Put them together and you have a solid all-day ride apparel package. Photo courtesy of Art's Cyclery
Editor's Note: This article was written by Sean Bird of Art's Cyclery. The original posts can be found here and here.
Lowdown: Capo Corsa SL Jersey ($130)
While not a race-style jersey, the Capo Corsa SL is a superb choice for endurance adventures. Through balancing functional features and comfortable fabrics, Capo's Corsa SL is a valuable tool. Learn more in the full review below.
Pluses
The major highlight is the breathable mesh insert used for the underarms and side panels. On a thicker, club-style jersey, this means comfort and versatility. From cool mornings to steamy afternoons, the Corsa SL Jersey is geared for performance.
Minuses
The considerable height of jersey pockets made access difficult.
Review: Capo Corsa SL Jersey
When you're spending hours traveling to your latest weekend adventure location, comfort is important, but reliability is key. All it took was one broken zipper for me to start traveling with multiple jerseys in my bag. However, Capo is serious about the construction of their upper-body garments, which I discovered while running their GS SL Wind Vest through multiple winters. That garment has stood the test of time, which had me excited to put the new Capo Corsa SL jersey through its paces.
The breathable mesh insert used for the underarms and side panels helps keep you cool. Photo courtesy of Art's Cyclery
Functionality
From top to bottom, the Capo Corsa SL jersey seamlessly integrates a range of sleek, innovative features. Micro Quattro fabric, luminescent bands, and elastic cuffs add performance to a club-style jersey.
The Micro Quattro fabric worked well for me in a variety of conditions. I wore it on a few extended rides that started in the early morning, lasting until afternoon. The Capo Corsa SL jersey fabric is thick enough that it kept me warm when worn alone in cool'ish conditions. However, when the coastal marine layer burned off and the air heated up, the material was excellent at wicking away sweat and preventing overheating.
This jersey didn't budge an inch when shifting positions or standing to climb, thanks to elastic keepers on the jersey sleeves and at the waistline. Capo decided to build the Corsa's pockets a little taller than usual, which was both a good and a bad thing. At times, the raised pocket openings were a bit hard to reach, but the increased carrying capacity was worth the trade-off. I really appreciated being able to bring an extra energy bar or two, and having the room to comfortably store a base layer.
Comfort
This jersey stayed relatively dry and comfortable without becoming itchy, even when I was sweating like a pig under the midday sun. Mesh underarm panels let the cooling breeze in, which was a very welcome feature.
Tall jersey pockets made access difficult, but provided ample storage space. Photo courtesy of Art's Cyclery
That Micro Quatro fabric felt great against my skin when I was on the saddle. Whether it damp or bone-dry, the fabric never chafed or pulled-it felt silky and pleasant, no matter what conditions I rode it in.
Fit
With eleven panels, the Corsa SL is non-restrictive without being flappy. While still not suited for your weekend criterium, the cut of Capo's Corsa SL jersey is intended to fit just snugly enough. At 6'3" and 170 pounds, I comfortably squeezed into a size small Corsa SL jersey. This allowed for a sleek, aerodynamic fit, which didn't flap in the wind. At the same time, the jersey never felt too tight or restrictive. I'm comfortable in race-fit, tight jerseys, so my recommendation is to go with your regular jersey size.
Bottom Line
Capo's Corsa SL hits a sweet spot between race-cut and club-style, which makes it perfect for endurance riding. Secure storage, a freeing cut, and good moisture management let's you ride comfortably all day long.
Continue to page 2 for the Capo Corsa SL bibshorts review »
Lowdown: Capo Corsa SL Bibshorts ($190)
When paired with Capo's Corsa SL jersey, this combination made for a dynamic duo, especially on long rides. With the ability to perform in a variety of conditions, the Corsa SL Bibshorts are a comfortable, versatile option for those looking to invest in lower-body comfort.
Pluses
Contoured fit, medium-gauge Lycra with moisture-wicking and compressive benefits, and reflective accents. Multi-density chamois and low-profile chamois extension is great for extended riding in warm conditions.
Minuses
The leg gripper's material did not breathe well. Additionally, the leg gripper took multiple rides and washes to soften, and was uncomfortable until then.
Review: Capo Corsa SL Bib Short
Adventure... it's why I ride. Adventure involves taking the road less traveled, exploring, and hopefully becoming lost, while experiencing remarkable situations with rad individuals. Adventure also involves long days in the saddle, which is why a reliable pair of bib shorts is essential.
After cycling for more than 10 years, uncomfortable bib shorts are my biggest pet peeve. Thankfully, Capo's Corsa SL Bibshorts are expertly designed for lengthy riding sessions.
The chamois pad's frontal portion includes a four-inch extended section of thin foam. This small improvement had a big impact, decreasing chafing, since softened foam took the place of Lycra material. Photo courtesy of Art's Cyclery
Functionality
The Corsa SL Bibshorts' flat seams and eight panel configuration allowed for chafe-free comfort and optimal movement. These bibs managed to remain taught all ride long, while staying level on my body's contours.
Before starting this testing period, I could not have picked medium-gauge Lycra out of a lineup. However, after testing the Corsa SL Bibshorts-which are constructed with medium-gauge Lycra-I really began to appreciate this fabric's luxurious feel and moisture-wicking properties. Epic rides lasting from early morning to late afternoon were never hindered by issues with the Corsa SL.
Similar to the Capo Corsa SL Jersey, the Corsa SL Bibshorts integrate numerous luminescent features, most notably on the leg band. Additional highlighted accents are located in the hamstring region, which is necessary for dawn patrol sessions. At one point, while riding in early-morning fog, a cyclist mentioned that I was glowing as a car approached us from behind. Capo's banding and accents made me feel safer when riding at dawn and dusk.
Comfort
The Corsa SL Bibshorts do away with seams on the center front and rear of the leg, noticeably improving comfort. This smart seam placement turned what could have been a chafing annoyance into a feature that helped these shorts move with me.
Capo's multi-density chamois pad is something that I have been searching for in bib shorts. As the day passed and temperatures rose, the pad's smooth fabric kept me comfy after hours in the saddle-chafing and hot spots weren't issues. Moisture management was excellent. Additionally, as it relates to the multi-density chamois pad, upper extension allowed for increased comfort. The chamois pad's frontal portion includes a four-inch extended section of thin foam. This small improvement had a big impact, decreasing chafing, since softened foam took the place of Lycra material.
Initially the leg gripper was powerful, almost over-the-top. But it softened over time. Photo courtesy of Art's Cyclery
I am a stickler for leg grippers, leg bands, quad compressors, or whatever you want to call them. The moment that shorts begin to slide and relocate is the moment they are demoted to recovery-ride bibshorts. On my first few rides in Capo's Corsa SL, the leg gripper was powerful, almost over-the-top. After a few rides and washes, it softened and achieved just the right amount of forgiveness. The compression material used for the leg gripper doesn't breathe well, which caused minor chafing on rides over three hours.
Fit
Capo's eight-panel design creates a fit tailored for cycling. The previously-mentioned medium-gauge Lycra is compressive over the thighs and glutes. Flexibility at the hips comes from the material's inherent stretch and the curve pattern of the bibs' side panels. This combination allowed for both unrestricted pedaling and a feeling of support.
At 6'3", I wear a size large Corsa SL Bib Short, which provided plenty of room up top. I never felt the bib straps pull uncomfortably on my shoulders.
Bottom Line
Capo's Corsa SL Bibshorts are suited for endurance adventures with compressive Lycra and luminescent touches. While these bib shorts took a few rides to soften, once I broke them in, they performed well.