I have been fortunate to receive some fabulous new Cycling apparel to support me on my daily cycle commutes to work and back. All of these high-quality products have been carefully selected and crafted by kind folk of Sigr.cc, who are a cycling clothing company based in Northern Sweden.

In this latest blog post, I will be sharing more information about these eye-catching products I gratefully received, and in turn, I will be reviewing what the clothing was like whilst out on the bike and what I thought about the products.

The Company

Sigr is a cycling clothing company born in Umeå, which is a small city in northern Sweden. Umeå is a city surrounded by beautiful nature; therefore, the people who live there recognise the importance of the natural world and understand how it should be used and respected within their daily lives.

The owners and designers of Sigr, who develop the clothing brand, regularly cycle the inviting roads and the wondrous landscapes. They are continually stimulated by the mountains, awake to the sound of birdsong in the morning and with that their inspiration to produce high-quality cycling products,.

Swedish citizens are raised with specific values and through the generations, people are taught to respect the natural world, take care of their surroundings, and most importantly look after one another. In turn, all Swedes recognise the importance of valuing equality, democracy and sustainability, and not take these critical elements for granted, like so often is the case. 

Sadly, as we all know, these core values are not always reciprocated elsewhere around the globe. That is why Sigr see it as their duty and obligation to pass these values forward to others and then onto the larger audience from around the world.

The Sigr Mission

Their mission states that equality is so relevant and part of everything they do, allowing for and enabling equality, especially within the cycling culture. As a result, Sigr has designed and produced a range of cycling apparel that is genderless in its core design principles. It has become vitally important to be able to communicate these core values clearly and then naturally weave them into everything they do.

Sigr believes that making the cycling culture more equal and fairly balanced is so important, and to make this vision become a reality, they recognise the importance of sharing this vision with the rest of the cycling world. 

They call it the 'Sigr Revolution.' A revolutionary story and values that need to be continually retold and then passed forward for future generations to value and enjoy because making cycling culture genderless with equality at the forefront is not something they can do on their own. 

With these principles highlighted and firmly engrained in its positive customer branding. Sigr urges you to get outside, start moving, telling, demanding and spreading the word to the rest of the world. 

Together let's make a change, build something new and let's make that change, today. If you love your bike and enjoy cycling everywhere, then join the Sigr revolution at sigr.cc today.

The Cycling Apparel - Jacket

Sigr kindly sent me a selection of really exceptional items to use out on my cycle commute to work. 

During the winter months, the 'UPPSALA YELLOW' HI-VIZ CYCLING WIND JACKET will most certainly come in handy, as my cycle to work is very early and my trip back home is generally in the darkness, especially during the winter.

My first impressions of this jacket were very positive. It is stylish, it looks good, feels good and is very light. I tend to think when cycling companies make fluorescent winter jackets; they tend to make them bulky and less attractive than their other products, with this jacket that wasn't the case.

This Uppsala jacket is a hi-viz yellow jacket, with a minimalist race-fit feel. It has light wind-blocking fabric that protects well from the cooling effects of winter windchill and those pesky headwinds, that are often so prevalent. 

Its striking Hi-viz yellow colour means that you can be clearly seen during daytime riding and also at night. Aside from the colours itself, the jacket contains large, highly reflective prints on the back and arms, which increase overall visibility and allows you to be visible from multiple angles in low light or at night. 

The jacket’s minimal feel is also down to the fact that it does not have any additional pockets. This feature is a good one and it helps to minimise bulk load and excess weight. As a result, this does make the jacket very light and packable, but for some cyclists, the lack of storage space around the back might deter them from buying it. For me, it doesn't make a lot of difference as I tend to store items in my bags, as opposed to inside my jacket. 

The lateral stretch ventilation panels keep the jersey snug and fitted to the body while allowing moisture to escape. I had an xl sized jacket as I am not the stereotypical skinny cyclist type and I tend to think all gear fits slightly smaller than suggested. Sigr does recommend buying the size up, as the jacket is race fit. They have an excellent guide to the sizing on their website and I felt this was a handy addition. I found this to be a positive choice as the jacket fitted well, and there remained enough room to move without feeling too restricted. 

During the times when I did not choose to wear the jacket, it rolled up and packed down to almost nothing—allowing any rider to easily put the jacket into a jersey pocket or quickly into a bag. 

Features

• Hi-viz yellow allowing you to be visible at all times

• Compacts down to minimal size. 

• Race-fit (take one size larger if you like it looser)

• Wind stopping fabric that works well in the wind

• Stretch Ventilation panels at sides

• BIG Reflective details, front and back and arms.

• Very lightweight and made from 68 GSM fabric

• Great "emergency jacket" to carry in the back pocket of your jersey

Fabric

• 100 % Polyester

Jersey

Another item I got to wear and test out was the impressive Havtorn short-sleeved jersey. The beauty of nature once again inspires the striking 'HAVTORN BRIGHT' ORANGE CYCLING JERSEY FOR MEN. 

The 'Havtorn' or 'Chokeberry' in English are bright orange berries that grow around the coastal areas of Sweden. They are delicious and regarded as a great source of natural vitamins. Some people say this little berry is a vitamin bomb of nuclear proportions and by increasing your intake of these little wonders will undoubtedly keep you healthy and keep the doctor away.

These beautiful berries have helped to inspire the gorgeous deep orange colour, so dominant in this jersey together with lighter orange contrasting details that collectively make up this beautiful looking jersey. There is no doubt when you are out wearing this jersey; this is a quality made garment throughout, and it does everything a cycling jersey should. 

It is once again a race fit, so do make sure you opt for the size up if you require a little more room. It is super soft to the touch and includes added protection from the sun by being made from super techno UV-SPF30-proof fabric.

It is a very comfortable and stylish jersey that has become a somewhat iconic Sigr bike jersey. It was successfully first introduced as a limited edition for #SigrDownUnder back in 2017, since then the jersey has become a bit of classic and in constant demand by cyclists all around the world. Having had the chance to wear it and take it out on my rides, I can certainly see why. 

Features:

• The jersey is super comfortable and made from lightweight fabric 75 GSM

• The light orange neckband is *reflective* orange! An excellent safety detail allowing you to be visible out on the road or trail

• Mesh panel sides

• UV SPF30 sun protection

• Full zipper centre front

• All zippers YKK

• Three pockets at rear for ample storage

• Zipped side pocket for valuables

• Elastic with silicon grip at bottom hem

• Silicon grip arm cuff

• Reflective prints for added road safety

• Headphone hole in the valuable pocket

Fabric: 

• 100 % Polyester

Bib Shorts

Sigr has three different items in the cycling bib short range, all of which are stylish and well crafted. I was delighted to receive the 'LANDSVÄG' LONGER ON YOUR LEG - CYCLING BIB SHORTS FOR MEN which retail at 999 Swedish Krona, around 94 Euros or 86 pounds.

As someone who cycles every day to and from work, I feel that bib shorts or bib tights should be the hardest wearing and most comfortable garment of all. After all, it is bib shorts that probably goes through the most significant amount of wear and tearmwhen you are out on your travels.  

These shorts were comfortable and looked good, once they were on the body. The shorts are slightly longer in the leg length with also a slightly different pad than the ones found in the PRO model.

The shorts are perfect for indoor or outdoor cycling use. The Sigr 'Landsväg' bib shorts celebrate road cycling and are classed as Sigrs most versatile bibs, meaning they are great for all kinds of rides - pleasure, training, club runs or commuting daily to work.

Over the years I have spent a lot of money on so-called quality bib shorts and sometimes they don't live up to expectations. These stylish shorts are competitively priced and have been celebrated by Sigr cyclists as being among the most comfortable available and equal or better than much more expensive bibs on the market. 

The shorts are Italian made with a critical focus on padding and comfort. These shorts are designed well and crafted to fit men and women as they should, with attention to detail applied in all the right places. 

I particularly like the attention to detail, the limited branding and colours. Also, the white braces mean that the shorts will show through light jerseys less. These well-constructed bib shorts are resistant to oil and grease and have built-in UV protection from the sun. 

They fit well, they look good and with the added letter of 'Everywhere is Biking Distance' means that you will be noticeable out on the ride.

Fabric: 80% NYLON, 20% ELASTANE

Features:

• Comfortable padding for men 

• "Everywhere is biking distance" print on the back

• Gently elastic silicon grips for your thighs (for optimal blood circulation)

• Suitable for those long bike rides! 

• 100% Recycled fibre

• Ultra chlorine resistant

• Sun cream and oil resistant

• UV protection

• Pilling resistant

• Sigr logo on thigh

• Lightweight fabric 190GSM

If you are a beginner and need more information about why you should try bibs instead of cycling shorts? Check out the new cycling apparel FAQ page.

Shoe Covers

During the winter months, the weather can affect your feet with cold temperatures and wet days making for uncomfortable moments out on the commute.

The 'GULSPARV' HI-VIZ CYCLING SHOE COVERS are an excellent option for all cyclists and commuters as the not only keep your feet warm and dry; they are also highly visible for added safety.

I enjoyed wearing these overshoes as a clothing accessory, not only because they are watertight and warm. They are ideal for any cyclist who wants some extra visibility by using biomotion to their advantage while also keeping their toes warm and dry. A super visible combination of fluorescent yellow and high silver reflective means they perform day or night.

Biomotion is a significant element to think of when you are cycling, especially during the dark winter months. Where I live in the Netherlands means I cycle on the cycle paths and don't always come into direct contact with cars. I am however in contact with scooters and other cyclists, so visibility is critical, especially when the commute becomes congested. 

When crossing junctions, these shoes come into there own as they are easily visible to cars turning right, in my case. They would also be invaluable if I were to be back in the UK cycling the country lanes at night.

Anything visible, which alerts a car driver's brain to realise that the shape in front of him/her is a cyclist is a win-win for all concerned. And as a cyclist, having that comfort to be seen is very important, allowing you to feel and become safer on the roads.

Since it is the feet that move the most for a cyclist, it is, without doubt, the best place for a biomotive product to come into its own. There is no doubt in my mind these comfortable overshoes are the perfect addition to anyone's cycling attire when taking to the road. 

Look here for instructions on how to put the covers on.

Size info:

The shoe covers come in a wide range of sizes that are suitable for all different users.

• Small = 32-36 Europe shoe size

• Medium = 37-41 Europe shoe size

• Large = 42-44 Europe shoe size

• XL = 45-47 Europe shoe size

• The covers are very stretchy but if you are between sizes, go for the larger size.

Features:

• Cut-out for all standard pedal systems

• highly reflective parts 

• Armoured bottom

• Zipper at back 

• High-vis fabric. 

• Watertight - no water was getting inside

Fabric:

• 95% Polyester

• 5% SPANDEX

Leg Warmers

The final addition to the cycling range of items was the 'LOMME' CYCLING LEG WARMERS. As the weather is getting chilly, during the Autumn and Winter months it is vitally important to keep your legs warm. The Lomme leg warmers do just the job and can easily fit under the bib shorts highlighted above. 

I found the leg warmers to fit very well. They are comfortable and cosy next to the skin, yet they are light enough and sleek. They can resist odour from sweat by using anti-microbial fabric and will dry quickly when they get wet.

The fleece liner enables good insulation and certainly protects the legs from the wind and act well when they begin to get wet. When it gets too warm out on the ride and you wish to remove them, they will easily scrunch up small and pack away nicely. Allowing them to fit easily in a cycling jersey or jacket pocket.

Sigr leg warmers come in a few different varieties, some of which have a reflective design on them that will keep you safe when cycling in the dark. You can view them here.

Features:

• Strong gripper elastic that grips to the leg

• Reflective logos

• Fleece backed (super warm)

• Antimicrobial fabric

• Quick-drying

Fabric:

• 100% Polyester

These leg warmers are very stretchy and are available in a range of different sizes. Be sure to check the size you need before purchasing.

My thoughts

After testing out this range of superb range of garments for a few weeks now, I not only feel fortunate to have been given them by the kind folk at Sigr. I think I am in a positive place to share some of my honest thoughts.

Without hesitation, I would say these are all beautifully crafted well-made items, and the overall quality of the garments is very evident. I love Sigr's ethical approach and how all of their clothing items are inspired and connected to nature. The stories behind them are also fascinating, further highlighting that the company values its products and its moral standing in the world today.

Like most other cyclists out there, I am also a connoisseur of high-quality cycling attire and think it is essential you get what you pay for when choosing new clothing. As a result, we all want something that looks good, but also something that will last. 

Sigr has an excellent range of clothing that should appeal to all cyclists at competitive prices. Not only is their cycling apparel pretty fantastic, so too is the company, their vision and their communication.

They have been great to me, and I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and personal touch. To me, this means a lot and something that is often overlooked by companies, but if done correctly, it speaks volumes.

So, go and give Sigr a look, consider these great products and I'm sure you will not be disappointed with what you will find.

Thank you Sigr!

For more information on their excellent range of cycling gear, be sure to visit the website at Sigr.cc and all their additional Social Media channels where they regularly share useful content and promotions.

If you are thinking of buying any of these items over the next few weeks, you can use my promotion code to receive 20% off any purchase. Use the following at the checkout.

Discount code: GARETH20
- 20 % off all products
- For everyone
- Active from 19 Oct to 31 Oct

Follow my Cycle Commute @cycleforchange.cc