Ground Effect Clothing-
There is an iconic NZ cycling brand that over the years has endured with innovation, technology and good ethics. A brand I have respected, held in high regard and used for decades.
A locally owned business, that was not afraid to buck the trend in the cycle clothing industry by choosing to sell online exclusively well before the rest. Combining natural textiles with synthetics to produce high tech, stylish and durable garments.
Most of the Ground Effect gear is made in their Christchurch workshop, employing kiwis in first world employment conditions. Saving the carbon foot print of shipping gear from Off shore factories.
I am proud and humbled to have been offered a spot on the ambassador team, the ‘Revolutionaries’, supported by a brand with high ethical standards and with some of the most highly technologically advanced cycling apparel that I’ve had the pleasure to wear in my almost 30 years of biking.
golden light on the Port Hills- pic by @extremekidproductions
I wanted to highlight the features of the gear that have impressed me the most;
Hydroslides
The Hydroslides are baggy trail shorts with a brilliant innovation, stretchy nylon on the front with vent zips, but seam sealed waterproof material on the back half. These shorts are ideal for those wet but warmer rides saving your butt from soggy chamois syndrome, brilliant!
Testing the Hydroslides at Sticky forest Wanaka, pic by @rose.green.nz
Geronimos
The Geronimos are 3/4 length tights. Apart from during The warmest months I prefer to have some insulation over my old knees. The Geronimos are a perfect mix of merino wool and Lycra in a length that covers knees and calves. As well the high tech chamois they have ingenious cuffs to stop them from riding up.
Gerinomos on gravel duties with the Snipes over the top, holding back the MAMIL (middle aged male in lyrca)
Neopolitian
The Neopolitian shirt is my new favourite trail jersey. A mix of merino wool for warmth and polyester for durability makes this, for me an all seasons top. I sweat profusely (when riding!) so fully synthetic tops become fridge like once descending after big climbs, the addition of the insulation qualities of merino wool mean often I won’t need to wear a base layer as well.
A mix of natural and synthetic fibers make up the Neapolitan trail top. pic by @extremekidproductions
Ranchsliders
Ranchsliders trousers are modelled on the original Ground Effect shorts the Supertankers which were the first Ground Effect product I ever bought. These shorts have legendary status so it’s really cool they have a long version. The unique feature of these trousers are the knees, GE have incorporated an internal knee patch which does two things. Firstly it is a slippery nylon so as not to chafe knees when riding and secondly it adds warmth to this area as the reason you’re riding in long pants is because of a frosty morning.
The articulated knee pad of the Ranchsliders, made from a material called ‘microFoil’
Anti-cyclone & Splashdowns
The Anti-cyclone waterproof jacket and Splashdowns wet weather pants are my new bikerafting shells. I have lusted after the GE top of the line jacket for years knowing that it would be an ideal bikepacking/bikerafting companion. it has a tuck away hood and velcro cinch up wrist closures both features essential for packrafting.
I have been wearing the Helter Skelter 3/4 length rain pants for years including during the Waiau-Toa Odyssey trip. They have taken a lot of punishment so the full length pants were an obvious choice for future packrafting expeditions.