Popularized by lumberjacks, farmers, woodsmen, and Pearl Jam, flannel–a lightweight, warm, soft fabric–is also a great option for mountain biking during those nasty, unpredictable transition months during spring and fall. This year, as snow levels recede, so will the layers of your clothing but, depending where you are on the map, spring time is not quite T-shirt time!! The Dakine Oakridge Flannel top is one such adjunct that will help you manage those cooler, swinging temps while keeping you steezin’ out on the trail. Although not reviewed here, the ladies can check out Dakine’s Canterbury Flannel top.

Bottom Line: what the Dakine Oakridge Flannel shirt lacks in bells and whistles of a true cycling-specific shirt, it makes up for with a pure, soft flannel feel, durable stitching, and brilliant colors to keep you warm, cozy, and styling.

Specifications

Materials: 100% Polyester
Features: One chest pocket
Colors: Two in tartan plaid
Sizes: S – XXL (medium reviewed)
MSRP: $80 USD

dakine oakridge flannel — photo: Chris Daniels

Fit & Features

At 5’8″, 175 lbs, with a robust chest and shoulders (my mom says I have an “athletic build”), the medium Oakridge leans a little large for its size. As such, there’s a little more sleeve length than I prefer, but it’s easily managed by the two-button cuff. The cut is more of a regular/relaxed fit as opposed to most cycling apparel these days that slim through the torso. The bottom hem is cut straight at the front with a dipped tail for additional coverage when leaning into those berms. Plastic buttons close the shirt from top to bottom with a neck circumference generous enough to run the shirt in gangster mode.

There’s really nothing “techy” about this Dakine flannel top and, to the Oregon-based outdoor outfitter’s defense, the Oakridge isn’t specifically marketed for cycling, either. It hasn’t any secret stash pockets, armpit vents, or fancy sweat-wicking fabrics. It’s just a good ole fashion flannel shirt that looks and feels great whether at the pub, roasting s’mores, swinging an axe, braapin’ the bike, or slappin’ da bass.

On The Trail

The Dakine Oakridge Flannel feels right at home in the 40-50º F range no matter what type of riding you’re up to, but once temps approach 60º F, I found that climbing and other difficult-effort riding pushes the comfort of this shirt. The Oakridge has no additional lining or layers and is not a windbreaker, but works well to ameliorate wind’s sting when combined with an undershirt or vest. While a little Spandex would go a long ways in performance, the 100% polyester provided enough stretch for all-around riding and resists shrinkage in the dryer. I’ve had no grossly-obvious durability issues so far, thanks to some heavy stitching, but I do anticipate some button reinforcement in the foreseeable future.

If you’re not picky about all the bells and whistles other cycling-specific tops offer and dig a traditional fit with some great color combos in plaid, I recommend Dakine’s Oakridge Flannel without reservation.