LEATT MTB 4.0 ULTRAWELD JERSEY, PANT
AND MTB 2.0 SUBZERO GLOVE REVIEW

Review by Sourpatch

Prior to moving to Bend, I never saw reason to wear a full “pajama” kit, with the classic jersey/short combo offering sufficient performance to satisfy my needs in the warmer climes. However, with the move came cooler falls and winters that almost always demand a set of riding pants be worn. Over the last year or so, I have added quite the collection of riding pants to my gear bag, with only two being a “complete kit.” One of those kits claims the “go-to” title out of this collection: Leatt’s new 2021 MTB 4.0 Pant and Ultraweld Jersey. Occasionally, I will even throw on Leatt’s MTB 2.0 Subzero gloves…so long as the temperature does not dip below 40*F.

THE LAB
Although Leatt designs their entire range of offerings to mix and match with each other, pairing like-labeled pieces will usually make most sense. The MTB 4.0 Ultraweld Jersey is designed to be ultra-light, with a tailored race fit. The jersey uses their “MoistureCool” wicking stretch mesh fabric with integrated air channels, to which they added a stain-resistant fabric coating to keep things looking fresh. “Brush Guard” reinforcement has been added to the elbows to increase durability, and the cuffs and hem utilize welded seams that are designed for maximum comfort. The jersey features are rounded out with a goggle wipe on the interior, helping to avoid the dreaded micro scratches on your eyewear.

For 2021, Leatt went back to the drawing board on the MTB 4.0 Pant. They opted to design anew shell for better durability and breathability, while also improving the fit with less seams and a tailored shape with pre-curved knees to provide great pedal comfort. Leatt also added a new pair of hip pockets to the pants this year, even adding a key holder loop in the left pocket…it is the little things that make the top kit stand out. The light, four-way stretch material was treated with a dirt, water, and stain resistant fabric coating to fend off the elements. A soft touch waist lining and back gripper combine to keep the dreaded seat-drop at bay. The waist is cinched up with a moto style ratchet buckle to help get that perfect fit.

Rounding out the kit are the Leatt MTB 2.0 Subzero gloves. Aimed at harsher/cooler weather conditions, the MTB 2.0 Glove has an insulated upper hand panel. Leatt employs their Form Fit finger stitching which is meant to provide a superior fit and handlebar feel. Adding to the important handlebar feel is Leatt’s Micron Grip Palm, which also provided ample grip in dry and wet conditions. Like many gloves on the market today, for all you Strava lovers out there, the MTB 2.0 Subzero glove is touch screen compatible.

THE DIRT
I had gotten an early glimpse at the 2021 Leatt line-up on a road trip down to SoCal this last fall and was blown away by just how good everything looked. It was extremely hard to pick just what color kit I wanted to get, it was a toss-up between the sand color and the onyx that I eventually went with. The block pattern colors on the new MTB 4.0 Ultraweld jersey helps to detract from the mesh material that Leatt uses, which I had previously thought looked terrible…or maybe I’m just more accepting this year. Either way, I had no qualms about sporting this gear out on the trails.

As mentioned above, the Leatt MTB 4.0 Ultraweld jersey has a snug, race-tight fit, something that I look for in a jersey nowadays. Though my large jersey is snug, the fit does not hinder mobility and in fact, most likely adds to the jersey’s breathability. The MTB 4.0 Ultraweld jersey is extremely comfortable and lightweight in its construction, whilst remaining surprisingly durable. With a few tussles with the ground and trees over the last few months, the jersey has remained scuff and tear free. The goggle wipe that is stitched into the interior of the jersey is great in theory, but since I like to tuck the jersey in, the wipe becomes a hassle to get to – maybe the inside of the cuff would work better?

Just like the 4.0 Ultraweld jersey, the MTB 4.0 pants share a similar tight, race fit. Though the pant legs are rather form fitting, there is just enough space in them for my pair G-Form E-Line knee pads thanks to the cut and the stretch in the material. The MTB 4.0 pants do a fair job of shedding water and the stain resistant treatment is rather impressive. After a muddy outing, I was almost certain the white on the pants were done for, but after a wash the pants were almost good as new.  The thigh pockets are just large enough for my S10+ plus but it is a TIGHT fit, and the rear pocket is still essentially useless, being only good for a lift pass. Even though I tuck my jersey into my pants, the pants stay well in place, not experiencing any unwanted rise or bunching.

Last but not least, the Leatt MTB 2.0 Subzero gloves. Leatt makes some of my favorite gloves right now, but being honest, these leave much to be desired for the given use. Leatt markets them as their cold weather glove and with the “Subzero” namesake one would think they could withstand a sub-32*F temperature. Unfortunately, this simply is not the case, and I’d suggest the MTB 2.0 Subzero gloves are good for temperatures no lower than the mid-40’s. I about had my fingers fall off on early AM winter eMTB ride which made for a miserable time, losing all brake feel and simply hanging on. Some of the rubberized design elements have also started to peel off the glove, however this only detracts from their looks. With the bad comes the good though, and the MTB 2.0 Subzero gloves are comfortable with a decent fit. The Micron Grip palm offers ample amounts of on grip traction too, even when they got a little moist. For riders looking for a glove for those late fall and early spring rides they offer a good option but be wary with the “subzero” namesake.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Every year, Leatt’s gear gets better and better looking, and in my opinion, the MTB 4.0 kit is one of the best on the market today…right next to their red and black Moto 5.5 kit I have been running. The jersey is light, fitted, and breathable and offers plenty of mobility. With the pants offering much of the same. The new fit and shell are welcomed updates and the addition of hip pockets is a huge plus this year. While the MTB 4.0 Ultraweld Jersey and Pants knock it out of the park, the MTB 2.0 Subzero gloves leave some to be desired. They are more California “subzero” rather than an Oregon “subzero”. That said, as the old saying goes, when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you ride fast and Leatt’s 4.0 kit fully embraces that.

Price:
MTB 4.0 Ultraweld Jersey – $69.99
MTB 4.0 Pant – $129.99
MTB 2.0 Subzero Glove – $36.99

Website: Leatt.com

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