Stuff: Team Dream + Chris King 40th Anniversary

Every once in a while there's one of those kits. The kind you that just know will hold a special place in your collection. I call them lycra unicorns and this is a story about one of those kits.

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, legendary cycling brand Chris King has been doing all sorts of collaborations and special releases. Each one has been good but my favourite has to be the limited release road cycling kit collaboration with Team Dream Bicycling Team. The graphic treatment is an evolved take on the lateral stripe jerseys of the TDBT FFF jerseys but they now have a hand drawn styling. The new textured stripes look first-rate but the prime part has to be the colorway. The palette is a really crisp white and royal blue with rich red detailing which they've splashed across a jersey, some socks, and a cap. So good!

The Jersey

The crown jewel of this collaboration has to be the jersey. Beyond collaborating with Chris King, the jersey continues the partnership between Team Dream and Endo Customs. Each jersey is handmade in Los Angeles to their newly updated and trimmed down race fit using "Italian engineered fabrics" that are sourced from MITI. As with all Team Dream X Endo Customs jersey this ones got all the standard issues like raglan sleeves, a full length YKK zipper, sticky silicone gripped hems, and 3 rear pockets.

Aside from the graphic treatment I'm really impressed by the consistent construction of Endo Customs. The sublimated graphics are crisp and clean, all the seams are confidently secure, and there are no loose ends to be found. These things are meant to be ridden and thus they take the wear and tear well. When I checked the dimension of this piece, the jersey is spot on with others I have in the closet. I note this because when smaller production houses like Endo start to expand at this kind of pace it's usually the quality control that goes first. Kudos to the Endo team.

Most likely what's drawn you to searching for info on this kit is the reputation of Team Dream. Founder, Sean Talkington, always seems to be a step or two ahead of trends and because of this the Team Dream collections and following have grown accordingly. Each release adds new palettes and patterns on the public masses. The latest being the double take inducing hand styled horizontal stripes that have so far only been available as in-store exclusives at their Cub House.

I can appreciate how the ombre skies along coastal California influenced the Team Dream fade jerseys but I'm not sure where this inspiration is rooted. I have no real explanation why but something about the colorway and the design gave me a strong instinct to shoot this kit in a 60s print ad style. Flat textures, saturated died colors, and rough cut outs onto plain backgrounds. Something about it just works for me. But anyways... back to the jersey.

The Team Dream Bicycling Team is known for being a bit eccentric. So in true Team Dream style there's a four-legged surprise lurking somewhere. I won't ruin the surprise but I will send a free Life sticker pack to the first person to find secret chubby bobcat. Add to the comments below or on the Instagram post. Hint: It's ready to eat your snacks.

If you're interested in more about specifics to the construction and fit of the Team Dream kits I definitely suggest checking out one of my previous reviews. Links below. Rumor has it you may be able to come across one of the rare jerseys by calling up the Cub House.

Resources: Endo Customs kit features in the TDBT Dot's What's Up review.
Resources: Endo Customs race fit cut in the TDBT Dayglo FFF stuff.

The Team Dream Bicycling Team x Chris King 40th Anniversary caps and socks

The Team Dream Bicycling Team x Chris King 40th Anniversary Jersey

The Socks

Keeping your kit game strong is the second most competitive discipline on your local club ride. If you're gunning to win that trophy then don't worry because you'll have the matchy matchy #sockgamestrong. The rich red toe and heel accents tip a note to the cap and jersey and each sock includes a Team Dream and Chris King 40th anniversary branding.

The Team Dream x CK 40th anniversary socks are made of lightweight synthetic yarn in a modern 6" height. A good choice for stoking heat in warmer temps.

There's no markings for the manufacturing origin but if I had to wager a guess, I'd say these are most likely Defeet based on past experience.

The Cap

Topping it all off is the Team Dream Team x Chris King 40th cap. They are made in the USA by Pace Sportswear from 100% cotton. The 4 panel style cap is especially fitting if you've got a jumbo noggin like mine because it affords more volume to its shape.

To keep pace with the jersey and socks, the royal blue hand styled lateral stipes cover the main portion of the cap and the brim sports the same rich red detailing. If you want to fly the bobcat keep the brim down but to rock the Chris King vibe you'll want to flip it up. My favorite thing about the cap has to be my daughters reaction to it. "Daddy there's a kitty kat on your hat." #nailedit

Jeremy Nathan