Web editor Pete Scullion has just taken delivery of this 2016 IXS Sports Division trail kit by the guys at Hotlines. Pete will be testing a pick of the bunch from the Swiss brand that currently clothe Atherton Racing.
IXS has been brought into the UK by Hotlines for a while now, and while the brand might not currently have the same success here as it does on the Continent, we’re not entirely sure why. Quality is something IXS do very well with their top-of-the-line kit boasting features that make long, hot days in the kit bearable.
Patterns and colours of recent years have been considerably less ‘Euro’ and this bunch of trail clobber seems to run down the bold and solid path rather than trying to be super jazzy. Simple, yet effective. Let’s take a look at what Pete will be testing over the coming months.
2016 IXS Sinister 3.5 BC Jacket and Tema 6.1 Trail short in matching blue.
Sinister 3.5 BC Jacket £160.00.
Touted as a ‘sporty cross-over’ jacket, the Sinister blurs the lines between a warm, comfy casual jacket and a thicker outer layer while on the bike. Both breathable (MP: 8,000) and water-repellent (MP: 10,000), the Sinister also works to wick moisture away from the body, a staple of the IXS range. Add wind-proofing to that list and you have what should be a very capable jacket. The hood is removable should you want to use it as a dedicated riding jacket. 3 storage pockets and pit vents complete the package. The Sinister jacket is available in sizes S-XL and either blue (seen here), red or black with green trim.
Tema 6.1 Trail Shorts £85.00.
Again, seen in a matching, and striking, blue hue above, the Tema 6.1 Trail shorts sit at the top of the IXS heap. Light weight, quick dry and with a comes with a host of neat features. The material is wicking and the crotch seamless to keep away unwanted friction. Waist adjusters mean you can fine tune to your size, belt loops also offer additional adjustment options. Pockets are zipped and plentiful, while being big enough to store the usual suspects. The supplied padded shorts are comfy, attach to the short with poppers and sport a triple density, anti-bacterial chamois pad.
IXS’ Progressive 6.1 Trail Jersey and Tema 6.1 Trail short are the flagship trail offerings.Progressive 6.1 Trail Jersey £49.99.
Matching the Tema trail short in the range, the Progressive jersey is IXS’ all-singing, all-dancing trail jersey. Made from recycled PET bottles, you can sleep safe that this jersey isn’t killing baby seals. Sporting a medium, straight cut, the Progressive jersey should offer a comfy fit, while also offering 50+UPF UV protection and anti-bacterial properties. The material is breathable, wicking and has a vented side seam to keep you cool on those roasting hot days. A zipped back pocket will fit keys and a gel but not much more…
Size small, naturally, DH-X5.1 gloves.
DH-X5.1 Gloves £32.99.
While not a ‘trail’ gloves as such, IXS’ DH-X5.1 glove is not as bulky or as plastic-covered as some other downhill gloves. Pre-formed to fit the hand as it sits naturally and a pad-less Clarino palm should offer up a pretty comfy glove that allows you to feel exactly what’s going on at the bars. Silicone grippers make sure you’re always in control of the panic levers, and the tips are reinforced, as are the wrist and fingers to provide some form of protection.
Keep an eye out for a more in-depth test later in the year to see how Pete fairs with the kit after many miles and mountains climbed. Head to the Hotlines IXS page to view the range and UK pricing, or head straight to the IXS homepage.
