While not a familiar name for most two-wheeled enthusiasts, Swedish-born brand Elevenate has been designing ski and outdoor apparel for over a decade. With a priority on creating breathable, comfortable, and durable outdoor wear, they have recently taken the dive into mountain bike apparel. Applying the same design ethos to their bike lineup, they have stepped into the market with gear options for both men and women. Always intrigued by what new brands can bring to the table, we have spent time riding in Elevenate's gravity-focused jersey and short to see how their take on mountain bike gear performs out on the trail.
Versatility Shorts
Highlights
- Intended Use: all-mountain, freeride
- Four-way stretch fabric: 86% recycled polyamide, 14% elastane
- Regular fit
- Bluesign certified
- Weather resistant and breathable
- Ventilation zippers on sides
- Velcro adjustment with hidden elastic at waist
- Anti-slip silicon print on inside of waistline
- Zippered lower leg pocket
- Two hand pockets
- Color ways: Black
- Sizes: small, medium (tested), large, x-large
- 30-day return policy
- Weight: 330-grams
- MSRP: $140 USD
Strengths
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Allmountain Tee
Highlights
- Intended Use: all-mountain, freeride
- Material: 100% polyester
- Relaxed fit with longer back cut
- Light, quick-drying fabric
- Ribbed collar
- Zippered back pocket
- Sizes: small, medium, large, x-large
- 30-day return policy
- Color ways: Blue Sapphire, Mineral Yellow (tested, size Large)
- MSRP: $70 USD
Strengths
| Weaknesses
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Initial Impressions
The Versatility shorts are Elevenate’s only mountain bike specific short available in their lineup. Built from their existing Versatility hiking shorts, they share the same four-way stretch fabric but with a relaxed cut for mountain biking. Waist closure is adjustable via two velcro straps that pull from back to front and are hidden in the rear of the waistband. In the front, a standard zipper is hidden by a fly closure flap with two snap buttons stacked vertically to secure the waistband. Inside the waistband, anti-slip silicon can be found for added security. On the front of the shorts are two classic inset hand pockets. Lower down the right side of the shorts a single zippered pocket can also be found. On each side of the Versatility shorts are the two long, vertical vent zippers that when opened leave only some mesh fabric between the elements and a rider's leg. Elevenate offers the Versatility shorts in a Women’s specific cut and fitment with all the same features included as well.
Complimenting our Versatility shorts was the Elevenate Allmountain tee. A short sleeve jersey that was intended for gravity riders, it offers a relaxed and roomy fit with a rear drop tail cut. The jersey is made of 100% polyester fabric which is both durable, relatively stretchy, and moisture-wicking. Located on the left side of the jersey is a small zippered pocket that is roughly 7-inches long by 3.75-inches wide (17.80cm long by 9.52cm wide). Elevenate is offering their Allmountain tee in two colorways: Blue Sapphire or Mineral Yellow (tested, size Large). We also received Elevenate’s Zeal Merino Tee. While we did not spend time riding in the Zeal tee we loved how incredibly soft and comfortable the material was, which made for great post-ride attire. On the lighter side with a more snug fit, the Zeal tee could easily be used as a riding jersey if desired.
On The Trail
From the first time we tossed a leg over our bike and hit our nearest descent we were immediately pleased with how comfortable both pieces of Elevenate gear fit. The Versatility short has a relaxed fit that is perfect for enduro or gravity-focused riding offering plenty of mobility without feeling too baggy. The waist sat comfortably high, leaving no sensation of the shorts sliding down when pedaling or descending. The simplicity of the zipper fly with dual snap buttons worked flawlessly and was refreshing as so many brands offer overly complicated waist closures nowadays. The velcro waist adjustment provided plenty of strap to cinch the shorts down tighter than one would ever desire. We tested size medium Versatility shorts to match our 32-inch (81.2cm) waist. When taking advantage of the velcro waist straps to fine-tune fitment, we did notice the rear waistband would bunch up when pulled snugly. Not a huge issue, but for riders between sizes who will rely on the velcro straps to tighten fitment, excessive bunching could occur.
With around a 14-inch inseam, the shorts ended at the middle of our kneecaps. Matched with leg openings that provided plenty of room to accommodate knee pads without being excessively wide, we experienced no unwanted binding or rubbing. Similarly, when seated and pedaling we did not notice any uncomfortable seams or odd bunching of material. The overall heat management of the Versatility shorts was on par with other shorts we’ve ridden that are a majority percent polyamide material. While not the most breathable material, we still enjoyed enough ventilation to keep from overheating and appreciate the added durability that comes with a polyamide-based garment.
Helping boost the Versatility shorts ventilation was the large zippered side vents. When in motion, the vents undeniably increased active airflow through the shorts. However, given how much real estate the vents consume on the shorts, we wouldn’t mind exchanging some additional pockets for smaller vents. This is mainly due to the fact that the current pockets don’t provide the most useful storage. The two inset hand pockets found at the front of the shorts are fairly shallow and don’t provide the highest level of security. When slid into these pockets, our iPhoneX barely fit. Why didn't we store our phone in the provided zipper pocket? Elevenate does say this pocket is intended for phones, however, our phone did not fit into the pocket completely. We still found this pocket plenty useful for storing car keys or multi-tools but would love to see additional zippered, large pockets in the future.
Elevenate’s Allmountain tee provided a loose, airy, and comfortable fit that was perfect for descent-focused days on the bike. Constructed from 100% polyester, the tee provided a sufficient level of breathability but was aided by the relaxed fitment that allowed for plenty of airflow when moving. The ribbed collar was both smooth on our neck and sized appropriately snug with no drooping to be seen. Although the rear zippered pocket is not massive we always enjoy an additional stash pocket which we utilized for gels and bars. When spinning laps at our local bike park this pocket was also a prime location for our lift pass. The only gripe we had with the Allmountain tee was the lack of a goggle or sunglass wipe. While not a necessity for a riding tee, we have become accustomed to most jerseys including a patch of soft fabric along the hem for quick eyewear cleaning.
What's The Bottom Line?
Aimed at gravity and descent-focused riders, Elevenate’s Versatility short and Allmountain tee both deliver a relaxed fit with exceptional durability and flexibility. Taking advantage of now-familiar fabric blends within mountain bike apparel, both garments offer enough breathability to keep you comfortable when pedaling back up for another lap. While some additional pockets would be welcomed and the looser style won’t be everyone's cup of tea, we appreciate Elevenate kicking off their mountain bike line with solid options that perform well with no gimmicks to be seen. Likely just the beginning of their bike lineup, we look forward to seeing what gear Elevenate develops next.
For information on Elevenate's complete line of bike gear, head over to www.elevenate.com
About the Reviewer
Jason Schroeder - Age: 26 // Years Riding MTB: 15 // Height: 6' (182cm) // Weight: 168-pounds (76.2kg) // Inseam:33" (83.8cm) // Waist: 32” (81.2cm) // Chest: 38” (96.5cm)
A once-upon-a-time World Cup downhill racer turned desk jockey, Jason has spent years within the bicycle industry from both sides of the tape. A fan of all day adventures in the saddle or flowing around a bowl at the skatepark, he doesn't discriminate from any form of two wheel riding. Originally a SoCal native now residing in Boise, Idaho you can find Jason camped out in his van most weekends at any given trailhead in the greater Pacific NorthWest.
7/15/2021 2:13pm
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