July has arrived and with it, finally, the summer.
The heatwave of the last five days may come to represent the entire season, so we’re striking while the days are hot and putting some seasonally-appropriate garments from Morvelo to the test.
A little about Morvelo before we turn our attention to the clothing. The brainchild of Oli Pepper and Dave Marcar, riders with 25 years racing experience, Morvelo seeks to “explore themes that run through the cycling world and combine them with the wider influence of art, music, fashion and film”. So there.
Let’s take a closer look at the items arrived at RCUK Towers before we head out beneath a blazing sun.
Morvelo Classic Short
The Classic short appears much as the name suggests. The design is unfussy but includes subtle features, the most obvious of which are the hems, which we measured at 4cm. Morvelo warn that the Miti Power Lycra used in the leg will offer a tight fit but as fans of mildly-compressive legwear, we’re looking forward to the experience.
The perforated bibs are a contrasting white and extremely stretchy, which bodes well. They’re also 5cm wide, another positive sign: we’re not expecting them to exert undue pressure on the shoulders.
The insert is produced by Italian company, La Fonte, and the model used here is HD Ergo chamois, one using two layers of memory foam with “aircell technology”. The first layer is claimed to absorb shock, while the second is intended to offer ventilation and “moisture management”. The perforations are clearly visible around the outside edge of the seat and at the front.
Elsewhere, there are reflective tabs on the rear of each leg and Morvelo branding printed on the side of each hem.
The Morvelo Classic short is available in six sizes from S to XXL, and costs £79.99.
Morvelo à bloc jersey
One of the most aesthetically pleasing items to cross the threshold at RCUK Towers recently, the à bloc jersey has a decidedly classic appearance. Its 100 per cent Polyester construction should offer comfort via low weight and high ventilation (close examination of the fabric revealed thousands of tiny perforations).
The full-length, waterproof zip signals intentions for serious use; likewise the three rear pockets, the last of which, on the right hand side, contains a concealed fourth pocket, sealed with a zip. The reflective tab at the foot of the centre pocket is a subtle but pleasing detail.
The collar is subtly stitched, and the sleeves end with a simple fold, rather than anything as potentially restrictive as elasticated or silcone-banded hems. The waist band, however, is elasticated, a negative if previous experience is a guide, typically constricting and causing the material to billow above. We’ll reserve judgement until testing, but previous experience has led us to a preference for silicone here.
The Morvelo à bloc jersey is available in six sizes from S to XXXL and costs £59.99.
Morvelo à bloc cap
A classic cotton cycling cap, with the à bloc motif of the jersey continued on the underside of the red peak, one described by Morvelo as “heavyweight” and which flips upwards with a determined snap. It’s elasticated at the back, and printed with Morvelo branding on either side.
The Morvelo à bloc cap is available in one size, and claimed to be suitable for head sizes from 52cm to 62cm. It costs £13.99.
Check back soon for a full review.
