Just in time for summer, Leatt has released its 2024 Endurance range of men’s and women’s specific gear. In this article, we check out a selection of the fresh kit.

For a first foray into the endurance space, the launch lineup is pretty extensive which makes one think the crew at Leatt is taking this category seriously. The range has multiple colorways, up to nine size curves in some of the items, and chunks of functional tech for XC and Gravel riding.

Our ‘First Ride’ selection includes a jersey, bib and gloves from the 5.0 Endurance Range which when compared to the ‘6.0’ lineup has additional storage along with some high-tech materials to improve cooling and comfort on long days out. The 5.0 Endurance kit is perhaps a little ‘less racey’ than the 6.0 range.

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5.0 Endurance Jersey

Ideal for big adventures or indoor training

Heat management, comfort and storage are top priorities during long days out on the bike and Leatt has promised no compromises there. The fabric is soft, lightweight and has 360 stretch throughout. Small, laser-cut perforations are littered across the upper back and chest area to improve ventilation whilst Leatt’s IceYarn fabric doubles down on the cooling efforts.

The sleeves are appropriately long and have gripper panels on the ends. The back of the jersey is longer than the front to accommodate a semi-aggressive riding position. A big gripper panel stops excess movement which will come in handy, especially when the pockets are loaded. Leatt has added a few reflective print details too, which is neat. The jersey zips up with a high-quality, full-length YKK zipper and there’s a lip or little extra piece of fabric to stop it from rubbing on your skin. That’s a nice touch.

If extra storage is what the doctor ordered then this is a jersey well worth considering. The back has a total of six pockets, two of which are side-entry with zip closures and the other four are all ‘bottle size’ and top loading. Leatt says there’s a UPF 50+ sun protection rating meaning the fabric blocks 95% of UVA and 98% of UVB rays which is actually a performance-enhancing feature that shouldn’t be overlooked. You won’t need to think about applying sun protection under this jersey.

IMPRESSIONS | I tested a size small which was a perfect fit for me. It’s a very lightweight jersey that is super soft, comfortable and breathes well. The quality of the fabric and overall construction is super impressive – especially considering the pricing. Whilst I haven’t done any long rides on very hot days yet, I immediately noticed how well it wicks and cools – it’s pretty breezy!

I highly appreciated the extra storage and two zippered pockets which come in handy for things like car keys, cash and ID. The rear does extend quite low which makes it easier to access the pockets and also stabilizes the cargo far better than a regular length jersey would. I think this jersey is an ideal riding partner for big adventures. It certainly also runs cool enough to use for indoor training.

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5.0 Endurance Bib

Give the people pockets

A top-of-the-range pair of bibs should include a premium chamois, fast drying and wicking characteristics, a stretchy fabric, comfort, style and that perfect fit. In an ideal world, affordability also comes into the equation. The new Leatt bibs check all those boxes with storage and protection to boot.

Starting with the most important part – the chamois is a ‘hybrid cell system’ with a unique four-layer density that provides comfort, support and a little protection in all the right areas. The edges are contoured for comfort and it is angled (or rotated) slightly forward to maximize comfort on the bike when in a semi-aggressive position.

With four pockets, two on the legs and two on the back, there’s easily room for a plus-sized phone, bars, gels, bananas, keys and tool pouch. This storage adds immense versatility to the bibs and whilst they are angled at the gravel and ‘big day out crew’ they are also quite simply, an excellent all-round riding bib. By adding a durable high-stretch panel onto the hips, Leatt has added an element of protection to the garment.

IMPRESSIONS | Straight out of the packaging I was sold on the concept of the ‘deflection material’ used on the hip panel. It’s something I haven’t seen done before and as I understand it the material is pretty strong and will be included in more of Leatt’s product lines, in the future. The deflection material is non-abrasive against the skin, a little tight at first but seemed to stretch in by the second ride.

I like the fact that the chamois is less intrusive or bulky than on some of the other bibs I’ve used — interestingly it doesn’t lack on-the-bike comfort. I find oversized chamois tend to hang onto moisture and I end up sitting ‘through them’ and hammering ‘things’ that shouldn’t be. The chamois inside the Leatt bibs seem to have the padding exactly where it’s needed and nothing where it’s not. Style-wise, the legs are sufficiently long and don’t ride high.

At 1.74m tall, I sized ‘medium’ for the bibs and that was the correct call. I found the pockets easy to reach into. I guess the most noticeable impression that might be of use to you is the bibs didn’t irritate me in any way – that’s usually a sign of success. I do still need to do some longer rides to get a real feel for them – but so far I can report they are very comfortable on the bike and seem to be worth every ZAR.

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5.0 Endurance Gloves

High comfort padding

Leatt opted for a super thin mesh upper fabric to combat heat build-up. The gloves have a large, suede-like wipe over the thumb – that’ll be useful in heaty conditions and soft on your nose in the cold. Between the fingers, there’s a small toggle or piece of webbing, for easy removal.

The palm is pre-curved, seamless, stretchy and the material chosen is said to offer maximum grip in wet or dry conditions. Biomedically correct density pads are positioned to relieve pressure points and reduce the chance of carpal tunnel.

IMPRESSIONS | The quality, construction and fit is top-notch. On the bike, I found the pressure distribution to be very good, that’s on the tops, the hoods and when in the drops. It’s not a thick layer of padding yet they offer more vibration-damping than I anticipated. The grip is exceptional.

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2.0 Endurance Vest

Lightweight, wind resistant with a unique storage feature

In changing weather conditions, nothing beats a simple gilet to combat the elements. The Leatt Endurance Vest is made from a lightweight, stretchy and windproof fabric.

A knitted mesh panel on the back assists with ventilation, reflective print details improve visibility and it’s available in nine sizes. The single, large zippered pocket offers plenty of secure storage and is reversible with a handy cord to secure it onto the bike.

IMPRESSIONS | This gilet offers a good balance of breathability and protection from the elements. It is easily stowed into a jersey pocket or on the bike. It’s good to see Leatt are offering it in a men’s and women’s specific cut. There’s no questioning its functionality and I can see it coming in very handy on long days out. I like the lightweight and minimalist feel of it – yet it’s functional and I’d consider it a performance-focused vest.

Visit leatt.com for more

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