Reviews

Kalas Passion X7 Jersey and Bib Short – Review

With summer on the way we thought now would be a good time to get out on the bike and test the brand new Kalas Passion collection for ourselves. The Czech company currently provide clothing to the Great Britain Cycling Team as well as two of the sport’s best cyclocross riders; Mathieu van der Poel and Sanne Cant. The Passion X7 jersey and bib shorts have both been developed with Kalas’ professional teams and offer the same cut, comfort and performance benefits offered to their pro riders.

A cyclist in Kalas Passion jersey and shorts riding uphill.

Kalas Passion X7 Jersey

While many cycling jerseys scream and shout, the Passion X7 jersey features a simplistic, sophisticated design and is available in three colourways. A unique design using knitted fabrics and a carbon weave ensures wicking and drying is as effective as possible. As soon as you pull the jersey on and zip it up you notice how good the fit is. ‘Active’ seam construction may sound a bit baffling but it is, in fact, a simple solution problem we see all too often. If you’re buying a ‘race-cut’ jersey you want it to fit snuggly and offer an aerodynamic advantage. Kalas’ active seams allow for a full stretch around the shoulder panels, ensuring a streamlined fit.

The Passion X7 is also 7cm shorter at the front than it is at the back to account for the fact that when you’re riding in an aggressive position the frontal area of your torso is reduced significantly. The performance benefits of the Passion jersey are undoubtedly on a par with rival jerseys that sit at a higher price-point. Add in the little extras like breathable elasticated cuffs and a removable water-resistant pouch for your smartphone and you’ve got a superb piece of kit.

A cyclist in Kalas Passion jersey.

A photo from behind of a cyclist in Kalas Passion jersey and shorts.

Reflective detailing and elasticated cuffs.

A cyclist in Kalas Passion X7 jersey and shorts .

Kalas Passion Bib Shorts

You can have the best bike, the best legs and ride on the nicest roads in the world, but if your shorts aren’t comfortable, it’s going to make things unpleasant.

The new Kalas Passion X7 bib shorts are the result of an active collaboration with the company’s professional teams. The first thing we all look at when buying a new pair of shorts is the chamois pad, so let’s start there. Five hours into our ride and with absolutely no signs of discomfort in sight it’s safe to say the Endurance Carbonium pad is built for those long days in the saddle.

The main panels of the shorts feature Kalas’ ‘Goffrato’ fabric. This material helps your skin perspire in hot conditions or when you’re riding at a high intensity and also provides a small amount of compression to support your muscles. But what elevates a great pair of bib shorts above the competition? In our opinion, it’s the attention to the small details. Lay-flat bib straps and bonded seams increase comfort and durability.

Much like the jersey, the Passion X7 shorts are extremely competitively priced. You’ll do well to find a pair of bib-shorts with a more comfortable pad and so many technical features for under £100.

another close-up of a cyclist wearing kalas passion bib-shorts

Compressive Goffrato fabric.

a cycling doing a bunny hop in kalas passion jersey and shorts

Kalas Race Plus Socks

It’s got to be tall white socks for summer, right? If white isn’t your favourite colour then not to worry; the Race Plus socks are also available in black/grey and neon/black. For us though, it has to be white. The Race Plus are breathable and manufactured to the highest quality, meaning they won’t lose their elasticity around the cuff after a handful of washes.

kalas race plus socks in white

a cyclist riding in kalas race plus socks

Shop the full Kalas collection at ProBikeKit.



Johnny Bowles

Johnny Bowles

Writer and expert