Reviews

Morvélo

They're a byword for understated class and progressive designs, and their new range looks better than ever

Purveyors of some of the most attractive kit around, Morvélo have carved out a reputation for themselves as pioneers of smart-looking kit since they formed in 2009. Very few brands can claim to have classic-looking jerseys, floral designs and a ‘blood brothers’ line made to look like veins all in the same collection – but Morvélo certainly aren’t most brands.

The kit we have here is called ‘Shatter’, and it won’t take a genius to figure out why. It’s a pretty smart way to infuse a flash of colour into your kit without looking as garish as a second-tier Italian pro team, and will appeal to traditionalists and progressives alike. The Shatter design is available in both summer and winter kit.

The Shatter Thermoactive Jersey is a long-sleeve piece and works well on its own in cool conditions, as a mid-layer when it’s really cold, or under a gilet when you’re not quite sure. It’s made from a ‘ThermoActive’ polyester, which is essentially a brushed fabric with a fleecy lining to lock in warmth, but it’s also plenty breathable for when the pace and temperature rises.

Morvélo inject colour and character into their clothing without making you look as garish as a second-tier Italian pro team

Morvélo have taken care of the details, too, with a well considered cut, close cuffs and articulated rear pockets among the features.

If you opt for the short sleeve version of the Shatter, it’s a cracker, coming from Morvélo’s top-end Nth Series collection. We reviewed the ‘Pois’ version of this jersey last summer, and were as impressed with performance on the road as we were with the fetching design.

If you’re going to buy a jersey in a design like this, it’d be rude to not also grab the matching bib shorts or knickers while you’re at it. The Shatter Stormshield Bib Knickers have three goals: to be windproof, water resistant and warm. They use Italian M.I.T.I Super Roubaix fleece-backed Lycra, which helps to fulfil the ‘warm’ requirement, and it’s fast wicking, meaning you won’t feel damp as soon as you’re working hard. The Stormshield water repellence uses three-play membrane technology which makes water bead up on the outside instead of being absorbed.

Pricing:
Shatter Jersey – £90
Shatter Bib Knickers – £100
Series Emblem Socks –£9
Website: Morvélo

The bonus of the Stormshield is that it’s windproof too, making it a bit of a two-for-one deal with the water resistance added in. The foundation of these knickers is the dual-layer Italian Dolomiti chamois, because Morvélo know that no amount of technology will make you buy their tights if they’re not comfortable. And, if that wasn’t enough, the hems on the leg openings are reflective. What more could you want? Oh, pink socks you say? No worries, Morvélo have you covered with the Series Emblem range, and there are white and fluoro yellow options as well.