PEZ readers will know I have a fondness for Cycology kit:
What I love most about Cycology kit is that it’s fun … by design. Their stuff stands out in a crowd. Definitely not for introverts. According to husband and wife founders Sarina and Michael: “Our design style ranges from mild to wild so we cater to the many different tastes of riders who want something different to the same old same old.”
I spent my college years in Southern California aka SoCal so am no stranger to the City of Angels. Lots of great memories of late night jaunts to various jazz clubs. City of Angels also just happens to be one of my wife’s favorite movies. So I couldn’t say “no” when Michael (Cycology is a husband and wife team, Michael and Sarina) offered up the opportunity check out their City of Angels kit.
City of Angels Reborn Jersey – $119.95
Cycology sez: The jersey is close-fitting with lightweight, high-stretch, soft recycled fabric, providing excellent breathability and airflow to keep the body cool and dry. A longer aero sleeve provides additional sun protection, while three pockets and a zip pocket at the rear are ideal for carrying your riding essentials.
Riding comfort is enhanced by a low-profile collar and a full length YKK zipper allows for easy ventilation control. The jersey has a rear hem gripper for optimal placement and reflective elements offer security as the light fades.
PEZ sez: The Cycology Reborn Jerseys aren’t race-level kit (PEZ readers know I’m a race kit kind of rider), but not everyone is comfortable in/can wear race kit. And not everyone who rides is a hard core roadie whose goal in life is to look EuroPro. What the Cycology Reborn Jerseys are (as I’ve said before about Cycology kit): “is bang-for-the-buck high value kit that works and won’t break the bank. In other words, quality kit that most riders can afford.” And to be even more repetitive: “While I love all my race-level kit, I also love my Cycology kit that’s not.”
Cycology’s packaging is what you would expect with kit that sells for a lot more $$$
Moreover, the Reborn Jerseys are made with recycled materials so you can put some fun in your ride and do a little something to help save the planet!
Another “high end” touch is hang tags attached via safety pin instead of a plastic fastener
Cycology doesn’t spec weight, but I know inquiring minds will want to know
As jerseys go, the City of Angels Reborn Jersey fairly straightforward construction (that’s not a bad thing):
- 2 panels for the front connected by a full-length zipper (YKK, so the gold standard) with a bonded hem
- 2 side panels
- Back panel with three rear pockets and a secure zipper pocket
- Silicon gripper at the hem of the back panel and side panels
- Low, race-style collar
- Set in sleeves that are race length with a bonded hem
Nothing less than full zip! Plus elasticized hem for grip.
The smallest size the City of Angels Reborn Jersey comes in is small. Compared to other Cycology kit I have in size extra small, the City of Angels Reborn Jersey was a little “loose” on me (5’8″, 130 pounds, ectomorph). But not to the point of being baggy. Cycology describes the fit as “close fitting” and it had some “cling” to my body shape, but definitely not the race fit I’m more accustomed to. (NOTE: I’m not complaining, as I knew and expected this to be the case. And to be fair, this would be considered race kit back in my racing days in the 90s.) For riders who aren’t race fit kit, I’m guessing the City of Angles Reborn Jersey will be all-day comfortable.
The “wrinkles” are an indication that — on me — it’s not a race fit jersey. YMMV.
Longer #aero sleeves with bonded hem
Low collar means it’s a warm/hot weather jersey
City of Angels Sun Sleeves – $24.95
Cycology sez: Our sun sleeves are for riders looking for protection from the sun. Lightweight and breathable they can be worn comfortably all day and offer versatility if you’re wearing short sleeves. Easily packable and available in vibrant colours and designs for high visibility on the road.
PEZ sez: These look like arm warmers, but they’re not. As someone of Filipino ethnic heritage, sun sleeves aren’t something I necessarily need (but I do use sunscreen because darker skin pigment isn’t a guarantee of protection against the sun’s harmful rays). But if you’re UV-challenged and want to make a fashion statement (in addition to the City of Angels Reborn Jersey) for sun protection, the Cycology City of Angels Sun Sleeves are the ‘driods you’re looking for.
If your skin pigment leans towards pasty white, sun sleeves are an alternative to glopping on sunscreen
City of Angels Cycling Socks – $19.95
Cycology sez: The Cycology Printed Cycling Socks use functional materials to deliver superb cycling comfort and the original designs adds style to any kit choice. Featuring a high quality compression knit fabric for excellent moisture-wicking and flat toe seam construction for comfort and durability. The elasticized arch band provides a sung fit for good support while a ribbed knit cuff at the top holds the sock in place. A 7 inch cuff height also gives you a modern calf-height finish.
PEZ sez: Cycology’s socks are “one size fits most.” On me (US size 9), they fit well. Which is to say moderately firm compression. And the folded over double cuff gripped to hold them in place. My feet had no complaints riding in them … even in the Lowcountry heat and humidity.
Double cuff to hold them up
Strike a pose … vogue
Although the Cycology City of Angels Cycling Socks were clearly intended as matchy-matchy kit to go with the City of Angels Reborn Jersey, there’s no reason you can’t wear them with other kit (that doesn’t clash with the design). IMHO, they would look stylish with murdered-out/all-black kit.
City of Angels Cycling Cap – $19.95
Cycology sez: Our cycling caps are made for comfort in a wide range of weather conditions thanks to a quick-drying and highly breathable lightweight mesh fabric. The convenient visor shields your eyes from the sun and rain and the elasticated tape to the rear makes for a secure fit. Easily stowed in a jersey pocket and finished in original Cycology designs and colours, they are the perfect accessory to match or compliment any jersey in our range.
PEZ sez: This is … well … a cycling cap. But unlike cycling caps of old, it’s not cotton. Instead, it’s made with a mesh fabric that vents/wicks. I’m not a cycling cap kind of rider, but if you are, this would work well under a helmet to help absorb sweat and the visor would provide some additional sun protection for your eyes.
The thousand yard stare?
City of Angels Cycling Wallet – $19.95
Cycology sez: Our Cycling Wallet keeps your essentials secure and organised during every ride. It’s lightweight and compact, making it ideal for storing your phone, necessary tools, or puncture repair kits. The water-resistant fabric case protects your essential cycling accessories and features a waterproof zipper with a heavy-duty, extended rope zip-pull for easy access on the bike.
The case has a soft divider to keep cards separate from your smartphone, with an additional inside zipped pocket for smaller valuables like keys and coins. Alternatively, you can also use it to house your kit for changing a flat tyre, with a spare inner tube, tyre levers, a gas cylinder, and even an average-sized multi-tool.
1 – zippered pocket for stuff you want to keep secure, 2 – middle section (ideal for stowing a phone), and 3 – another “open” pocket
PEZ sez: This technically isn’t kit, but a cycling wallet has become essential for me to carry $$$, ID, debit/credit card, and my phone securely in my rear jersey pocket. The Cycology City of Angels Cycling Wallet is definitely more stylish and functional than a zip-lock bag. Plus more waterproof.
When zipped closed, the zipper creates a waterproof seal
Cycology recommends measuring your phone to make sure it will fit. My daughter’s old iPhone 6S Plus just fits for reference (158.2 mm tall x 77.9 mm wide).
The jersey pocket is deep enough to accommodate the cycling wallet without it being exposed. Reflective strip conceals the zipper for the jersey’s secure pocket.
Escape from the City of Angels
I’ve got more than a few of Sarina’s Cycology designs in my kit wardrobe and my opinion of the City of Angels is the same as my other Cycology kit that I love. And most importantly: What sets Cycology apart from a lot of other kit is the fun quotient, which can often be missing amongst the die hard roadie crowd. Sarina’s City of Angels design is definitely that (some might say even a little edgy). Riding (no matter how serious a rider you are) is supposed to be fun. So have some fun in the Cycology City of Angels kit. Plus in addition to fun, IMHO the City of Angels kit is cool.
Full Monty City of Angels
I said at the top that one of my wife’s favorite movies was City of Angels. But for me, the vibe of Cycology’s City of Angels kit is the song “Escape from the City of Angels” that was used in the movie The Replacement Killers. It’s the song in my head when I ride wearing the kit.
Want to get out, had to get out, got out
Escape from the city of angels
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