Fresh Produce | Alpinestars A-Dura Kit

Alpinestars are best known in the motorsports industry, with its cycling kit often flying under the radar. Despite this, the brand has clearly transferred its 50 years of experience in developing performance sportswear into the recently released A-Dura line of clothing and A-Motion knee pads, which Nick has been riding in over the past few weeks.

We loved the Alpinestars gear, but Nick’s biggest smile was for the giant, fluffy ‘Dulux’ dog playing in the park.

A-Dura Dri Oscar Jersey – Short Sleeve | $99.95

Made from recycled drirelease fabric, the A-Dura short-sleeved jersey features a relaxed fit with a longer drop tail at the back. This particular jersey is only available in black with screen-printed reflective logos and it is offered in a long-sleeve version for those looking for some extra coverage. What impressed us the most was the texture and finish of the drirelease fabric, which looks and feels similar to a lightweight cotton, but with the breathability and wicking of polyester.

A-Dura Liner Shorts | $129.95

The A-Dura shorts are the brand’s classic all-round shorts aimed at the trail/enduro crowd. Fashioned from durable 2-way stretch fabric, the material provides a comfortable degree of mobility, albeit slightly less than those made from 4-way stretch fabric. Featuring a dependable double snap closure, a side waist adjuster for a personalised fit, and two zippered mesh-lined pockets for snacks and personal items, we found the shorts did the basics well without the need for a whole lot more. The in-built liner is a brilliant addition, which is removable via snap-buttons for those who prefer to ride without.

The fit was true-to-size with plenty of adjustment in the waist buckle adjuster for the perfect fit. We appreciated the slightly longer length to keep the knee-pad cuffs covered, along with the slightly slimmer fit around the thighs, however this will depend on your preference for style and fit.

The A-Dura shorts nailed the basics and avoided overcomplicating things

A-Dura Gloves | $64.95

The A-Dura Gloves proved to be a real standout, with a snug overall fit and thin profile. The suede palm provided an excellent feel of the grips, while an upper is a blend of polyester spandex offering flexibility and comfort, finished with a generous neoprene cuff. The large yet low-profile velcro strap on the A-Dura’s keep them snug without adding bulk to the gloves, proving as an compelling alternative to those who typically opt for strapless gloves.

A-Motion Plasma Pro Knee Pads | $134.95

The A-Motion Plasma Pro knee pads are the brand’s lightweight knee protection offering, designed for all-day pedal missions without skimping on protection. The removable inserts are made from the brand’s proprietary bio-based Nucleon PLASMA material, which conforms to the contours of the knee and meets the EN 1621-1:2012 Level 2 protection rating.

We found the breathable stretch mesh to be incredibly comfortable during long pedal days on the bike, with no chafing or discomfort, and the elasticated silicone cuffs prevent any slippage when pedalling. For big-days on the bike when you are earning the vertical and comfort is a priority, the A-Motion Plasma Pro’s are up there as some of the best in our opinion. For those looking for a little more protection for shuttle days, Alpinestars offer their A-Impact Plasma Elite which forgoes the pedalling comfort for additional padding.