Sombrio Drift Short and Burst Jersey – Review

Sombrio review 2016

Founded in 1998, Sombrio has deep roots in the mountain biking world. Formed in the late eighties, and born during the early freeride movement, the Canadian brand pioneered kit unlike anything else available at that time. Their freeride core is still evident today and despite the sale of the brand back in 2014, Sombrio stayed true to its roots and still create stylish and functional kit. Not one to focus on apparel for just the guys, Sombrio offers a wide range of women’s kit for a number of disciplines, and the Drift short and Burst jersey come from their Gravity collection.

Drift Shorts

The Drift shorts are made from Quattro Flex Dura, Sombrio’s toughest fabric blend, offering flexibility and durability whilst remaining breathable, they also come with DWR finish (durable water repellent) to hold off the elements when you’re out on the trail. The Drift come equipped with front and back zippered pockets and have a mesh lining, which is perfect for those hot days. There is a handy lift pass cord to keep your pass secured in one of the pockets, and the sides of the shorts have a Velcro strap for extra adjustability and comfortable fit. Aside from the darker option of black, pictured here, Sombrio also offer an eye-catching Lapis/Lime Mojito colourway, if bright is your thing. The shorts come in sizes XS to XL and retail at $130.00.

• Ultra durable four-way stretch fabric with DWR finish and soft inner face
• Seamless crotch panel
• Locking zippered fly with hollow pop snap and Velcro® secure
• Sturdy seam construction with bar tack stitching throughout stress zones
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL 
• MSRP: $130.00 USD
• Drift Shorts 

Sombrio Dirft Shorts
 Flexible and durable with vented pockets.

 

Sombrio Drift Short
 Lift pass retention cord, perfect for keeping your pass safe.

 

Sombrio Burst Jersey and Drift Short

 

Burst Jersey

The Burst is a flexible and moisture wicking long sleeve jersey designed with a dropped hem which keeps it from riding up at the back. Sombrio have developed a performance mesh which is designed to maximize airflow and move with your body, and the moisture-wicking finish aims to keep you cool and dry. The Burst also comes with a stretchy, angle rib cuff, meaning you can adjust your sleeves when you’re out on a ride. Available in Lapis/Dark Camo or Lime Mojito/Lapis Geo Print in sizes XS to XL. The Burst Jersey retails for $70.

 

• Sublimated graphics
• Moisture wicking finish
• Angled rib cuff
• Drop back hem
• Colours: Lapis/Dark Camo or Lime Mojito/Lapis Geo print
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL 
• MSRP: $70 USD 
• Burst jersey 

Sombrio Burst Jersey
 The jersey is great for staying cool on hot days.

 

Sombrio Burst Jersey
 Stretchy cuffs allow you to adjust the sleeves for temperature changes.

 

Performance

 

I’ve been wearing the Burst jersey and Drift shorts over the past few months at home in Wales and out in Morzine in a range of conditions and have found them to work well on both ends of the spectrum. The Burst and Drift have been part of Sombrio’s collections for the past few years. It’s great to see that the company have taken on feedback over the years to create some well thought out kit and they even offerlifetime guarantee on their products.Burst Jersey: I opted for a medium in the jersey and unfortunately it was a little too big for me. I would opt for a smaller size than I’d usually go for, but the generous fit does mean that I have plenty of room for body armour underneath – great for when I’ve been riding rougher trails. The great thing about the Burst is the fabric. It’s kept me cool on some really hot days out in France, and I particularly like the flexibility. It feels less restrictive and doesn’t cling to my body when I’m riding. The fabric also washes really well. I’ve been riding in some sloppy conditions at times and the colour and condition have held up. When coupled with the darker shorts, the graphics are great – just a subtle pop of colour with blended branding, and the detailing on the side panels and shoulders is also a plus for me. It’s a feminine jersey without being overly so, and I also liked being able to pull the sleeves up rather than having them fixed in one position. Overall it’s been great, especially in the heat. The only downside for me was the oversized fit, but overall, it’s comfortable, breathable and the design is a definite plus.

Drift Shorts: I found the Drift shorts to be extremely comfortable and for once, I’m relieved to have a pair of women’s shorts that don’t show skin between my knee pads and bottom hem when I’m riding. Although designed for the more extreme disciplines, I’ve found the Drift cool and comfortable enough to wear out on longer trail rides. They fit comfortably with knee pads and, even with padded shorts underneath, I still felt cool and unrestricted. The fabric has held up well, and despite a few muddy rides and washes, they’ve retained their colour with no fading. I’ve no complaints about the fit and it’s great to have the option to adjust them with the two Velcro panels on the sides. Overall, these are some of the most comfortable women’s shorts I’ve worn. They have the perfect amount of stretch and adjustability, and the zip pockets mean that I’m able to carry my pass and a few other essentials with no fear of losing them on the trails.

Pinkbike’s Take:


bigquotes For women in search of well thought out kit that’s comfortable and feminine (without being overly so), the Sombrio Drift shorts and Burst jersey may be the perfect option. – Lauren Jenkins

 

This article was originally published on Pinkbike on 29 August 2016. Photos by Saskia Dugon.