While Royal Racing built their reputation on downhill race kits and casual T-shirts, they've steadily been introducing more technical trail riding gear to their range, and it's this clothing that's the focus of their 2011 range.
There are three new cross-country shorts, five gloves and six jerseys. We particularly like the look of the new tops: the Epic, Ride and Java jerseys – so named because they're made from recycled coffee beans – plus the more casual looking Tech Tee.
The £34.99 Epic is made from moisture wicking polyester and features no-fade graphics, a rear zipped pocket, quarter zip on the front and a handy glasses wipe on the inside hem. Mesh side panels are incorporated for ventilation.
The Tech Tee at £17.99 uses Birdseye Jacquard material and provides a casual look combined with all the technical moisture-wicking features you'd expect from a riding top.
If you're after something with more of a freeride/all-mountain look and a looser fit, the Ride 3/4 jersey costs £21.99, and a long-sleeve version is available for £23.99.
Shorts
Hex, Matrix and Esquire are Royal's new trail riding shorts and each comes with its own liner. The entry-level £49.99 Hex is made from Taslan polyester fabric and has a draw-cord waist, zipped vent leg pocket and a Spandex lower back panel.
For £64.99, the Matrix shorts are made from sublimated polyester and have a detachable short liner and pad. A hook-and-loop adjustable waist, zipped and open-hand pockets are a nice touch.
Royal's top-end £84.99 Esquire trail shorts have a high performance detachable liner with pad, four-way stretch polyester for comfort, front and back mesh vents, hook-and-loop waist adjusters and plenty of open and zipped pockets.
Gloves
Royal have concentrated heavily on revamping their glove range for 2011 and have five new models – the Crown, Victory, Signature, Blast and Mercury. The £21.99 Victory uses a synthetic leather palm, micro-fibre snot wipe, 3D stretch mesh and a TPR closure
Royal say the Signature glove is for riders "who demand instant response from their ride" – in other words it's got a very thin palm. A snot wipe and silicone finger grippers also feature on these lightweight trail gloves. They're £23.99.
These Mercury wind- and shower-proof gloves have an extended cuff to reduce the gap between glove and jacket – vital in the rain! They have a reflective screen print on the back of the hand for some extra visibility at night too. RRP is £29.99.