" effect while leaning forwards on the bike.
Generosity is fine of course, but taken to extremes it can become too much. Think Mrs Doyle with her endless cups of tea in the TV sitcom Father Ted: well, that is the sleeves on the Valldemossa. Even on the size small, they are cut a bit wider than any cycling jersey I've tried.
"Ah go on, you will," they say, as I protest that, thank you, my arms are amply covered; please, no more material. "Go on, go on, go on..." insists the jersey - and the sleeves do go on, hanging almost down to my elbows and flapping gently in the breeze like sad little flags on my cocktail stick arms.
I do have scrawny arms (Tyrann-Oisinus Rex, as Mr Lulham kindly says) so I'll accept an equal share of the blame. But if you are lightly built then be warned: the Valldemossa is not designed to flatter the weedy. It's an otherwise appealing jersey, well constructed and offering good (if not race) performance over some lengthy test rides, so the fit is a bit of a shame - for me.
Of course sizing is subjective, and if you typically find cycling jerseys to be tight around the chest, shoulders or dem guns, then the Valldemossa may suit you to a tee. I suspect it was modelled directly on the physique of Sir Chris himself - the Vulpine website shows him resplendent in the jersey, the sleeves straining to contain his Olympian biceps.
Fine, it's my fault. But I still think the sleeves could be cut a little tighter next time, for mere mortals. Ah, go on.
El Toro Bib Shorts
Maintaining the Spanish naming theme, the El Toro bibs are a fine-looking pair of shorts. Made of a very lightweight lycra, I rolled the dice and ordered my usual size - and this time the fit was spot on.
The bibs are mainly black with a trim in the same Orion blue as the Valldemossa jersey. Discreet printed logos on the legs are the only visible branding. The bib straps are a lightweight mesh fabric to aid breathability; they're comfortable on the shoulders, while dot grippers around the hem of the legs maintain a reassuring - but unobtrusive - hold on your pins while you ride.
On to the pad, and I had my doubts initially as the El Toro bibs use what appears to be a rather flimsy foam chamois. Vulpine point out it is a "pro-level Cytech pad", and it varies in density, with two thicker ridges along the sit bones offering support where it's needed. In use, I had no complaints whatsoever. On my first test ride - the Velothon Wales sportive - the pad kept me sitting comfortably throughout the 140km spin.
I've worn the shorts on several rides since, and they are excellent: unobtrusive, while offering just enough cushioning to take the sting out of bumpy back roads.
The only minor gripe, if I was being picky, is that a combination of lightweight material and thin padding - especially at the front of the shorts - may leave you feeling a little exposed in the lunchbox department. Then again, they're lycra bib shorts; check your usual standards of modesty at the door.
I do like these shorts a lot. And the understated design means they can be paired with any jersey, which is always useful.
Trackside Cap & Sprint Socks
Completing the Sportive Groupset is a pair of cycling socks and cap. Available in a choice of dark or light grey for the socks and black or gold for the cap, both items feature the same HOY V "trackstripes" motif used to subtle effect in the bibs and jersey to add the finishing touch to your outfit.
I might have preferred a cotton cap to polyester, but what do I know - and the socks are genuinely lovely to wear. Textured panels hug the foot, while the cheerful stripes are worth an extra 10 watts over the final mile of any sportive.
Summary
I won't patronise Vulpine by saying the HOY V range is a fine first effort, because they know what they're doing: the bibs, jersey and accessories all form a carefully considered package, one that you imagine will extend Vulpine's practical appeal to a whole new swathe of cyclists.
It certainly deserves to, because this is well-made, good quality gear. While the jersey perhaps lacks some of the refinement (and fit) found in higher priced rivals, the El Toro bib shorts can hold their head high in any company.
We haven't even mentioned the price yet: at £147.99, the Sportive Groupset offers standout value for money - you could easily spend that much on a pair of bib shorts alone.
Experienced cyclists will appreciate the quality and performance of the HOY V kit, while for those new to cycling or sportives the Groupset bundle is an ideal starter pack. Just add some shoes and a Strava obsession, and bingo - you're all set to chase down that gold time.
HOY Vulpine is available from Evans Cycles, www.evanscycles.com
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