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On test: Capoforma summer clothing, August 25, 2008
Who needs race cred? Ride for Team Capoforma
Logo-emblazoned team kits are either coveted symbols of well-earned fitness or overly crowded rolling billboards, depending on your point of view. Capoforma's keen coordinated looks provide high-tech appealing alternative options that aren't (too) over the top, according to Cyclingnews technical editor James Huang.
Match maker
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Without a doubt, the Capoforma Signature Series Diavolo and M1 ensembles provide the coordinated look that many riders are after with matched tops and bottoms that tell people you put a little more work into dressing yourself that morning than simply grabbing the first (hopefully clean) pair of black shorts and random jersey you could find.
Of our two test outfits, the flagship Diavolo takes the decidedly bolder path with its bright, 'hey, look at me!' red, white and black color palette and repeating Capoforma icon pattern print. It's an eye-catching look for sure but one could argue that the company perhaps goes a little too far in making its logo an integrated part of the styling ('Capoforma' is printed over a dozen times between the shorts and jersey); if you're not seeking attention then this one probably isn't for you.
On the other hand, the M1 stays a little further under the radar. The orange-accented black-and-white color scheme of the jersey and shorts is as well-paired as on the Diavolo but the appearance is undoubtedly more subdued. As fall looms over the horizon, both the Diavolo and M1 are also available with matching 'Arm Skins', cycling caps, and socks.
Looks aside, Capoforma does a good job of imbuing a healthy dose of textile tech. The Diavolo features Resistex Carbon main panels that are claimed to do everything short of pedal for you (touted benefits include reduced body temperature fluctuation, lower oxygen consumption and decreased lactic acid production) while mesh arm and side panels offer up more airflow in hot weather.
The matching bib shorts are built with a supportive Lycra Power body, a mesh bib and a stretch, multi-thickness Cytech EIT (Elastic Interface Technology) chamois. True flat-lock seams are used throughout the top and bottom.
In contrast, the M1 jersey uses a more conventional 'Micro Quattro' wicking dual-layer polyester throughout while the bib shorts feature similar Power Lycra and mesh construction as on the Diavolo. Capoforma subs in a slightly less fancy Cytech EIT insert though (which still uses a silver-infused antimicrobial top sheet), and more conventional seams are used top and bottom as well.
Both the Diavolo and M1 include comfortable soft silicone grippers at the leg openings and lower jersey hem. Full-length zippers are also standard, along with a full complement of three rear pockets.
And... go!
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We can't vouch for Resistex's heady physiological claims but the Diavolo jersey is a good match for warm weather conditions regardless. Fit throughout is on the appropriately snug side of things without being too tight; there's little-to-no excess material flapping in the breeze but you can still take a full breath. The material itself wicks moisture rather well (aided by the next-to-skin fit) and the mesh panels and full-length zipper are certainly welcome as the mercury climbs. Pockets are well-placed and reasonably easy to access (though riders with particularly large hands might have some problems).
In general, we've always had good luck with Capoforma's shorts and the Diavolo proved no exception (well, almost). As with the jersey, the fit is decidedly cycling-specific and the snug Power Lycra material does seem to lend a little more muscle support than more standard fabrics. As we've come to expect, the Cytech chamois was superb over the long haul with no discomfort to report over four months of use on the road. As long as you're ok with its slightly thick feel, it simply disappears once you're under way which is about all a chamois could hope for.
Flat-lock seams or not, the Diavolo shorts unfortunately simply rubbed us the wrong way at times. For whatever reason (we haven't noticed this with other Capoforma shorts in the past), the seams at the front of the hips proved increasingly irritating over time and no matter how we adjusted them they never quite felt right. We're not sure if seam placement or seam material itself is to blame here, but it was annoying either way.
The M1 jersey material may be lower-tech than that of the Diavolo but its more open mesh weave actually seems to let more air pass through and its light feel was especially
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inviting at slower paces on steep, grinding climbs when the sun was baking overhead. Sure, the seams protrude into the body a hair but they never bugged us and were even more of a non-issue if a base layer was involved. In keeping with its slightly more casual styling, the fit was also a touch roomier as well for those seeking less of a 'human sausage' look.
Just as with the Diavolo shorts, the M1 chamois boasted do-no-wrong comfort (and was a bit thinner), good support and excellent fit overall... but also had that same pesky seam. In the case of the M1, we might point at the more conventional seam construction but the fact that it popped up on both outfits make us suspect the seam thread. Either way, again, it was an ugly stain on what would otherwise be a superb pair of shorts.
And what about the other matching bits, you ask? The Arm Skins use a lighter-weight material than usual and they don't provide much warmth; best to use them for cool, rather than cold, temperatures. As a result though, they're also surprisingly reasonable for warmer days when you might want a bit of extra UV protection but they're still awfully expensive for what they are.
Capoforma's caps are fairly standard fare with a thin cotton construction that doesn't provide much warmth but can provide a decent sweat sucker for the 'follically challenged' and a usable brim in overly sunny or rainy conditions. And yes, the colors match perfectly for those of you that care.
As for the socks, they're typical Capoforma fare which, in this case, is a very good thing. The fit is perfectly snug, there are several cuff heights available, and the material does a decent job of resisting odors.
Capoforma Signature Series Diavolo Jersey and Bib Short
Price: US$150 (CSS Diavolo Jersey); US$200 (CSS Diavolo Bib Short)
Pros: Team-like coordinated look, bold colors and patterns, excellent
not-too-snug fit, high-end fabrics, superb Cytech chamois
Cons: Resistex Carbon fabric benefits are questionable, irritating seams
in shorts, bold colors and patterns
Cyclingnews rating: 
(CSS Diavolo Jersey); 
(CSS Diavolo Bib Short)
Capoforma Signature Series M1 Jersey and Bib Short
Price: US$90 (CSS M1 Jersey); US$140 (CSS M1 Bib Short)
Pros: Subtle-yet-stylish print and colors, good value, excellent materials,
superb Cytech chamois
Cons: Irritating seams in shorts
Cyclingnews rating:
(CSS M1 Jersey);
(CSS M1 Bib Short)
Capoforma Diavolo and M1 Cycling Caps
Price: US$15
Pros: Color-coordinated styling, classic fit and shape
Cons: None
Cyclingnews rating: 
Capoforma Arm Skins
Price: US$39.99
Pros: Color-coordinated look, bold styling, good fit,
Cons: Lightweight materials limit usability in colder climates, bold
styling, far too expensive for what they are
Cyclingnews rating: 
Capoforma Euro Web and Professional Skinlife Sock
Price: US$13.99 (Euro Web and Professional Skinlife Sock)
Pros: Perfect fit, durable construction, something-for-everyone cuff
heights and colors
Cons: None
Cyclingnews rating:
More info: www.uplandsg.com
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- Capoforma's Diavolo outfit provides high-tech fabrics, good overall fit and bold coordinated styling.
- The eye-catching Diavolo color scheme and pattern aren't for the timid but are well matched top to bottom.
- The fit is snug without being overly tight and there's little-to-no excess material to flap in the breeze.
- The Diavolo shorts include an excellent Cytech EIT chamois but it's a bit on the thick side.
- Soft silicone grippers at the leg openings and lower jersey hem are effective and comfortable.
- The M1 provides a similarly cooridinated look but with less 'in your face' styling.
- The more subtle prints and colors should satisfy those looking for style but with a bit more modesty.
- The M1 also uses a Cytech chamois which is less tech-heavy on paper but no less comfortable than the one used on the Diavolo and it's thinner to boot.
- Capoforma's 'Arm Skins' provide a touch of warmth but not enough for anything more than cool mornings and evenings.
- Naturally, Capoforma also offers the Arm Skins in white.
- Topping off the outfit are matching caps available in a range of colors.
