Oct 24th, 09. Every road cyclist wants to look good on the bike, but why stop there? Looking good when you're walking down the street is also required.

The a'qto stand at Ausbike (c)Roadcycling.co.nz

The company is a’qto (pronounced "a-cue-tow").

a’qto is an Australian fashion label providing cycling inspired casual street wear for men and women.

"We are inspired by European road racing. Our designs subtly reflect the passion of professional and recreational cyclists alike. And most importantly we believe that cyclists should look good when walking too," company founder Damian Hancock told RoadCycling.co.nz.

The range of clothing includes a selection of styles and colours that will provide something for everyone.

RoadCycling.co.nz has been trialling two short-sleeved t-shirts for the last few months and can attest to the quality of the product from the design images through to the materials and workmanship.

These two t-shirts have quickly become new favourites, with all non cycling related t-shirts now relegated to the bottom of the pile.

There is something special about these shirts. For one thing you feel good showing the world you’re a cyclist when you’re off the bike. Secondly, the designs and nicely made t-shirts are just subtle enough to be worn in a variety of situations without looking like a sports shirt.

The short sleeve t-shirts are cut for a relaxed, comfortable fit in breathable 145gsm 100% soft cotton, making these really nice to wear. They feel so soft. Each of our demo shirts has a World Championship flag label, the five coloured rainbow ribbon is doubled over and stitched into the left vertical side seam.

a’qto has a full range of t-shirts, polo shirts, socks, caps and musettes. Enough clothing to fill your wardrobe with items to show off your passion for cycling on a casual day at the office.

Ben from RoadCycling.co.nz in the Bunch design

a'qto offering a range of 20 different designs

a'qto designs feature subtle messages about cycling

Designs

The Hinualt jersey features the abstract black and white photograph of a rider who has gone off the front with the the quote "As long as I breathe, I attack," from Bernard Hinault laid over the image.

The Bunch style features a two coloured screen print of the repeated outline of a solo rider, thus making a gruppetto.

The red "super-domestique" may suit your bunch position, or perhaps the picasso inspired cyclist image may suit your personality.

Whatever your style, there is likely to be an a'qto design to match.

Quality

The a’qto apparel is noted as machine washable and it was impressive how well the t-shirts washed.

After at least five washes, each of my T-shirts is as good as new. This isn’t always the case, which I was reminded today when putting on another new t-shirt which had shrunk to a racecut small size after one wash! No such problem for the a’qto tshirts.

While each piece is Australian designed and made, I am sure you kiwis out there can see past our Tasman rivalry to show your colours off the bike. The full range is available for sale exclusively online at www.aqto.com.au and if your quick you could have a chance to win a $2500 San Remo coffee machine.

An a'qto shirt is a must have item for the committed cyclist. With Xmas coming up it's time to get that credit card snapping. RoadCycling.co.nz has ordered another shirt for Xmas, oops, I guess it isn't going to be a surprise any more.