A'qto Torino CS 1.0 Pro Team Long Sleeve Jersey review
Winter has rolled on in and it's getting pretty cold by Melbourne standards. I've been rolling around in A'qto's new Torino CS1.0 Pro Team Long Sleeve Jersey, it is cut close, is fleece lined and I think pretty retro cool looking.
MIKE BOUDRIE
Images - Jarrod McShane
DOES IT KEEP YOU WARM?
First things first. Does this jersey keep you warm. The short answer is yes. I've worn it down to 0.3 degrees paired up with a long sleeve merino base layer and neck warmer and was completely fine. One of the guys I was riding with had five, yes five, layers and was still claiming to be cold. His issue was that he'd done with rubbish, non insulating, no breathing gear. Layer that up all you like and you're not going to be winning. In fact you'll just be uncomfortable, restricted and have too much washing.
PERFORMANCE
This is a ripper from A'qto. I actually think it's the best bit of kit that I have tried to date from their selection. A quick note on the specs - It's made from a lycra microfibre fabric making for unrestricted movement, there's a light fleece lining that keeps you warm but does not cause massive overheating as the sun comes up. It's finished with a higher neck, full zipper, three good sized rear pockets and reflective detailing.
I've found the Torino 1.0 perfect for my 1 degree plus morning bunch rides at a high intensity. I've felt just a bit cold riding up to the start, but within 5 minutes of lifting the tempo I'm at a perfect body temperature. If you do feel like things are getting bit hot there's a full length zipper to let some fresh air in.
The construction and fabric let the jersey move really nicely with you so there's no restriction of movement and the close fit won't have you feeling like you're dragging a parachute behind you. The three back pockets are well sized and loading them up caused no pulling around the neck.
FIT
Fit is definitely race... euro... aero, or whatever else you'd like to call it. at 188cm, 79kg a medium was absolutely perfect for me for a fitted and no flap result. Of course size up if that's your thing.
STYLE
Style is subjective but I'm giving it a big tick. Basically, if this was available as a casual jacket I'd be in line to buy one, I think it looks great, and al the comments from the local bunch have been on the positive side to. I'm calling it soccer meets cycling modern retro.
SIZE
Sizing is Small through to XX Large (five sizes) and RRP is $189.95. Not bad for an Italian made, quality winter long sleeve jersey.
OVERALL
In case it's not obvious enough, I think this is a great piece of kit. It's got a distinctive look that I have not really seen anywhere else in cycling. It's performance and finish quality are excellent and it's an easy choice to grab for a cold morning blast. Would I buy this? Yes.
Check out the Torino CS 1.0 Pro Team Long Sleeve Jersey at www.aqtocycling.com
Note - the Tornio is also available in a women's cut under the name Alba CS 1.0 Pro Team Long Sleeve Jersey
COMPETITION
To celebrate their tenth birthday A'qto are giving away 10 custom designed kits. To enter click the link below to head over to A'qto.
Disclosure - This is not a paid review. A'qto provided us with kit for the review.
