Capo Lombardia "First Look" Review
There's that time between end of summer and deepest winter where kitting up for cycling can be a challenge. You generally need warmer stuff.....but not winter warm......and you almost always need weather protection.....but not too much or you end up being a sweaty mess! So what could possible fit into that gap I hear you say? Well, there's no denying that the Castelli Gabba has done this very well. So it was with great excitement that I heard Capo have brought out their own version. Being Capo, they have, in my view, taken the original concept and improved on it. These guys are committed to using the very best technology, and not compromising on design......cheesy, but very true.
So I got to ride in the short sleeve jersey, bibshorts arm and leg warmers yesterday in some pretty typical autumn conditions. It was blustery, with the temperature hovering just under 8C/46F. I had my trusty Super Thermo T-shirt under the jersey and that's about it! The first thing i noticed was all the spots on the kit that DIDN'T have a windproof membrane! It was particularly noticeable under the arms. I was a little disappointing in this until I started to warm up. I then realised that this was intentional to be able to allow heat dissipation rather than building up - nice. The kit felt really comfortable but I also felt well protected. As we got into the rhythm of the ride, I settled into a very comfortable temperature and stopped noticing the wind completely. However, due to the ups and down of the ride, I would say that 8C/46F was the lower limit of the kit for most people. I think any colder and the shirt and shorts would struggle without more back up. The other feature I really appreciated is the way the pockets are cut. The opening slopes towards the outer edge, making access SO much easier.
So for a first ride, I'm impressed. However, I did not get to test the effectiveness of the Lombardia in the wet. I'll update this piece after I've had a chance to do that. Also, just a point on sizing....The Lombarida jersey is a race fit so I'd advise you go up at least one size from your normal......unless you are one of those skinny racing types!
So, the range consists of the following: Jersey, bibshorts, arm and leg warmers, booties and gloves.
The Capo Lombarida short sleeve jersey, provides wind and water protection in a slim, race -cut jersey. Other jerseys started this trend (aforementioned!) but in true Capo style, they have improved on what's out there. The jersey is made with Thermo Rouabaix® Lycra, a fleece backed coating technology that is applied to the fabric, effectively making it hydrophobic, while maintaining the fabric’s breathability, The DWR technology rapidly forces water to bead on the surface of the fabric and run off, protecting the fabric from absorbing the moisture.
• Element-4® fabric on front, shoulder and back panels give excellent wind and water protection. However, this multi-layer fabric also provides excellent breathability, all-way stretch, minimal weight for a unrivaled combination of qualities.
• DWR Thermo Roubaix® Lycra provides warmth and water protection under arm, side and back panels.
• Added protection comes from an elongated collar, cuff and back. This also gives additional warmth and water protection in the riding position, and shields rider from wheel spray.
• Reflective logos and tabs add additional visibility when riding in dim and dark light.
The Lombarida jersey is a race fit so I'd advise you go up at least one size from your normal......unless you are one of those skinny racing types!
The Capo Lombardia bibshorts.
When the weather turns bad, you want to be protected, but equally you don't want to be steaming when the sun comes back out. Technical fabrics combined with DWR technology deliver optimal performance in these innovative bibshorts. DWR Thermo Rouabaix® Lycra is a fleece backed coating technology that is applied to the fabric, effectively making it hydrophobic, while maintaining the fabric’s breathability, The DWR technology rapidly forces water to bead on the surface of the fabric and run off, protecting the fabric from absorbing the moisture.
Anatomic paneling presents both enduring comfort and performance, while the V-Mesh Harness provides comfortable stretch, staying in position over hours of riding. To cap it off, Capo use the highly rated EiT® anatomic dP Carbon chamois. The perfectly placed chamois features carbon thread for anti- static, anti-microbial protection.
Arm and Leg warmers
These are designed to match the rest of the outfit in terms of performance and materials. Once again DWR Thermo Roubaix®Lycra is used, making them warm, lightweight and breathable. They are also anatomically shaped allowing great freedom of movement. To top it off, the logo and tabs are all reflective, giving much needed visibility in poor autumn conditions.
I think going head-to-head with the Gabba is a brave move for a small company like Capo, but having ridden in it now, I do believe they have pulled it off.
So I got to ride in the short sleeve jersey, bibshorts arm and leg warmers yesterday in some pretty typical autumn conditions. It was blustery, with the temperature hovering just under 8C/46F. I had my trusty Super Thermo T-shirt under the jersey and that's about it! The first thing i noticed was all the spots on the kit that DIDN'T have a windproof membrane! It was particularly noticeable under the arms. I was a little disappointing in this until I started to warm up. I then realised that this was intentional to be able to allow heat dissipation rather than building up - nice. The kit felt really comfortable but I also felt well protected. As we got into the rhythm of the ride, I settled into a very comfortable temperature and stopped noticing the wind completely. However, due to the ups and down of the ride, I would say that 8C/46F was the lower limit of the kit for most people. I think any colder and the shirt and shorts would struggle without more back up. The other feature I really appreciated is the way the pockets are cut. The opening slopes towards the outer edge, making access SO much easier.
So for a first ride, I'm impressed. However, I did not get to test the effectiveness of the Lombardia in the wet. I'll update this piece after I've had a chance to do that. Also, just a point on sizing....The Lombarida jersey is a race fit so I'd advise you go up at least one size from your normal......unless you are one of those skinny racing types!
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| Lombardia put through it's paces in the wet |
The Capo Lombarida short sleeve jersey, provides wind and water protection in a slim, race -cut jersey. Other jerseys started this trend (aforementioned!) but in true Capo style, they have improved on what's out there. The jersey is made with Thermo Rouabaix® Lycra, a fleece backed coating technology that is applied to the fabric, effectively making it hydrophobic, while maintaining the fabric’s breathability, The DWR technology rapidly forces water to bead on the surface of the fabric and run off, protecting the fabric from absorbing the moisture.
• Element-4® fabric on front, shoulder and back panels give excellent wind and water protection. However, this multi-layer fabric also provides excellent breathability, all-way stretch, minimal weight for a unrivaled combination of qualities.
• DWR Thermo Roubaix® Lycra provides warmth and water protection under arm, side and back panels.
• Added protection comes from an elongated collar, cuff and back. This also gives additional warmth and water protection in the riding position, and shields rider from wheel spray.
• Reflective logos and tabs add additional visibility when riding in dim and dark light.
The Lombarida jersey is a race fit so I'd advise you go up at least one size from your normal......unless you are one of those skinny racing types!
The Capo Lombardia bibshorts.
When the weather turns bad, you want to be protected, but equally you don't want to be steaming when the sun comes back out. Technical fabrics combined with DWR technology deliver optimal performance in these innovative bibshorts. DWR Thermo Rouabaix® Lycra is a fleece backed coating technology that is applied to the fabric, effectively making it hydrophobic, while maintaining the fabric’s breathability, The DWR technology rapidly forces water to bead on the surface of the fabric and run off, protecting the fabric from absorbing the moisture.
Anatomic paneling presents both enduring comfort and performance, while the V-Mesh Harness provides comfortable stretch, staying in position over hours of riding. To cap it off, Capo use the highly rated EiT® anatomic dP Carbon chamois. The perfectly placed chamois features carbon thread for anti- static, anti-microbial protection.
These are designed to match the rest of the outfit in terms of performance and materials. Once again DWR Thermo Roubaix®Lycra is used, making them warm, lightweight and breathable. They are also anatomically shaped allowing great freedom of movement. To top it off, the logo and tabs are all reflective, giving much needed visibility in poor autumn conditions.
I think going head-to-head with the Gabba is a brave move for a small company like Capo, but having ridden in it now, I do believe they have pulled it off.
Capo Lombarida all weather jersey, provides wind and water protection in a slim, race -cut jersey. Other jerseys started this trend, but in true Capo style, they have improved on what's out there. The jersey is made with Thermo Rouabaix® Lycra, a fleece backed coating technology that is applied to the fabric, effectively making it hydrophobic, while maintaining the fabric’s breathability, The DWR technology rapidly forces water to bead on the surface of the fabric and run off, protecting the fabric from absorbing the moisture.
The Lombarida jersey is a race fit so we advise you go up at least one size from your normal......unless you are one of those skinny racing types! - See more at: http://nordiclifeuk.co.uk/products/socks/204/575/cycling/P-capo-lombardia-short-sleeve-jersey#sthash.KqUT7ZpG.dpuf
- Element-4® fabric on front, shoulder and back panels give excellent wind and water protection. However, this multi-layer fabric also provides excellent breathability, all-way stretch, minimal weight for a unrivaled combination of qualities.
- DWR Thermo Roubaix® Lycra provides warmth and water protection under arm, side and back panels.
- Added protection comes from an elongated collar, cuff and back. This also gives additional warmth and water protection in the riding position, and shields rider from wheel spray.
- Reflective logos and tabs add additional visibility when riding in dim and dark light.
The Lombarida jersey is a race fit so we advise you go up at least one size from your normal......unless you are one of those skinny racing types! - See more at: http://nordiclifeuk.co.uk/products/socks/204/575/cycling/P-capo-lombardia-short-sleeve-jersey#sthash.KqUT7ZpG.dpuf
Capo Lombarida all weather jersey, provides wind and water protection in a slim, race -cut jersey. Other jerseys started this trend, but in true Capo style, they have improved on what's out there. The jersey is made with Thermo Rouabaix® Lycra, a fleece backed coating technology that is applied to the fabric, effectively making it hydrophobic, while maintaining the fabric’s breathability, The DWR technology rapidly forces water to bead on the surface of the fabric and run off, protecting the fabric from absorbing the moisture.
The Lombarida jersey is a race fit so we advise you go up at least one size from your normal......unless you are one of those skinny racing types! - See more at: http://nordiclifeuk.co.uk/products/socks/204/575/cycling/P-capo-lombardia-short-sleeve-jersey#sthash.KqUT7ZpG.dpuf
- Element-4® fabric on front, shoulder and back panels give excellent wind and water protection. However, this multi-layer fabric also provides excellent breathability, all-way stretch, minimal weight for a unrivaled combination of qualities.
- DWR Thermo Roubaix® Lycra provides warmth and water protection under arm, side and back panels.
- Added protection comes from an elongated collar, cuff and back. This also gives additional warmth and water protection in the riding position, and shields rider from wheel spray.
- Reflective logos and tabs add additional visibility when riding in dim and dark light.
The Lombarida jersey is a race fit so we advise you go up at least one size from your normal......unless you are one of those skinny racing types! - See more at: http://nordiclifeuk.co.uk/products/socks/204/575/cycling/P-capo-lombardia-short-sleeve-jersey#sthash.KqUT7ZpG.dpuf
