HIRU winter/mid-season kit review

When it comes to high-end cycling apparel, the Hiru brand is not the first that comes to mind. In fact, it may be completely unknown to you. And yet, after three months spent riding the roads in a complete outfit (long bib tights, long-sleeve jersey, and thermal vest), Hiru deserves attention. Especially since the set is offered at a rather competitive price given the intrinsic quality of the products and the prices charged by some competitors.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – Photos: 3Bikes, Hiru

The kit tested here consists of long bib tights (without a windproof membrane), a long-sleeve jersey, and a thermal vest.

This combination has a big advantage: it is “versatile.” Meaning it can cover a wide temperature range, from about 5°C up to 15/18°C (without the vest), which is a good part of the year, depending on the region. These temperatures allow you to ride with this set on an early morning start without suffering too much from the cold, and to return at midday without suffering from the temperature rise. In this regard, it is indeed the very versatile nature of a sleeveless vest that allows for “ventilation,” or even theoretically to be completely forgotten once it is compact enough to slip into a jersey’s back pocket or even under it if the pockets are already occupied.

ADV Thermal Bib Tights

These are bib tights not equipped with a windproof membrane. While the coldest winter temperatures can be difficult to manage (below 2 to 5°C, and depending on one’s sensitivity to cold, the effects of movement can be felt too much in the legs), versatility is truly key. Because, with its Super Roubaix-type fabric resembling a thin fleece, the tights “breathe,” even at a high intensity level and above 10°C.

And above all, the cut is close to perfection, conforming well to the body shape, from the shoulders to the ankles, including the perineum. With a special mention for the ideal length, even for someone measuring 1m90. The quality of the cut is all the more noteworthy as it is a characteristic that is ultimately rare for long bib tights, whereas for short bib shorts, it is more common.

As for the chamois pad, the thicknesses and densities are classically differentiated according to the needs of saddle support. While this chamois pad is not from a prestigious brand’s catalog, its comfort is excellent even on long distances, but above all, it is perfectly positioned relative to the perineum.

Furthermore, by limiting the number of seams, rubbing between the fabric and the skin is not bothersome. In summary, the garment is completely forgotten, which makes it a very appreciable quality.

ADV Thermal Long-Sleeve Jersey

This jersey perfectly complements the long bib tights. Its versatility also covers a wide temperature range.

Hiru claims to use “Italian” fabric. In any case, its feel on the skin is very comfortable. The cut is very good, with one exception, as detailed below. The sleeves are long enough to cover the wrists, the collar protects the neck well without compressing it, the pockets are both accessible but do not sag under the weight of a heavy load, while the zippered pocket is large enough to hold personal items or even energy product wrappers. The cut is generally close to the body but without excess. Hiru advises choosing one size up from your usual references, but due to the fabric’s elasticity, this does not seem necessary, and it is probably better to maintain or even accentuate the advantages of a close-fitting garment. Of course, these remarks are valid if you are rather lean. Otherwise, choosing the right size may indeed require choosing a larger size.

Ultimately, the only drawback of this jersey is a slight excess of fabric at the elbows, which causes some wrinkles and a bit of flapping at high speed, which can stand out precisely because the rest of the jersey is fitted. Having tested the jersey in size M and size S (photos), although less pronounced, this remains true in the smaller size.

ADV Thermal Sleeveless Vest

Here we have a true thermal vest, also known as a winter vest. Its verified weight of 268g in size M sets it apart from summer products, which are often in the 80 to 150g range. The deliberate choice is therefore to offer significantly higher cold protection than summer products, whose main purpose is to block the wind. Here, the sensation is indeed of being warmer than without a vest, and the effect is reinforced by a high-rising collar.

For this reason, and combined with the long-sleeve jersey from the same brand, the Hiru vest can be used from around 5°C. Below this minimum temperature, the lack of overall protection on the arms may prove too limited to be comfortable for extended periods.

The cut here is perfect, and due to the overall rigidity of the garment, it is advisable not to size down. The size tested here is M.

As a thermal vest, it features three very spacious pockets. Theoretically, this vest is therefore intended to be worn for the entire duration of the ride. Indeed, it is too bulky to be placed in a back pocket. Even attempting to “ball it up,” it is precisely the pockets – otherwise so appreciated – that prevent the maneuver.

Note that to increase resistance to light rain, a waterproof panel has been added to the upper back. Its effect is noticeable in case of a shower, even if breathability is reduced at this level when the weather turns dry. Furthermore, Hiru has intelligently chosen to retain a normal classic thermal fabric (i.e., without a membrane) in the middle of the back to prevent excessive sweating, while the pockets maintain membrane protection to limit both cooling in the kidney area and the effects of spray from a wet road.

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