This is kit for winter’s broad
shoulders, the spring and autumn.
It’s windproof but not thermal, with
the aim of functioning over a great
temperature range, so long as you
select your base layer accordingly.
Here we have the Cosmic Pro
Wind jersey, bibtight and gloves, plus
the Wind Ride LS and Cold Ride SS
base layers. This lot should see you
through at least six months of the year
in the UK, or anywhere else without
a climate to make us hate you.
The glove is the surprise highlight. It
appears very simple and its low-bulk,
non-insulated construction gives great
feel for the controls and makes it an
ideal first step when it’s too chilly for
summer gloves, yet it’s so effective
against the wind that it’s kept my
hands warm even when the Garmin
was showing -1ºC. The sizing feels
slightly small, and without cuffs you
need very long sleeves on your base
or mid-layer to cover your wrists, but
these are ace. They’re compatible
with touchscreens, too, so you can
work your phone or Garmin. The ColdFizik launched their shoe
range as stalwart fans of
the ratchet buckle but have
finally adopted Boas: the
R3B shoe gets a single IP1
type dial. It’s our favourite
variant because it offers
micro-adjustment both ways
for easy mid-ride tweaks plus
instant full release by pulling
up on the dial for a quick exit.
The steel lace tensions
the mid and upper foot; the
toe box has a Velcro strap
made from Fizik’s signature
sail cloth. It’s very strong
but that’s irrelevant because
no matter how hard you
pull it, you can’t tighten the
front of the shoe to a useful
extent because the toe
box can’t move. It makes
for uneven tension along
the shoe. Fizik aren’t alone
here - most toe-straps have
the same problem. Thenew top-end R1B shoe has
moved to dual Boas which
looks like a good call.
Fizik describe the R3B as
a ‘neutral, medium volume’
fit and we’d agree; it’s okay
on skinny feet but not the
best, though the heel hold
is good. The immensely
stiff UD carbon sole is
as handsome as the airy
microtex upper. The sole
isn’t vented - I didn’t find it
an issue on mild days but
haven’t had a chance to ride
in warm weather. A bonus
is that your feet stay warm
and dry on cold, rainy days
so these are now my go-to
option with overshoes in
bad weather. Heresy?
For such a posh looking
shoe that packs in this
much performance,
compared to its rivals the
R3B is arguably good value.Brilliantly versatile
gloves; base layers are
like comfort blankesPROSClassy looks;
stiff; airy uppersPROSBibtight is very conused;
jersey is pricey for a
wind blockerCONSNot super-light;
un-vented sloes;
ineffective toe-strapCONSA mixed bag but the
gloves are true essentialsVERDICTElegant design with good
performanceVERDICTRide Tee is super soft, warm and
comfortable, as is the Wind Ride LS
Tee, though a windproof base layer is
a really niche product. You can’t unzip
your jacket to let some cooling air in
because the front panel blocks it so
effectively. It works under a jersey as
an alternative to a gilet or as a base on
very cold days but you don’t need one.
The bibtight is windproof and has
a DWR treatment but not all over
so it’s no good in the rain. The fit
is really odd, too. The windproof
membrane doesn’t stretch so it
feels restrictive when pedalling and
doesn’t fit closely all over. Not good.
The Cosmic Pro Wind jersey is
better. It’s cut halfway between
a jersey and a jacket, with long,
slim arms, and there are some nice
details, such as the soft cuffs. It’s
good at around 10ºC, though it isn’t
breathable enough for interval training.
It’s cut flat so reaching for the bars
pulls it tight across the shoulders.
While it blocks the wind well, you
could have a better fitting jacket with
water resistance for this price.The fit of the jacket and
bibtight isn’t perfect but
the performance is good
and it’s smart kitThe Cosmic Pro Wind
gloves have great dexterity
and work over a huge
temperature rangehttp://www.mavic.comMavic Cosmic Pro Wind Kit
http://www.fizik.itFizik R3B Uomo
March 2016 // 75