Description: It appears the Hobbits from the Land of the Long White Cloud can fashion sportswear as well as pointy ear muffs. Kiwis have a history of dominance in adventure racing and multisport so it should come as no surprise really that they produce endurance wear of high quality.
Based in the Southern Alps of New Zealand; just slightly east of Middle Earth, www.irule.co.nz have a reputation for innovation and a crew who are renowned for eating their own dog food. The Darwinian product development approach of these pragmatists from Down Under comes to the fore in their race knicks known as “NINJAS”.
For many a duathlete, particularly those racing an Ultra or getting dirty off road it’s always been a challenge to find that balance of cycling leg support and running leg freedom; none of us relish the prospect of a diaper dash. The NINJAS seem to have struck an acceptable balance between the demands of free running and cycling comfort and support with their lightweight, breathable micro chamois. The real benefits of such a construction can only be appreciated through long training rides day after day and the butt wrenching rigours of ultra racing.
A real obstacle in racing Ultras and off road (where there is rarely any such thing as a drinks station) is the storage needed to carry sufficient on board carbos. How to do this without lugging a bladder or belt around? The NINJAS have a neat solution that at first glance I was sceptical about. The knicks incorporate a patent pending in seam system of holsters that provide instant self support for bottles of energy gunk. I was sceptical because of the concern I had about my running and cycling actions being impeded. In practice, I did not notice the holsters with bottles at all; it was easy to place the bottles in and retrieve them when necessary and they did not slow me down at all.
The thing about the NINJAS beside the total common sense design is the amazing fabric used; it is called Meryl® from French-Italian firm Nylstar. . In a complete contrast to Tactel and Lycra this stuff is super soft against the skin; it breathes, provides great UV protection and is as light as a feather. After getting soaked in a creek crossing, this fabric simply wicked the water away in short order.
NINJAS are not for every purpose; your weekend short course duo dash is not the field of fire to test these babies but rather heavy training, an Ultra or if you actually compete offroad and can cope with getting dirty without becoming catatonic than NINJAS are the best bet for comfort and performance. Value for money is also a plus.
Be sure to check out the iRULE web site which, much like the beloved www.duathlon.com is a wealth of training information and provides for plenty of interaction, including Live Help.
Andy Warner
Off road warrior (multisport and adventure racing)
Currently en route to Moab
An amazing find. I love the pockets- very handy for food barss, even my cell phone. The fabric is soft and breathable, the little chamois works well too.
Definitely best training shorts I've worn. Very good value for money too- $US60, a steal.
They are actually only $US60!! Very soft, nice sized tiny chamois pretty amazing fabric. All good the site also rocks. Top rated for training and as the original view (looks like its from a Kiwi) says - strictly long course or off road.
