Eliel’s Soledad collection borrows its name from one of the most challenging climbs on the southern California coast line—Mount Soledad.
Rising steeply from Pacific Beach, the climb up Mount Soledad tests your legs, and your will. You’ll have to stand in the pedals as hairpin corners wind up the mountain among the scrub pines. Steep, and then steeper, a reward is on offer, but not before pushing up nearly 20% pitches. Ascending tarmac and gravel, soon the western horizon stretches over the ocean, and to the east are the rolling desert hills behind Chula Vista and San Diego. Each pedal stroke up Mount Soledad makes you dig deeper within yourself. And that digging brings a clarity of mind. This is the bargain on Mount Soledad. Whether in the peloton or on a solo journey, the steady climb up Mount Soledad—like so many of cycling’s iconic climbs—returns your effort with expansive views, an inner solitude, and a lucid mind.
Eliel’s Soledad cycling bibs and cycling jerseys were born from strength and grit that we have discovered within on climbs like Mount Soledad. As with any Eliel product, our design process begins with the fabrics. The technical fabric of our bib shorts and jerseys is exceptional, both in performance and style. We are honored that this collection is made exclusively in California and the newly designed Eliel logo, with the distinctive bear, pays homage to the home where our cycling kits are designed and produced.
The Soledad bibs starting point is the unique use of moisture-wicking material that moves perspiration away from the skin to avoid abrasions or saddle sores. The form fitting chamois has precisely targeted padding and support with no bulk, and along the hips and thighs there is the perfect degree of compression which means comfort and better performance. The anti-bacterial fabric cover on the bibs incorporates nylon and polyester to provide comfort and anti-abrasion material next to skin. The leg bands have just the right combination of suppleness, support and silicone so there won’t be the dreaded “sausage legs.” The redesigned shoulder straps take advantage of a soft yet supportive fabric strip that feels as though it disappears on your skin. And the back mesh, woven from fibers that dissipate body heat and inhibit bacterial growth, is highly breathable.
"The long-sleeve is the softest, best-fitting jersey on the market, hands down." — Ryan Cady
The Soledad cycling jerseys—men’s and women’s short- and long-sleeve—features stylish Italian fabric that provide UPF protection, breathability, and the appropriate stretch that doesn’t bulge when on the bike.
The long-sleeve is the softest, best-fitting jersey on the market, hands down. This is your all-season cycling jersey—worn alone or with a base layer on cool mornings when the temperature doesn’t spike or used as primary layer under a vest or jacket when more robust protection from the elements is needed. We added new reflective elements to the jersey to increase visibility in low-light conditions.
The Soledad short-sleeve jersey is made from multiple fabrics to provide stretch, support and breathability where needed. Activesilver and carbon Resistex fibers provide protection from bacteria growth and help keep you fresh. The Coldblack fabric treatment reflects light from the dark colors keeping the fabric and you cool from the sun’s heat. The jersey’s back panel is constructed from a light, breathable two-way stretch fabric which supports the weight of pockets filled with supplies you need for long days in the saddle. Like the long-sleeve jersey, the pockets won’t sag but are also carefully placed low enough for ease of access while riding—side zip pocket adds security for your keys and credit cards.
We are proud to say that every detail in the bibs and jerseys has been scrutinized, tested, and tweaked—many times over. Details matter. And in this collection, details translate into your performance on the bike. Like the mountain it was named after, our Soledad collection stands out among its rivals.
