Long-term Review: Leatt Ride Kit 1.0
A race-ready combo with surprising versatility
| WORDS: Myles Kelsey | VISUALS: Cheri Rossouw & Co |
When it comes to mountain biking gear, few brands balance durability, style and price quite like Leatt. Their latest entry-level combo, the Ride Kit 1.0, is no exception. Designed with Enduro and Trail riders in mind, this two-piece set offers a race-oriented fit, weather-resistant features, and thoughtful functionality, all at a price that’s hard to ignore.
Features & Details
The set is available in four colorways—black, rust, titanium and teal jerseys all with a pair of black pants. Sizing is generous, ranging from XS to 3XL, and there’s also a youth version, Ride Kit Mini priced at R1599, available in many size curves.
In terms of branding and styling, the Ride Kit 1.0 is understated and on-point. Leatt’s usually bold branding has taken a backseat and there are only three small logos on the entire kit. It’s a very minimalist design, with no large logos or flashy prints. The style is tailored and contoured but not tight. It’s clean-cut and on-point for eBiking, Trail, Enduro and even Downhill riding. Another upside of having fewer logos printed to the jersey is improved ventilation and breathability.
Leatt has built in some smart features. The pants include a dedicated phone pocket on the thigh and a small pocket on the rear waistline that is ideal for carrying gels or energy bars. It has a ratchet-style plastic waistband offering a secure, adjustable fit without the bulk of a zipper.
It is a racing-style cut with slim or tapering legs that won’t snag while pedaling. There is plenty of space for large knee pads. It is a 4-way stretch material that feels very robust and has extra reinforcement in high-stress zones for peace of mind on rowdier terrain. A water-repellent coating adds a layer of protection in wet conditions, and ventilation ports on the inner thighs keep airflow moving where it’s needed most.
The jersey follows the same race-cut shape and style as the pants. The sleeves are snug, with a decidedly and aero look, while the torso section is cut looser for a more relaxed fit. There’s plenty of space to wear a chest and back protector, underneath the jersey. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, designed to perform equally well during intense climbing efforts on warm days, or long descents on cool days. A nice feature is the goggle or glass wipe on the inside of the hem.
Ride Impressions
I’ve ridden this gear in the best and worst conditions possible. The wet and wild trails of Cape Town in winter, including multiple days in the rain and many days in the heat of late summer. When the trails are soaked and I’d been riding in relentless mud, I noticed both the jersey and pants didn’t soak straight through – there is a decent, and I’d say higher-than-average degree of water resistance. The materials performed exactly as promised: the pants are thicker and shed water efficiently, while ventilated zones, especially around the inner thighs, keep airflow optimized. The jersey dried quickly, didn’t cling, and remained breathable throughout.
Back home and after putting the filthy jersey and pants through a short wash in the machine, they both emerged very clean. On other rides, when the kit is only mildly dirty and I haven’t sweated too much, (like on an easy eBike ride) the Ride Kit cleans very easily and doesn’t always need a wet, machine wash. This is something that comes in handy during trips where access to a laundry is limited.
Back in summer, I did a lot of rides in very warm temperatures — with some days over the 30 Celsius range. On the very hottest days, I noticed the jersey breathes and ventilates slightly better than the pants, and in general the cooling is better than expected.
Verdict
Whether racing or just riding, the Leatt Ride Kit delivers where it counts. The pants are durable and well-ventilated, the jersey is breathable and armor-friendly, and the price is insanely competitive. It’s very comfortable, trendy and the fit is excellent. As a complete package, there simply isn’t anything on the market that competes with it. // More: leatt.com