Made by hands in Slovakia: sophistication and simplicity dot Isadore's new Autumn kit collection

The Velits brothers never wanted the spotlight in their racing careers. The same is true in their careers as kit makers. Both are self-described introverts who identify with the simpler side of cycling. Their ability to make attention-grabbing kit stems more from experience than a desire to get noticed. The results are only getting better.

“When we built Isadore, it was to create simple stuff we’d wear if we didn’t need to wear team kit,” says Peter Velits (pictured above), an Isadore Apparel co-founder. (His brother and co-founder, Martin, handles product design while Peter manages the company’s business-end.) “We’re both introverts. Our designs have always reflected that.”

If you haven’t seen it yet at your LBS, Isadore’s AW releases are lit-up by yellows and reds to celebrate the season. Their Medio Jacket - considered a signature piece by the company - has been completely rebuilt using better fabrics and more reflective panels. “We are particularly proud on this one,” Peter says about their new kit.

Using their time as professionals for inspiration - Martin raced with HTC Highroad and Quick-Step, and Peter with Quick Step and BMC - most of what’s new has been refined, specifically the cuts. That element - fit - is a clear example of two guys hitting their stride in the apparel game.

I’ve ridden in Isadore for the last couple of seasons - first taking note of it while sitting in a pub in Cambridge, copy of Rouleur in-hand, sipping a pint post-ride. (Christ, I miss the Panton.) Their ads tapped into a vision of cycling I enjoy most, rooted in scenery and travel. From that point onward, their kit has consistently delivered something very unique. Much of it feels like Rapha c.2007 (in that many are merino-based designs), when that company was smaller, and their attention to detail that much greater.

The Long Sleeve Shield Jersey (left, above) - new for Autumn - is a near-perfect three-season jersey. At 72 kgs and 6’1, the medium is cut slim with slightly tapered sleeves (next-to-skin fit when worn with a short sleeve base layer) and wind-paneling on the chest and neck (good enough to withstand a little light rain and plenty of wind).

There are details aplenty here to gawk at: large circles on the lower left back - a very cool design element; the high-contrast beige and navy colour; the elbow pads. This is a jersey reeking of class, subtlety and sophistication, its weight capable of riding through temperatures as low as 7 degrees comfortably - with all the accessories, perhaps colder. I really dig the 70’s vibe and can’t help sing a little Steely Dan when wearing it.

For colder winter rides, there’s the TherMerino Jersey (in black, dried tabacco and cabernet). Temperatures haven’t dictated wearing this jersey yet (in my part of the world), but at quick glance, the warm fleece lining + merino construction and cut are great (left slightly roomier to accommodate a warm, winter base underneath).

My favourite from the company’s AW designs is perhaps its simplest: their grey and black winter face mask/neck warmer with hood. Talk about outstanding, user-driven design. The entire neck is covered in wind-blocking fabric, as is the hood. I have a massive head and it still fits comfortably and looks good underneath my helmet. Made from merino, it’s the cold-weather accessory you’ve been wanting for years but never been able to find.

All in, excellent fall and winter jerseys for a couple of introverts. My sense is, that while the quality of this year’s collection from the company is already very high, the best of the Velits brothers, from a design sense, is yet still to come.

Watch this space…