If our winter kit buying brain working exactly like a search engine we very much doubt the search terms ‘Canada’ and ‘Triathlon’ would be selected, words such as ‘Italian’, ‘Spring Classics’, ‘Flahute’ would be sure to be the more likely choices. However, the world of cycling often works in mysterious ways, as indeed does the old grey matter, so we find ourselves currently kitted-out for our daily dose of baltic, road-based masochism in a range of garments made by Canadian, swim-bike-run supremo Louis Garneau.
Founded almost thirty years ago, the Canadian company manufactures a wide range of products including clothing, helmets, glasses and shoes for the Tri, MTB and road market, and through its sponsorship of the Europcar pro team featured prominently on our TV screens last summer, courtesy of the plucky exploits of the French housewives’ favourite Thomas Voeckler.
But in spite of teeny tiny Tommy’s gutsy gallic refusal to give up the Maillot Jaune until he absolutely had to, nevertheless the brand is still new to us, maybe we just don’t pay enough attention. Anyway, after three months in we have to say we’ve been incredibly impressed with the cut and performance of the pieces we’ve been wearing. And believe it or not, we’ve even grown to like the logo-heavy styling too. Fact.
The Massimo 2 Jacket (shown above) is made from a waterproof, breathable, stretch fabric which has a brushed fleece-like lining, and from the get-go we found this to be bewildering warm. Indeed the infinite intricacies of garment technology are alien to us, so anecdotal evidence will have to suffice, as in all but zero degree conditions we found we were too warm with this on. The fit is snug, with plenty of room in the arms for you to stretch right out without exposing the flesh of your lower arms to the elements, and there are also more pockets on the Massimo 2 than we knew what to do with. A heavy-duty, well put together winter jacket you can read more here.
The second piece we’ve been sweating profusely in, despite the Nordic conditions we find ourselves riding is the Mondo Jersey. Constructed from a seriously stretchy Thermal Mondo/Carbon-X Mesh fabric, this skinsuit-like jersey has a brushed lining which offers a deceptively hefty amount of protection from the elements. So much so, we’ve tended to just pair this with a base layer to brave the conditions outside, leaving the Massimo 2 at home for all but the laughably cold, sub-zero training rides. Equipped once again with more pockets than we have Clif bars to fill them, and available in red or black, this has very quickly become one of our favourite pieces of kit.
Making a storming debut at Mpora Gear HQ, expect us to witter on at length about more Garneau products in the not so distant future, as we’re now big fans. But we’ll leave you with this nice little video all about kitting out little Tommy V in yellow from head to toe last year.
