Sportful kit
Brilliantly stylish and effective summer gear
The new summer collection from Sportful is a more multi-pronged attack than in previous years. The BodyFit Pro kit (that we like so much we chose it for our team kit) is joined by an uprated and redesigned Gruppetto range and the all-new R&D SC kit.
Calling this kit Gruppetto seems inappropriate to us because in terms of both style and performance it’s far from languishing at the back. In fact, it’s off the front. We try to leave judgements on style to you as it’s so subjective but we love this kit in blue/white. Both jersey and bibshort (£85 each) are technically identical to the BodyFit Pro versions so you get a short with a superb fit, excellent pad and light but effective grippers. For all the shorts I’ve tested and have available, this remains my go-to option for a big day on the bike.
The Aero jersey is ultralight and genuinely fast. Sportful say it’s their most aero jersey; all I can add is that I topped 80kph for the first time on a favourite descent. In short, this is what I’d spend my own money on and my favourite jersey at any price.
The smaller picture is the new R&D SC jersey (£100) and bibshort (£130), Sportful’s venture into more techy gear. The short has double-layer ends that do away with grippers and the complex jersey has vented section in the chest. I find it a bit fussy but Simon loved the fit and comfort so it’s down to preference.
Sportful clothing will be back in the US from early this summer.