Cycling clothing from Outdoor ResearchCasual mountain bike collection up to size 4XL

Marc Strucken

 · 02.05.2024

The US manufacturer Outdoor Research is now also making a collection of MTB clothing: Called Freewheel.
Photo: Scott Rinckenberger
Outdoor Research has long been a household name for outdoor enthusiasts. Now the manufacturer from Seattle, USA, is presenting its first mountain bike collection. Called "Freewheel", the collection includes cycling clothing and accessories. Some items are available up to size 4XL and with sun protection factor 30 or 50.

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Perhaps someone has already used the outdoor clothing from Outdoor Research (OR) for biking, even though it was not explicitly developed for mountain biking. But now there are jerseys, shorts and a lightweight jacket as well as gloves and a hip bag with a special cut and corresponding functions that make sense for mountain biking.

Discussions with our customers have shown us that there is a real need for better-fitting, technically sophisticated trail riding clothing. So it was a logical next step for us to expand directly into the trail riding category. - Kylene Wolfe, Senior Product Manager of Sportswear at Outdoor Research

One extra right from the start: Outdoor Research generally offers its cycling clothing in sizes XS to XXL and in a "Plus" version up to 4XL. The shirts and shorts also have a sun protection factor of UPF 30 or even 50, which is right up to date!

Shoes, helmet and socks are not from OR - the rest comes from the Freewheel MTB collectionPhoto: Scott RinckenbergerShoes, helmet and socks are not from OR - the rest comes from the Freewheel MTB collection

Outdoor Research Freewheel Half Zip Hoodie

The Freewheel Half Zip Hoodie offers protection against wind and moisture on days with changeable weather. Thanks to its breathability and quick-drying properties, you will always stay comfortable. With its half-length zip, it is easy to pull on and the hood offers plenty of room, even for a helmet. The hoodie's robust two-layer fabric ensures flexibility and unrestricted freedom of movement when cycling. It is made from environmentally friendly, bluesign-certified and recycled materials. The hoodie also offers UPF 50+ protection against intense sunlight, making it ideal for long rides. It is also available in plus sizes for women.

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OR MTB jacket: Freewheel Half Zip HoodiePhoto: Outdoor ResearchOR MTB jacket: Freewheel Half Zip Hoodie
  • Water repellent
  • Wind repellent
  • Breathable
  • Quick-drying
  • Abrasion resistant
  • UPF 50+
The hoody is available in plus sizes up to 4XL.Photo: Outdoor ResearchThe hoody is available in plus sizes up to 4XL.
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Design features:

  • Hood fits over the bike helmet
  • No seams on the top of the shoulder for comfort with backpack straps
  • Glued zip pocket on the left waist
  • Extended back section for additional protection
  • Brushed inner material for warmth

Price (RRP): 189 euros // 209.90 euros (W Plus up to 4XL)

Outdoor Research Freewheel long-sleeve jersey and T-shirt

The Freewheel long-sleeve and T-shirt from Outdoor Research are made from moisture-wicking, quick-drying and breathable materials. They also offer practical features such as an extended back and protection from UV rays with a UPF value of over 30. The seams on the shoulders are positioned so that they do not rub under a rucksack. Thanks to ActiveTemp technology, the body temperature is regulated even on strenuous rides. The microfibre cloth integrated into the hem can be used to clean sunglasses or goggles on the go.

Outdoor Research Freewheel Long-Sleeve JerseyPhoto: Outdoor ResearchOutdoor Research Freewheel Long-Sleeve Jersey
  • Thermo-regulating ActiveTemp material
  • Recycled polyester
  • Breathable
  • Moisture-wicking
  • Quick-drying
  • UPF 30 sun protection
Outdoor Research Freewheel T-Shirt Jersey for womenPhoto: Outdoor ResearchOutdoor Research Freewheel T-Shirt Jersey for women

Price (RRP): Shortsleeve 64.90 euros // Shortsleeve W Plus 69.90 euros // Longsleeve 79.90 euros

The Freewheel Shortsleeve W Plus for 69.90 euros up to size 4XL.Photo: Outdoor ResearchThe Freewheel Shortsleeve W Plus for 69.90 euros up to size 4XL.

Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Shorts

OR's trail riding shorts are made from a durable stretch material that stretches in all directions and has extra reinforcement at the edges to make it more resistant to wear and tear. It has a higher cut back area that offers more protection when seated. In addition, air holes applied with a laser in the rear area ensure improved air circulation. The fit can be perfectly adjusted thanks to discreet adjustment options at the waist. Small items can be stowed in the side pockets. The Freewheel cycling shorts for women are also available in plus sizes.

Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride ShortsPhoto: Outdoor ResearchOutdoor Research Freewheel Ride Shorts
  • Water repellent
  • Wind repellent
  • Breathable
  • Quick-drying
  • Abrasion resistant
  • UPF 50+
Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride ShortsPhoto: Outdoor ResearchOutdoor Research Freewheel Ride Shorts

Design features:

  • To be worn as shorts over the padded liner shorts / bib
  • Waistband with higher back
  • Side tabs for adjusting the waistband
  • Right and left hip pocket with safety zip
  • Laser-perforated holes on the back yoke piece for breathability
  • Gusset in the crotch
  • Pre-shaped leg openings with front cover over the knee / knee pads

Price (RRP): W 129.90 euros // W Plus 149.90 euros // M 124.90 euros

And the MTB shorts are also available in plus size for women.Photo: Outdoor ResearchAnd the MTB shorts are also available in plus size for women.


Outdoor Research Freewheel Bike Gloves / Freewheel Leather Palm Bike Gloves

Outdoor Research has been producing gloves for almost all outdoor sports for decades - except for mountain biking. Now OR has brought its glove expertise to the new Freewheel Bike Gloves. The regular Freewheel Bike Gloves are made of a lightweight nylon fabric and a synthetic suede palm. The Freewheel Leather Palm Bike Gloves, on the other hand, are made from heavier nylon fabric with a palm made from hard-wearing goatskin. A 3D-printed overlay on the back of the hand is designed to provide additional abrasion resistance in high-wear areas. Both gloves are touchscreen-compatible and have a sweat-absorbing area on the back of the thumb.

Freewheel Bike Gloves

  • Lightweight poly mesh back of hand
  • Synthetic suede palm with perforated holes and silicone grip print
  • Touchscreen compatible
  • Index finger patterned to eliminate common sources of error
  • Back of thumb with sweat wiper
  • Glued stretch cuff

Price (RRP): 44.90 euros

OR Freewheel Leather Palm Bike GlovesPhoto: Outdoor ResearchOR Freewheel Leather Palm Bike Gloves

Freewheel Leather Palm Bike Gloves

  • Medium-weight stretch poly back of hand
  • Non-slip, impact-resistant goatskin palm with padded reinforcement
  • Touchscreen compatible
  • Back of thumb with sweat wiper
  • Adjustable neoprene cuff strap on the wrist
  • Abrasion-resistant print on the back of the hand

Price (RRP): 64.90 euros

Outdoor Research Freewheel Hip Pack

A hip bag is essential for mountain bike tours, but many are often too compact for extended rides. The Outdoor Research Freewheel 5L Hip Pack offers enough storage space for any type of tour and can still be strapped together to save space for shorter trips. It is equipped with a holder for drinking bottles on the side, has a spacious main compartment for a hydration system, a smaller compartment for sunglasses at the back and a foldable net for more storage space, ideal for bulky items such as knee protectors. The hip bag is also available in oversizes.

Outdoor Research Freewheel Hip PackPhoto: Outdoor ResearchOutdoor Research Freewheel Hip Pack
  • 5 litre capacity
  • Holder for water bottle
  • Mobile phone pocket with zip on the hip belt
  • Sunglasses bag with scratch-resistant inner lining
  • Internal organisation pockets for tools
  • Stowable mesh net for pads or jacket
  • Compression straps
  • Compatible with hydration bladder and tube (not included)
  • Dimensions: 50.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 19.1 cm
  • Weight: 360 g

Price (RRP): 84.90 euros

We think that OR is very modern with the 4XL sizes and sun protection - very good!Photo: Scott RinckenbergerWe think that OR is very modern with the 4XL sizes and sun protection - very good!

Who is Outdoor Research?

Outdoor Research is based in Seattle and is dedicated to manufacturing technical clothing and equipment for outdoor activities such as mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing and ice climbing. The company was founded in 1981 by Ron Gregg. Gregg, originally an expert in nuclear physics, combined his enthusiasm for the environment with his expertise to design products that meet the specific needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

Marc Struken is a passionate bike journalist and editor at Delius Klasing Verlag. After working in radio, radio, TV and online marketing, he has been contributing his experience to digital content for BIKE, EMTB, FREERIDE and MYBIKE since 2022 - whether mountain bike, gravel or road bike.

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