If you have spent any time scrolling through Instagram or cycling forums lately, you have probably noticed a surge in people wearing skiroko gear. I am talking about those sleek, often brightly patterned jerseys and those distinctive sunglasses that seem to be popping up on every group ride from the Peak District to the Surrey Hills. For a long time, I was skeptical. We’ve all seen brands that focus more on marketing than actual performance, but curiosity eventually got the better of me.
I decided to put their kit to the test over the last few months, through spring showers, early summer heatwaves, and everything in between. Here is my take on whether this brand lives up to the hype and if it deserves a spot in your kit drawer.
The First Impressions: Why the Hype?
When you first land on the official website, it’s hard not to be drawn in by the aesthetics. The designs are bold. They aren’t just plain black or white; they have personality. But as any cyclist knows, looks mean nothing if the seams start popping after the third wash or if the chamois feels like a diaper.
My first purchase was a pair of their K3 glasses. I’ve owned expensive Oakleys and cheap supermarket sunnies, and I usually find myself somewhere in the middle. The K3s felt surprisingly premium out of the box. They have a good weight to them—not heavy, but sturdy enough that they don’t feel like they’ll snap if you drop them on a cafe floor.
Putting the Gear to the Test
I took the kit out on a 100km ride to see how it would handle long hours in the saddle. The first thing I noticed was the fit. It’s definitely a “race fit,” meaning it’s snug. If you prefer a loose, club-style fit, you might want to size up. However, once I was in the drops, the jersey didn’t flap in the wind, and the silicon grippers at the hem held everything in place perfectly.
The bib shorts were the real test. Most budget-friendly brands fail at the chamois. They are either too thin, leading to saddle sores, or too bulky, creating friction. Siroko seems to have found a happy middle ground. I didn’t experience any of that dreaded “chafing” on the inner thighs, even when the humidity in the UK spiked during a mid-July heatwave.
What about other cyclists? I asked a few friends who had also made the switch. Here is what they had to say:
“I bought the M3 jerseys because I loved the designs, but I was surprised by how breathable the fabric actually is. I’ve used them on several 4-hour rides and they dry out really fast after a climb.” — David P., London
“For the price point, you really can’t beat the sunglasses. I’ve lost two pairs of expensive shades on trails, so moving to these was a no-brainer. The optics are surprisingly crisp.” — Sarah L., Bristol
The Glasses: Are They Actually Any Good?
The skiroko eyewear line is probably their most famous category, and for good reason. The K3 and K3s models have interchangeable lenses, which is essential for the unpredictable UK weather. One minute you’re in bright sunshine, the next you’re riding under heavy tree cover or gray clouds. Being able to swap lenses in under 30 seconds is a massive plus.
I’ve crashed once in these glasses (don’t ask), and they held up better than my ego did. The frame didn’t shatter, and the lenses didn’t scratch as easily as some other mid-range brands I’ve used in the past. They provide great peripheral vision, which makes a huge difference when you’re checking for traffic on busy roundabouts.
Durability: Does It Last?
One of the biggest concerns with lower-cost cycling apparel is longevity. Will the jersey sag after ten washes? Will the bibs turn transparent? After about three months of heavy use and regular laundry cycles, my set is still looking strong. The colors haven’t faded, and the fabric remains elastic.
A fellow rider who has been using the brand for over a year noted:
“I was worried that the cheaper price would mean the kit would disintegrate in a year. But my bibs have held their compression perfectly. It’s actually refreshing to see a company not charging ‘pro-peloton’ prices for something that actually works for regular people.” — Mark T., Manchester
It’s important to remember to wash them properly, though. Don’t throw them in a high-heat dryer. Keep it cool and hang them to dry, and they will definitely go the distance.
Is there a downside?
Nothing is perfect. If I had to pick a gripe, it would be the sizing consistency. While most of their stuff fits true to their size chart, some of the windbreakers fit slightly differently than the jerseys. You definitely need to check the specific size guide for each item before you click buy. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does require a little more attention than just assuming ‘Medium’ works across the board.
Final Thoughts
If you are tired of spending £200+ on a single pair of bib shorts just to get a brand name on the leg, this is a breath of fresh air. Siroko fills that gap between the ‘disposable’ gear you buy on random marketplaces and the ultra-premium boutique brands that cost a month’s rent.
My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The gear feels modern, the optics on the glasses are clear, and the overall look fits perfectly into the modern cycling aesthetic. If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank, I’d suggest giving them a try. Just make sure you double-check those measurements before you checkout!
One more piece of feedback from a local club member sums it up nicely:
“I used to only buy the big Italian brands, but honestly, I don’t see the point anymore. I’d rather have three sets of Siroko kit that I can rotate throughout the week than one set that I have to wash immediately after every single ride.” — Elena G., Edinburgh
At the end of the day, cycling is about getting out there and enjoying the ride. Having gear that keeps you comfortable and doesn’t stress your wallet makes that much easier. If you want to check out their latest collections, you can find everything you need on their site.
Have you tried any of their gear yet? Let me know in the comments below—I’m curious to see if others have had the same experience with the sizing or if I just have weird proportions! Stay safe on the roads.
