9 August 2026
6 h 32 min
67.83 km · 1,796 m ascent · MTB
Heart Feather, Summit, socks, gloves, glasses
Bib comfort and food-carrying stability held up. Glove bunching and hand discomfort remained.
My Lameda
field test.
“What worked, what bothered me and what I would actually choose next time.”
15 pieces received, 14 tested. My ride notes, measurements, sizes and the things I’d keep an eye on.
Damian Ruse
Shopping? SEMIPRO gives 15% off eligible kit ↗
My picks
The Basic bibs were my value pick. For another $20, I’d probably choose Heart Feather’s pad for a long day. That doesn’t mean everybody needs the bigger pad.
Best comfort
Heart Feather
USD $95 at test time
“It feels like an armchair compared to some of the smaller pads in other versions.”
My notes ↓Best value
Basic bibs
USD $75 at test time
“Basic described the construction better than the comfort.”
My notes ↓Modern premium jersey
Black Summit
USD $35.99 sale / $68 regular at test time
“Carrying that load mattered more than how expensive this fabric feels in the hand so I'll stop touching it.”
My notes ↓Best accessory design
Pulse vest
USD $55 at test time
“Amazing. Like, truly amazing.”
My notes ↓Accessory I kept using
LS350 Air glasses
USD $40 at test time
“They did the job and that's kind of like the best compliment you could probably get.”
My notes ↓The measurements I sent Lameda.
- Height
- 174 cm
- Weight at the time
- About 73 kg
- Chest
- 97 cm
- Waist at navel
- 88.5 cm
- Hips
- 98.5 cm
- Floor-to-groin inseam
- 84.5 cm
The sizes Lameda selected
Heart Feather bib shorts
L
Stayed in place; strongest long-ride comfort result.
Basic bib shorts · 2025SSZ518
L
Comfortable in the tested long-ride context; inner-thigh rubbing to watch.
Pro bib shorts · 2025SSC549
L
Support improved with repeat use; pad positioning mattered.
21st Anniversary bib shorts · Black
L
Placement-sensitive pad did not work well for me.
Summit Ride jersey · Black
M
Stable sleeves and hem; held a loaded pocket shape.
Elite jersey · Navy / Blue · 2024SSZ539
M
Slightly looser at shoulders/chest; sleeves and hem stayed in place.
Roam jersey · Blue
M
Stable gripper and sleeves, including under a moderate pocket load.
A*C short-sleeved jersey · Ice Purple
M
Garment fit good; pocket position and rider reach were the limit.
Basic jersey · White · 2025SSXX558
M
Simple, light construction; less refined finishing than the stronger jerseys.
Pulse 20th Anniversary vest · Black
M
Useful over a jersey; some bunching at the shoulders.
Flow sleeveless base layer · White
M
Close-fitting, with comfortable arm openings.
LS350 Air photochromic glasses · Black
F / one size
Good face fit for me; check arm length against your own helmet.
2088 gloves · Beige / light palm
M (revised before shipping)
Thumb seam and palm bunching were the contact-point problems.
Chasing the Light socks · Black
F / one size
Comfortable, consistent pressure.
A*C long-sleeved skinsuit · Ice Purple
M
Not assessed.
What worked. What bothered me.
These are my words from the ride notes, final inspection and recorded review, with the riding and wash details underneath. Four bibs, five jerseys, two layers and three accessories tested. The skinsuit wasn’t.
| Bibs | In the video | August report |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $75 | $75 |
| Heart Feather | $95 | $95 |
| Pro · 2025SSC549 | $135 | $135 |
| 21st Anniversary | $135 | $64 sale / $75 regular |
All prices in US dollars, before the SEMIPRO discount. Heart Feather is the $95 pair; Pro is $135. I also quote Anniversary at $135 in the video. My August report records it at $64 on sale / $75 regular, so I’ve kept both figures here. Check the current price before buying.
15 items shown. Open one for the ride notes, wash check and what bothered me.
StandoutBibs · 4 logged washesHeart Feather bib shorts
“It feels like an armchair compared to some of the smaller pads in other versions.”
Recorded review
StandoutBibs · 4 logged washes
Heart Feather bib shorts
“It feels like an armchair compared to some of the smaller pads in other versions.”
Recorded review
What worked
I'd already started choosing these over other kit I own. The long ride backed that up. At $95, these would be my long-ride pick from the test.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
I liked the bigger pad, but I wouldn't want every pad to feel like this. Smaller support can be a choice too. This is what worked with my saddle and position.
The riding behind it
Repeated voluntary use; 6 h 32 min timer time on 9 August, 67.83 km and 1,796 m ascent.
Wash inspection · 4 logged
No visible construction or wash-recovery issues at final inspection.
August report price: USD $95
Check current price and availability.
StandoutBibs · 3 logged washesBasic bib shorts · 2025SSZ518
“Basic described the construction better than the comfort.”
Recorded review
StandoutBibs · 3 logged washes
Basic bib shorts · 2025SSZ518
“Basic described the construction better than the comfort.”
Recorded review
What worked
Simple straps, sewn-on grippers, less elaborate construction. I wore them for three hours and thirty-six minutes, with just over fifteen hundred metres of climbing. The pad felt minimal, but I never wanted more padding.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
I did get rubbing at the top of my inner thighs. I wondered about cream, but I didn't establish the cause. At $75 these were my value pick, though sale prices meant they weren't always the cheapest.
The riding behind it
3 h 36 min moving/timer time on 16 August, 67.38 km and 1,509 m ascent.
Wash inspection · 3 logged
Good condition, with no visible issues in the final wash inspection.
August report price: USD $75
Check current price and availability.
Positive with caveatsBibs · 7 logged washesPro bib shorts · 2025SSC549
“This pad really grew on me today. No problems across the ride for a two-hour ride.”
Ride notes · 13 August
Positive with caveatsBibs · 7 logged washes
Pro bib shorts · 2025SSC549
“This pad really grew on me today. No problems across the ride for a two-hour ride.”
Ride notes · 13 August
What worked
This is the pair I changed my tune on. Early on I had to move around to find the right spot. Later, on a two-hour climbing ride, the smaller, firmer support started making sense.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
I got sick in the final week and missed the long ride I'd planned. They improved, but I can't give them the same long-ride evidence as the grey pair.
The riding behind it
Multiple repeat rides, including 13 August: about two hours and 700 m climbing.
Wash inspection · 7 logged
Seven washes logged. A final detailed inspection note was not recorded for this pair.
August report price: USD $135
Check current price and availability.
The tested version’s product page was unavailable when checked on 2 November 2026. The result stays here for reference.
Main concernBibs · 3 logged washes21st Anniversary bib shorts · Black
“I wouldn't choose this pair.”
Recorded review
Main concernBibs · 3 logged washes
21st Anniversary bib shorts · Black
“I wouldn't choose this pair.”
Recorded review
What worked
The material, straps and grippers all worked well. Everything about the bib could be good and the pad could still bring the whole experience down.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
I kept moving around on the saddle trying to find that narrow spot where the pad felt right. Good straps and grippers couldn't make up for it. Someone else may get on with this pad; I didn't. The old listing included Pro; the current name doesn't. A different name doesn't tell me the pad changed.
The riding behind it
Repeated ride feedback, including the two-hour 1 August ride and a further ride on 18 August.
Wash inspection · 3 logged
Stitching and logos fine. Some material scuffing to monitor; no structural failure established.
Price quoted in the video: USD $135
August report price: USD $64 sale / $75 regular
Check current price and availability.
StandoutJerseys · 3 logged washesSummit Ride jersey · Black
“Carrying that load mattered more than how expensive this fabric feels in the hand so I'll stop touching it.”
Recorded review
StandoutJerseys · 3 logged washes
Summit Ride jersey · Black
“Carrying that load mattered more than how expensive this fabric feels in the hand so I'll stop touching it.”
Recorded review
What worked
I wore this on the same six-and-a-half-hour MTB ride as the grey bibs. Plenty of food, no pocket sag, and I could work the zip on the climbs. It felt modern, structured and well put together.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
It is a more substantial material. I wondered myself how much that weight was influencing the premium feeling. The useful bit was what happened with food in the pockets, not just the fabric in my hand.
The riding behind it
9 August long MTB ride with Heart Feather: 6 h 32 min timer time and a real food load. Middle pocket about 16.5 cm deep.
Wash inspection · 3 logged
Stitching and shape were fine, with no visible issues.
August report price: USD $35.99 sale / $68 regular
Check current price and availability.
Positive with caveatsJerseys · 3 logged washesElite jersey · Navy / Blue · 2024SSZ539
“I don't want to say old but classic is a much nicer way of saying that.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
Positive with caveatsJerseys · 3 logged washes
Elite jersey · Navy / Blue · 2024SSZ539
“I don't want to say old but classic is a much nicer way of saying that.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
What worked
I've been around cycling a long time and this appeals to me. A nice cut, a mid-weight feel, lower pockets, extra folded material at the bottom and a zipped pocket for valuables. Classic is the word I landed on.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
Man, I wish I'd tested this on a longer loaded ride. The pocket looks like it has more volume than the 16 cm measurement suggests, but I didn't do the sag test. Some arm-gripper stitching also needs watching.
The riding behind it
Multiple shorter rides. Middle pocket measured about 16 cm. Final long loaded-pocket test missed through illness.
Wash inspection · 3 logged
Overall good condition. Some arm-gripper stitching looked vulnerable and needs monitoring.
August report price: USD $79
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Positive with caveatsJerseys · 4 logged washesRoam jersey · Blue
“Everything stayed where it should.”
Ride notes · 13 August
Positive with caveatsJerseys · 4 logged washes
Roam jersey · Blue
“Everything stayed where it should.”
Ride notes · 13 August
What worked
At the top of the climb I put my lights, pump and phone in the pockets. The gripper worked, the arms didn't move, and the firmer material soaked up sweat nicely. This jersey moved up for me.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
Its middle pocket measured 16 cm, just like the purple jersey. The loads weren't identical, but the experience was different. Some inside side stitching no longer looked brand new, so I'd keep an eye on it.
The riding behind it
13 August: two-hour climbing ride, about 700 m ascent. Middle pocket about 16 cm deep.
Wash inspection · 4 logged
Logos and zip held up. Internal side stitching is the part to watch.
August report price: USD $56
Check current price and availability.
Positive with caveatsJerseys · 4 logged washesA*C short-sleeved jersey · Ice Purple
“No zipper for money is a small bummer.”
Ride notes · 16 August
Positive with caveatsJerseys · 4 logged washes
A*C short-sleeved jersey · Ice Purple
“No zipper for money is a small bummer.”
Ride notes · 16 August
What worked
The jersey itself is good. It does its job and the soft zip doesn't bunch. The high pockets weren't as bad on the longer ride as I'd feared, but I had to think about the load: phone, pumps, vest and food.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
The pockets sat high for my reach and the volume felt limited. For a longer ride where I needed to carry more, I'd struggle. I also noticed that bulky pockets lifted the rear gripper off my back.
The riding behind it
16 August long climbing ride with phone, pumps, food and the vest. Middle pocket about 16 cm, the same measured depth as Roam.
Wash inspection · 4 logged
Zip and stitching fine. A couple of marks on the reflective pocket detail.
August report price: USD $54 sale / $67 regular
Check current price and availability.
MixedJerseys · 4 logged washesBasic jersey · White · 2025SSXX558
“But certainly I don't hate this jersey. Yeah it's basic, it's lightweight but it certainly has a purpose.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
MixedJerseys · 4 logged washes
Basic jersey · White · 2025SSXX558
“But certainly I don't hate this jersey. Yeah it's basic, it's lightweight but it certainly has a purpose.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
What worked
Lightweight and very breathable. Even with the base layer on I could feel air coming through. It has a place as a simple jersey for the heat.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
By the final inspection, about four or five centimetres of one line of the sleeve's double stitching was coming undone. I may have started it when I stretched the fabric during the first filming. It progressed, but I can't say washing caused it.
The riding behind it
Repeated use and final inspection. Very light pocket material; pocket bottom roughly 2 cm above the gripper.
Wash inspection · 4 logged
Logos fine; right sleeve hem stitching coming undone.
August report price: USD $56
Check current price and availability.
StandoutLayers · 0 logged washesPulse 20th Anniversary vest · Black
“Amazing. Like, truly amazing.”
Ride notes · 16 August
StandoutLayers · 0 logged washes
Pulse 20th Anniversary vest · Black
“Amazing. Like, truly amazing.”
Ride notes · 16 August
What worked
I was sweaty at the top of the mountain, it was about 15 degrees, and I was grateful I had it for the descent. It packed into those small jersey pockets. The best bit was the two gaps at the back: I could get food out without lifting the vest.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
The shoulders bunched and flapped a little. Finding the small top zip pull took some fiddling, and the final five centimetres around my belly needed two hands. I'd keep the pocket access, refine the shoulders and change the zip. That's one ride, no washes.
The riding behind it
One substantive field ride on 16 August. Rider reported about 15°C at the top. Function evidence is much stronger than durability evidence.
Wash inspection · 0 logged
Not washed. Material behind the zip already showed crinkling after one wear; zip still worked.
August report price: USD $55
Check current price and availability.
The tested version’s product page was unavailable when checked on 2 November 2026. The result stays here for reference.
Positive with caveatsLayers · 2 logged washesFlow sleeveless base layer · White
“I have absolutely no issues with this thing. It does exactly what it says it does.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
Positive with caveatsLayers · 2 logged washes
Flow sleeveless base layer · White
“I have absolutely no issues with this thing. It does exactly what it says it does.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
What worked
For a company making jerseys with all those complications, this should be straightforward, and it was. Close-fitting under the lighter jersey, no cutting into the arms and nothing to think about.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
Sweat still made its way through to the jersey. I didn't measure a cooling benefit, and two washes don't tell me how long it will last.
The riding behind it
Repeated use under thinner jerseys, including the 30 July and 11 August rides.
Wash inspection · 2 logged
No visible degradation; logo holding.
August report price: USD $23
Check current price and availability.
StandoutAccessories · No garment wash testLS350 Air photochromic glasses · Black
“They did the job and that's kind of like the best compliment you could probably get.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
StandoutAccessories · No garment wash test
LS350 Air photochromic glasses · Black
“They did the job and that's kind of like the best compliment you could probably get.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
What worked
These $40 glasses surprised me. I used them on all but two rides. Starting in the dark and riding into morning light suited them, and there was enough airflow to keep them on for most climbs.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
The arms are a little long for me and hit the helmet support. The right arm also started making a noise when opened, which isn't a great early sign. I didn't measure tint-change speed or UV protection.
The riding behind it
Frequent use throughout the test, including 9 August. Function verdict is rider-specific.
Wash inspection · 0 logged
No garment wash test. The right-arm opening noise needs monitoring.
August report price: USD $40
Check current price and availability.
MixedAccessories · 3 logged washes2088 gloves · Beige / light palm
“I don't hate them but I might be searching for a better alternative in the long run.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
MixedAccessories · 3 logged washes
2088 gloves · Beige / light palm
“I don't hate them but I might be searching for a better alternative in the long run.”
Inspection notes · 25 August
What worked
Great grip on descents. At times it almost felt like wearing no gloves, with just enough comfort. They also came up fine after washing and still held their shape.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
The thumb seam bothered me, and on the long MTB ride the bunching hurt at the base of my middle and ring fingers. Good grip doesn't cancel out discomfort. I'd wear them sometimes, rather than reach for them every time.
The riding behind it
Multiple rides, including the 9 August MTB ride. Bar shape and hand position matter to this result.
Wash inspection · 3 logged
Washed up well; shape and pad structure intact.
August report price: USD $38
Check current price and availability.
Positive with caveatsAccessories · 1 logged washChasing the Light socks · Black
“Socks were great.”
Ride notes · 9 August
Positive with caveatsAccessories · 1 logged wash
Chasing the Light socks · Black
“Socks were great.”
Ride notes · 9 August
What worked
Fit and pressure were good, including on the long ride. After washing, the shape looked the same and nothing was unravelling inside.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
One wash is one wash. I can talk about comfort and what I saw, not antibacterial performance or years of durability.
The riding behind it
Multiple wears, including 9 August.
Wash inspection · 1 logged
Shape unchanged, no visible internal unravelling.
August report price: USD $5.50
Check current price and availability.
UntestedBibs · 0 logged washesA*C long-sleeved skinsuit · Ice Purple
Received, but no ride test or performance verdict.
UntestedBibs · 0 logged washes
A*C long-sleeved skinsuit · Ice Purple
Received, but no ride test or performance verdict.
What worked
No performance finding. Kept here so the full original selection is accounted for.
What bothered me / what I still don't know
Illness reduced the final testing window. Do not transfer the short-sleeved jersey results to this matching-print skinsuit.
The riding behind it
No completed ride test.
Wash inspection · 0 logged
No wash test.
August report price: USD Not assessed
Check current price and availability.
Not recommended or linked as a tested product.
How I tested
On the bike
I started in July and closed these notes on 25 August. Normal training, humid mornings, climbs, pockets full of food and some longer rides in Dili. Could I stay comfortable? Could I carry what I needed? Did I have to keep fiddling with something? And did I reach for it again when I had other options?
Most regular rides were roughly 19–25°C, warmer later on the long rides and colder at the top of the mountains. Where I’ve used town weather data, that isn’t a measurement taken inside the jersey or on the mountain.
In the wash
I used a top loader, powder detergent, a normal wash and air drying. No laundry bag. Weekday kit generally went in the same day, weekend kit on Monday. That’s what I did; still check the care label on your own kit.
A few washes can show a stitch coming undone or a gripper losing shape. They can’t tell me how many seasons any of this will last. The vest never got a wash during this test. The glasses weren’t put through the clothing wash routine.
The rides I keep coming back to
13 August 2026
About 2 hours
About 700 m climbing
Pro bibs and blue Roam jersey
Pro pad felt better with repeat use. Roam carried phone, pump and lights stably.
16 August 2026
3 h 36 min
67.38 km · 1,509 m ascent
Basic bibs, purple A*C jersey and Pulse vest
Basic padding was sufficient; thigh rubbing noted. Purple storage was manageable but limited. Vest access and wind protection were useful.
Why I put my name alongside Lameda.
“I hadn’t given them much credit before I’d ridden any of it.”
I’d bought poor quality cheap copies years ago and carried that experience into how I saw this Chinese brand. What changed my mind was how much thought I found across the range: different pad support, different jersey construction, carrying food and reaching through another layer.
This is the first clothing partner I’ve brought into SEMIPRO. I was only going to choose them if the kit worked for me. The pieces I kept choosing matched the quality I’ve experienced in the best kit I’ve used. I was happy wearing them when I had other options. The things that didn’t work are still here for you to see.
If you’re happy with MAAP or Pas Normal, great. There’s no reason to change just because something costs less. If you’re looking below that price for the fit, features or value you want, this is the sort of kit worth looking at.