MXA TEAM TESTED: FLY RACING EVOLUTION VERTIGO GEAR

WHAT IS IT? Fly’s Evolution Vertigo gear is their high-end product line, offering durability, style and forward-thinking design.

WHAT’S IT COST? $49.95 (jersey); $139.95 to $149.95 (pant).

CONTACT? www.flyracing.com or your local dealer.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Fly Racing Evolution Vertigo gear.

(1) Creativity. Fly’s top-of-the-line Evolution Vertigo pant has more bells and whistles than a fully loaded Cadillac. Let’s start with the hidden pocket inside the pant to keep your keys in when you’re going for a trail ride. There is a vent on each leg that can be zippered shut on cold days, and the buckle is held closed by magnets.

(2) Fit. Fly’s Vertigo pant has over 3 inches of adjustment on each side via the 2D buckle system. The size-32 pant fits well, but the same pant could be worn by a rider with a 30- or 34-inch waist. The cowhide leather knee panels make the pant more durable, and the knee area is also protected by hard rubber panels on the outside and additional padding on the inside.

(3) Jersey. The multi-panel construction ensures a comfortable fit. Thanks to the Lycra stretch collar and tag-less neck, the Fly jersey is easy to get into and out of. There are mesh panels along the sides and on the back of the jersey. Triangle-shaped stretch gussets are installed at the cuffs to ensure a good fit and to prevent the sleeves from rolling up while you are riding (or crashing).

(4) Errors. We like Fly’s forward-thinking attitude, but we have a few quibbles with their innovative ideas. The 2D buckle system has a ton of adjustment, but test riders could feel the rigid plastic against their waists. The magnetic buckling system worked great but attached itself to any metal part we got close to, including toolboxes and car fenders.

(5) Durability. The MXA wrecking crew had no durability issues with the Fly Evolution Vertigo gear. The leather patches on the knee panels did a great job of protecting the knee area, and, the buckle system aside, the pant was comfortable and moved with us on the bike. The jersey was plush, but we would like to see elbow padding for more protection.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We would like to see the 2D buckle system made out of a softer material and the magnetic buckle detuned.