For a company that’s been around for 30 years, I must confess I knew little about Bellwether before drawing together the full-length zip on the Californian company’s Distance jersey.
But after several weeks testing out their Distance top and Forma bib shorts I’m pleased to report it’s been a pleasant introduction. The company started life in 1973, and produces a solid range of kit for cyclists of all types – mountain bikers or roadies alike.
In fact, the company doesn’t break their kits down into categories like ‘MTB’ and ‘road’. Instead the focus seems to have been on producing neat kits, with attention to detail; do with them what you will. My immediate reaction to the Distance and Forma were that they were roadie kit, but they’d sit just has comfortably on a fire trail or singletrack (the black back of our test jersey adding some credence to the latter).
Bellwether’s Distance Jersey and Forma bib shorts. Photo: David Hyde
We’re going the Distance, we’re going for speed
According to the label, the Distance jersey is semi-fitted. With my age eclipsing my body mass index some 10 years ago, and a small jersey on test, I’d argue that fitted would be a more accurate description. I prefer my tops to sit snuggly, so I was happy, and sizing semantics aside, I found it to be a comfy tunic.
I’m a full-length zip kinda guy, so the Distance ticked that box (Bellwether does offer jerseys with shorter zips, if you prefer). Three pockets, with a fourth zippered onto the back of the middle pocket. With the pockets offset from the base of the jersey, their openings sat a little higher than ideal. It meant a little bit of contortion was required to pluck my gels, but a few moments of consideration about which pocket they should be in all but sorted this out (and perhaps a medium jersey may have eliminated this issue altogether).
Four pockets for the Distance jersey. Photo: David Hyde
I mentioned attention to detail earlier, and that’s one of the things that really impressed me about the kit. The base of the jersey is elasticated with a silicon gripper running around its internal circumference. Those two features did what they were supposed to, with the jersey staying put.
The slightly textured finish of the material looks neat, and is held together in some 10-or-so panels with secure stitching. Piping around the sleeve openings is a quietly impressive detail.
And speaking of subtlety, there’s no singing and dancing about sponsors here. A small, reflective Bellwether logo front and back adds to the understated appearance of the jersey.
A closer look at the dimpled appearance of the Bellwether Distance Jersey. Photo: David Hyde
How’s my Forma?
The details continued down to the Forma bib shorts. I could tell Bellwether were ‘not from around ‘ere’ when I saw the small reflector positioned on the back of the left leg. But before I added any weight to the colonial chip on my shoulder, I was quickly taken by the other aspects of these pretty swell trunks.
First up, they fit well. As we all know, often through experience, shorts are make or break, and like the intricacies of a saddle, they’re down to personal preference. But a good firm fit is always a great place to start. When you try a pair of shorts on for the first time there can be that tell-tale space at the front or back of shorts which has chaffing written all over it. Not in this case. Snug all around.
That fit included the anatomic chamois. Constructed from 3 layers of varying foams, the shape certainly suited my posterior, and provided a comfy perch once I was on the bike. While I can’t yet speak to how it’ll hold up in the long-term, it so far matches my experience with good quality chamois.
A combination of textured lycras gives Bellwether’s Forma bib shorts a premium feel. Photo: David Hyde
The same silicon grippers as used on the jersey keep the leg openings in place (important for tan line continuity – but please make sure you always wear sunscreen when riding outdoors). A relatively low cut on the front of the bibs is also a blessing for blokes when nature calls.
Panels? Lots of em. The shorts are constructed from a combination of 2 textured lycras – which I found does give the shorts a premium appearance – secured together with flat-lock seams. And again, the black finish with subtle Bellwether branding means you can match these up with most of your cycling wardrobe without too much fear of faux pas.
Ignorance may be bliss, but I’ve been equally please to become acquainted with Bellwether. It’s good quality, comfy kit, and it’s impressively priced too: AU$79.95 RRP for the Distance Jersey, and AU$119.95 for the Forma bib shorts.
For more information about the Distance and Forma, and Bellwether, visit the company’s website.