Classic denim manufacturer Levi’s finally heeds the call of cyclists around the world and makes a pair of jeans especially for the urban commuter. But is it just for cyclists? Find out after the jump.
Levi’s new Commuter Collection is specially tailored for the urban commuter cyclist. Naturally, these garments focus on things like performance, protection, mobility, and so forth. The collection is small and currently only consists of pieces based off the company’s popular Trucker Jacket and 511 Skinny Jeans. Both pieces have similar construction and the same silhouette as their original counterparts, but what’s different in the Commuter Collection is a blend of thicker denim with spiffy technology.
One of the main features of the 511 Commuter is the NanoSphere Technology, a dirt and water resistant coating, developed by Schoeller Technologies AG, a science company based in Switzerland. The jeans also feature Sanitized technology to prevent odors, and 3M Scotchlite fabric for safety in the dark. Another new thing added to the 511 is a special waistband on the back for storage of a U-Lock. Quite functional indeed. You may say that the tight fit of the 511 is impractical for cycling. However, the 511 Commuter is blended with a bit of stretch fabric to allow for that little bit of extension. In addition, the jeans have a reinforced crotch, double-layered back pockets, and a raised back yoke, to prevent those boxers from peeking up. It also comes with a button-fly, which I’ve come to prefer, something a normal pair of 511 does not have.
To a person who lives in a boring sub-urban area and drives to get to places, like me, these pair of jeans may be useless. A normal pair of 511 Skinny Jeans is just a little above half the price of the 511 Commuter. But! I think they are quite practical, even for non-cyclists. I picked up a pair for the purpose of just wearing it to death; for work, for laying around lazily around the house, for paintballing… maybe. Now, these tasks could be fulfilled by any pair of jeans, but none have the handy technology that comes with the 511 Commuter. NanoSphere Technology in other apparel comes with a hefty price. Similar pair of jeans with this technology can be almost three times the price. Sanitized technology is also a nice bonus to have. I’m sure a lot of denim wearers have experienced a crotch blowout or the edge of their wallets eating away at the back pocket. The Commuter’s reinforced crotch and double-layered back pockets will help prevent that.
Initially the jeans seemed stiff, like a pair of raw 501s, but it was surprisingly comfortable and soft after I tried them on. The amount of stretch was just right. I have not worn it to extremely wet or dirty places, but water splashes and spills stay on top of the fabric and do not get absorbed. The pair is not the most breathable thing (they are jeans after all), but the Sanitized technology seems to be very good at what it does. I don’t plan to test that extensively, though.
It is certainly a hit in the cycling community for its features and price. The only thing holding back this great collection is the availability of the fits. Not everyone likes the hip hugging feel of a pair of skinny jeans, even though there is a little bit of stretch. Though I’m sure with the popularity that this gained, Levi’s will again answer with a less-skinny 514 or looser 501 versions. Coming from a guy who is not a cyclist, I will say the 511 Commuter is pretty damn good. It could easily replace my go-to everyday wear jeans.
The Levi’s 511 Commuter Jeans retail for $78 USD in full-length or cropped, available in denim and non-denim fabrics.
