Nat Bromhead
With more and more of their apparel manufactured in their fully solar powered Melbourne headquarters, Ventou remain on the cutting edge of technology after being in the cycling kit game for more than 25 years.
Ventou’s Brooklyn Project range showcases some of the brand’s most elite and top end options, and over the past few months we’ve been riding their Elite Bibs plus the sky blue Pro Jersey in ‘Blocks / Early Dawn’ pattern.
First to the jersey, and the lightweight Italian fabric has exceeded expectations during recent warm weather / high summer rides. One absoloute summer stinker involved a ride to the notorious Akuna Bay offshoot road of Cottage Point … not only is this one of Sydney’s steepest climbs, but in high summer the temperature often feels around 10 degrees warmer there!
The lightweight jersey felt great on and made light work of the warm afternoon. Talking the heat and the sun, an irony is that the jersey is made in the company’s solar powered production facility here in Australia.
Ventou design their pro jerseys to suit ‘the everyday rider who wants to look the part without feeling restricted by ‘Pro cut’ sizing.’ After several summer rides in the bright blue top this certainly seems like an accurate description to us. The jersey feels great on, fits true to size, features a quality zip, and has three practical and deep rear pockets.
To quality and longevity, I have a long-sleeved Ventou Brooklyn winter jersey that’s at least 8 years old. It still fits well, holds great shape, and looks and feels as good as new. While at the TDU in Adelaide I told the Ventou team about the longevity of their gear, Greg smiled and told us it was familiar feedback.
To the bibshorts, and Ventou use an Italian warped fabric with a four-way stretch to increasing the compression, aide fit and provide superior breathability and sweat wicking. ‘Bluesign’ certified, the fabric is produced using the most environmentally friendly practices to leave the smallest impact on the environment as possible.
Super comfy on, the bibs feature an Italian ‘TMF Skyve 15mm chamois that helps provide maximum shock absorption for all day rides of 8+ hours.
The top layer of the bibs includes carbon in the threads – this helps them tto quickly dry and enhances antibacterial properties.
Other features include –
- Laser cut Italian leg bands keep the bibs in place without digging into your legs like traditional grippers.
- Reflective logos included for extra visibility during early and late rides.
- The use of a ‘Comfort tech’ strap with enhanced stretch retention properties to adjust and mould to different body heights.
- A double layered back panel for additional comfort and coverage.
- UPF50+ sun protection certification.
- The Jersey retails for $139
- The Bibshorts retail for $249
More info at www.ventou.com.au
