Test of ES16 on cykelstart.dk

Danish ES16 has become quite well known here at home, especially because they have quickly gained a lot of customers who use them for team clothing, both companies and cycling clubs.

However, ES16 also has a fairly extensive range in their own designs, everything from jerseys, bib shorts, jackets, and much more.

This time we have tested their Elite Jersey and Pro Bibshorts. Elite is the “mid-range” and Pro is their top model.

ES16 Elite Jersey

As mentioned, the Elite series is ES16’s mid-range series, but there are still several nice details. The material is 100% polyester, which means the fabric is lightweight, breathable, and dries quickly when it gets wet from sweat.

The model features a full-length zipper, elastic and laser-cut sleeve ends for a super close fit, as well as an elastic waistband with silicone print on the inside to prevent the jersey from riding up. The sleeves use reflective thread in the flat seams, a pretty clever detail to increase visibility without having to plaster the jersey with reflectors. Along the sides are mesh panels to optimize breathability.

On the back of the jersey are 3 classic pockets, and as usual, I miss a pocket that can be closed with a zipper. However, the pockets are a good size and easily hold a pump, energy, and other things you might need to bring along. There are also a couple of reflective details on each side of the jersey for increased visibility.

The jersey was tested in size XS and that size fits me reasonably well at 175 cm and 65 kg. It’s not skin-tight, but has a comfortable fit. The jersey is comfortable to wear and the sleeve ends work really well, while the silicone band at the waist keeps the jersey in place so it doesn’t ride up. The jersey has mainly been used in good weather, that is, from 15 degrees and up, and it performs excellently here! There isn’t much “protection” in the material, which is relatively thin, but it’s easy to get rid of heat and get some ventilation in the jersey via the side panels. A clever little detail is that in one of the back pockets there is a hole through to the inside of the jersey so you can run a cable, e.g. for headphones, that way.

ES16 Pro Bibshorts

The Pro Bibshorts are the second-best in ES16’s range, only surpassed by the Pro Team bibshorts. They are developed for those who want high quality and good comfort, typically those who spend many hours in the saddle each week – and where it’s less important whether they cost 300 or 1000,-, comfort and fit are far more important.

Pro Bibshorts are made of so-called Power Lycra, which is super stretchy and with compression. The seams are, of course, flat to minimize any irritation, and the upper part is made with flat straps that don’t fold and a mesh back for optimal ventilation and breathability – just as it should be.

The leg ends are wide laser-cut elastics with silicone print on the inside, which keeps them in place and prevents them from riding up, while they fit closely – so you avoid an ugly “edge” if you wear long-legged pants. On one thigh, the ES16 logo is printed, while both have small reflectors on the sides of the legs.

Inside the Pro Bibshorts is their Zoom X pad, a good pad that is quite flexible, but at the same time firm enough to provide good support on longer rides. The pad is divided into different zones of varying thickness, and my experience is that it works really well and provides good support for both MTB, gravel, and road. The pad fits snugly around the crotch, as it should, provided you buy the right size. I started with a size M, and I didn’t really feel I could get the pad to fit – I exchanged them for a size S and that was the perfect size for my 65 kg distributed over 175 cm, here the pad fits exactly as it should – and stays there throughout the ride.

ES16 Pro Bibshorts are super discreet, but with nice details such as flat straps, mesh back, and laser-cut leg ends. In addition, there’s a good pad that provides the necessary support whether you’re racing or on a long ride – there’s really nothing to complain about!

CONCLUSION

ES16 has once again delivered a set of high-quality cycling clothing at reasonable prices! 899,- for a good pair of bib shorts is a price most are happy to pay – myself included, and here you get a pair of discreet bib shorts in really good quality and with a very nice fit. The jersey also has several good details, such as the laser-cut sleeve ends, silicone print at the waist, and cable passage inside the jersey – plus you can get it in some designs that stand out a bit from the crowd.

All in all, I can only recommend the set, here you get good value for money and high-quality cycling clothing for great comfort for him/her who likes longer rides on the bike where there are higher demands for comfort.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

ES16 Elite Jersey: 499,-
ES16 Pro Bibshorts: 899,-