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An excellent balance of style and function - with deep pockets as well |
Go grab a mountain bike magazine from six years ago. The true old-schoolers will smile and toss in a "I remember when…" and the young-guns will break out laughing. The sport is a rolling wheel gaining momentum each year. That old magazine will make you thankful that mountain bike clothing has decided to come along for the ride.
Among the dozens of brands of clothes, few have been in the bike game for as long as Vancouver's own Sugoi. They've had their hands in it for 15 years and don't have plans to pull out any time soon. They've been on the ball the entire time, through the unthinkable neon phase (which we are all thankful has passed) right up to today's freeride and lifestyle-oriented clothing.
The design philosophy The Gusto is a combination of two structures: a rugged outer short constructed of a medium weight, responsive nylon with the enhanced durability of a rip-stop texture, and a separate technical liner short with chamois to allow for proper riding fit and support. The lower back area features a stretchable wicking material to keep you comfortable and dry. The stretchable back features a slick 3D Sugoi logo, and the thighs have technical and functional vents with a mesh pleat behind locking zips. The crotch is seamless and gusseted to keep your rear end from getting hung up on your saddle. |
The Sugoi Gusto for 2004 - Photo © Sugoi |
Double-needle contrast stitching keeps things looking good, and ensures the shorts are able to take some abuse. They come in sizes from XS to 2XL, and you can fine-tune the fit with nylon straps and buckles.
The Gusto is not intended to be a full-blown DH or shuttle short. Instead, they are built for the rider that logs serious time in the saddle, both climbing and descending.
They are built to feel light and breathe well, offer some protection, and keep you from looking like one of those weenies we were joking about earlier. They even boast pockets deep enough to actually hold your keys and wallet.
 Modelling the Gusto, kitchen-style Photo: Monica Krampl (a.k.a. the future Mrs. Anderson) |
In the dirt I've worn them in the rain and in the sun, on both XC and DH rides. I've used them as a barrier between my skin and the trail, and they have held up really well. I did manage to blow the inside of one of the pockets, but I can attribute that to them being a pre-production model and not facing the inspection of the quality control department (and it could be repaired in a matter of minutes). They pedal well and don't take on water, which makes clothes both heavy and stick to you. The inner short hugs your skin and isolates your gear from the saddle, while the outer short looks great and stays clear when you need to get behind the saddle. |
Bottom line I am really looking forward to having them in the summer, because unlike my other shorts, which are more of a DH short and still pretty hot, the lighter construction of the Gusto is going to translate into a cooler, more comfortable ride. The Gustos are another solid, functional product from Sugoi that will suit the needs of most riders. They're available in both black and navy blue, and you can find these made-in-Vancouver shorts at any Sugoi dealer for an MSRP of CDN$140 or US$110. For more product or dealer information, check out the Sugoi Web site. |
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