Troy Lee Designs AW23 Jackets
26 October 2023
By George Wise
Troy Lee Designs has gained a global renown for being one of the coolest brands in cycling. The Daytona series helmets have built up an almost mythical reputation amongst racers, whilst the brand’s clothing has been setting MTB trends since Shaun Palmer’s heyday. TLD can use the tagline, ‘For the world's fastest racers,’ with a clean conscience, since most of them want to wear it.
Over the years, technical clothing created by TLD to support its athletes has come and gone. Since it’s a California-based company, with many of its athletes living locally and focusing on downhill and freeride, the need for winter clothing has traditionally been limited. However, with the brand’s athlete roster welcoming more European riders, not to mention the rise of enduro racing, the demand for technical winter jackets has skyrocketed.
Below, we examine the full TLD Fall 2023 jacket range, which includes the all-new Crestline and Mathis jackets.
Shuttle Jacket
Whether they care to admit it or not, MTB riders could learn a thing or two from roadies on how to dress. The Shuttle Jacket is designed to be easily packed down and stowed when not required, a feature that boosts its versatility. It is made from a windproof, Ripstop material that will keep the chill off, while a DWR treatment keeps light rain and spray at bay. Ventilation under the arms and an exhaust over the shoulders enable excess heat and moisture to escape, maximising rider comfort.
So, why wear this jacket? Imagine you’ve just climbed a big hill in the autumn or winter, becoming sweaty in the process. Now you’re about to descend for a few minutes in the cold air… brr! The Shuttle Jacket is the perfect garment to pull out and wear to keep you warm during the descent, then take off and pack again for the climb at the start of a new lap. It’s also ideal for wearing as you begin your ride on a frigid morning, then packing away when things heat up.
Crestline Jacket
The Crestline Jacket is new for Fall 2023. While its casual aesthetics wouldn’t look out of place in the pub, at its heart it’s a synthetic down jacket that uses PrimaLoft Gold® filling. It’s therefore light, breathable and very warm. For additional protection from spray, mist and drink spills alike, it bears a Teflon EcoElite® water resistant finish.
Special features for cycling convenience include two zippered side pockets and a large back pocket that spans the width of the jacket, which together will hold all your cycling necessities, including the Shuttle Jacket. It’s designed either to be worn on its own, on cold, dry days, or as a thermal layer under the hardy Descent Jacket, when the weather is both parky and soggy.
Mathis Jacket
The second newcomer to the TLD jacket range is the Mathis Jacket. Like the Crestline, the Mathis uses PrimaLoft Gold® for insulation in key areas, however that is where the similarities end. The Mathis is a more technical, bike-specific outer, designed to function wonderfully on its own on chilly days, or as an outer layer on particularly cold, dry days.
With its ‘bike fit’, it’s less casual than the Crestline in both looks and features. The Mathis has a two-way stretch panel at the underside of the arm, which maximises the wearer’s freedom of movement. Meanwhile, a generous, helmet-compatible hood with a large collar minimises rain entry through the helmet and protects the face from sideways rain.
Unusually light, it can be stowed away in a backpack when not required and bears two convenient side pockets to stash valuables in whilst riding. Like any good technical jacket, this one bears a water resistant, Teflon EcoElite® finish to combat ground water or drizzle.
The Mathis incorporates features requested by some of the world fastest racers and was conceived to help them ride better when the weather turns. It’s a versatile jacket that’s worth investing in.
Descent Jacket
It’s a strange fact that many of the most memorable, fun rides take place in the rain, probably because you start with a lack of expectation, then find yourself relaxing and giving in to slide-induced grins. However, finding the motivation to get out into the rain in the first place can be a challenge, and not having the right clothing is a significant hurdle that most won’t overcome.
The Descent Jacket can change all of that. It’s a bike-specific waterproof jacket, designed to stand up to the foulest conditions. With its anatomical design, it has just the right proportions to let you ride your bike fast downhill, along with a drop tail to keep water off your trousers.
Made from a three-layer fabric, it is 10k/10k waterproof and breathable, so it will keep you comfortable as you pedal back to the top of the hill and keep out all but the worst, most persistent rain. Other practical features include its large, helmet-compatible hood and two security pockets on the sides of the jacket, made to safeguard your valuables.
Since it has no insulation, this jacket can be used in grotty conditions throughout the year, although you may find it’s a little warm for wearing during summer showers. Heading into autumn and winter, it becomes a must-have. By varying the layers worn underneath, from the Skyline Chill Jersey to the Crestline Jacket, you can improve its versatility by fitting it to cope with anything from poor autumn weather to freezing rain in the depths of winter.
Shopping the range
Whatever conditions you typically ride in, whether you’re a fair-weather adventurer or unafraid to face down a storm, Troy Lee Designs has the right jacket to keep you comfortable. Buy the full range or use this guide to find a cold weather partner that, with a bit of careful layering, will take the chill off your winter exploits.
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