Danish ES16 is by now well known at home, and probably especially because in a short time they have gained a lot of customers who use them for team clothing, both companies and cycling clubs.
ES16, however, also has a fairly extensive range in its own designs, everything from jerseys, bib shorts, jackets and much more.
This time we have had their Elite Jersey and Pro Bibshorts for testing, Elite is "middle class" 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 fine details. The material is 100% polyester, which means the material is light, breathable and dries quickly when it gets wet from sweat.
The model has a full-length zip, elastic and laser-cut ends at the sleeves for a super tight fit, as well as elastic around the waist with silicone print on the inside to prevent the jersey from climbing up. At the sleeves, reflective thread is used. the flat seams, a rather clever detail to increase visibility, without having to cover 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 am missing a pocket that can be closed with a zip. The pockets are a nice size, however, and hold a nice pump, energy and anything else you might need to take with you on the go. There are also a few reflective details on each side of the jersey for increased visibility.
The jersey is tested in size XS and that size fits the undersigned at 175 cm reasonably well. and with a weight of 65 kg., it is not skin-tight, but has a comfortable fit. The jersey is comfortable to wear and the ends at the sleeves work really well, while the silicone band at the waist keeps the jersey in place so it doesn't climb up. The jersey is primarily used in good weather, i.e. from 15 degrees and up, and here it does brilliantly! There is not much "protection" in the relatively thin material, on the other hand it is easy to get rid of the heat and get some ventilation in the jersey via the panels on the side. A single smart little detail is that in one back pocket there is a hole through to the inside of the jersey so you can pull a cord for e.g. headphones that way.
ES16 Pro Bib Shorts
The Pro Bibshorts are the second best in the ES16 range, second only to the Pro Team bibshorts. They have been developed for those who want high quality and good comfort, typically those who spend many hours in the saddle every week - and where it is not so important whether they cost NOK 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 possible irritation and the upper part is made with flat braces that do not fold and a back in mesh for optimal ventilation and breathability - exactly as it should be.
The ends at the thighs are wide laser-cut elastics with silicone print on the inside, this keeps them in place and prevents them from sliding up, at the same time they are all tight - so you avoid an ugly "edge" if you wear a pair of trousers with long leg. On one thigh the ES16 logo is printed, while on both there are small reflexes on the sides of the legs.
Inside the Pro Bibshorts is their Zoom X pad, a good pad which is quite flexible, but at the same time firm enough to provide good support on the longer rides. The pad is divided into different zones of varying thickness and my experience is that it works very well and provides good support for both MTB, gravel and country roads. The pillow fits snugly around the crotch, as it should, if you buy the right size. I started out with a str. M and here I don't think I could really get the pillow to fit - I had them exchanged for a size S and it was just the right size for my 65 kg. distributed over 175 cm., this is where the pillow sits, exactly as it should - and stays there during the entire trip.
ES16 Pro Bibshorts are super discreet, but with fine details such as flat suspenders, mesh back and laser cut ends at the thighs. In addition, there is a good cushion that provides the necessary support regardless of whether you are running a race or on a long trip – there is really nothing to complain about!
CONCLUSION
ES16 has once again delivered a set of high-quality cycling clothing and where the prices are right! 899,- for a pair of good bib shorts most people are happy to pay - the undersigned included and here you get a pair of discreet bib shorts in a really good quality and with a really nice fit. The jersey also has several good details, such as the laser-cut ends at the sleeves, silicone print in the waist and passage for the cable inside the jersey - so much so that you can get it in some designs that stand out a little from the crowd.
Overall, I can only recommend the set, here you get good value for money and high-quality cycling clothing for good comfort for him/her who likes longer trips on the bike where slightly greater demands are placed on comfort.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
ES16 Elite Jersey: 499,-
ES16 Pro Bibshorts: 899,-