We continue to take inspiration from the Giro d’Italia theme this month with two garments to test from Castel d’Ario brand, MOA Sport.
Supplier to some of the biggest teams in professional cycling, including Lampre-Merida, Movistar, Astana, and Euskaltel-Euskadi (to name only those who display MOA Sport’s logo on their kit), it’s a brand with impeccable credentials and a 40-year history.
Most pleasingly, at least at this early stage before testing begins, the clothing is manufactured in Italy. It could hardly be otherwise: the name of the brand is an acronym for the phrase, which, when translated, reads, Made In Italy.
Call us optimistic, but with the advent of May, we called on MOA Sport for bib-shorts and lightweight, short-sleeved jersey. Let’s take a closer look.
MOA Mavro bib-shorts
Early rides in the MOA Mavro bib-short have revealed a close fitting garment with a mildly compressive feel. Compression wear is popular with triathletes for its supposed facility for improved blood flow, and MOA make similar claims for the Mavro bib-short.
The insert is one known to MOA as UCN, intended for long-distance rides and to offer cushioning without unnecessary bulk.
Mesh braces and back panel are intended to offer greater breathability, and subtle use of silicone grippers at the hem should prevent the legs from riding up, without causing irritation.
After two initial rides of 15-miles each (both halves of a daily commute), we’ve been impressed by the fit. We’ll want to complete more and longer rides before offering a final verdict, but early impressions are favourable.
The MOA Mavro bib-short is available in a range of sizes from small to XXXL and in black or white. It costs £109.99.
MOA Nincusa short-sleeved jersey
This very light windproof jersey has longer than normal sleeves, intended to provide additional protection on spring days.
The brushed, stretch fabric has been immediately obvious and a notable difference from MOA garments we’ve previously tested. MOA claim the material offers the rider protection from low temperature and the wind. We’ll let you know.
What we can say at this early stage is that the fabric has a silky feel, a pleasant change from the sometimes uninspiring polyester. The large size has proven a good fit for our test pilot, one who claims an, ahem, “muscular build”.
Another obvious feature is the mesh insert covering the middle section of the back, one intended to offer breathability and to keep the rider dry. MOA say the ergonomic cut of the jersey has been designed for a perfect on-the-bike fit, and the snug and comfortable fit offered by the close cut and full zip (garaged at the chin) leaves us disinclined to argue at this early stage. Testing in the weeks ahead will help us reach a final conclusion.
There are three pockets at the rear, and a subtle use of silicone gripper bands at the hems, similar to those used in the Mavro bib-shorts.
The MOA Nincusa short-sleeved jersey is available in white, red, grey, yellow, as well as the black and white shown here, and in sizes small to 3XL. It costs £99.99.
Check back soon for a full review.
