Cycling equipment from Outdoor Research: 3 pieces - from sun-yellow softshell to hip bag
Marc Strucken
· 23.07.2024
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Some people like it when their equipment or cycling clothing is from one brand, even from one collection, so that everything fits together 100%. With clothing from Outdoor Research (OR for short), it makes sense simply because the US company is one of the few suppliers on the bike market to offer so-called plus sizes such as 3L or even 4L!
However, we tested it in size M. For reasons, but above all because in this case the Freewheel Half Zip Soft Shell Hoodie is hardly cut any differently to the 4L model anyway. Which is a good thing, as oversized shirts, for example, often look very shapeless. The Freewheel Hip Pack (Plus) simply has a longer belt. And the Freewheel Leather Palm Bike Gloves are available up to XL for a hand circumference of up to 25.4 cm.
How to wear the Outdoor Research Freewheel Half Zip Soft Shell Hoodie
Technically, the Freewheel Hoodie is a softshell jacket with a front zip that only goes halfway down the length of the jacket. There are very different soft shells - as our test showed at the time. Some feel very thick and sometimes heavy, others less so. The softshell jacket from Outdoor Research is one of the lighter and thinner ones, but this is no indication of its thermal performance.
These cycling jackets also keep out moisture to a certain extent thanks to their waterproofing - i.e. rain, mud and mud splashes. The OR Freewheel also does this very well. The hood, which is brushed on the inside - like the rest of the jacket - is particularly comfortable because it is fluffy and keeps you nice and warm in windy and cool conditions. It also fits under a helmet if necessary.
The jacket also has a breast pocket, but this is far too small for the latest smartphones. However, you can always fit your house keys or a bar in it. And for the rest, there's the OR Hip Bag - more on that in a moment. The manufacturer also refers to the sun protection function of the softshell, but it goes without saying that a fabric like this lets (almost) no sun through.
The stretch content in the entire fabric of the Cycling jacketwhich means that they don't become a burden even when you're riding close to your body. The back section and actually the whole softshell has a normal to slightly longer cut - if you have a shorter upper body. The shoulders are also normal width. The price of 189 euros (RRP) seems ok to us, given the durability - we didn't notice any signs of wear after a few weeks.
The Outdoor Research Freewheel Half Zip Soft Shell Hoodie in brief
Material properties
- Water repellent
- Wind repellent
- Breathable
- Quick drying
- Movement-friendly stretch
- Abrasion resistant
- Sun protection: UPF 50+
Design features
- Hood fits under bike helmet
- No seams on the top of the shoulder for comfort with backpack straps
- Chest pocket with zip on the left
- Contoured hem with extended back section for additional protection
- Brushed inner lining for warmth
- Price: 189.00 euros / W Plus 209.90 euros (RRP)
We have tested more cycling clothing here:
Practical test of the Outdoor Research Freewheel Hip Pack (Plus)
Meanwhile, we really appreciate the small packs for "underneath" - in other words: hip bags - because the back remains free and there is no temptation to pack useless stuff. But the OR Freewheel Hip Pack plenty of space (5 litre volume). We had the small hip bag to test, the one labelled "Plus" for tall and heavy people has the same dimensions as the bag, only the strap is longer.
The Hip Bag from Outdoor Research sits quite well on the lower back, as you can not only tighten the strap around the stomach, but also fasten the bag tightly to the back with two buckles. The pockets inside and outside are large, bright yellow on the inside and the bottom of the hip bag is even white. So you can find everything quickly even in low light. Only the mesh pocket on the right, intended as a "smartphone pocket", is - as is almost always the case - far too small for modern mobile phones. But keys, sat navs and other items fit in there easily. The "glasses compartment" is also quite small for the current window fronts.
There is a net for water bottles on the left-hand side, but this can lead to a misalignment due to the weight hanging on one side. We have therefore inserted a hydration bladder into the Freewheel Hip Bag. There is also a hose outlet and a strap to hold the bladder in place. In practice, the maximum capacity is 1.25 litres; if the bladder is filled with more, only a few other useful items will fit in the bag. But that can also be a purpose: hydration bladder + small items.
A nice gimmick is the net stowed in the bottom of the bag, which can be slipped over the hip bag and thus Protectorsthe Bicycle helmet or other things additionally fixed. A well-designed piece all round.
The OR Freewheel Hip Pack (Plus) in brief
Material properties
- Durable
- Water repellent
- Breathable mesh panel
Design features
- 5 litre capacity
- Bottle holder
- Sunglasses bag with scratch-free lining
- Inner pockets for organising tools
- Stowable net for pads, helmet or jacket
- Compression straps to secure the load
- Compatible with hydration bladder and tube. (Not included in the scope of delivery)
- Dimensions: 50.8 x 10.2 x 19.1 cm
- Weight: 360 g
- Price: 84.90 Euro (RRP) >> available here
How the Outdoor Research Freewheel Leather Palm bike gloves feel
At first glance, the Outdoor Research Freewheel Leather Palm bike gloves are timeless pieces of equipment. When you put them on for the first time, they give the impression that they are really durable. Nothing pinches, nothing squeezes when clutching the MTB handlebars twitching on wild rides. Of course, opinions can be divided about real leather. But it feels good even when wet, dries quickly and is even (hand) washable.
However, depending on how you feel, the bike gloves can get too warm when the outside temperature is warm. OR says they are of "medium" quality, which indicates good protection in the event of a fall, but the fabric on the back of the hand does not allow much air to pass through. On the other hand, Outdoor Research cycling gloves can be worn well into autumn.
The touch function on the mobile phone display is a given, but the gloves in L fit well in terms of width, only the index and middle fingers were too long. As a result, tapping on the display was not very defined and precise. However, this is a matter of individual fit.
After a few rides with the Freewheel gloves, there are no signs of wear. However, they have not yet been washed. Unobtrusive, timeless and robust equipment - the price is very good for genuine leather.
The OR Freewheel Leather Palm Bike Gloves in brief
Material properties
- Back of the hand: 97 % nylon, 3 % spandex
- Knitted fourchettes: 78 % nylon, 22 % spandex
- Palm: 100 % goatskin
- Terry towelling sweatband: 100 % polyester
- Abrasion resistant
- Medium quality
- Breathable
Design features
- Medium-weight stretch back of the hand
- Non-slip goatskin leather palm with padded reinforcement
- Touchscreen compatible
- Sweat wiper on the back of the thumb
- Secure and adjustable neoprene wrist fastener
- Pressure on the back of the hand
- Weight: 119 g
- Price: 64.90 euros (RRP)
Marc Strucken
Editor
