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On test: Specialized cool weather clothing, November 20, 2008
Specialized brings considerable know-how to cycling apparel
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Specialized has been a formidable powerhouse in various realms of cycling hardware but is now applying its considerable know-how to the world of apparel. Cyclingnews technical editor James Huang heads out with a fall/winter sampler and finds it to be a viable alternative to dedicated apparel brands.
Hit the switch
The Activate long-sleeved jersey is a perfect match in situations such as 'cross where you're generating a lot of heat on your own but it might not offer enough warmth for those heading out for a casual autumn spin.
The medium-weight polyester fabric and slightly higher collar provide a little more protection as the temperatures dip but only just barely. Open mesh panels down the center of the back and in both armpits still allow a fair bit of air to move through whether you want it to or not, plus there's also a full-length zipper in case things really start to warm up.
The silicone rubber hem does a good job of keeping the bottom of the Activate in place and the full complement of four rear pockets was particularly welcome as we loaded up for uncertain weather. There's just enough room underneath the suitably snug fit for a base layer and the stylish contrast piping and silicone rubber accents elicited positive comments from most. A touch of reflective detailing on the rear pocket also helps you get noticed at night, too.
Unfortunately, durability left us rather disappointed as the relatively loose-knit fabric tends to snag on anything sharper than a watermelon. We picked up four major ones in just a few weeks of riding and were only able to fix one, which is a particular shame since there is so much else about the Activate that we really like.
Potential buyers should consider this a replacement for a short sleeve jersey-and-arm warmers combo or an excellent single piece for harder workouts where breathability is still a key concern. Those living in terrain riddled with pointier foliage will certainly want to pass, though.
Bottoms up
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Matching up to our Activate jersey is the BG Pro RBX knicker which uses a heavier 'Therminal' brushed fabric down the front of the torso, thighs and knees to help keep you warm along with lighter-weight Fieldsensor rear panels for more breathability. Save for our exposed lower legs, the BG Pro RBX knicker turns out to be surprisingly cozy even below 10°C (50°F) - provided you're working a little bit - while the airy rear ensured we never got too hot even when shorts would have been more appropriate.
The four-panel construction isn't terribly impressive on paper but is effective nonetheless with a comfortably tight fit through the legs and torso, soft silicone grippers around the leg openings and lightweight mesh bibs that never dug into our shoulders. Likewise, Specialized's multi-density, multi-thickness and stretch BG Pro RBX chamois proved practically faultless with its seamless top, moderately sized proportions and rather generous padding that somehow manages to avoid the dreaded 'loaded diaper' feel.
As with the Activate, though, durability is the BG Pro RBX knicker's Achilles' heel and its sole letdown. The material itself held up rather well through repeated use and regular machine washings but it didn't take long for a substantial amount of stitching to blow out in several locations on one of the bib straps. Thankfully it's something that is easy to repair but at this asking price and with this label, we definitely expect more.
Brr…
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Need some more warmth? As we headed deeper into the calendar, the heavier-weight Eureka jersey's full fleece-backed Fieldsensor construction adds substantially more insulation as well as a mild degree of protection from wind thanks to its more tightly woven fabric - which also proved more resistant to snagging.
Like the Activate, the Eureka fit was perfectly snug with just enough room for a base layer but not much else. Even so, we were comfortable so-equipped on moderate training rides down to about 10°C (50°F) and breathability remained very good for all but the most intense workouts. Rounding out the Eureka are four rear pockets, a siliconized lower hem, full front zipper, and some reflective detailing for low-light visibility.
The Eureka Element steps things up even further with soft shell panels along the front of the torso, shoulders, and forearms for dedicated wind protection, all of which are also backed by a heavier-duty waffle-block fleece. Meanwhile, stretch Therminal side panels faithfully replicate the form fit of the Activate and Eureka while contrasting zippered cuffs retain the tight fit around the wrists that otherwise would have been lost with the non-stretch soft shell material. In keeping with its intended colder-and-darker usage, Specialized also graces the Eureka Element with more reflective material and the whole package looks decidedly sharp.
The soft shell panels indeed extend the comfort range of the standard Eureka another few degrees, especially around the top of the shoulders and neck which are especially exposed to biting wind. However, we have a hard time understanding why Specialized would cover both the tops and bottoms of the forearms yet leave the upper arms completely unprotected; in our experience, the upper arms usually are more directly exposed.
In addition, the zippered cuffs are a good way to get around the wrist fit issue but they have an annoying tendency to creep open if you're not careful to zip them all the way shut, plus they make the Eureka Element a tad slower to put on and take off. Instead, it would make more sense to line the entire front of the sleeves with windproof soft shell panels and fit the back with more conventional materials. That way, the upper arms would gain some much needed protection and the cuffs would retain enough stretch to eliminate the zippers.
Topping things off
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No winter wardrobe would be complete without a suitable shell and vest and Specialized's Deflect Hybrid conveniently provides both. The trim-fitting, stylish, and lightweight polyester shell does a good job of shedding wind and water, and the fuzzy collar feels good against your skin. Hook-and-loop cuffs can be cinched down as tightly as you desire - but they're more cumbersome to deal with than simple elastic. Our sample came in a bright 'ion yellow' color for maximum visibility though more subdued hues are also offered, all of which are equipped with reflective trim.
Like most garments of this type, the Deflect Hybrid isn't as breathable as we'd like during hard efforts but you can easily convert the jacket into a vest via the one-piece zip-off sleeve section if you're generating too much heat. Given a bit of practice, you can even strip off the sleeves while riding and stuff them into the Deflect Hybrid's single zippered rear pocket. Don't bother trying to put the sleeves back on without stopping, though.
If the vest is still too warm - even with the large rear vent - the material is impressively thin such that you can stuff the whole thing in a jersey pocket without too much trouble. In short, the Deflect Hybrid provides a nice alternative to both a jacket and vest and takes up appreciably less room than both.
Specialized Activate jersey
Price: US$90
Pros: Form fit, highly breathable, smart styling, just enough warmth
for cooler days
Cons: Poor fabric durability mars otherwise superb top
Cyclingnews rating: 
Specialized BG Pro RBX knicker
Price: US$165
Pros: Therminal and Fieldsensor fabric combination offers perfect blend
of warmth and breathability, comfortable BG Pro RBX chamois, excellent cut
Cons: Disappointing stitch durability
Cyclingnews rating:
Specialized Eureka jersey
Price: US$125 (Eureka jersey)
Pros: Warm and fuzzy brushed Fieldsensor fabric, trim fit, full complement
of pockets
Cons: None
Cyclingnews rating: 
Specialized Eureka Element jersey
Price: US$155
Pros: Very good warmth with minimal bulk, wind-resistant panels down
torso, upper chest and shoulders, athletic fit, Euro-inspired style
Cons: Upper arms are left without wind-resistant materials, rear pockets
are too small and few in number, wrist zippers tend to creep open if not fully
secured
Cyclingnews rating:
Specialized Deflect Hybrid jacket
Price: US$120
Pros: Highly effective protection against wind and water in a lightweight,
versatile and compressible package, sleeves can be removed while riding
Cons: Material isn't as breathable as we'd like
Cyclingnews rating: 
More information: www.specialized.com
Photography
For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here
Images by James Huang/Cyclingnews.com
- The Specialized Activate jersey and BG Pro RBX knicker are perfect companions for moderate fall riding.
- The rear of the BG Pro RBX Knicker uses more breathable summer-weight Fieldsensor fabric for breathability.
- Mesh panels in the armpits and down the center of the back of the Activate jersey move a surprising amount of air to keep you from overheating.
- The keen styling features contrasting piping and silicone rubber appliqués.
- Three rear pockets and an additional zippered pocket provide plenty of storage space.
- The four-panel construction of the BG Pro RBX knicker is simple yet effective.
- Cooler temperatures call for the Specialized Eureka jersey with its heavier-weight fleece-backed Fieldsensor fabric.
- A full complement of pockets are on tap to store all of your gear.
- A silicone rubber-lined hem keeps the bottom of the Eureka jersey comfortably in place.
- Soft shell panels on the front of the Eureka Element jersey help protect from biting wind.
- The soft shell panels are also backed with more insulative waffle-block fleece panels that create a lollipop of warmth around your neck, shoulders and upper torso.
- The trim cut leaves just enough room for a base layer beneath.
- Color-contrast zippered cuffs help seal up wrists against unwanted drafts but they migrate open if not zipped completely.
- The two-plus-one rear pocket arrangement offers reasonable stowage but they're rather small.
- A handy chest pocket offers quick access to energy gels or your iPod.
- The Specialized Deflect Hybrid jacket is both a jacket and vest all in one.
- The lightweight polyester shell does a good job of shedding wind and water.
- The fuzzy collar feels good against your neck.
- Silicone rubber along the rear of the hem keeps the bottom of the Deflect Hybrid in place.
- The sleeves easily zip off in one piece to reveal a lightweight vest. The mesh panel up top aids in breathability.
- A small chest pocket is just big enough for an energy gel.
