Halcyon Studio New Zealand: Cycling Team Kit Comparison Test
Halcyon Studio is a New Zealand-based brand whose cycling team kit is one of its most demanding programmes. We tested the new power mesh warp knit against the fabric Halcyon Studio used last season. Both were made into identical garments and evaluated side by side for cycling team kit.
Halcyon Studio: Power Mesh Warp Knit in use during road and indoor cycling blocks
Evaluation background
The programme covers jerseys, bib shorts and base layers, used for road and indoor cycling blocks. The environment is a forward position with continuous sweat at the back panel and the requirement written into the brief was a stable print surface with aerodynamic fit. Fabric was selected on that basis rather than on price alone.
Fabric under evaluation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Power Mesh Warp Knit |
| Composition | 85% nylon / 15% spandex |
| Weight | 130 GSM |
| Width | 170 cm |
| Primary function | gives controlled support with maximum air exchange |
| Target | air permeability above 400 mm/s |
| Test method | ISO 11092 |
| Additional note | ventilation mapped onto the pattern |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
Power Mesh Warp Knit close-up showing the fabric surface
What was compared
Construction, weight and colour were held constant. The only difference was the fabric, which is the only way a comparison tells you anything useful.
Laboratory comparison
The new fabric reached air permeability above 400 mm/s against ISO 11092, while the previous material missed the same target. Comfort measurements were closer, which is expected because hand had already been approved.
Evaluation session with the Halcyon Studio team
Wear comparison
Over four weeks the difference appeared during a forward position with continuous sweat at the back panel. Wearers described the new version as cleaner and lighter in use, even though the scales said the two garments weighed the same.
Cost comparison
The upgrade adds a modest amount per garment. Measured against the return rate of the previous season, the change pays for itself within a single drop.
Test records and inspection notes for the Cycling Team Kit
Scorecard
| Criterion | Result |
|---|---|
| Function | 4.5 / 5 |
| Comfort | 4.7 / 5 |
| Durability | 4.4 / 5 |
| Appearance | 4.6 / 5 |
| Cost efficiency | 4.5 / 5 |
“The report gave us numbers we could put in front of our retail partners without any argument.” — Halcyon Studio Technical Team
Packed bulk rolls before shipment to New Zealand
Verdict and recommendation
The new power mesh warp knit outperformed the previous fabric on every measured criterion and we recommend switching the whole programme over. For Halcyon Studio the practical next steps are to keep the current specification for the repeat, retain the shade standard, and issue ISO 11092 results with every lot so any claim can be supported with data.
