Review: 4TN Lambswool Shoulder Patch Crew

4TN Clothing is the brainchild of our friends at so as expected the AW2010 collection rises to the challenge. I’m loving this lambswool shoulder patch crew-neck sweater, in a burnt orange hue.

The suede elbow patches and shoulder panels are a welcome detail on the jumper, which passes the test of quality: production on the seams is top notch and the wool is of the highest grade, so the only tearing up you’ll be doing is on the road, track or the local trick spot. The cuffs are specifically designed to be long, so no more exposed wrists on the ride; the length of the garment has also been thought of so wearing this is also great for avoiding a cold arse.

As every savvy rider knows, lambswool along with other wools wick moisture away pretty well, making the lambswool sweater not only super warm but good for sweating in without stinking of BO. My only gripe I that this baby doesn’t come in a girl’s fit, but I’m appreciating the baggy style that I can rock with this in the small size, which can look great in a more casual outfit as below, thrown on with some staple Carhartt chinos and all-leather Vans. The 4TN sweater comes in this bright colourway along with a more subdued grey or navy. Not everyone can wear orange like me you see…hahahaha

Shoes: Vans Era Wingtip, black full leather

Trouser: Carhartt Women’s Tesss pant, slim fit in blacksmith colour

Hat: Carhartt Trenton beanie, tobacco

Gloves: Seal Skinz Women’s All-Weather Cycling Gloves

Review: Nike ACG Clima-fit Rip Pullover Jacket – Lilac

I’ve been reppin’ this jacket for well over a year now, but I have to say it’s the best women’s showerproof jacket I’ve ever ridden in. Last year I bought the jacket in the black colour, but being slightly safety conscious and a bit worried about being the latest lady statistic on London’s roads I decided it was a bad idea to roll all in black. I waited until Nike released a better colour in a more visible shade. The lilac one was the best they could do. Yes it’s a bit too girly for my own personal liking, but it fits to my taste if I go up a couple of sizes so all-in-all I can barely fault the jacket. It can be found at an excellent price if you do your homework, and more importantly it keeps you dry whilst being highly breathable with Nike’s Clima-fit technology. All at a snippet of the price of a Gore-Tex or similar jacket.

ACG stuff is pretty amazing too (All Condition Gear); it’s Nike’s outdoor line which is used in snowboarding and all manner of hard-core outdoor pursuits. At one point, I heard they were expanding more into bike-specific stuff – which would be great –  but who knows where Nike’s budget is going next. Surely though, this jacket is an example of Nike’s ACG unit thinking bike, and I’d really like to see them up their game and get some more of this out.

Other bonuses on the jacket include a massive hood, an adjustable hem/rollaway drop to prevent a muddy arse and long sleeves with elastic cuffs. And that the whole thing folds up into itself to a flat 15cmx15cm square, kangaroo pouch style. I always keep this little beaut in my backpack, and it even has an elastic thingy on it once it’s packed down so it can be attached to your body, or to anything really. Lightweight, packable, and machine-washable…what more could you want? Better colours I say. And I have a feeling that the black colour can take much heavier rain than the lilac, so you might be better sticking with black, yeah?

Mo’ Shizzle

Random bits I’ve been riding in of late. Leather equals warm for the winter chills, boots look cool although make sure yours have soles that can take a beating from your pedal pins/foot straps combo. These Bronx boots are pretty amazing, big up the Bronx I say!

Shirt: Carhartt Women’s Leslie Dress

Boots: Bronx Cue Tee knee high boots, ‘Jar’ colour

Jacket: Heeli black leather jacket