I decided to offer you this rather special test because cycling clothing adapted to difficult winter conditions is a key element in the practice of cycling, and that it is sometimes difficult to get an idea of the quality and characteristics of the different models. So it's a complete winter kit from Santini that I'm testing for you today, after more than 1000km traveled in not always ideal conditions, to be polite, from my native Brittany.
Description of the equipment
For many months, So I take this Santini kit with me to training, intended above all for rainy or relatively cool conditions. I used a COMMAND long shorts, a LANA undershirt and an orange VEGA MULTI jacket with the most beautiful effect, not to mention a pair of SFERA gloves that I particularly appreciated as well as WOOL socks to complete the set. You can find in the technical sheet at the end of the article the links of the different products tested if they interest you. It is therefore an outfit intended for cold and rainy outings, with temperatures ranging from 5 at 15 degrees ideally to get maximum benefit from this equipment.
Quality at the rendezvous
Barely out of the box, this set immediately takes effect. Santini is not the official partner of the UCI and his rainbow jersey for nothing, the quality and finish of the different garments is obvious at first glance. Orange and black, here is a very visible outfit that becomes an important ally when the light decreases and the days get shorter, but we are far from fluorescent jerseys with no other function than visibility. Here, the overall design is very elaborate, to ensure a certain style when you start your winter outings. No surprises in terms of sizes, everything falls perfectly. The result is very pleasant on the thigh side, and the underwear immediately raises the temperature. The textile is of quality, it will perfectly fulfill its function once on the bike. The jacket has three back pockets and a pocket with closure, very practical for storing keys or papers. A small flap at the bottom of the back also helps to avoid getting too wet when the rain invites you on your outings, a small detail that is important. Gloves are very comfortable to wear, they keep you warm without blocking your movements, which can quickly become unpleasant on long outings. No problem on this side, this is a pair that I adopted very quickly and use most of the time.
Stay visible day and night
The ideal equipment for the changeable weather
This fairly versatile set can be used in a wide variety of conditions. Outings at 5 degrees on rainy days in March, you can use it for a good part of the year, until the warm weather returns. During this test, I was able to use this outfit in quite varied conditions, sometimes even in very cold (next to 0 degree). From 15 degrees, the outfit becomes a little more difficult to wear, you have to discover yourself quickly so as not to overheat once in the effort. But overall, from October to April, it's an outfit that you can wear without any problem and that can accompany you in almost any conditions, except perhaps the negative temperatures which will require some additional layers and gloves a little more adapted. In view of the proposed prices, we expect a well thought out outfit, well designed and resistant, and there again, no disappointment. The quality is at the rendezvous, and the durability of the products is very good. In particular, the gloves offer very good grip and are quite resistant to water, without being completely waterproof. Small detail, the orange bands on the long shorts tend to lighten with washing, despite the precautions taken. A lighter shade appears over time, which may surprise on a product displayed at nearly 170 €. In use, we also realize that it is better to avoid being too wide at the thighs to enjoy this set, because a long shorts can quickly hinder blood circulation if you are like me a rather heavy sprinter. But the rest, no real flaw can be pointed out, whether for gloves, the shorts, the jacket or the undershirt. All are very comfortable to wear and guarantee a high level of comfort, while ideally protecting against weather conditions.
My opinion
I was won over by this high quality Santini set. For the prices displayed, the quality is at the rendezvous, and only small details can tarnish this near perfect copy made by the Italian manufacturer. An ideal kit to accompany you during the winter, which will keep you warm without hindering you during your most intense outings. An excellent balance which provides very interesting sensations, all with a very interesting durability that will prevent you from investing each year in new technical clothing. The different pieces of equipment tested are of course all available in the next collection. 2021-2022 at Santini.
I loved
- The quality and the finish, consistent with the price
- Comfort
- Durability
- The right weather protection
I least liked
- The bands on the shorts which tend to lighten in the wash
- The tight shorts for sprinters
Note
9/10
Technical sheet
Mark : Santini
You know : Vega Multi (239€)
Undershirt : Lana (90€)
Long shorts : Command (169€)
Gloves : Ball (49€)
Socks : Wool (19€)
