Hailing from the beach culture of Sydney, Dharco aims to create surf and streetwear-inspired riding kit with high performing technical features.
Ben has been seeing how the Aussie brand ‘s jersey, shorts and socks work out in cooler, wetter UK trail conditions.
Photos by Dave Price.
Men’s SS MTB Jersey
Key features:
- Quick-dry fabric
- Moisture-wicking
- Mesh side panels
- Zip pocket
- Relaxed Fit
- £50.00 RRP
- eu.dharco.com
The refreshingly simply named, “Mens SS Jersey” is exactly what you expect. It features a quick-drying light weight fabric with mesh side panels. To the rear is a small zip pocket, big enough for a phone or snack. It is also great to see that the main panels of the jersey are made from recycled yarn, another measure that Dharco take to reduce their impact on the environment along with posting in compostable mailer bags.
The jungle inspired camo and olive green design looks pretty cool, and I got quite a few comments about how nice the jersey was. It also means that if you crash into any ferns, nobody will see you, saving any embarrassment. The fit is pretty average for a MTB jersey, not too tight and racy and not too baggy.
On the bike it was pretty cool, and worked well to keep me dry on hot sweaty days. It is not the lightest material compared to some other brands’ summer jerseys, but it is certainly not a hot jersey either. It is lasting well, and after a few muddy rides, a couple of crashes and plenty of runs through the washing machine, it still looks brand new.
What do we think?
Great looking and solid performing jersey for a competitive price.
We Love
- Camo design
- Environmental credentials
Could Do Better:
- It’s pretty sorted
Gravity Short
Key features:
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Blue sign-approved fabric
- Water-resistant finish
- No snag crotch panel
- Two pockets for essentials
- Standard Fit
- £89.00 RRP
- eu.dharco.com
Available in olive green as tested here, and also in black or clay colours, these shorts tick a lot of boxes for the modern rider. In particular, the light weight, 4-way stretch fabric gives great freedom of movement, both when pedalling and sending. The fit was a bit snug on the quads (I do have big legs though), but otherwise was bang on for a medium, and despite this, I never found them uncomfortable. The waist adjusters were trusty velcro and the fastener is a double popper, and both totally secure on my hips.
They are a decent length and play well with knee pads, avoiding any gaps and siting nicely over several different sets of pads. You get a single, zipped side pocket for a phone and a small rear pocket to stash some essentials.
Again, Dharco are working to be more sustainable, with the Gravity Shorts being made from ‘Blue Sign’ approved fabric. The fabric is water resistant, although when water or sweat soaks in, the shorts change colour, getting darker which was a bit annoying. Buy the black ones to avoid this.
What do we think?
Light weight and comfy shorts that are still surprisingly tough. An all round decent pair of shorts, if a little expensive.
We Love:
- Stretchy fabric
Could Do Better:
- Changes colour when wet
Crew Socks
Key features:
- Cotton/nylon mix
- UNISEX sizing
- Youth – Sizes 12 – 3
- S / M – Sizes 4 – 8
- L / XL – Sizes 8 – 12
Easily overlooked, a decent pair of socks helps to keep your foot cool on a hot day and cushions your soles on all day missions. The Crew Socks from Dharco do both, with a light weight upper foot section and a comfy Terry base. Low key styling gets the job done without looking like a try-hard roadie in pink socks.
What do we think?
Simple, good socks.
We Love:
- Airy and breathable upper foot section.
Could Do Better:
- £15 is quite steep.
