The bold highlights on the Fluke LS Thermofleece jersey certainly help it stand out. It's not as warm as the 'thermo' part of its name would suggest though – the bibs, on the other hand, are very warm, and stand up to winter weather well.
Fluke LS Thermofleece jersey
£89.99 / €109 / US$TBA
Fluorescent colours look to be in danger of becoming fashionable again, and the highlights on this top from Santini are certainly eye-catching. Beneath the flashy exterior is a very conventional winter jersey, with cosy ‘thermofleece’ (Roubaix-style) fabric used throughout, including a pleasingly plush collar.
The Fluke doesn’t have any fancy wind or waterproof fabrics, so you’ll need to combine it with protective outerwear on all but the mildest winter days, but as a mid-layer it performs well; the flipside to its fairly basic fabric is that it breathes relatively well – this is no boil-in-the-bag jersey.
We like the three good sized rear pockets, and the well elasticated waist with gripper dots ensures there’s no air gap. The fit isn’t especially racy, so there's some bunching of the front in a tucked position, but not enough to be a hindrance.
The Fluke is a useful addition to a winter wardrobe, one that’s fair rather than stunning value for money.
BeHOT bib tights
£129 / €175 / US$250
It's hard to quantify the heat-generating claims made about Santini's latest 'BeHOT' fabric, but these winter tights live up to their name in as much as they are very warm indeed.
They're fleecy on the inside (including the straps), and are treated with a water-resistant coating that's remarkably effective; as is nearly always the case, relentless rain can find its way in, but drizzle and road spray do not, by and large.
The bibs are good value for money considering the number of features they offer
An unusually large and thick vanity pad at the front of the tights offers excellent protection for your most treasured appendages, and the chamois itself is a luxurious gel affair that's excellent, providing you don't need something with less give in it.
At the feet end, Santini eschews ankle zips in favour of tight elastic cuffs that seal off well, without being too much of a pain to pull on. The tastefully applied reflective piping and logos are welcome; they top off a garment that's very good value considering the number features it offers.
- Jersey: three stars
- Bibs: four stars
- Overall score: three-and-a-half stars
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
