Ted Baker Bikegeo Bike Wheel Long Sleeve Shirt

If you're on the hunt for clothing that looks sharp on and off the bike with technical features to boot, then the Ted Baker Bikegeo shirt is definitely one for the wishlist.

The Bikegeo shirt is the second piece of kit we've had the chance to try out from Ted Baker's Raising the Handlebars collection. The aim of the range is to combine "a stylish smart-casual look with bike-friendly detail". At first glance it ticks boxes in both the style and detail departments, so straight from the hanger it's off to a good start.

The shirt is covered in an eye catching geometric chainring pattern, which at first might sound like a 'CYCLIST APPROACHING!' klaxon, but it's actually pretty understated. The cut falls slightly on the relaxed side of fitted. It looks good off the bike and leaves enough room to be comfortable when riding. The back is dropped slightly lower than your average shirt to avoid baring any flesh when you're reaching forward for the bars. There's a button-down collar and a breast pocket with a button fastening. It's available in either red or navy, and sizing ranges from XS (34in chest) to XXXL (46in chest).

The material is a mix of 97% cotton and 3% elastane, which gives it a degree of stretch when you're on the bike. It really does seem to make a difference. Having ridden in standard shirts plenty of times before they can become restrictive around the shoulders when reaching forward, but the extra stretch here makes it much more comfortable. There's a small piece of contrasting material at the base of each seam to add some additional strength where the riding position is going to have an impact.

Your friends, colleagues, and anyone else in sniffing distance, will be pleased to know that the cotton is also treated with an antibacterial finish to help prevent any unpleasant odours when you're off the bike. There are also three eyelets under each armpit allowing air to circulate and keep things a bit cooler, although the impact these have is minimal.

The Bikegeo shirt has a selection of subtle bike-friendly features that are really handy. If you fold back the cuffs and turn up the collar you'll find strips of reflective trim helping you to stay visible in gloomy conditions. There's also a discreet pocket with a concealed zip near the bottom of the right seam, big enough to store a mobile phone and some cash. However, it's not the most sturdy of pockets so you wouldn't want to load it up with too many heavy items as it will start to sag.

As is expected from a brand like Ted Baker, they certainly haven't cut any corners when it comes to details. The buttons are all adorned with a wheel spoke design, there's contrasting coloured trim under the buttons and on the cuffs, and a contrasting chain link pattern inside the cuffs. All nice touches that show the level of consideration has gone into the design.

The sticking issue for many is going to be the price tag: £95 is a lot of money for a shirt. However, if you're buying from the Ted Baker stable then you'll already be expecting the price tag to carry some heft. Shirts from their other ranges come in at a similar price, and they don't have the cycle friendly features, so you might even argue you're getting good value for your money within the Ted Baker-sphere. It's a well made shirt with neat features, so you can be assured you'll be getting quality when parting with your cash.

Verdict

A sharp and stylish shirt, with subtle bike friendly features, that ticks all the right boxes on and off the bike