New Rab Cinder range for cycling. Active insulation, made to keep you moving
mountaingroupWe spoke with Sergio Pulido, cyclist, mountaineer, adventurer, and our tester for Rab's new Cinder cycling range.
Hi Sergio, first of all, could you describe yourself to our audience?
My name is Sergio Pulido Muñoz, and my passion is mountains and cycling. At first, I started traveling by bike as an excuse to go on climbing trips to different places, and one day I realized that I enjoyed the bike journey more than the climbing activity itself.
So, I gradually started taking longer bike trips with fewer days until a few years ago, I got into ultra-endurance challenges. Now I'm hooked on these types of challenges, but always with a focus more on adventure and self-sufficiency, and quite removed from purely athletic performance.
The most curious thing is that, for the type of cycling I do, which is very focused on adventure cycling, the clothing I used before the CINDER range was already RAB clothing, due to the performance it offered me, especially in very extreme weather conditions, and because I often go on trips that combine cycling with climbing and general mountain activities.
And of course, regarding the sleeping bag, etc... That's why, when RAB launched its CINDER range, I wasn't surprised by how comfortable and well-made it is in all aspects. I usually do very long bike rides, 400 km in one day, TRANSPYRENEES, 600 km in less than 40 hours, etc... and simply being comfortable, dry, and maintaining a good temperature is a value I appreciate greatly. The CINDER range simply seems amazing for this type of cycling.
As for the descriptions of the garments, I could almost write an article about each one, but to summarize, they have created first, second, and third layers that perform their function outstandingly. Special mention goes to the bib shorts, with their Elastic Interface® Gravel Performance HCS pad, which is a delight for long distances and difficult terrain during hours on a Gravel bike. Let's remember that this collection is very focused on Gravel and bikepacking. And without a doubt, their unique product on the market for me are the KINETIC garments.
These are waterproof garments, yet as pleasant to the touch as a SOFTSHELL, and their breathability is incredible. And this is key when you are at -20°C in LAPLAND; if the garment doesn't breathe properly, you end up accumulating a layer of ice from your own condensation.
Which models have you used most intensively?
I put the bib shorts (both the CARGO and the LINER) through a lot of abuse. Mainly because I spend many hours on the bike. And I simply find them to be a ten out of ten.
The CINDERCRINO, a blend of Merino wool and synthetic, is amazing. Believe me, I'm not exaggerating when I say it's the most comfortable jersey I've ever tried. It's not your typical jersey; it's a shirt that gives you incredible comfort for long journeys and distances.
The CINDER JERSEY, a more "traditional" jersey with classic back pockets, is also super comfortable.
The second layer, the RIDGELINE, is incredible. It has a windproof front and the garment is constructed in such a way that air currents make it very versatile across a wide temperature range. Ideal for between 5 and 20°C, although the latter is my experience and depends a lot on each person.
The PHANTOM raincoat is perhaps the preferred raincoat among more traditional cyclists. It has a hood to wear under the helmet and, weighing only 94 grams, offers a 20000 water column and 20000 breathability. Brutal.
The CRANK pants, besides their design, are pants that I use a lot for multi-activity. That is, especially BIKE + CLIMBING. They are super comfortable to pedal in, and when I get off the bike, they are perfect for walking to the base of the route and then climbing with them with the harness. For me, a 10 for routes like the Camino de Santiago, to talk about more popular activities.
And for me, the crown jewel are the KINETIC garments. Without going into too many technical design details, they offer a 10,000 water column and 35,000 breathability. All this with a softshell feel and a hood to wear over your helmet. The pants are perfectly designed not to interfere with pedaling, with reinforcement in areas that suffer more friction on the bike. For me, a basic for long trips and very adverse terrain like LAPLAND in winter. But it will also be a basic for Transpyrenees.
What are your general impressions?
I think RAB has hit the nail on the head with a collection that will surprise with its comfort and technicality. There is a lot of knowledge in terms of material technology due to their extensive experience in expeditions; they have succeeded in the pattern design of the garments to make them comfortable for cycling. Honestly, I am very surprised with them, in the best sense of the word.
What stood out to you most about them?
Each garment is designed in detail to fulfill its function. And above all, I highlight the comfort of wearing them for many hours and not having the urgent need to get home or to the shelter and want to take them off.
Would you recommend it for other sports like climbing or trekking?
Especially the CRANK, KINETIC, and CONDERCRINO, I think they are very suitable for combining CYCLING, CLIMBING, and TREKKING, without a doubt.
Ultimately, the garments are designed for cycling. However, this has almost no detriment for trekking or climbing; I would even say quite the opposite.
That's why the aforementioned garments would be good multi-activity items.
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