Winter kit EKOÏ Competition 9 (english)

Below zero test for winter kit Ekoï Competition 9, composed by winter jacket, long tights and long-sleeved jersey. Designed for low temperatures rides, down to 0°C, rain and wind, it keeps the promises.


Ekoï is a French brand based, lucky them, in the French Riviera. From there, supported by “Made in Italy” production quality, they distribute their apparel throughout Europe with a commercial policy of discounts and short time offers.

The Competition 9 apparel line arises in the middle of the Ekoï range to cover a very wide range of users, ranging from the pro racer that has to go out riding with almost every kind of weather to the weekend warrior who seeks quality and protection from the cold. The tested kit consists of long tights, long-sleeved jersey and winter jacket. It provides protection up to temperatures close to zero. Let’s ride with us to see how it behaved in this cold 2016/2017 winter.


Ekoï Competition 9 Long Tigths
Getting out for you ride in early morning means a cool feeling on the quadriceps, feeling that fades almost immediately until it disappears as soon as you hit the saddle. We are talking about temperatures lesser than +5°C, during our tests the lowest temperature recorded on the doorstep was -2°C but, for our tester the doorstep is exposed to sun. Above +5°C the cool feeling disappears.

An initial slight cold feeling, however, is a good indicator that the clothing we wear is the proper one for the temperature. These are technical garments, intended to keep the rider warm and dry during the effort, and they will start carrying out their action as soon as you spin.

The Competition 9 Long Tights fit is excellent, cut to better follow the shape of the muscles they become virtually a second skin thanks to the characteristics of Lycra Mititech Lombardia – 85% Nylon and 15% Elastan – with internal fabric overlapped fleece. The shoulder straps are soft and comfortable and came togheter on the back to improve stability.

After the initial slight cold feeling we are ready to start riding. The high density Gel pad adapts perfectly to the anatomy of the cyclist without abnormal pressure points or chafing. The fabric is soft and comfortable and does not interfere with the rider movement. The leg length is optimal, it stops just above the ankle. The leg has no bracket so the tension of the final part, closed with a zip and featuring the classic silicone band, is just enough to hold the garment in place without pulling down the pad.

Once riding the fabric maintains body temperature easily, regardless of the situation: uphill the proper heat dissipation has never made our tester feeling too hot; at the ascent top the fabric is able to get dry quickly and riding downhill we never felt too cold. On shaded roads at high speed and cold weather the air temperature drops below zero, in this conditions it is normal to experience plenty of cold but you just need to spin a little to keep the legs warm.

Tight list price is 129,95 euro, but at the moment is sensationally offered at half the price.

Grading List
Each product submitted to our test receives a judgment on the various functional aspects objectively determinable. Aesthetics and price are not considered, as they follow a strictly subjective valuation.
This is our value scale.

Identikit
Here are the main features in alphabetical order, with our assessment resulted from the test.

• Breathability
• Comfort
• Elasticity and fabric softness
• Finishing
• Fit
• Impermeability
• Morphological adaptability
• Pad quality
• Rub resistance
• Thermal insulation
• Washing machine cycles resistance
Star6
Star7
Star7
Star7
Star7
Star3
Star7
Star7
Star7
Star6
Star6

Ekoï Competition 9 Long-sleeved Jersey
The Competition 9 jersey is suitable for mid-season weather, useful with temperatures above 10° to keep warm and dry the rider upper body. It can be worn under the winter jacket on cold days. The fit, as for the long tights under test, is excellent and does not interfere with the movements in any way. The fabric – 100% polyester – has good breathability and dries quickly. The no wind or rain protection means you will need to bring a waterproof jacket to wear downhill, but surfing on the official website Ekoï will allow to find a reduced price offer for the right product.

Jersey list price is 79,95 euro, but like the tight is offered at 50% of price tag.

Identikit
Here are the main features in alphabetical order, with our assessment resulted from the test.

• Breathability
• Comfort
• Elasticity and fabric softness
• Finishing
• Fit
• Morphological adaptability
• Rub resistance
• Thermal insulation
• Washing machine cycles resistance
Star6
Star6
Star7
Star7
Star6
Star7
Star7
Star4
Star6

Ekoï Competition 9 Winter Jacket
If you need to shut the winter out this is the perfect clothing. The fabric, a Thermo Droptex fibre integrates a technical membrane (Windstopper external) and is able to shield the trunk and the arms from the cold air even at temperatures well below zero. Inside, the Malta Droptex membrane (a sort of overlapped fleece) adjusts temperature and humidity for a remarkable comfort. All the “openings” are designed to prevent the cold out, and/or to keep the warmth in: the zip has an inner cover for insulation, one of the most effective that we tested, and both ends are protected by a big covering fabric (usually called “garage”). The collar is higher than average to better cover the nape, the cuffs sealing is correct and a silicone strip closes the lower opening and stabilizes the jacket.

The slim fitting design improves aesthetics and aerodynamics; the fit is very good even if the fabric is somewhat inflexible, nothing annoying or preventing the movement but that minimum that reminds you what you are wearing. The three rear pockets are deeper than the average, it means they are slightly more difficult to reach but offer a better protection for the stored items. The extra collar height is useful to keep your neck warm but can interfere with the helmet locking system or create folds in the nape area with aero position.

Jacket list price is 119,95 euro, and like other Competition 9 garments is offered with a 50% discount.

Uphill
The fabric features create a comfortable microclimate inside the jacket with both nearby outdoor temperatures close to zero and higher temperatures (10-11°C). Breathability is excellent while riding but you can experience some “greenhouse effect” during stops. Even if there are no side vent openings we never felt the need to zip down to dissipate the internal heat.

Downhill
The strong ability to shield the cold air and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature is the main feature of this jacket. The body moisture, usually at high level in the first stretch of descent at the end of the uphill effort, is managed and dissipated in a short time. After short stops with harsh climate (around 0°), you may experience a few seconds of cool before the jacket restore the internal microclimate.

Under the rain
All items under test feature a water-repellent polymer treatment in order to make them waterproof. We have verified it in drizzle conditions and slightly wet road with excellent sealing results for the jacket while the long tights has endured for a shorter time enough for a racer workout. However, it must be noted that the tights also receives the water raised up by the wheels.

Identikit
Here are the main features in alphabetical order, with our assessment resulted from the test.

• Breathability
• Comfort
• Elasticity and fabric softness
• Finishing
• Fit
• Impermeability
• Morphological adaptability
• Rub resistance
• Thermal insulation
• Washing machine cycles resistance
Star5
Star6
Star5
Star7
Star5
Star6
Star5
Star7
Star7
Star6

Final Considerations
Each Ekoï Competition 9 kit item is a high quality product that guarantees the performance for which it was designed. All products of this French company can be purchased exclusively online on the official website Ekoï, where it’s easy to find highlighted “last minute” offers and interesting rebates.


– Web site Ekoï


Article by Sergio Doria

Pictures: © Tech-Cycling (Sergio Doria, Roberto Monguzzi and Davide Spinelli)

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