The Suarez winter jersey offers a good fit and warm fabrics that are cozy against bare skin. Pricing is pretty impressive, too.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Suarez prefers to make its own chamois instead of purchasing pads from third parties.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The back of the Suarez custom winter jacket omits the wind-resistant membrane for better breathability. The straight-cut pockets aren't as easy to access as angled ones but they're well placed and very spacious.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Our Suarez samples came from their custom line. The graphics are ok as is but custom buyers can obviously design to their preferences.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The Suarez bib knickers are warm and comfortable what with their four-way stretch fleece-backed fabric and well placed, well shaped chamois. But the legs are too short, leading to knee irritation on long rides.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Suarez is a cycling clothing company based in Colombia - and yes, the stuff is actually sewn there, too. Fit and quality on our sample pieces seems very good for the most part so far.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
The straight-cut pockets are no-nonsense but they get the job done.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Reflective detailing on the ankle zippers lend some nighttime visibility.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
Stitch quality looks pretty good throughout with suitable reinforcements where appropriate.(Image credit: Matt Pacocha)
One doesn't normally think of South America as a source of cycling clothing but Suarez is looking to change that perception with its broad range of stock and custom kit, all of which is sewn in Colombia. We've received some cold weather gear to test and so far, it's been promising.
The wicking synthetic fabrics are what you'd expect from high-end gear, including brushed-back Thermatex polyester on the long-sleeve jersey, with hollow fibers to further help retain heat. The heavier duty Thermo Wind hollow polyester knit with its polyurethane breathable membrane is used on the winter jacket, while the knickers and tights have more heavily insulated Thermo Fleece panels, with brushed backs and four-way stretch.
Construction quality seems very good, with solid stitching, appropriately placed reinforcements, and panel cuts and graphics that match up well. Suarez choose not to go down the popular route of purchasing off-the-shelf pads from Cytech, instead stitching in their own selection of inserts. The top-end 'Elite Men' pads of our test pieces are well placed and feature a multi-thickness shape plus four-way-stretch antibacterial materials that have proven comfy during initial rides.
The overall fit doesn't break any new ground but for the most part, it's quite competent, with good cycling-specific patterns throughout. The jersey is suitably close fitting with enough volume for a long-sleeve base layer, the winter jacket is appropriately a little roomier so you can pack in more layers, and the bib tights and knickers boast impressively body hugging cuts through the torso, midsection and legs. The only major exception is the length of our bib knickers, which barely cover our knees and won't quite stay tight around the openings.
One of the most appealing attributes of Suarez's clothing range – at least as far as custom pieces are concerned – is its prices. Custom pricing varies with quantity but on average, the winter jersey costs US$58.54, the winter jacket $88.40 and the bib knickers $62.50. The bib tights – curiously – are slightly less expensive at $60.41. For more information, visit www.suarez.com.co.
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