Earlier this month, we previewed Endura’s FS260-Pro Adrenaline race cape and Castelli’s Nano shoe cover as items suitable for cycling in April showers. The weather certainly played its part in supplying ideal test conditions.
The Adrenaline race cape is a lightweight, transparent garment, pledged to be breathable and waterproof.
We’d say the cape is balanced in favour of waterproofing. It kept us dry, both in showers and steady drizzle, thanks to taped seams and a zip that extended to the top of the collar that was backed with a protective panel.
Making a garment waterproof and breathable, however, is a difficult equation.
In temperatures nudging the mid-teens, and worn over a short sleeved jersey, arm warmers, and base layer, we were a little too warm. In slightly lower temperatures, and with a chilly wind, it was comfortable.
We found the Adrenaline race cape user friendly. It was easily folded and, thanks to elasticated cuffs, and a robust zip, easy to put on and take off at the road side. It stowed conveniently in the supplied stuff sack, which fitted nicely in the middle pocket of our three-pocket jersey.
We liked the padded collar, which was comfortable and absorbent, and the drop tail, which helped to fend off some of the spray. We were also impressed by the ‘athletic’ fit, which was large enough to go over a jersey without a struggle without suffering flappage from excessive material.
The Roubaix jersey from the same range has become something of a ‘go to’ garment in our wardrobe, and its likely the Adrenaline race cape will feature with similar regularity, at least until the rain passes (so September, then). It sells for £59.99 and is available in five sizes from small to XXL.
Castelli’s Nano shoe covers boast a formidably ‘pro’ look, courtesy of a silicone-coated lycra construction. The material was pledged to be waterproof and windproof, and we’re happy to report it was both.
The large size provided for test is recommended for shoe sizes 43 to 44, but proved a close fit on our test pilot’s size 43 shoes.
The sturdy YKK zip, fitted at the rear of the shoe cover, proved a challenge to fasten to the top, which was necessary to prevent it from slipping down, an occurence that rather undermined the Nano’s ‘pro’ look on one of our faster test rides. We’d like to see a popper or Velcro tab on future iterations.
A ‘work around’ was achieved by wearing the shoe cover inside the leg of a full length tight to secure the zip. Having done so, they performed admirably. Most surprisingly, given the lycra-silicone construction, they were extremely breathable, allowing the use of warm merino socks without penalty.
The Nano is ideally suited to current conditions, providing sufficient warmth and excellent protection against drizzle from above and road spray from below.
We’d advise buying a size larger than you might from other brands. Most Castelli kit is on the small side, a testament perhaps to its pro peloton pedigree, so try before you buy or order a size larger than normal.
A final word on the Nano shoe cover: its shiny appearance divided opinion among riding colleagues. The black version tested is the more subdued of the two options (the alternative is silver) but even in this more functional colourway, these shoe covers are striking.
They sell for £40 and are available in five sizes from small to 2XL.
