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Tech review - October 9, 2004
On test: Campagnolo Metal Series Wind Shield
Keep it simple
One of the best and most essential items a rider can own, says Anthony Tan, that simplicity and functionality should come well before anything else. Campagnolo's Metal Series Wind Shield was a case in point.
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A good cycling vest, in my opinion, is one of the best items of clothing a rider can own. Less bulky than a jacket, so less space in your jersey pocket when you've sufficiently warmed up or when it's stopped drizzling or when you've finished your 25km descent from the top of the Galibier; not as restrictive as a full jacket so you can quite comfortably wear it on those coolish, breezy autumn days where it's sensible to keep your chest warm but still want your arms to move about freely; and, depending on the material used, generally very good at resisting light to moderate rain that would otherwise quickly seep into your jersey, through your undershirt and onto your skin.
Which brings me to the Campagnolo Metal Series Wind Shield.
Obviously known the world over for their gorgeously-crafted components (although I'm a Shimano man if anyone's asking), Campy have more recently begun making inroads with their range of cycling apparel. The Vicenza firm divides their line-up into four groups, or 'Series' as they call them: Next, Raytech, Metal and Dynaflex; Next being their most basic, with the Dynaflex Series designed for the pro's (or the wannabes).
The Metal Series sits second from the top, and as the name implies, fabric material is metallic in colour and look. "Reserved only to people who know how to be different," writes Campagnolo on their website. That's me in a nutshell, but normally I go out of my way to try and avoid the fact...
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On first inspection, the Metal Series vest that I was about to test certainly looked the part. In an understated metallic blue (termed 'Blue Steel'; one of five available colours), the vest is made from a windproof, breathable and stretchable fabric known as Textran. The front sports a two-way zip and that's about it, while the back features an elastic drawcord at the top for a snug fit round your neck, two reflective pipes that run from the neckline to the mid-section of your back, and a thoughtful back zip-pocket with the zip running horizontally. On the inside, a two centimetre-wide silicone gripper at the waistline helps stop the vest riding up, while a piece of soft lining at the neckline should prevent any rubbing or chafing around your Adam's apple.
I first began using the vest at the end of the Australian autumn, mostly early morning (6-8.30am) or early evening (5.30-7pm), and right through winter to the start of spring, so it was apt timing to guage the vest's merits.
While it was easy enough to slip on, I did struggle with the zipper... and continue to do so four months later. Pulling the slider along the teeth isn't the problem - it's actually trying to get to that stage of being able to zip and unzip. Once the pin has gone through the slider, it struggles to meet the end of the box, and unless the pin is shoved hard to the end (along with a bit of wriggling), there ain't no way you're going to be able to zip up the vest. And because it's such a tight fit, the zip's almost as obstinate when you're attempting to unzip or take the vest off.
From past experience, I've found the hassle associated with the extra bit of jiggling and mucking about with two-way zippers outweigh their benefit, especially when you're trying to zip or unzip yourself on the bike. Or scarier still, in a bunch and on the bike - try telling your mates, 'don't blame me, blame the zipper' after bringing the bunch down on a Saturday morning. You'd be banished to the realm of Hubbardom™ forever.
Once zipped up, though, the jacket works how it should work. Stopping those initial blasts of cold wind hitting your chest as you begin your ride is a godsend. And once warmed up, I found the vest was comfortable enough to wear for the remainder of the ride in most cases - it was only when the mercury was around 22 degrees C or more, or on days when I wanted to go a little harder that I found myself rolling it up and shoving it into my back pocket (stopping first, of course). The contoured design and elastic gripper around the waist helps, too, allowing your body and arms to move as freely as possible.
One zip I can't complain about is the horizontal zip-pocket at the back. It's a great idea for those 200 dollar sunglasses you don't trust leaving in the back pocket of your jersey, and it's deep enough to leave unzipped and remain unworried. One thing I found superflous, however, was the elastic drawcord at the neck; I enjoy a bit of room around the neckline, and it'd be uncomfortable if it was any tighter.
It's unfortunate that such a thoughtfully-designed piece of clothing has this one blemish - it's a five-jersey product without it. Yes, I could be unlucky and simply have a dud two-way zipper, but either way, it's such an important feature of any vest or jacket, and should be kept as simple as possible.
Photography
Images by Paul Mirtschin/Cyclingnews
- Campagnolo's Metal Series Wind Shield - for coolish autumn days or early morning outings.
- Two reflective pipes run from the neckline to the mid-section of your back, and a thoughtful back zip-pocket give the vest that extra bit of functionality.
Recommended retail price: 130 Euro
Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
Colours: Blue Steel, Golden Iron, Red Copper, Titanium, Zirconium
Pro: Great fit, lightweight, breathable, zippered back pocket, classy
colours
Con: No way to two-way zippers
More information: Campagnolo's
website
Cyclingnews Rating: 
