Tried & Tested: Search and State

For most people, it goes without saying that having the right equipment for any job is essential. There is of course much debate to be had over the merits of one brand over another and one style over another, but it can be generally agreed upon that there is a minimum standard if you want to complete any job to a high standard and in a timely manner, and that applies whether you are mowing the lawn or tackling Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

As novice riders, it quickly became apparent that some investment was necessary. Everything has an impact on your ride, and everything has the potential to make a difference, and so when it came to trying some new riding gear, we tried a few brands out.

The first thing you notice about Search and State when you visit their website is how cool it is. Now, I know how that sounds, but it exudes the kind of cool that you expect from New York City. Their catalog is full of shirts that wouldn’t look out of place on the hip young urbanites of New York. The Pretty Lights riding jersey ($165) is a good case in point. “Cut like a tailored garment without being too tight or too loose, you’ll be happy riding, racing, or maybe even sleeping in [it], it’s that comfortable.”

As for performance, we tried the women's S1-A Riding Jersey in Junmai print, and the men's S2-R Performance Jersey ($175.00) in black.

The first thing to note about the S2-R is that it does the job it is supposed to. It is tight where it needs to be without feeling constricting and it has the classic triple rear pocket design. It also comes with two easy access side panel pockets that are indeed easier to access and are a nice addition. The exterior rear locker loop might come in handy, but the silicone waist gripper really does grip better than a standard shirt. It also comes with a locking Riri zipper. The S2-R does everything you need it to do, but you could very happily wear it with jeans if you wanted to, with nobody even noticing.

As for the S1-A Riding Jersey in Junmai print, comfort is equal to the S2-R Jersey. Adequately tight around the waist and arms with plenty of stretch to move with you on your ride. The jersey features the classic three pocket system and (comfort and durability aside along with the fact it’s made in America) the design is trendy and classy.

We also tried the S1-AW White arm warmers ($45) in medium and large. The warmers are soft and incredibly comfortable. The fabric weight give adequate warmth on chilly morning rides and the upper arm bands allow for a snug fit without pinching or falling down. The warmers come in small, medium and large.

Functionality and fashion consciousness aside, there is another reason to opt for Search and State, and interestingly it isn’t something they trumpet on their website. The fact that everything is manufactured in New York means you can also be conscientious while you ride.

Search and State have stockists in nine countries and a dozen or so states. Click here to see if there is a stockist in your state or country. No luck? Order online. Domestic orders over $50 always ship free. For orders under $50, we offer flat rate USPS Priority shipping for $5. International customers will pay the actual USPS shipping charges calculated at checkout. You will likely be charged import duties and VAT (or some variation thereof which can be in excess of 20% of the total order) in your home country in addition to shipping – so please keep this in mind.

Ready to shop? www.searchandstate.com

Disclaimer: We have not been paid to endorse or promote this product

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