Predictions of drought seem, well, exaggerated.
Showers are not as bad as an unceasing downpour, however, so I headed out amid the gaps in the rain to put in some miles on Condor’s Super Acciaio and try out some of the clothing recently arrived at RCUK headquarters.
Temperatures just into double digits necessitated an unlined bibknick (Endura’s FS260 – bib straps not as stretchy as the range-topping Equipe, but a similarly firm cut in the leg) and Velobici’s miraculous Performance Compression long sleeve base layer.
The base layer is a garment that looks as if it has been shrunk to absurd proportions, but which stretches beautifully and proved a comfortable and suitably insulated companion to Vermarc’s Omega Pharma-QuickStep short-sleeved jersey (the white sleeves looked good beneath the light green jersey too). While I’d draw the line at pulling on the rainbow stripes of world champion, or Grand Tour jerseys (some things just have to be earned), I have no issue with team kit, so long as it isn’t mixed.
How did it all perform? Well, we’ll be reviewing each piece separately, but I was warm and comfortable throughout the ride. The three rear pockets of the Vermarc jersey provided adequate accommodation for essentials, including Endura’s FS260-Pro Adrenaline race cape stowed in its stuff sack, and I was very impressed by the base layer. Performance advantages from improved circulation weren’t readily apparent, but the nature of compression wear ensures a super close fit, and the absence of any seams meant there was no irritation. The bibknicks fitted well and allowed easy movement too.
Inspired by the excitement of last Sunday’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege, I sought a run of short, steep climbs on which to familiarize myself with the Super Acciaio. That rarest of modern steeds, a steel race bike, it climbed efficiently despite a weight penalty over other members of the RCUK test fleet (notably Wilier’s Zero 7) and was lots of fun through twisting descents and sprinting into the next hill: quick and responsive with a fork rake and head angle that demanded respect. Less surprisingly, it was comfortable, with none of the harshness of some super stiff carbon frames.
The most satisfying aspect of the ride lay in attempting it. Showers can be a disincentive, but their very nature means the effects are short-lived. Greater frustration lies in scanning clear blue skies once the window of opportunity for a ride has closed and wishing oneself on the road. With sporadic precipitation likely to remain with us for some weeks yet, it’s worth remembering that showers, like form, soon pass and putting in the miles while possible without drowning is always a good idea.
