Canyon’s Sweet Cycling Clothes Are Now Available in the States
The best cycling clothes are ones that disappear from your consciousness while they capture the public eye. The new-to-the-U.S. kits from Canyon checks both of those boxes—and many others.
I had the opportunity to test drive the Canyon WMN Signature Pro line, including bibshort, jersey, vest, and other accessories during four days of riding in Northern California that included gravel, pavement, singletrack, fast flats, sketchy descents, bar-gnawing climbs, creek crossings, and everything else group ride adventures can throw at you.
When I got it home, I washed it right away so I could wear it on my first ride back on familiar roads. The whole package is simply great, particularly in all the little places like collar, cuffs, and grippers that in some other clothing lines leave me wanting.
Though I tested the women’s line obviously, all of these pieces are also offered (and identically priced) in men’s cuts and sizing.
Canyon WMN Signature Pro Jersey
The moment I slipped on this buttery smooth jersey, it became an instant favorite. The Signature Pro fits like it was sewn on, gently enveloping your torso like a second skin, no bagging, billowing, sagging, digging in, riding up, or otherwise announcing its presence in unwanted ways. The women’s tailored Race Fit is flattering and feels fast (and being super aero, actually is fast). The three rear pockets are well placed, so you don’t have to dislocate your shoulder to pull out your phone for a quick IG moment. It breathed well and kept me cozy over multiple hours of sunshine and sweat. It comes in three colors, including blue and black, but I highly recommend the orange, which pops like mad and you can spot from a mile away.
Canyon WMN Signature Pro Bibshort
Like the jersey, these multi-panel bibshorts hug your body just so without binding or squeezing, especially at the leg grippers where some shorts deliver an uncomfortable and unflattering sausage effect squish. The chamois isn’t too thin or too thick, but just the right density and ideally placed for comfort when you’re perched for hours (or days) in the saddle. The Y-shaped bib construction runs up the centerline of the chest and the wide straps sit flat on your shoulders without digging in. My one niggle is breaking to answer the call of nature. I’ve gotten spoiled by all the high quality bibshort manufacturers who have finally figured out how to construct a full bib that doesn’t force you to disrobe when you have to pee. It doesn’t matter much for short rides, but when you’re out there for the better part of a day, it makes a big difference. The bibshorts also come in three color schemes to match the Signature Pro jersey.
Canyon WMN Signature Pro Vest
A quality vest like the Signature Pro makes a good ride a really great ride, because your core temperature is always right in the comfort zone. It does what a vest should—blocks wind, mist, and road spray so you don’t catch a chill during early starts, long mountain descents, and when weather moves in. The heat-sealed seams guarantee no errant brisk breeze seeps through. It also excels where some vests fall short, such as access to pockets and packability. The rear of the vest is constructed hatch back style, with the bottom of the top back panel hanging loose over the lower panel, so you can reach through and access your pockets without unzipping. It’s also so light (just 74 grams) that it’s nearly imperceptible when you’re wearing it and when it’s stashed in your pocket. Rolled tight, it easily slid right over my phone in the center rear pocket with room to spare. The vest has reflective piping along the armholes, back vent, and bottom for added visibility. Available in orange or black.
Canyon Signature Pro Merino Arm Warmers
I avoid long sleeve jerseys in all but the very coldest of conditions, because I like to have layering options. I also like to be toasty, which means the arm warmers I pair with my thermal jersey have to be up to the task. These Merino wool sleeves most definitely do the job. I choose them for a hard hilly ride that started in the 40s and ended in the 60s, and was completely comfortable the entire time thanks to their excellent insulation and wicking. They have built-in articulation, just the right amount of spandex stretch, and are totally seamless, so they’re perfectly snug and stay put.
Canyon Signature Pro Knee Warmers
Many riders have a love/hate relationship with knee warmers. They love the idea, but often hate the execution that either digs into the thighs or slides down and exposes the skin you’re trying to keep covered. Canyon’s articulated leg warmers stayed put over 90 miles of standing, sitting, and hammering along. The textured, moisture-wicking material did a great job of blocking the damp chilly wind when I needed it, while also breathing well enough that I didn’t feel like I was roasting when the temperatures rose. I also love that these are completely seamless so they don’t rub little raw patches behind my knees as I sometimes get with stitched-together leg sleeves.
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