Review: Capo SC-12 Jersey

Capo's SC-12 jersey is clearly made for performance cycling, but it feels more like it's designed for hurtling through space at great velocity.

The first thing I noticed when slipping on the top half of this middle-tier kit is, well, nothing. That's precisely the point. I want to feel naked while cycling (ahem), like there's nothing holding me back from setting land-speed records. If you find your soigneur has neglected to wash your skinsuit come race day, this $150 jersey from the Emeryville, California-based company is so snug, breathable and light that it would be a passable replacement.

The perforated body is made from a Capo engineered Warp knit Carbon E material. Unlike other ventilated jerseys, the holes are miniscule, allowing circulation (beware if you plan to reach sub-orbital altitudes) while still providing UV and anti-microbial protection.

The exposed elastic band in the rear is the heaviest material on the jersey, and at first I was skeptical, thinking this abrasive band is a bit alien here. But after several rides with brutal climbs and steep descents, I understand Capo's reasoning: this small strip is certainly less intrusive and more stylish than running stringy elastic around the entire waist. Instead of cinching the life out of your waistline, this elastic band lightly pulls the jersey snug, and holds your pockets firmly in place. This jersey looks great, too. Like Capo's bibshorts, the graphics here are simplified, and thus stylish.

Even with all those positive features, my favorite piece on this jersey is the sleeve. Longer than the average length, both the sleeve and shoulder panels are made of a thin layer of Power Lycra that is softer than the 10-year-old tee I love to wear on rest days, yet still slick and aerodynamic. If this material were slightly more breathable, I could imagine a better kit made entirely from this material. But alas, I'm not piloting this ship.

It's now clear to me that after only eight seasons of making gear, Capo is coming into its own as a respected manufacturer of professional kits, and is rapidly approaching warp speed.

WIRED Materials are weightless and softer than a baby's bottom. Zipper is nearly invisible. Graphics are as unobtrusive as the kit itself.

TIRED Pockets are sky high and small. Sizes are more European than Fabian Cancellara, so buy a size up.