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That's my Capo style . . . Capo, or Capo Forma as they were formally known has grown into a global leader in 'cool' looking cycling kit. We got our hands on a set of their Modena knicks to see if we would have to suffer for fashion.
Model: Capo Moden bib shorts/knicks (Size M tested)
Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price: TBA
Company website: www.uplandsg.com/
Competitors: in this test Pearl Izumi, Assos, Capo, Louis Garneau, Tineli etc.
History
Robert Carbone and Gary Vascone started Upland Sports Group (the parent company) and Capo Cycling Apparel in 2002. They had known each other for more than 17 years and had worked at 3 different companies together (both guys were in the semi-conductor/wireless industry). Both Robert and Gary are married with 2 children each, avid cyclists, and best of friends.
After 10+ years in the Technology industry, both of them felt like they had seen enough of corporate America and built a business plan for the import / distribution of Italian cycling products in the United States. They established a very strong relationship with Marcello Bergamo who was willing to be flexible on design for the U.S. market. Their motto is now “Capo is your head to toe, on and off the bike, European Apparel Supplier.”
The svelte chamois was a welcome site
The rest, as they say, is history. If you like Capo stuff you can also check out a quick rundown on their socks here.
Reality
Ok, so first things first; why are they called ‘Modena’. I gotta tell ya, if you’re asking this I am terribly disappointed in you – google Modena and cycling! Modena is a small city in Italy located near Bologna – you may say it’s sandwiched between the Alps (get it? Bologna – sandwich? Sometimes we even surprise ourselves with our wit). The city is famous for Balsamic vinegar, beautiful churches, but not really well known globally for cycling. However if you ever go to Modena you will realize that the locals are madly PASSIONATE about cycling. You’ll understand why when you get there . . .
The Capo knicks did feel 'lighter' than other knicks in this test, so we were slightly skeptical on how robust they would be, especially given our testing process. We have ridden the Capo knicks even longer than other products in this test; we've hand scrubbed, machine washed, ridden in the Shanghai rain, travelled with, and generally ridden these knicks in every environment you could imagine (except a mountain bike race).
At the end of the day we rode a lot of kilometers, in a lot of different conditions, wearing Capo and we can’t complain.
Looks
In our opinion Capo has changed the way many people look at cycling clothing - their brand has really driven a specific 'look' on the bike. For us, Capo kit fits clearly into the cycling fashion basket, and even though they are a small company, they have never been afraid to push the envelope on looks and visual innovation. We like the clean black look, and we especially like the single thigh band in white.
The Single white thigh band was a winner and we liked the little Capo logos on the silicone gripper. . . it’s the little details that count
Out of all the knicks we have tested, the Capo kit was the stuff that got the most comment from other riders. Mostly "where can I get some of that!?" The Capo Modena gear had such a clean, modern, understated look that it makes other riders look twice.
Feel/Fit
Similar to the Tineli bibshorts we reviewed 2 weeks ago, these knicks had a decidedly thin pad/chamois. And while the Capo knicks didn't fit our 185cm, 67kg test rider quite as well as the Tinelis' we didn't experience any chafing or problems with saddle sores through the duration of our test. The fit of the shorts was very close to spot on, and as previously mentioned, the high-quality material offered up a very light and nearly-naked feel. Let me restate how happy I was with the small thin chamois – a distinct positive.
To be frank we found the shorts lovely and slippery – NO friction. We have seen other reviews say this same thing, and cite is as an annoyance, but we found it just the opposite – silky and smooth meant there were no areas where our skin got pulled or chafed.
We combined the knicks with the Capo Modena jersey and the effect was brilliant - this kit looks excellent and really stands out against the set of brightly coloured, over the top lycra. 'classy' is our best describing word yet. The jersey was night and light and the knicks stayed chafe free even when wet. The silicone leg grippers kept the knicks in place and comfortable.
Bottom line
If you want a super comfortable set of kit, which allows you to look like the super passionate cyclist that you are without becoming a fast moving billboard in colours that hark back to the 1980's, then Capo stuff is right for you.
Pros
• Understated Looks (in our humble opinion)
• Feel (like you’re not even wearing shorts!)
• Easy to clean!
Not so pros
• Not cheap, but you pay for what you get
Bottom line
If you want a super comfortable set of kit, which allows you to look like the super passionate cyclist that you are without becoming a fast moving billboard in colours that hark back to the 1980’s, then the Capo stuff is right for you.
Interested in other knicks and shorts reviews? Check them out here:
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