Olympia Avenger Suit Strikes!

We aren't quite sure who will be taking the punishing, but Olympia has stuck hard with their new mesh suit. The hawkishly named Olympia Avenger One Piece Mesh Suit fills a niche that has virtually no competition. There is no substantial opponent in the mesh suit category so Olympia takes this one by storm.

Aggressively tailored to befit the commuter, the Olympia Avenger Mesh Suit is constructed with 500D Cordura and ballistic airflow nylon mesh panels. For the summer months, there isn't a more convenient option for staying cool. High leg-zips and a low main entry zipper make it a breeze to put on even while wearing boots. In essence, this is the one piece version of the Renegade Jacket and Pants from Olympia, however, the price point makes it a bargain over buying the pieces separately. Three storage pockets and an interior cell phone pocket all you to stash your essentials without the need for an extra bag or compartment. A custom fit is achieved by operating the adjusters at the collar, cuffs, elbows and waist. In addition to the Black/Pewter a High-Viz/Black option will scream attention from the cagers.

Between the Avenger and the Odyssey, one could easily face most any riding condition without the need for another jacket or pant.

- ckZilla
Follow Me on G+

New Olympia Odyssey One Piece Suit

While some may scoff at the unconventional looks of a one-piece textile suit, Olympia knows that this is a commuter's best friend. Simple and easy to don and doff, yet extraordinarily warm and dry, a one-piece waterproof suit can make all the difference on your daily grind or your extravagant adventure. New for 2013, your favorite American textiles company will be bringing the Olympia Odyssey One Piece Suit to the table.

Sold as a replacement to the Olympia Phantom, the Odyssey evidences several leaps forward in technology. Constructed with an astonishing 2000D Cordura shell, which is interspersed with 500D Cordura for mobility, the Olympia Odyssey Suit is the ultimate in abrasion resistance. While the shell is completely waterproof, a series of zippers allow for direct venting when open and keep water out when closed. The interior liner is now laminated to the outer shell as opposed to a zip-in mesh lining on the Phantom. This process reduces bulk and improves fit. On the outside, a heavier DWR coating is applied to encourage water to bead and roll off, completely bypassing the waterproof liner all together.

The main zipper extends from the neck to below the waist, diagonally. Combined with a side-leg zipper that reaches up to the hip, this makes entry with boots a breeze. The Odyssey boasts 6 storage pockets, of which the exterior are waterproof. Personally, I've always been skeptical about one-piece textile suits, however, when Olympia stopped by a few weeks ago to show us their pre-production model, I had an opportunity to try this on. I was greatly impressed with the comfort and fit of the suit. As a year-round commuter I appreciate the 'total coverage' of knowing that you will arrive dry and warm.

As you might expect, the Olympia Odyssey Suit is available in High-Viz as well, providing a high contrast approach for the cage-conscientious rider.

- ckZilla
Follow Me on G+

Spring 2013 Reveals Women's Olympia Airglide 4

Olympia has faithfully produced several women's versions of their jackets for many years. While this appeals the the fashionable passenger for many, it also fills the ever-noticeable gap in functional riding gear for women. These selections are not watered down versions of a men's jacket, but rather fully-featured jackets cut and styled specifically for women. Spring 2013 is no disappointment to this pattern as we eagerly wait for the Olympia Women's Airglide 4 Jacket.

Right away, you will notice the complete redesign of the color blocking and the placement of a few new and a few re-positioned mesh panels. While this is a well executed update to the style, it is also a functional upgrade in that the ventilation has actually been improved over the Women's Airglide 3. The fit is fully adjustable, as you would expect, including hip-zips that allow for up to 4 inches of expansion at the base of the jacket. On the inside, the destination layer two-stage liner has also received a face lift. A more detailed finish helps the liner to stand out on its own, while also improving the seal against the weather.



There are other carryovers from the Airglide 3, like the reflective piping for nighttime visibility or the neoprene and microfiber at the neck and cuff for added comfort. The launching colors will be Black, Silver/Pewter, Pewter/Black and High-Viz/Black. Overall, we do not expect the line to skip a beat with the Olympia Women's Airglide 4.


- ckZilla
Follow Me on G+

Olympia Airglide 4 Jacket Available Spring 2013

The staple of the Olympia brand has long been their Airglide Jacket. For 2013, we are getting a re-fresh of the style as well as some improvements to keep the ball rolling. Available this Spring, we expect the Olympia Airglide 4 Jacket to be a home run, in sequence with Olympia's well-established pedigree for this model.

Though it may not seem possible, the most substantial upgrade to the Olympia Airglide 4 is actually more airflow! Olympia has added several key mesh panels to improve ventilation, mainly across the outside of the arms.  However, the 500D Cordura textile shell still exists as the protective framework to which the mesh is sewn. In addition, the front and back paneling have been re-designed for a fresh new look as well as a more optimized positioning of Cordura vs mesh. The interior destination liner has also been redesigned and now includes a stand-up collar and a better overall finish to help seal out the cold. Carried over from the Airglide 3, this liner is two stage, providing both a waterproof membrane and Thermolite inner layer.


Olympia will be launching the jacket in 4 distinct colors: Black, Silver/Pewter, Pewter/Black, and HighViz/Black. While we may not see additional color this year, we anticipate the addition of other options down the line as is the usual pattern. Particularly with the High-Viz/Black, you can see the attention to detail with the bold styling and clean color blocking. High-Viz is no longer just a function, but now a fashion. One other point of note: Olympia is now shaping their sleeves slightly thinner so as to help keep the armor more stable against your shoulder and elbow. However, you will still have the ability to adjust the sleeve as needed.


We hope to see this begin shipping in February 2013, just in time for that first thaw of Spring!

- ckZilla
Follow Me on G+

New Olympia Renegade Jacket & Pants

While we won't condone the unconventional behavior that its name implies, we will recommend the highly functional, summer option that Olympia will release for 2013. The Olympia Renegade Jacket and Pants are a  very basic, but necessary, component to a rider's gear closet.

One of the first things a rider learns when rejecting the doctrines of 4-Wheel Cagism and defecting to the 2-wheel faith is the increased effect that temperature has on your riding comfort. The Renegade is designed to provide maximum airflow in the summer months without compromising on protection. Cut from a combination of 500D Cordura fabric and ballistic Nylon mesh, the Renegade features a clean retro style with a twinge of attitude. As usual, Olympia ensures that you will not go unnoticed by including 3M Scotchlite piping, as well as offering a high-viz option.


In addition to the Black/Silver pictured above and the High-Viz option, the jacket is available in a Silver/Black, Black/Red, and Black/Blue. The Olympia Renegade Pants come in just two colors: Black/Pewter and Silver/Pewter. The pants feature a boot-cut bottom as well as Olympia's EZ Hem system that allows for a quick length alteration by a tailor or your local seamstress. While there is an 8" connection zipper to the jacket, you can also use a belt through the provided loops to secure the pants.

Basic doesn't always mean cheap and cheap doesn't always mean low-quality. The Renegade will come in firmly under $200, providing excellent competition to the current air-mesh market.

- ckZilla
Follow Me on G+