I was lucky to be able to "test drive" the new Fox Ascent le Savant lycra kit. Here's my "review", hope you find it informative. Review done with 1) Santa Cruz Chameleon hard tail 26" bike, fitted with the Specialized Toupe 142mm saddle 2) GIANT TCR road bike fitted with a Fabric Scoop Flat saddle (142mm) Pre-Fit impressions: In the 15 yrs I’ve been cycling I've used many brands of cycle apparel: Anatomic, Craft, Nalini, Santini, Vermarc, Panda, Castelli, Assos…the list goes on. One thing I’ve learned is that one’s initial impression shouldn't be based on the packaging. Fox is one of those companies who do like to save on fancy packaging & focus more on the actual product……Fox gear comes packaged in their standard high quality plastic bag, but you can see it was packed with loving care. Fitting Session: Based on the material used, the stitching, design, cut and chamois quality (which I'll review in more detail later) I could see & feel that this was going to be a "new" Fox apparel experience. Like most cyclists I wear a smaller size jersey than bib and I went with a medium shirt and large bib. I pulled on the bib and immediately noticed the ease with which the Fox designed leg "grippers" slide on and give the feel of not having a bib around your legs. Once adjusted into position they never moved or gave me any discomfort during my rides. I found the same from the "race fit" jersey design which also features the Fox designed "grippers" around the arms - it felt like I was wearing a loose sleeveless shirt. The Fit - the bib's chamois is mounted lower in front then the Assos I'm used to, very similar too Craft's designs. The rest of the chamois was also perfectly placed, so that the thickest part of the chamois was always under my sit bones, which is where it’s needed. The chamois design & thickness is very similar to Craft's high-end bibs. The cut of the bib is excellent with large side panels & flat stitching, so no fraying on the skin. The jersey is a very comfortable "racing” fit. It’s also very light. There’s a clever zipper pocket inside the rear right hand pocket with a cool cable through-hole for you headphone cable.The zipper and general stitching is of high quality and the detailing of the Fox logo on the rear rubber "gripper" on the shirt…showing some Fox Class! Ride Session: The Bib - My first ride was on my Giant TCR road bike which is fitted with the Fabric Scoop flat saddle. I found that once I was on the bike and started pedaling, everything felt in place……that would be the family jewels and chamois seated under my sit bones. I never needed to adjust or move around. I did notice a difference in the chamois thickness compared to my to Assos bibs I generally ride with, but the thinner Fox chamois was actually very comfortable. At the 50km point, there was still no discomfort from sweat or any pressure, and the Fox designed leg grippers where still keeping everything on the "tan line" that every serious roadie sports…..lol ! The Jersey - it's pockets are remarkably deep, which is great for loading food, a rain jacket and naturally, your mobile phone….for which Fox has designed the inside zipper pocket with the headphone access slot neatly positioned right above the pocket. I kept looking at my arms since it felt like I had no sleeves on. After 50km's the moisture wicking material Fox uses was still doing an excellent job. I did miss the little sunglasses cloth which Fox has on their other jerseys (Livewire & Ranger ranges). On my Santa Cruz out on the trails, I had equal joy. Getting out of the saddle, sitting down & then sliding back on the saddle during climbs: I found the chamois remained in place & the leg and arm grippers kept the tan line in check, all the while keeping me very cool! Conclusion - I must admit that Fox has really stepped up to the plate as far as design, fit & quality goes with this new Le Savant Ascent lycra kit. I think the design & color may be somewhat over the top for some riders, but then again I did seem to get more head turning from fellow cyclists & motorists during my test rides. If you are a "Fox-anatic", then you'll get it & if you just like cycling "under the radar", you won't. Jersey: 7/10 great fit, light weight and quick drying. Bib short: 8/10 comfortable chamois, great fit and high quality material used.
