NeoPro Krypton Jersey and Onyx Bib Shorts Review

If you’ve spent much time on the socials, you’ve likely seen NeoPro’s cheeky ads, poking fun at the cost of cycling kits. Admittedly, they have a point. Why do good cycling kits have to cost so much? My favorite kits right now are $250 or more, so spending $115 for a full NeoPro kit was something I had to try.

NeoPro Krypton Jersey and Onyx Bib Shorts Features:

• Traditional collar height and sleeve length
• Textured aero dimple fabric on arm and front panels
• Ultra-soft lightweight back panels and pockets
• Breathable mesh underarms
• YKK zipper
• 40+ UPF Sun protection
• Hi-viz accents
• Mesh bib uppers
• Double-layer leg compression band instead of laser cut designs
• Triple-density foam layers in the 13mm thick chamois
• Double fabric on backside for added privacy
• Race fit
• MSRP: $44.99 (jersey) and $69.99 (bibs)

NeoPro promises quality and pretty much delivers

NeoPro founder, Lizzi West, was fed up with the cost of cycling kits and, as a 15 year road and track racer, she knows a thing or two about what makes a great kit. So, in 2015, NeoPro was born. Based in Brisbane, Australia, testing is done in the plentiful, year-round sunshine and their US distribution facility is just down the road from us in Vineyard, Utah. That said, it is just a shipping facility and doesn’t have accommodations for try-on or purchase (in case any Utah locals are curious).

Out the door, my full NeoPro jersey and bibs were just shy of $115 — for a full kit. I know, it’s pretty impressive and makes you wonder just how inflated some of the other kit prices are. I placed the order on May 31 and the kit arrived June 10. For being just down the road, I was surprised it took that long, but those living on either side of the USA might experience 12-15 day shipping timeframes, so plan accordingly for that upcoming Gran Fondo.

They arrived, nicely packaged and very tidy. The colors are awesome and I really dig the design of the Season 13 Krypton Jersey. The zippy green and purple blocks and zigzags add some flavor to the typical blocks of color on other kits. I went with black bibs for the utmost in versatility, but could have gone with something more matchy matchy. Of course, since you’re buying them separately, it’s rider’s choice here. The biggest limitation right now is availability (with all things bikes right now, that’s not a huge surprise).

While NeoPro touts these as having a race fit, I wouldn’t recommend sizing up. I’m 5’11” and 170 lbs. and most of the time I wear large top/bottom in true race fit kits (Assos, MAAP or Castelli). I decided to go medium/medium with NeoPro and that was the right choice. The resulting fit has been just right — perfectly snug without being overly-tight. The hem length is good for proper coverage on and off the bike and leg length is pretty close to the modern length we’re seeing. While the sleeves are said to be modern length, they sit right in the middle of my bicep — about 1.5″ shorter than most aero sleeves these days.

The first time putting on the bibs did result in some minor stitch popping. This isn’t uncommon for first-time use as everything stretches out to accommodate your personal curves. The thing that’s been a little unnerving is the seam pops have continued every time I’ve put them on. It’s certainly minimal at this point, but a single pop or two is still common. Once situated properly on either side of my crotch, I have good comfort and freedom-of-movement. I can comfortably wear a light base layer underneath (or not) the straps, once completely situated. The straps could be a little softer, in my opinion. They do get a touch scratchy.

As mentioned, the jersey features a pretty traditional collar height and a streamlined fit. The mixture of materials results in excellent breathability and comfort.

NeoPro in the wild

I’ve put the kit to the test here in Utah and in Oklahoma. So, it has spanned dry, warm mornings and hot afternoons here in Utah all the way to the ultra-humid gravel mornings in Oklahoma. Road and gravel riding has been the test conditions and the kit has done quite well.

Usually, I prefer to test bib shorts out without using any anti-chafing cream so I can feel every bit of the materials, construction and fit. For the most part, these were good without any chafing here in Utah. That all changed with the extreme humidity in Oklahoma. Just a dab on either side and I’ve been good. Otherwise, the chamois is delivering as promised with good comfort and no numbness when riding with the Ergon SR Comp Men, Fizik Terra Argo X5 and Bontrager Verse Elite saddles. Getting in and out of the saddle has been good, but the fabric has sometimes snagged on the the nose of the saddles when sitting back down. Note: After extensive use (2 years), the chamois is starting to show signs of breakdown in comfort. 

NeoPro talks a big game with the doubled-up leg cuffs as opposed to the laser-cut ones you’ll commonly find elsewhere. For the most part, it works and they stay in place. They have yet to stretch out and remain taut, if a little snug. The biggest problem with this design is how thick the seam is that attaches these cuffs to the body of the bibs. It’s really thick and spans the full circumference of your thigh. You can feel that seam constantly with every pedal stroke — it’s honestly my least favorite part of these bibs. Otherwise, on the bike, the fit is great, but I do notice some bunching at the seams on either side of my backside when standing around (that flattens out in the saddle).

As far as the jersey goes, I’ve loved the breathability of the fabrics and the overall fit. The sleeves could be a little longer with a simpler cuff (laser-cut sleeves are really, really nice). The YKK zipper is easily pulled up/down for added ventilation. On hot summer rides, I have wished for a shorter collar height as this one can get toasty. The rear jersey pockets are of a good size and are easily-accessed on the bike. A waterproof panel and zippered sleeve would be nice for storing a wallet. Rounding things out, the elastic hem is pretty traditional in design and functions well by keeping everything in place.

Fit: I’m 5’11” and 170 lbs and went with medium bib short and jersey.

The Good

• Well worth the $115 price of entry
• Nice overall fit
• Love the Krypton jersey color
• Double butt panel keeps your crack private
• Fabrics breathe well
• I’ve just washed/dried them with all the things just fine (hard to isolate garments with a family of six)
• Love supporting the NeoPro entrepreneurial spirit

The Bad

• Stitch popping when pulling the bibs on (all seams are still solid tho)
• Those leg cuffs do stay put, but I’m not sold on the thick seam around the thigh
• I’d love a shorter collar and a little longer sleeves (with laser cut cuffs)
• Bib straps are a little scratchy

The Bottom Line: NeoPro Krypton Jersey and Onyx Bib Shorts

Touting full bike kits at #thepricekitsSHOULDbe, NeoPro has a compelling value proposition. Without question, the quality of this kit is excellent. Is it on par with a full Assos or Castelli kit? Not quite. But, does it perform well beyond its price? Absolutely! The mixture of materials and designs are well-executed and I look forward to spending the money I saved on other key upgrades upgrades, instead of a kit. Availability may be thin, but hopefully NeoPro will be restocking their inventories soon.

Buy Now: Visit NeoProCycling.com