Road cycling is, in many ways, a gentlemen’s sport.  Although grueling in nature and at times, incredibly intense, there’s a certain style that remains amidst the pain – a style uncommon in most other sports.  Part of it’s the engineering style of a gorgeously designed road bike; part of it’s the style that permeates great cycling gear.  And when it comes to looking good on your bike, there’s few companies that can compete with Capo.  They’re like the Armani of the cycling world.  They create sleek, sculpted pieces of cycling apparel that are seemingly tailored to fit your precise contours, and they do it while it maintaining the comfort and performance vital for a day in the saddle.

When it comes to selecting which Capo gear to opt for, I personally love the Modena line (for men).  It’s stylish, incredibly comfortable, durable, and as far as price goes, it’s a tremendous value.  As for the ladies, our female staffers love the Cortina line for the same reasons I’ve mentioned, and although it’s a little pricier than a men’s Modena gear, it’s still offers a tremendous value for the money.  Here’s a look at both the men’s Capo Modena gear and the women’s Capo Cortina lineup, accompanied by some photos showing just how great they both look.

Capo Modena Short Sleeve Jersey (Men’s, $79.99)

Available in both white and black designs with contrasting white and black race stripes, the Capo Modena jersey is an exceptionally stylish, well-tailored jersey perfect for a quick sprint on the bike or a longer, more intense day of riding.  The Modena jersey is constructed from lightweight polyester Drop fabric, offering both superb comfort and excellent moisture management properties.  Other features include a full length lockable zipper, a silicone waist gripper and the traditional three pockets in the rear.

While it is the entry level jersey in the Capo line, the Modena jersey really does offer a superb level of styling.  Despite owning other jerseys in the Capo line (all of which perform brilliantly, I might add), the Capo Modena is the one that garners the most praise from other riders, no doubt due to its elegantly simple design.  Add to that a quality construction that’s held up brilliantly after numerous washes, and the Capo Modena jersey offers riders an incredible value for the money at a mere $80.

Capo Modena Bib Short (Men’s, $139.99)

Designed to match the styling of the Modena jersey, the Capo Modena bib short again features Capo’s trademark tailored fit in a stylish, comfortable package.  Available in black with white stripes, the Modena bib short is constructed from Power Lycra along with an all-way stretch mesh upper and an anti-microbial multi-layer EIT (elastic interface technology) insert.  The result is an extremely wearable bib short perfect for those of you seeking a medium level of padding when you ride.

While comfort is of course subjective depending on body type, for me, the Modena Bib short is an exceptionally comfortable option for non-competitive riding.  Although it doesn’t offer the same level of compression as its more expensive Capo siblings, the Modena still offers excellent support due to its slimmer fit.  If you’re looking for a stylish, well balanced bib short geared towards general everyday riding, the Modena bib short fits the bill exceptionally well, and at $140, it’s a tremendous value for the price.

Capo Cortina Jersey (Women’s, $129.99)

When it comes to styling it wouldn’t be fair for men to have all the fun, so for women, Capo has created the Cortina jersey.  It’s an incredibly sexy jersey that in addition to its stunningly gorgeous good looks, features the utmost in Capo technology to match.  At its core, the Cortina Jersey is constructed from two key fabrics:  Silver and HSC.  Capo Silver is a dual knit micro fiber featuring quick dry technology that’s both exceptionally breathable and provides excellent moisture management properties.  The second fabric – Capo HSC – is a high-gauge, lightweight microfiber that adds the perfect level of stretch to the jersey.  Designed to move with you while you ride, HSC again provides excellent moisture management and anti-bacterial properties, and just as importantly, it doesn’t bunch or pull the more you move, making it remarkably comfortable.  Other features of the Capo Cortina jersey include a full length lockable zipper, two back pockets, and your choice of either white or black designs with contrasting red accents.

On the road, the Cortina is just a gorgeously designed piece of cycling gear.  It’s one of the most tailored women’s jerseys you’re going to find, but just as importantly, it’s construction places it easily at the forefront of jersey technology.  Comfortable, breathable and beautiful, the Capo Cortina is everything you could ask for in a women’s jersey, and at $130, it’s well within the price range for most cycling enthusiasts.

Capo Cortina Shorts (Women’s, $159.99)

Complimenting the women’s Cortina jersey, the Capo Cortina shorts feature a matching design in black with white and red accents, and they look fantastic.  Featuring an eight panel construction of Power Lycra and Dual-Ply Power fabrics, the Cortina shorts offer a superb level of muscle compression without sacrificing comfort.  Inside, a women’s High Performance EIT insert featuring elastic one-piece construction offers an ideal level of padding for longer rides, and thanks to an intelligent design that utilizes varying thicknesses, the chamois remains comfortable without bunching.

Adding to their unique feature set, another notable attribute of the Capo Cortina shorts are their waist.  Unlike cycling shorts that feature a traditional waist, the Cortina shorts feature a crossover waistband, offering support without placing too much pressure on the stomach.  It’s just one of the many custom features Capo has implemented specifically for women in their Cortina line, and it’s one of the reasons Capo consistently ranks as one of the favorite cycling brands among our female riders.

To see more of both the Capo Cortina jersey and shorts and the Modena jersey and bib short, you can find photos of both in their varying color options in the gallery below.  For more info on the Modena or Cortina or any of the other lines offered by Capo, you can find more information at the official Capo website.

 

Great cycling gear is like a great pair of jeans.  You can throw it on anytime, be comfortable, and enjoy whatever it is you’re doing.  On the bike, whether in a race or just out for a quick ride, Louis Garneau cycling gear is, figuratively speaking, that perfect pair of jeans.  Garneau gear is just so comfortable, you can wear it for a quick ride, all-day excursion, or pretty much anything else you need it for.  But just as importantly, Louis Garneau engineers everything with performance at the forefront, meaning when race day comes, you’re good to go.

I own and use a variety of Garneau cycling gear, and I have been for some time now.  In recommending what Garneau gear ranks among the best, it’s actually quite difficult, as I love every piece of Garneau I own.  But if you forced me to pick the essentials – a single Garneau package for a day out on the bike – this is what I’d choose.  There’s plenty more superb Louis Garneau options to choose from, but this will at least get you headed in the right direction.

Louis Garneau Diamond Helmet (Men’s and Women’s, $189.99)

I’m not usually one to boast about athlete endorsements of products, but this is the helmet worn by Chrissie Wellington in her record-setting 2009 Ironman World Championship title.  As a triathlete myself, I know how incredibly difficult completing an Ironman is, let alone being at the top of the Ironman field.  It goes without saying that a comfortable helmet is a must in an Ironman competition, and the Louis Garneau Diamond helmet is about as comfortable as you’re going to get.  It’s incredibly cool thanks to its more than 40 vents; at 285 grams, it’s super light; and most importantly, it incredibly, incredibly comfortable.  Wearing it, you forget you’re wearing it, and as far as helmet compliments go, that’s about the highest praise I can give it.  Features of the Louis Garneau Diamond helmet include:

• CPSC-ASTM-CEN-AS 2063 certified (Order 1408847 for Australian certification)
• In-Mold Construction: An industrial process binding the microplastic and polystyrene together to add superior mechanical properties to these materials.
• Spiderlock Elite: Adjustable and detachable rack-and-pinion mechanism using only one hand to stabilize the helmet on the head. It is provided with ergonomic padding.
• Steplock Divider: Cam locking device to quickly adjust strap position.
• Sealed Airdry Padding: Washable sealed adjustment padding for enhanced durability, ergonomic design for optimum comfort.
• Evacuation channels: Moisture channels provide better airflow and moisture wicking.
• Super MSB Technology: Ring-shaped protection at the base of the helmet reinforces the perimeter to spread the shock of impact.
• Exo-Insert Technology: Lightweight inner plastic reinforcement spreads the shock of impact and helps maintain the helmet’s structure.
• Composite Reinforcement: Inner composite-made frame which spread the shock of impacts. It provides support and protection while being lightweight.
• S: 6 1/2-7; 20 1/2″ – 22″; 52-56 cm
• M: 7-7 3/8; 22″ – 23 1/4″; 56-59 cm
• L: 7 3/8-7 3/4; 23 1/4″ – 24 1/2″; 59-62 cm

Louis Garneau Équipe Bib (Men’s, $149.99)

In selecting a bib, comfort, moisture management and muscle compression are all vital features, and the Louis Garneau Équipe Bib blends the three perfectly.  A patented Airgel Chamois has perforated gel inserts to keep you comfortable for long stretches in the saddle; a combination of Power Lycra and Fit Sensor fabrics help keep you dry while still providing excellent muscle compression; and Powerband compressive grippers help keep the Équipe Bib in place while you ride, avoiding the slipping and riding up common in other bibs.  Other features of the Louis Garneau Équipe Bib include:

• Lycra power, fit sensor and speed mesh fabric construction
• Ergonomic fit
• 8 panels
• 1 back pocket
• Powerband
• No seam inside leg
• Flatlock seams
• Back reflective logo
• Men Airgel Chamois
• Compressive Fit
• Inseam 11.25″/28.5 cm

Louis Garneau Factory Team Jersey (Men’s, $84.99)

Complimenting the styling of the Louis Garneau Équipe Bib, the Louis Garneau Factory Team Jersey features a matching color combination paired with the same comfort and performance attributes of its sibling.  Thank to its diamond fabric construction, air flow remains consistent, keeping you cool and wicking moisture away from your skin.  3 back pockets provide storage while riding, and elastic at the hem ensures the jersey stays in place while you ride.  Features of the Louis Garneau Factory Team Jersey include:

• Diamond Fabric
• Full-length zip
• 3 back pockets
• Elastic at hem
• Back reflective logo
• Pro Fit Men

Louis Garneau Équipe Shorts (Women’s, $129.99)

Men have the Louis Garneau Équipe Bib, women have Louis Garneau Équipe Shorts, but both feature a similar construction and similarly exceptional performance properties.  As in the men’s bib, the women’s shorts feature a Power Lycra and Fit Sensor fabric construction, offering excellent muscle compression with superb moisture management properties.  Also present is the patented Airgel Chamois with perforated gel inserts, keeping you comfortable on long rides, while a HuggFit waist specifically designed to fit the natural contour of a woman’s body helps differentiate the Équipe Shorts from the bib.  Features of the Louis Garneau Équipe Shorts include:

• Fit sensor and lycra power fabric construction
• Ergonomic fit
• 6 panels
• HuggFit waist, designed to fit the natural contour of a woman’s body without adding pressure points
• Powerband
• Flatlock seams
• Back reflective logo
• Women Airgel Chamois
• Inseam 10.5″/26.5 cm

Louis Garneau Équipe Jersey (Women’s, $84.99)

Again similar to the men’s Factory jersey, the women’s Louis Garneau Équipe Jersey features styling designed to match the women’s Équipe shorts.  In addition, a diamond fabric construction keeps you cool and dry as the heat rises, 3 back pockets offer another means of storage, and elastic at the hem helps keep the jersey in place, both in and out of the saddle.  Features of the women’s Louis Garneau Équipe Jersey include:

• Diamond fabric
• Full-length zip
• 3 back pockets
• Elastic at hem
• Back reflective logo
• Pro Fit Women

Louis Garneau CFS-150 Shoes (Men’s and Women’s, $299.99)

In seeking out to provide a shoe that offers the perfect fit and ultimate in power transfer, Louis Garneau has created the CFS-150, a heat moldable shoe that’s incredibly stiff and comfortable.  If you’re unfamiliar with heat moldable shoes, the premise is simple:  you heat your oven to 150 degrees, remove the main strap, place the shoes in the oven for 15 minutes, remove them and put them on your feet for 15-20 minutes, until they cool.  The result is a shoe that perfectly contoured to your foot, supremely comfortable, and one that’s a far less expensive option than full customs.

In addition to its heat molding properties, Louis Garneau CFS-150 shoes offer a variety of other superb features as well, including a microfiber leather upper, numerous vents for excellent foot ventilation, a visual display of cleat position compatible with SPD, TIME, LOOK and SPEED PLAY cleats, and Ergo Air interchangeable inserts (one for warm weather and one for cold).  Features of the Louis Garneau CFS-150 Shoes include:

• Carbon HM outsole with patented mulitvent system
• 100% heat moldable shoe at 150 F (65 C)
• Ergonomic thermoplastic molded toes with 3 side vents
• Micro-ratchet upper strap with fully adjustable EVA padding
• Microfiber leather upper
• Nylon mesh upper
• 2-position micro-adjustment ratchet reinforcement
• Toe covers and shoe bag included
• Weight (size 41/1 shoe): 305 g/10.9 oz
• Ergo Air Interchangeable
• 100% Thermomoldable
• Patented Ergo Air

Louis Garneau Revo XR2 Shoes (Women’s, $129.99)

And lastly, for a more economical choice in cycling shoes, the Revo XR2’s are an excellent choice for women.  Featuring a dual-material carbon and nylon outsole with patented multivent system as well as breathable nylon-mesh/synthetic leather uppers, Revo XR2’s are exceptionally breathable and offer an incredible amount of performance for the money.  As with the CFS-150’s, the Revo XR2’s come with Ergo Air interchangeable inserts (one for warm weather and one for cold) as well as a visual display of cleat position compatible with DURA-ACE, SPD, SPD-SL, TIME, LOOK and SPEED PLAY cleats.  Some of the other highlights of the Revo XR2 include:

• Women specific
• Dual-material carbon and nylon outsole with patented multivent system
• HRS-80 system
• Synthetic leather
• Ergonomic thermoplastic molded heel
• Ratchet closure and velcro straps
• Main strap adjustable with velcro
• Nylon mesh upper
• COOLMAX Ergo Air Cool Stuff blue and Hot Stuff red interchangeable insoles
• Approximate weight (size 38/1 shoe): 225 g/8 oz

Again, picking Louis Garneau gear really is difficult, because everything I’ve worn by Garneau I’ve loved.  But if you’re new to the company, or just can’t decide what piece (or pieces) of Garneau you’re going to get next, I can tell you that any of the aforementioned items offer an incredible blend of performance, price and comfort.  To learn more about any of the Louis Garneau gear above or to view the full range of Louis Garneau’s offerings, you can find more info at the Louis Garneau website.

In the world of cycling, it doesn’t take long to discover you’re only as good as the gear you’ve got on you.  It doesn’t matter if you’re riding a top-of-the-line $10,000 carbon fiber rocket – when that persistent feeling of pain sets in due to an uncomfortable pair of shorts and/or jersey, your ride quality is going to drop.  The solution?  Get yourself gear engineered from the ground up to maximize your comfort and performance when you ride.  There are many companies that claim to follow this mantra, but few that do it as well as 2XU.

Based in Melbourne, Australia, 2XU offers a variety of performance oriented gear across various disciplines of sporting events including cycling, swimming and triathlon.  They’re also the key innovator in the area of compression technology.  If you’re unfamiliar with compression technology, it’s an concept that’s been utilized in the sporting industry for over 100 years in the form of compression bandaging.  The principle is that by supporting the various muscle groups, circulation is improved, thus providing more oxygenated blood to the various muscle groups when they need it most.  Because your muscles are adequately supported, fatigue and damage that can result from muscle movement are severely reduced, and post exercise fatigue and recovery time are also lessened.   It’s these benefits (and others) that led 2XU to transfer compression technology directly to their garments, offering the advantages of compression technology across a wide spectrum of activities.  2XU calls it “Human performance.  Multiplied.”  I call it brilliant.

I’ve been using the 2XU Elite Cycle Bib Short and 2XU Elite Sublimation jersey for the past two months, and my wife has used the women’s 2XU Elite Cycle Short and the 2XU sublimation jersey.  On the road, every 2XU garment has performed exceptionally.  Each piece is comfortable, and after a long ride, the moisture management is absolutely superb.  All utilize a combination of the materials to provide support and cooling where needed, and all will help you take your riding to the next level.  Here’s a an overview of the various 2XU Elite cycling gear we’ve used:

2XU Elite Cycle Bib Short (Men’s, $210)

Exceptionally comfortable, supportive, and offering fantastic moisture management properties, the 2XU Elite Cycle Bib short makes races and longer rides a pleasure.  Featuring Swiss dimpled airflow technology and Japanese extreme moisture management fabrics combined with 2XU’s Fusion Pro Chamois, the Elite Cycle Bib Short is an excellent option for virtually all types of performance-oriented riding. Features include:

• Kinetic Speed – Turbulent airflow technology, compression and moisture management properties
• Sensor Mesh – High stretch for increased support and comfort
• Kinetic Fabric – Durable 220gm weight for long life performance and enhanced muscle containment
• Flatlock Seams – For anti-chaffing and comfort
• Fusion Pro X Chamois – Seamless multi density chamois and moisture control
• 2XU Silicone Leg Gripper – Anti-ride hem, soft against skin and maintains position

2XU Elite Cycle Short (Women’s, $150)

Like the 2XU men’s Elite Bib Short, the women’s short also feature Swiss dimpled airflow technology and Japanese extreme moisture management fabrics paired with 2XU’s Fusion Pro Chamois.  All of the properties found in the men’s bib short can be said of the women’s short – exceptionally comfortable, supportive, and offering fantastic moisture management properties – but with the added benefit of the perfect fit for the female form.  Features include:

• Kinetic Fabric – Durable 220gm weight for long life performance
• Fusion Pro X Chamois – Seamless multi density and moisture control
• Kinetic Speed – Turbulent airflow technology
• Contour Panellingo – Optimising the human form through looks and function
• Flatlock Seams – Anti-chaffing and comfort
• Silicone Leg Gripper – Support with anti ride silicone gel strip

2XU Elite Sublimation Jersey (Men’s, $130)

Comfortable, stylish and innovative, the 2XU Elite Sublimation is a great choice when opting for an all-around functional jersey.  Microfibre fabric technology keeps moisture to a minimum, and the rear pockets (one zippered) along with eyelets for MP3 player make taking your entertainment on the road easy.  Features include:

• Micro Fibre Fabric – Extreme moisture management sublimated fabric
• 2XU Full Length Zip – Adjustable zipper for climate control
• SMD Mesh – Extreme moisture management and denier graded technology
• Fitted Pockets – Storage for all your essentials
• Wired Pocket and Eyelets – Pockets and loops for MP3 player storage and cable management
• Rear Zip On Back Pocket

2XU Elite Sublimation Jersey (Women’s, $110)

Again, everything that can be said of the men’s 2XU Elite Sublimation Jersey is true of the women’s.  It’s comfortable, stylish and innovative;  it has an integrated wired pocket and eyelet for your favorite MP3 player; and unique to the women’s jersey, it offers the option of a sleeveless design, providing a wider range of movement.  It also features the same microfibre fabric construction as the men’s, beautifully managing moisture on long rides.  Features include:

• Microfibre Fabric – Extreme moisture management
• Sleeveless Design – Greater comfort and freedom of movement
• SMD Mesh – Extreme moisture management and denier graded technology
• Contour Panelling – Optimising the human form through looks and function
• Fitted Pockets – Storage for all your essentials
• Wired Pocket and Eyelets – Pockets and loops for MP3 player storage and cable management
• 2XU Full Length Zip

For more information detailing the 2XU line of cycling gear as well as their other compression technology, check out the official 2XU website for more information.  You can also see additional photos of the 2XU Elite cycling gear in the gallery below.