The Club Ride DSG skirt (the acronym is a mystery) isn't something I'd usually wear, but having tested it I'm won over – it's going to be a commuting staple this summer.

Primarily, it's all about the look – I like the cute, netball skirt styling with the pleats, and the seam on the bias at the front. It's stylish enough to get away with keeping it on at work for the day as a 'normal' skirt. This one is in a subtle check called Cosmic Raven, but it's also available in plain grey and a stone colour. The skirt goes well with Club Ride's strappy Phoenix top for warm summer rides – with the outfit on you look like you could be off to a disco rather than on a bike ride!

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Aside from appearance, it's super-comfy – the material is so lightweight you can't really feel you're wearing it. The waistband sits low on the hips (with an internal drawcord to adjust it) and the polyester fabric has 7% Spandex added to make it super stretchy widthways. It's quick drying too, so if you get caught in a shower it's no drama. The skirt does up with a simple zip at the back, with a material baffle to prevent accidental snagging. There are no buttons or hooks to fiddle with.

As with most of Club Ride's range, the fit is relaxed so I opted for a size down from the medium one photographed, which was a bit too low slung to be practical. To preserve your modesty on the bike, you need to wear Lycra shorts underneath, although if you have perfect pins you could show them off and team it up with some padded shorts-style underwear (Club Ride do a selection). Just bear in mind if you do any out-of-the-saddle climbing, you'll be flashing your derrière at the riders behind!

The DSG sports a diagonally zipped pocket on the front hip, which is spacious enough for keys and an iPhone, and very handy for a train ticket. There's a reflective logo below it as well as a tag on the left-hand side – being an American company their clothing is designed to be seen by right-hand lane motorists.

This skirt has converted me – I wouldn't feel comfortable commuting in Lycra shorts on their own as I travel part way by train and on foot (walking through the city centre in Lycra is not a good look!), so being able to wear them underneath a skirt is an ideal solution. I think it's well worth the price tag, especially as it can double up as casual clothing.

Verdict

A cute and useful skirt that injects some femininity into your cycling wardrobe

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Club Ride DSG Womens Skirt

Size tested: Womens, medium , DSG Skirt, Cosmic Raven

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

This skirt is aimed at women who want to ride in comfort and look good at the same time. As with all Club Ride clothing, it's designed to be worn off the bike as well so you don't need to change before mingling with non-bikie types. It fits into this category well.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

PowerWeave™ – Lightweight, breathable, wicking, quick-drying fabric

Stretch for comfort & movement

Zippered storage pocket

Front draw cord adjustment system

Quick-dry for moisture control

RideLight™ reflective accents

Sport fit

Outseam: 13"

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Very well finished.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

The fabric feels robust, despite being lightweight and thin.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
10/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Might seem a lot to spend on something that's not strictly 'necessary' but it's a fair price for a piece of well designed and well made clothing.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It does the job well – it adds some modesty and looks good, and the fabric is good quality.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The appearance.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 170cm  Weight: 60kg

I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er  My best bike is: Giant Anthem X1

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, mountain biking, audax