Ballards riding gear is improving all the time. On a recent ride with GB, we spotted his handy pants with a pocket located at the front. ADB Editor Mitch Lees was so stoked with the idea he insisted Ballards send us a kit to test out. So we have been running this Ballards Riding kit, the jersey and pants, for a few months and can report that it’s the bomb.

WE LIKED

COMFORTABLE. I’m no midget, so having something that fit my bulky (read: getting wider) midriff and monkey arms is no mean feat. The 2XL jersey fits well, and even my long monkey arms are accommodated. There is room for body armour under, and the zipper at the front makes for easy on/off and breathability. Zip it down in the heat, up in the cold. The venting at the rear gives breathability.

PROTECTION. The pants are a great fit, and afford good gripping of the bike, padding and venting. There are no zippers for additional vents, but they do have Velcro around the waist to ensure a snug fit.

STORAGE. Always a tricky one with nylon pants of any design. Some prefer no pockets, some like them in the sides for phone and wallet storage – the caveat here is if you fall on your side, you’re likely to break your phone or worse, land on something and push your keys into your leg. These particular pants have a brainwave idea from GB to provide a pocket that clips in front of the zipper separate to the pants themself (yet integrated into the design) that can house your snacks, keys and phone.

WE DIDN’T LIKE

PACKAGE. All sounds good in theory – but the caveat here is your packing stuff above your own package! Generally small items are no issue, but for some this could be uncomfortable. Phone size also comes into consideration – my iphone 15pro will fit in there with no case – but if I have my Quadlock case on the phone, it’s just a bit too big to zip up. Think of it like a small bumbag that’s worn to the front and integrated in.

VERDICT

Ballards riding gear has always been good value and these reiterated just that. Great price point, great quality and no signs of any wear as yet. We like the adjustability and options for storage and venting. These are a good looking outfit suitable for the masses, and ADB has no qualms in recommending them. Thanks to Ballards for the kit!

Jersey can be found online:

https://www.mxstore.com.au/p/Ballards-Black-Loam-Jersey/BA-BLJ-c

Pant can be found online:

https://www.mxstore.com.au/p/Ballards-Black-Loam-Pants/BA-BLP-c

Bernie den Hertog