Bend It Cycling Products

[Always-Learnin]

I purchased a recumbent jersey and shorts from Bend It Cycling Products and found their sizing chart was way off. I got a 3x jersey but it was much closer to a 1x in size. I purchased their Expedition Recumbent Shorts in 2x and they were way too large.

Has anyone else purchased from this company? What has been your experience? Was I just unlucky?

Is there any other site for recumbent jerseys and shorts?

Thanks...

 

[Always-Learnin]

I bought a pair of Expedition shorts and they were likewise bigger than expected. This is the most overpriced piece of clothing I have ever purchased. The material is good but the velcro tabs don't tighten up the leg properly while the strap width on the waist are to narrow. This causes them to twist and not do the job. They claim to be recumbent designed but the little flap on the left leg pocket is designed so that it catches air. I have since removed this pocket and cut off the velcro straps to tighten the legs. I hemmed up the legs and removed the waist straps. I'm happy with them now but there are lots of shorts as good in the $25-35 range.

I am not satisfied with the Expedition shorts either for the very reasons you enumerate.

 

[Mathew Fy]

For shorts without pockets I really like the feel and comfort of the Bend It "Elite Recumbent Shorts" and the "Elite Performance Bib Shorts," but I wear the bibs inside out because the seam between the shorts and mesh suspenders isn't flat. These are light and breathable shorts that I prefer over the Bouré "Elite Bent Short" and "Elite Bent Bib Short" which have good compression but feel a bit more bulky.
In both cases the Large size was perfect for me: 5'9" 195 lb.
For shorts with pockets I did not like the Bend It Expedition shorts at all.
There's a bit of discussion on jerseys here:
http://cruzbike.com/forum/threads/cruzbike-recumbent-jersey-ideas.11295/
For a jersey with pockets I think I'll try the Bend It recumbent jersey, maybe different sizes and keep the one that fits best.
I usually ride with Under Armour HeatGear Compression long sleeves for comfort, sun protection, and aerodynamics. No pockets on these, though.

 

[ratz]

Had a pair of the Performance Recumbent Shorts; the leg elastic was too tight and the rear seam was....let's say.... incompatible with the glide and slide technique when combined with the Ventisit seat. Not worth the price.

On the other had I have a pair of their Intrepid Shorts and they are the best shorts I own to wear over the top of bike shorts for the trip to and from a ride.

 

[ReklinedRider]

Very happy with the two Bend It jerseys i have. I can see where people may find them too small though--I'm 5'6" and 160#, and the Large is a good fit.
Never bought any of their shorts.

 

[Always-Learnin]

Very happy with the two Bend It jerseys i have. I can see where people may find them too small though--I'm 5'6" and 160#, and the Large is a good fit.
Never bought any of their shorts.

I'm 5'10" and 225#s (working on that)...I was very surprised that the 3XL was way too small for me.

 

[Robert O]

As an alternative, I'm wearing Aero Tech Designs' Men's Pro Compression Recumbent Shorts (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/meunpr.html). No pockets, purely a cycling short, but comfortable and made from a nice weight material. I've had one pair for a couple of years, the other two for a year or so, and all are holding up well.

 

[Always-Learnin]

I ordered two jerseys from Aero Tech Designs using their sizing chart, but found them too tight and way too long for my taste. I also found the three front pockets too large and "flimsy" to carry much more than a bar or two. I would not be comfortable trying to carry my phone, keys, etc., in them because of this. Perhaps velcro could be sewed in to close the pockets, but I'm no seamstress. Just my 2 cents. YMMV.

http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/recumbent-cycling-jerseys.html

 

[trapdoor2]

Did my 25mi ride last Saturday in my new "Expedition 2.o" shorts from Bend-it.
The fit is excellent (XL) and the shorts were comfy...but a little hot for the weather. They're going to be great this fall.
I also found that the little leg pocket flaps were probably designed by a DF rider. They do a great job as a pair of small air-brakes. Although I was able to stuff in a single energy-chew packet into each (barely), they won't be used again. The 'ventilation' zippers in the back will never be used by me. I tried them when I got hot and felt no change.
The zippered pockets worked quite well and I had no trouble with the leg Velcro. The waist adjuster straps are indeed a lousy design, should have been done in Velcro.
Otherwise, I'm satisfied with them. I wish they weren't black. The "royal blue" wasn't in stock when I ordered.

I also ordered a couple of the Recumbent Jerseys...way, way too small for their listed size. I might be able to jam myself in them when I drop another 50 lbs...maybe more.

 

[Always-Learnin]

I also ordered a couple of the Recumbent Jerseys...way, way too small for their listed size. I might be able to jam myself in them when I drop another 50 lbs...maybe more.

My experience exactly. I'm going to give them one more try...I normally wear a 2 XL with some room, so I have ordered the largest they have, a 4XL. Here's hoping.

Update:

I finally found a couple of jerseys that actually fit. The 4XL fit me like a traditional 2XL from other companies.

 

[Triker 845]

I have had problems with BIC in the past. Size is always the issue. I got an item yesterday that was a large when I ordered and paid extra for a 3X. They take their sweet time about returns so this is the last time I'll deal with them.