When I started wearing lululemon clothes, I thought of them as mostly running and yoga apparel. Since beginning working here last year – low and behold – I have discovered some gems for cycling wear.
The run line is an ideal match for spinners and cyclers. The moisture-wicking, flat-seemed garments often include either Silverescent (anti-stink/anti-static) or quick dry and zip or back pockets.
I put our clothes to the test.
The Carlsbad store hosted a private yoga and shopping event with the San Diego Velo Bellas cycling group.
I rode with them before yoga and showed off the Run: Activa Vest and Flow Y Bra, explaining that I was testing the garments for cycling efficiency. While not wind resistant, the back zipper pocket fits my camera and cell phone, and the back pocket of the Spin Babe shorts fits chapstick and my lens cloth. I could have fit Gu, gum and my car key if I wanted to, but it fit in my bike’s seat bag.
Jackie, my riding buddy, exclaimed that of course the vest worked – she didn’t realize it wasn’t a “real” cycling vest.
After the ride, we hosted yoga for the Bellas and invited them to a private shopping event in exchange for design feedback.
After a few months of testing our products in various saddles, here are the winners (please note, not all are currently available in stores):
- Spin Babe Short – have worn spinning and cycling. Lightly padded in the bum.
- Tri Babe Short – see above, plus more moisture wicking
- Run: Sprint Singlet – wore this in a triathlon
- Run: Activa Vest – wore this on a 2 hr ride
- Run: Power Crop – spin class
- Persist Jacket – to/fro bike rides and races
- Hot Yoga Bra – triathlon
- Flow Y Bra – spinning and cycling
- Brisk Run Arm Warmers – made for cold-weather running – and ideal as cycling sleeves.
That being said, lululemon is not best in the world at making cycling gear – yet. The more feedback you give us via our blog, Facebook, twitter, online, and at the store level, the more the designers will hear it and implement changes.
What else have you worn spinning or cycling and loved?
