Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey and Taila Short - Review

Aug 8, 2017
by Lauren Jenkins  
Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey and Taila Short Review. Photo Sam Dugon
Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey and Taila Short.


Swiss brand, Zimtstern have been on the rise in the European mountain bike scene over the past few years. With roots in snow, Zimtstern now produce ski, snowboard, and bike apparel. Started by two snowboarders back in 1995 the crossover and influences can be seen throughout the line with Zimtstern not shying away from using a range of colors and designs in their bike range. The brand offer an extensive range of women's bike kit for all disciplines in a mix of colors which is a bold, refreshing move from a relatively small brand.

Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey
• Freeride line
• Lift pass pocket
• Drop tail
• Sanitized® finish
• Zippered pocket for valuables
• 100% polyester
• Colors: Moss, Ink Blue or Spice Red
• Sizes: XS–XL
• MSRP: €74.95
Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey


Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey and Taila Short Review Photo Sam Dugon
3/4 sleeves with room for lightweight elbow pads.
Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey and Taila Short Review Photo Sam Dugon
Zipped jersey pocket


The Kelzie comes from Zimtstern's freeride line offering a relaxed fit, 3/4 sleeves and bluesign approved with Line Tec and Blender fabrics (meaning it's manufactured in an environmentally friendly way). There's also the added bonus of the wicking material and odor-inhibiting Santized® finish which means you should dry pretty quickly and inevitable odors should be kept at bay if things get a little warm. Other jersey features include a zipped pocket with room for something like a lift pass, keys or a bank card. There's also a dropped tail to stop it from rising up when you ride. The Kelzie has minimal branding, so while the jersey comes in Moss (shown), Ink Blue or Spice Red with a star design, the branding is a rather subtle small label on the bottom corner, with the Zimtstern name printed along the elastic hem. Retailing at €74.95 the website indicates this cost includes VAT and shipping costs within Europe.


Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey and Taila Short Review



Despite belonging to the trail line, the Talia shorts are a great accompaniment to the Kelzie jersey. Not too tight or too loose and created with a stretchy Fineflex fabric they are designed for comfort on the trail. An adjustable Velcro waistband means you can find a comfortable fit and the cargo pocket means they remain functional without becoming overly cumbersome. Available in Purple Mel (shown), Greener Mel, Ink Blue Mel, Iron Mel, and Moss Mel the Talia come with a DWR finish (water and dirt repellent) whilst still remaining lightweight and durable. Other features include mesh-lined zippers for when things get more than a little toasty, two open side pockets and a contoured waist band. Retailing at €109.95 the Talia meet the bluesign® criteria and come with VAT and shipping cost included within Europe.


Zimtstern Taila Short Details
• Trail Short
• Splitech™ Velcros at Waistband
• Mesh-Lined Waistband
• Mesh-Lined Ventilation System
• 66% nylon / 28% polyester / 6% spandex
• 4-way stretch and DWR
• Cargo Pockets
• Colors: Purple Mel (shown), Greener Mel, Ink Blue Mel, Iron Mel and Moss Mel
• Sizes: XS–XL
• MSRP: €109.95
Zimtstern Taila Short


Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey and Taila Short Review Photo Sam Dugon
For when you've reached peak temperature.
Zimtstern Kelzie Jersey and Taila Short Review
Velcro and button closure system

Performance

With the risk of sounding 60 years older than I am, this kit combination is a little 'louder' than I'd usually opt for, often sticking to my tried and tested stealth preferences, maybe being a little adventurous with some grey once in a while, blue at a push, putting this on made me feel a little like a Power Ranger, like there was going to be some kind of expectation that I was going to be speeding off down the trails in my 'oh look at me' kit. However, having come to terms with the fact the above is all just me, I grew to really like the more colorful kit wearing version of myself. Following months of wearing this kit at home, abroad and for things like press camps (as my Instagram will definitely attest) it's become one of my favorites.

I opted for size medium in both jersey and short and while I'll admit back in April they were a little snug, a few weeks of riding meant they didn't feel too tight when worn with padded shorts and according to the size guide on the site the medium was the correct sizing. Length wise the shorts, which often seems to be the case with me, come up a little short (I'm no giant at 5'9") but thankfully there's no dreaded gap between kneepad and hem. The stretchy material means there's room for a reasonably sized trail pad, I've mostly been riding with lightweight trail pads but it's worth noting, however, the hem itself does not stretch meaning you may struggle if you have anything too wide on the knee.

Taila Short: I would have liked for the shorts to be just a little longer but it has little detriment to performance and even when pedaling the shorts don't rise up to reveal a gap. I don't often use the open pockets but the zipped pocket has ample room for my phone, keys and a snack, falling just to the side of the leg so it doesn't become a nuisance when you're pedaling. As much as I thought I wouldn't use the vents they were a huge bonus when riding out in Sospel earlier this year when it got too hot I just popped them open and it helped to cool me down, back home in more modest, Welsh temperatures it's a feature I don't really make use of as the shorts are fairly breathable as they are. There's also a little mantra of sorts printed inside the hem of the leg that reads, 'Santa Stella, protect me from car drivers, snake bites and broken bones,' which is a little quirky but I quite like it. The shorts have held up well following a few months of fairly regular use, the fit is comfortable and they are pretty lightweight which means they are the ones I grab quite often when I'm off out riding.

Kelzie Jersey: The jersey is a little on the thick side for me, perfect for rides when things are a little cooler, but as someone who gets hot very easily, I found myself overheating on climbs at times. Luckily the Kelzie dries pretty quickly so any moisture was gone once I'd cooled down a little. The material is super soft and feels great on, the cut is really nice, it's loose but not baggy so when you're descending there are no issues with the jersey flapping around. Again in terms of length, I would like it to be a little longer, not by much but as more of a personal preference rather than anything against performance. The three-quarter sleeves are a personal favorite, I don't often ride in short sleeves and find myself pulling long sleeves up so this is the best of both worlds. I had plenty of room for slim, lightweight elbow guards when I needed them, but you may struggle with hard shell pads. The color has lasted well through washes and mud, there is no visible staining and the material has retained its softness which is a huge plus (washing on 40-degree cycle and no tumble drying) Overall I like the feel, fit and color and how nice it feels on.


Pinkbike's Take:
bigquotesFunctional, well-designed kit that offers the option for mixing and matching with other lines.Lauren Jenkins







MENTIONS: @SaskiaD



Author Info:
laurenjenkins avatar

Member since Jan 10, 2012
105 articles

41 Comments
  • 25 2
 It sure is refreshing to see women's mountain bike gear reviewed like mountain bike gear. Excellent review.
  • 12 5
 Are you Mr. Burns from the Simpsons?
  • 9 0
 LOL at the prices.
  • 6 0
 They're Swiss so it's automatically expensive.
  • 2 1
 They are a bit pricey, but if you compare to a competitor like Shredly, the Zimtstern offering isn't so bad. With Shredly, you are stuck with some very strange print choices, and less features, and Shredly will cost you $100 USD. These shorts appear to be very well thought out, and arguably better looking.
If my wife wasnt pregnant with twins right now, Id probably buy her a pair for her birthday.
  • 1 0
 @rallyimprezive: Yeah I don't feel like it's all that bad. I was actually interested enough to go check out their website and I decided I wanted to buy a kit. But it doesn't look like they will ship to North America.
  • 4 1
 I agree with the shorts are too short issue - I personally cannot stand when I have a sliver of thigh exposed between my shorts and my knee pads - too annoying. Not bad though - not sure the jersey would fit anyone with biceps though....women are not built like birds - well at least this one sure isn't. Something between super fitted and clownsh would be great.
  • 3 0
 Luckily no dreaded gap but a tiny bit longer and they'd be perfect. Luckily I'm lacking in the guns department, here's hoping it still fits nicely if I decide to do something about going to the gym over the winter. The arms aren't mega tight but there's not a huge amount of room if you want big elbow pads or do happen to have larger than 'average' biceps.
  • 1 1
 Perfectly said
  • 3 2
 I'm not trolling here, honest, but what's wrong with Lycra? I have always been a lifelong mountain biker. But then when my mountain bike was stolen I was forced to become a roadie because I had no other option--and wearing lightweight form fitting clothing just felt 'faster' like it became invisible while riding. So whereas at first I hated looking like a lame roadie-in-tights I began to appreciate it for its functional benefits. So, why does mountain bike clothing have to be baggy? Can it not have zippers and pockets but still be minimal? Like why do you need pants that go down to your knees, and jerseys that look like they came out of a 90s boy band music video? What functional benefit does riding around in pyjamas offer other than going for a fashion statement?

When I buy a new bike this fall I am going to be that dork who wears shorty short shorts with Lycra-- just cause I don't need all that excess garment rubbing around.
  • 3 0
 When you crash and rip open lycra shorts, it becomes a slight problem. Wearing baggy shorts over a chamois protects this from happening in most cases. And when you're riding through trails that have large bushes or weeds, those longer shorts and sleeves protect your skin from getting torn up too. I can't speak to the crazy designs though...
  • 3 0
 There is nothing wrong with Lycra. In terms of function, the only advantage of baggies I can think off is that in case of a crash, chances are you will have less abrasions and no torn up shorts (because the baggie short slides on the liner). But a lot of people, myself included, feel more comfortable in lose fit clothing because it feels less exposed, more fashionable, and it is less of an eyesore than the average mamil.
  • 1 1
 The primary benefit is that it is now increasingly cool to obsess over one's riding pajamas.
  • 1 1
 would make more sense for the zipper to pull to open up rather than down on the leg, that way they a. won't fall open, b. won't snag the saddle and c. won't piss the rider off rubbing the saddle..
  • 5 0
 When I made shorts the purpose of down opening is so a rider can open the vent with one hand while riding, plus you need to vent the top zipper area near the crotch, not so much the lower thigh
  • 1 0
 I know this is clothing for women, but I've found that shorts with this type of closure system never fit right. I much prefer the ones with the built in belt straps.
  • 2 0
 Sheeps step in line, SPECIAL price only for you ...
  • 1 0
 I see sheeple. Sheeple are everywhere
  • 2 2
 Not sure why mtb shorts have gotten so short..into the 12s and low 13s in terms of inseam length. Maybe ok for small-med, def not for large-xl.
  • 6 1
 I mean do trail shorts really need to cover your knees? Better not to for breathability. This isn't a DH specific garment.
  • 1 0
 @andnyleswillriot: It's just personal preference at the end of the day. Some people may prefer things a little shorter and I imagine most garments are sized based on the average, meaning it will work for the majority. I see your point, though.
  • 1 0
 @andnyleswillriot: most newer shorts go to my mid thigh when i sit down/pedal...tight crotch too.
Yes I know, tje eirobstyle short shorts are back..i c it all the time at the beach.
And most of em def do not surf.
Walking shorts and riding shorts shouldn't be the same cut.
  • 2 0
 Looks like you're ready for Mardi Gras just add green.
  • 4 3
 Are you sure that there is no mistake or a typo in listed prices?
  • 8 2
 No, all prices are correct, the pricing factors in VAT and postage too (according to the Zimtstern site).
  • 3 0
 @laurenjenkins: and don't forget it's a swiss brand..with swiss style pricing too....
  • 1 0
 How do they make my butt look? Wink
  • 5 3
 Who likes short shorts?
  • 3 0
 Don't mind them, just prefer something a little longer for riding Wink
  • 1 0
 The Flying People People Eater!
  • 1 0
 Purple People Eater.
  • 1 0
 Long John
  • 2 0
 Who likes short shorts? We like short shorts. If you dare wear short shorts, Nair for short shorts.

damn I am old...
  • 1 0
 We can't get Zimtstern in North America though, right?
  • 3 3
 I think that last picture might qualify as porn
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