Danny Shane. The Perfect Kit When You Don’t Want to Kit-Up.

Danny Shane makes what just may be the perfect attire for those rides where you don’t necessarily need or want to look like you’re lining up for a time trial.  Granted, I’m not going to argue the relevance and even necessity of spandex for serious cycling, but there are just some rides that take you to places where you’d rather look a little more casual while off the bike.

Whether your destination is a coffee shop, pub, restaurant, grocery store, or a friend’s BBQ, the Danny Shane casual line of cycling and active polos combined with the active shorts make a great alternative to showing up wearing your team kit.

You will still turn heads when wearing Danny Shane’s polos and shorts, but it will be because of the styling and quality of the garments; not because you’re wearing an outfit that even Richard Simmons might be self-conscious to walk around in.  The Cycling Polo collection features 4 different designs, while the Active Polo line currently offers 12 designs to choose from.  The styling blends just the right amount of classic and modern along with a casual sophistication so that you’re not overdressed for backyard PBRs, nor under-dressed while standing around discussing the delicate peppery undertones slightly masked by the medium oakiness of the Chardonnay in your glass.

This doesn’t mean that the Danny Shane casual gear is unprepared for being on the bike.  The fabrics of the Cycling and Active Polos wick moisture and are plenty breathable for hot ride cruising or hard efforts.  In addition, the quick drying Bamboo White Ash fabric doesn’t have you sitting around in drenched clothing.  The Cycling Polos incorporate a single zipped rear pocket for stashing small items.  The Active Polos do not feature a rear pocket and have a slightly looser cut.

The lack of a pocket on the polo is not a concern when teamed with the Danny Shane Metropolitan Active Lifestyle Short.  Every pocket on the short is zipped.  There is a small pocket on the right leg that is the perfect size for a smartphone or a road tube and levers.  The short has two front and two rear pockets which are plenty deep for useful storage, but cut such that the items you put in there don’t feel awkward while in the saddle.  The choice to not have a liner in the short means it can be worn as purely casual, or if the ride is longer or rougher, you can wear a padded short or bib under it.  The fabric is a cotton-polyester blend that stretches well while pedaling.  The Metropolitan short is offered in black.

Danny Shane doesn’t just make casual cycling apparel.  They also offer jerseys and bibs that are just the thing for those days when you want to hammer and look damn good doing it.  So go ahead.  Throw on a Danny Shane Nelson Black Cycling Jersey and the Shelby S4 Bib then go take that KOM that you’ve been battling with Gustavo over.  Just be sure to slow down a bit if you see other riders out so they can be jealous of your style.

Danny Shane products are available through direct order on their website.  The Cycling Polos retail for $85, the Active Polos for $95, and the Active Shorts are also $95.  Danny Shane has found a successful merger of styling and functionality proving that the two are not exclusive of one another.  Danny Shane has just what you need to look your best whether using the bike as transportation or as a tool to smash some PRs.

– Alex (Steak Sauce)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received my Danny Shane kit for free from Danny Shane, in consideration for review publication