We first tested Capo's top-end winter jacket two years ago and found it to be an outstanding option for discerning road riders, thanks to its appropriately snug race-like fit, ample warmth and wind protection and reasonable price. Two seasons on the basic formula is unchanged but a few tweaks have made it even better than before.
Brushed Thermo Roubaix and waffle-texture Capo Sphere TX fabrics throughout do an excellent job of trapping air next to the body for a cosy feel even below freezing – provided you've got a suitably tight thermal base layer to go with it – while wind resistant panels on the front of the sleeves and upper chest plus especially protective WindTex Dream panels up at the top of the shoulders keep cold air from chilling your core. Add in the tight-fitting medium-height collar, cuffs and silicon hem, and the full-length two-way zipper with backing flap and there's little opportunity for winter to bust through.
Swap out the thermal base layer for a lighter weight short-sleeved top and the Limited Edition jacket is still comfortable to around 8°C (46°F). Breathability is surprisingly good given the expanses of non-windproof panels on most of the jacket's trailing sides, plus the fuzzy interior is plenty comfortable on bare skin.
Storage is plentiful and well suited to cold-weather riding where you're often carrying more layers and gear. The three standard-sized open rear pockets feature angled outer bays and a supplemental zippered pocket for security, there's a single external-access zipped chest pocket with an internal pass-through for headphone wires, plus a single internal pocket as well.
The build quality has also proven to be very high with no signs of wear after weekly machine washings (and dryings) and even the price is surprisingly reasonable at US$199 – not exactly cheap but still excellent value for something this effective and durable.
The only chink in the Limited Edition jacket's otherwise impenetrable armour is a curious lack of reflectivity – and not just an insufficient amount, but a total omission altogether; previous versions of this jacket have been equipped with plentiful lengths of reflective piping. The alternate red and dark blue colours are both far more visible than our jet black test jacket but without reflective bits, none are recommended for dusk or nighttime riding. Stick to daytime use, though, and the Capo Limited Edition jacket is a near-perfect wintertime companion.