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Tech review - April 7, 2004
Descente Element jacket
Finding herself a long way from the warm climes of her native Australia, Kristy Scrymgeour has developed a profound appreciation for the protection afforded by this piece of well-made winter wear.
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If you have been around cycling long enough, or perhaps skiing and skating for some time, you'll be familiar with the chevrons that garnished Descente clothing in the 1980s and '90s. Descente was made famous by the 7-Eleven team when Andy Hampsten rode to victory in the 1988 Giro d'Italia, and earlier by Eric Heiden when he skated for the US to bring home five gold medals in the 1980 Winter Olympics, wearing a hooded Descente skin-tight speed skating suit.
The Descente brand was created in Osaka, Japan in 1935 by Mr Takeo Ishmoto who introduced athletic clothing into the skiwear industry. Eventually the company expanded into other sports and by the late '80s had become one of the top cycling clothing companies in the world.
Descente disappeared from the American market eight years ago but as of last year, it is back on the racks in cycling stores, bearing its three-pronged logo and its traditional chevrons. Descente's 'spirit logo' was designed to mean, "to go downhill" but also symbolizes "the ceaseless pursuit of excellence in sports apparel, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of sport", according to Descente.
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Bringing the brand back to life for cyclists is Axcent Sports, led by former US professional cyclist Hugh Walton, who is excited about the way things are going so far. I spoke to Walton when I went to visit Descente's offices in Boulder, Colorado, and he says he foresees Descente once again being a leader in cycling clothing over the coming years. "The fact that we ride so much here in the office... When you add up the miles of everyone riding here, between the six of us, I'd say it's approaching 1000 miles a week between us," he said, "[that] allows us to discover more than any other company, what really works for a cyclist and what doesn't. No fluff. All function."
The new Descente clothing is presently being worn by the Health Net Pro Cycling team presented by Maxxis.
The jacket
I've been wearing the Element jacket to ride in the cold winter temperatures of Colorado Springs and it has certainly kept me warm. (Canadians can pipe down - it's cold to me!) The fabric is Descente's breathable, waterproof Tri-Comp cloth, made from 100 percent stretch polyester with a middle layer that lets moisture out and allows the fabric to breathe. There's a water repellent finish on the outside and a waterproof membrane that keep moisture out. Tri-Comp therefore lets water vapour escape but keeps liquid water out. It works. Descente calls this effect 'Aqualibrium.'
I find the jacket very comfortable because of its elasticity and lightweight feel. It is also elasticised at the waist and sleeves, which keeps out the cold winter wind. Under each arm and at the upper back under an open flap it has a strip of mesh that allows your body to breath in the right places.
Practicality and style
The Element has two back pockets with a small flap covering the openings to keep out the weather. The flap is covered with a reflective strip to keep you visible to traffic and the odd deer you might come across. There are also reflective strips on the flap at the upper back and on the key pocket at the front of the jacket, as well as on the traditional Descente chevrons that run down the shoulders of the jacket and on the three-pronged Descente logo on the chest and lower back.
I like the Element's looks, which is always a good thing in a garment you're going to be spotted out and about wearing. While the Element is a men's jacket, I also like the looks of the company's women's line. In particular, on some of the women's '04 long sleeve jerseys, instead of the traditional Descente chevrons on the shoulders, the stripes have been curved in what Descente calls the 'Tranquility' design making the jersey look different from the men's designs and flattering.
Toasty
The Element has been perfect (with a base layer and a long sleeve jersey underneath) in temperatures in the low 40's Fahrenheit (about 5 degrees Celsius). Descente makes other jackets for even colder weather (the Shelter) and warmer conditions (the Classic and the Axiom). For weather that's cold but not silly, the Element is spot-on.
Recommended retail price: $US130-140
Colours: Red (bright), blue (bright), yellow and black
Pro: Comfortable, warm, breathable, visible, not expensive
Con: Couldn't find any
More information: Descente's
website
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