Ode to the Highside

Oliver resplendent in his yellow Highside

Mountain Pedaler NZ is good friends with Krank Dirtwear, a Hanmer company producing top quality threads purpose built for NZ riding. A favourite Krank product of ours would have to be the Highside, and the way it continues to perform despite prolonged abuse never ceases to amaze us.

A prime example is the weekend of torture just survived. Bikes were set aside on Saturday as Oliver took to the hills around Arthurs Pass. Rather than scoping for lines, the real purpose was to climb Castle Hill Peak (2000m) before the snow set in. While companions were swapping layers like they were going out of fashion, the Highside (in combination with a Rush thermal layer) performed remarkably well, especially considering the brisk ridge wind, changing slopes and the user's propensity to sweat buckets.

The next day, an early morning single speed mission aboiard the El Toro was on the cards, and again the Highside performed flawlessly; only a quick opening of the 'pit-vents' was required to regulate body temperature.

The Highside is super breathable, but more than that it draws a perfect balance between breathability and waterprooffness, important when it comes to keeping your limbs and torso dry during the inevitable mid ride storm.

Even after this tortuous weekend, and despite battle scars from a year of use the Highside soldiers on, and has taken its place as the Mountain Pedaler's favourite riding top!

Check www.krankdirtwear.com for details on this awesome piece of kit.

Mountain Pedaler out...