craft bike shorts review
First of all, I would like to thank Guan Jie and CRAFT for giving me the opportunity to review this product. Because I was preparing for my first full marathon when I received the package, my review was delayed by a few days, but I still completed it seriously!
1. Brand Introduction
Craft is one of the more than 20 brands under the New Wave Group, founded in Sweden in 1977. Initially, it produced functional underwear for Swedish Royal Air Force pilots. Later, this unique fiber fabric was continuously improved and proven to have excellent sweat-wicking properties during intense exercise, maximizing comfort. By the late 1970s, it was applied to various winter sports and achieved great success. Today, Craft sports underwear is used in a wider range of sports such as football, basketball, running, orienteering, and cycling, as well as in many leisure activities like sailing, hunting, and hiking. Craft sports underwear has become an ideal part of a sportswear combination. (Excerpt from Baidu)
2. Unboxing Review
After a "long" wait, I finally received a message from the delivery guy. The first impression of the clothing was that it was very light, and the outer packaging was intact.
Upon opening the package, there was a transparent plastic bag without any particularly "luxurious" packaging.
Clothing tag page. (As someone not good at English, I don't recognize many words!)
3. Fitting Review
Personal Information: Height 178cm, Weight 70kg
Product Specifications for Review: 170/92A (M)
Fitting Experience: Compared to my previous two pairs of Santic bib shorts, this pair has slightly more elasticity, and doesn't feel as tight as my previous size M. The first impression of the padding was that it felt a bit small, but through practical use, it was completely sufficient.
The bib straps are quite elastic and don't feel tight when worn, making them quite comfortable! However, the white straps can leave sweat stains and are not easy to clean, so I suggest switching to dark-colored straps!
The back uses a hollow design to enhance sweat-wicking, preventing the back from feeling sticky after exercise. The green label in the middle has no seams, so there's no friction during exercise. However, the green reflective strip is not very strong, so I suggest using reflective material to increase safety for night riders!
The anti-slip strips on the legs ensure the clothing fits snugly against the thighs, and the seams are very smooth, with no friction during exercise!
As a habit, I rinse new clothes before wearing them. There was no color fading during rinsing, showcasing the high-quality dyeing of a major brand!
4. Usage Review
As mentioned earlier, preparing for the marathon delayed the review by a few days. After completing the full marathon on the 28th, I rested on the 29th and started the review on the 30th. I conducted three reviews over three days (in different weather conditions and riding times) using these cycling shorts. (Here's a photo of my first marathon!)
1. Lishan Ride
Road Conditions: 25.5km flat road + 16.74km uphill + 37.72km downhill. Below is the riding record (forgot to resume Codoon during a pause, so here's a Blackbird record as a supplement).
Weather: Mostly cloudy, outdoor temperature 20+
Riding Experience: As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Compared to my previous cycling shorts, the comfort difference is significant. Since we rode slowly on the flat road at the beginning, I didn't sweat much, and after an hour of riding, my butt felt completely fine. After a brief rest at the foot of the mountain, we started the uphill challenge, which was a real test of the padding's sweat-wicking ability. After an hour of effort, we reached the top. My shirt was soaked, and with the strong wind at the top, I felt very cold while waiting for my teammates. In contrast, my lower body was only slightly damp and not as cold as my upper body. The padding felt a bit damp but didn't cause the painful chafing I experienced with my previous cycling shorts after heavy sweating.
2. City Ride
Road Conditions: 56km flat road (forgot to start Codoon at the beginning, only recorded 46.85km).
Weather: Sunny, with a temperature of 34 degrees according to Moji Weather after returning, and around 40 degrees during the ride.
Riding Experience: I have to say, the weather greatly affects the riding experience. After about 5km, the padding started to feel hot, but thanks to its good sweat-wicking properties, it didn't feel too stuffy. After riding for more than 10km, the sensation gradually disappeared, probably because my body got used to it. The fabric's sweat-wicking and breathability performed well in high temperatures. Compared to my exposed calves, which felt very hot under the sun, the high-elastic fabric provided strong muscle support.
3. Ride to Conquer the Road Qualification Race - Xi'an Station
Road Conditions: Total ride of 302km, official race 268km (Codoon measured 263km), mostly undulating roads, all asphalt.
Weather: Mostly cloudy in the first half, started raining after the 180km supply point, rode 122km in the rain.
Riding Experience: The first half was mostly cloudy, and the product remained as comfortable as ever. With ample energy, I maintained a speed of around 30km/h and started sweating soon. The padding didn't feel as hot and damp as in high temperatures, and the slight dampness was barely noticeable. After riding over 100km (about 3.5 hours), the uphill segments began. Due to the long ride without rest, I felt a slight pain when sitting back on the saddle after standing. Despite this, the minor pain was acceptable. After continuous undulating roads and a 23km downhill to the 153km turnaround point, I rested for about 20 minutes. My shirt was still a bit damp, but the cycling shorts, except for the padding, were dry, showcasing their excellent quick-drying ability. After a brief rest, I started the return journey with a 23km uphill. By the time I reached the top, I was drenched in sweat, but the padding remained slightly damp without feeling stuffy. After the 180km supply point, it started raining heavily. Despite buying a raincoat, I was thoroughly soaked, with mud splashed all over me. By the time I reached around 230km, the padding was completely soaked, and my butt felt uncomfortable. The long immersion in water, combined with a day's friction, caused some stinging pain, but it soon subsided (probably went numb). I persisted to the finish line, received my medal, and rode another 30km back to school in the rain. Thanks to these cycling shorts, my butt wasn't injured, and I truly appreciated their excellent sweat-wicking ability.
Although my expression looks painful, I was actually joyful inside! Successfully finished the race!
This expression looks much better!
5. Comprehensive Review
As mentioned at the beginning, you get what you pay for. This product is priced at 934 yuan on the official Taobao flagship store, and it is definitely worth the price. The product's performance is excellent. The only downside I see is that for better safety during night rides, reflective strips should be added to the back. As an amateur cycling enthusiast, the price is a bit high, and I hope it can be made more affordable so that more cycling enthusiasts can enjoy this high-quality clothing!