[First Look] Troy Lee Designs New Bike Collection

Troy Lee Designs have been busy lately – between the launch of the new D4 and their new MTB apparel lineup, there is a lot to show off. In addition to the new lid, they were kind enough to send us a smattering of samples for testing out the new gear. The big story is that among the classic lines such as Sprint, Skyline and Ruckus is the new “Flowline” family, which features more casual looking threads in toned down colors and simple color blocking. While managing to look less techy, TLD still managed to keep the materials nice and well … techy, so the apparel is still practical on trail. They also have a new lighter duty “Stage” Elbow and Kneepad, which we’ll be long term testing and taking a look at below …

flowline

Flowline Jersey

• TLD Dura Knit fabric
• Wicking and quick-drying finishes
• Screen print on back tail
• Fabric is certified Bluesign® approved
• 5 sizes: S-XXL
• $55.00 USD
• Customizable with name and number for additional $60

The “Dura Knit” material is what we’d describe as mid weight. It is lighter than what is used in the Ruckus jersey, but is a bit heavier than TLD’s Air Knit fabric, which is their lightest and stretchiest.

Flowline Shorts

• 2 way easy access hand pockets
• Rubber waist adjusters
• Zip fly and single snap enclosure
• 21.5” outseam
• Comes with our new COMP padded liner
• 100% Coolmax Polyester
• Fabric is certified as Bluesign® approved
• 30, 32, 34, 36 & 38
• $79.00 USD

Details show a close up of the fabric used, the hot patch and velcro waist adjustment.

Lastly, there is a stretchy black panel between the legs and the waist band, which helps prevent the shorts from shifting around while pedaling.

Stage Kneeguard

• D30® lightweight, low profile elbow impact protection
• Silicone grippers prevent slipping
• Spacer-prene sleeve combined with breathable mesh panel for all day riding comfort
• Durable, abrasion-resistant elbow panel
• Sold in pairs-left/right
• CE EN1621-1 Certified
• XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
• $79.00 USD

The newest knee guards take the Stage protective wear name, which originated with their freakishly light Enduro lid, which is the lightest DH certified helmet on the market. The Stage pads are designed to move nicely while pedaling, breathe well and dry quickly, all while providing ample protection.

A mesh back panel keeps things airing out nicely and a leg gripper at the thigh prevents them from moving while you’re spinning the pedals. For the record, there is no leg gripper at the lower hem, on the calf.

A silicone band is in place at the back of the knee to further prevent slippage.

Last, but not least the Stage pads use now legendary D3O padding from the kneecap down to the top of the shin. For what it’s worth, the interior foam pad is a touch longer than many of its competitors on the market.

Skyline Air Jersey & Sprint Ultra Pant

Skyline Air Jersey

• Loose fit is casual in feel but with leading technical design features
• TLD Air Knit Fabric
• Hidden optical wipe inside zippered rear pocket
• Inner arm vented mesh
• Fabric is certified is Bluesign® approved
• 5 sizes: S-XXL
• $70.00 USD
• Customizable with name and number for additional $60

TLD’s Air Knit is their lightest and most breathable fabric. Ultra stretchy and plush, it’s one of the most comfortable fabrics out there.

Aimed at low weight, the eyewear wipe on the Skyline air isn’t zipped up and deployable – rather, it’s stitched into the back of the jersey.

Sprint Ultra Pant

• TLD Ultra Tech fabric
• Redesigned knee zone features a slimmer profile without inhibiting protection while permitting improved articulation for better movement and pedaling capabilities
• More durable stretch fabric across the quads and around the rear of the shorts provide additional abrasion resistance in the event of a crash
• Optimized rear mesh panels along the calves improve range of motion while increasing ventilation
• New side waist adjusters with Velcro inset into the body of the waistband allow for fit adjustments to be quick and unobtrusive
• Single TLD embossed low profile snap button that won’t get hung up on your jersey; Velcro backing ensures jersey stays tucked-in
• Tapered lower leg design keeps pant away from chain/seat stays
• Race fit engineered to accommodate base layer protection while maintaining maximum freedom of movement and pedaling
• Fabric is certified Bluesign approved
• 30, 32, 34, 36 & 38
• $185.00 USD

We’ve already gotten a sneak peak at the Sprint Ultra line on TLD’s Rampage Athletes – Semenuk, Brendog, Zink and Tom Van Steenbergen. Now they’re finally available to the public. Lightweight, super stretchy and full of ventilation, they’re a premium pant that’s aimed squarely at riding bikes. Big bikes, Trail bikes, BMX bikes, Enduro bikes…doesn’t matter.

The driveside calf has a leather panel inside of it to better protect against the drivetrain rubbing. Smart placement for a high wear area.

Left to right, above: taped seams keep things flush and durable. The zipper is quite burly and backed by a double button closure. A close up and just one small strip of the perforation that the pants are riddled with.

Lastly, a silicone waist band prevents the pants from working their way down while riding.

Keep your eyes peeled for long term tests from this batch of gear trickling out over the coming months …

www.troyleedesigns.com