Opinions after a few rides in the new S-Phyre road clothing
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The Windresistant Jersey functions similarly to a stretchy GoreTex piece(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
Shimano's relatively new S-Phyre road collection now includes winter pieces (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The bottoms seem sturdy and plug the S-Phyre shoe vents(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The S-Phyre Shoe Covers are a hyper-flexible neoprene with no zippers or Velcro openings (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
Aside from blocking the wind over the toes, the Toe Covers also plug the shoes' front vents in the sole and offer a nice integration with the BOA dial(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The S-Phyre Toe Covers are designed for Shimano's top-end shoes (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
Does this open mesh actually do anything under a thermal jersey or jacket? Who knows. But the polypro/polyester piece does wick and dry well ((Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The Winter Baselayer is knit, stretchy and effective (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
What's up with the baggy bib straps?(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The tights' lower legs fit snugly underneath booties(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The S-Phyre Bib Long tights didn't fit me well — the legs are tight but the chamois sits a little low and baggy(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
As we're seeing more of these days, the winter jersey has a zippered side pocket in addition to the standard three, plus a wide reflective swath along the tail (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
The midweight thermal jersey has svelte cuffs, which makes pulling gloves on easier(Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
You can adjust the BOA dials through the shoe covers, which is surprising for a neoprene shoe cover (Image credit: Ben Delaney/Immediate Media)
Shimano dominates the road component market. But the road clothing market? Not so much. After a few rides in the brand's new winter S-Phyre pieces, I can say some of it is quite good and some of it, like the bib tights, isn't.
The hits: Shimano S-Phyre Wind Resistant Jersey, Base Layer and Toe Covers
The S-Phyre Wind Resistant Jersey ($299) is closer to a lightweight winter jacket than a jersey. Thin, thermal material throughout keeps you warm down to freezing or so temperatures during a moderate level of exertion.
The 'Windresistant Jersey' functions similarly to a stretchy GoreTex piece
The fit is relatively slim and longish in the torso.
Although perhaps not on a level with GoreTex Windstopper or Polartec's Neoshell, the Shimano jersey offers good breathability in a garment that negates the need for a wind jacket.
The front and arms feature windblock, while the back is a more porous thermal material.
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I like the fit, especially the flush cuffs and the tall, lined neck that keeps the cold air out, even when in a low riding position.
The midweight thermal jersey has svelte cuffs, which makes pulling gloves on easier
The S-Phyre Winter Baselayer ($89) is a polypro/polyester blend that's soft, thin and effective at wicking. Shimano says the knit piece has a dual-density convex/concave design for wicking and moisture dispersement. I don't know what this means, but I can say that it's a comfortable baselayer.
I would call it a light winter baselayer. My ideal winter baselayer would be thicker, with a tall neck and a zipper for heat management.
Does this open mesh actually do anything under a thermal jersey or jacket? Who knows. But the polypro/polyester piece does wick and dry well
The S-Phyre Insulated Shoe Covers ($79) are made of surprisingly flexible neoprene. I put off trying these because, without zippers or a Velcro rear opening, they looked like a huge pain to put on. But, despite my preconceptions, lo and behold, they go on easily — easier than many shoe covers with rear openings.
The S-Phyre Shoe Covers are a hyper-flexible neoprene with no zippers or Velcro openings. I thought they would be a pain to get on, but the stretchy material makes the process more like pulling socks onto your feet
The Shoe Covers block the sole vents on S-Phyre shoes. Like any neoprene cover, though, these will keep your feet warm but also sweaty if you are riding hard.
I'd recommend them for rainy or snowy days, but for dry cold days I'd suggest a more breathable and insulated Windstopper bootie.
Similarly, the S-Phyre Toe Covers ($34) plug the sole vents on S-Phyre shoes and also have a little hole for the lower BOA dial.
Aside from blocking the wind over the toes, the Toe Covers also plug the shoe's front vents in the sole and offer a nice integration with the BOA dial
The miss: Shimano S-Phyre Bib Long Tights
The S-Phyre Bib Long Tights ($319) have wind-resistant material on the outside of the thighs, but not the crotch. For me, this is backwards; it feels a little restrictive and, when you're sweaty from a climb, doesn't provide wind protection where you need it on descents.
The S-Phyre Bib Long tights didn't fit me well — the legs are tight but the chamois sits a little low and baggy
The fit, for me, is strange: the legs are tight but the crotch area sits a little low, like a joggers fit. Adding to the weird fit and feel is the chamois design, which is split down the middle from the back towards the centre.
The upper has a front zip on the lower torso and the lowers are hi-vis, a style that's becoming common these days.
For less than the high price of the S-Phyre Bib Long Tights, I'd suggest you instead get a pair of Assos LL.habu S7 tights ($299), which have a windblock panel on the crotch and lower abdomen, plus an excellent chamois and overall construction.
