{"id":4409,"date":"2014-08-18T07:00:30","date_gmt":"2014-08-18T07:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/?p=4409"},"modified":"2014-11-17T09:55:09","modified_gmt":"2014-11-17T09:55:09","slug":"brand-focus-sportful","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.merlincycles.com\/blog\/brand-focus-sportful\/","title":{"rendered":"Brand Focus on Sportful"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although they feel like a relatively new company, Sportful actually date all the way back to 1946 when Olindo and Irma Cremonese moved to the foothills of the Dolemites to start a wool business.<\/p>\n

The company morphed over the decades. From producing quality underwear in the 60s, then cross-country ski wear in the 70s through to the 80s and the start their focus on cycling apparel.
\n<\/p>\n

\"The

The iconic Monte Grappa is on Sportful’s doorstep<\/p><\/div>\n

Their experience in designing excellent cross-country ski wear proved to be really useful for designing high performance road cycling wear too. The use of cutting edge (for the time) acrylic fabrics and close-fitting athletic tailoring principles gave Sportful a real edge.<\/p>\n

Very quickly Sportful\u2019s cycling clothing drew a sizeable following among professional cyclists. Within a handful of years one of the most successful race teams of all time \u2013 Mapei \u2013 opted to use Sportful as their clothing supplier.<\/p>\n

The Cremonese family are still at the helm of the company and the HQ is still in the same Dolomites valley as it started.<\/p>\n

In 2014, Sportful have an enviable reputation for innovative, cutting edge clothing that has a certain Italian flair to it. A Sportful garment always looks great. With a nod to the past but without being overly slavishly retro. Minimalist but not boring.<\/p>\n

\"Some

Some famous past Sportful athletes<\/p><\/div>\n

The rugged and lofty location of Sportful\u2019s HQ also means that they experience their fair share of ropey weather. They may be Italian but it\u2019s not year-round sunshine up there. They have some jackets and tights that can really withstand being put through the winter wringer.<\/p>\n

Aesthetics aside, Sportful clothing is first and foremost about performance. Race-bred, racer-designed and aimed at all riders who are prepared to pay a bit more to get top tier clothing.<\/p>\n

They use patented materials from companies such a Gore-Tex, Polartec and Schoeller but they also have plenty of their own highly regarded fabrics to call on: NoRain, DiabloMesh, ThermoDrytex and others.<\/p>\n

Sportful\u2019s cycling range is pretty vast but it is actually quite straightforward to get to grips with.<\/p>\n

R&D<\/h2>\n

This stuff is kind of like bleeding edge prototype clothing that you can actually buy. This doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s made in a rush! Sportful\u2019s R&D stuff uses the very latest technologies and fabrics that they can get their hands on. Consequently R&D clothing can be slightly more expensive than more established garments but that\u2019s the price you pay for leading the pack.<\/p>\n

\"You\u2019ll<\/p>\n

Sportful R&D Bibtight<\/strong> –\u00a0You\u2019ll never be uncomfortable on a winter ride ever again. Total Comfort bib straps and the Total Comfort chamois make for a (surprise surprise) comfortable fitting bibtight for long hours in the saddle during chillier temperatures. High-loft two-layer fleece fronts, ThermoDrytex PL+ thighs and knees for wicking, ThermoDrytex Plus rear for stretch.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bodyfit Pro and Gruppetto<\/h2>\n

Sportful\u2019s top of the line \u2018normal\u2019 ranges. Close-fitting high-performance garments that have gone through loads of development from sponsored racers and have been designed using all that Sportful know about their available fabrics. These are the clothes that the Tinkoff-Saxo team choose. Thankfully they\u2019re available without Tinkoff-Saxo\u2019s \u201ceye-catching\u201d colourways and logos!<\/p>\n

\"Gruppetto

Gruppetto Partial WS Jacket<\/strong>
With the fit and cut of Sportful\u2019s Bodyfit Pro jacket but without the all-over Windstopper windproofing. The front and sleeves are Windstopper 4-Way Warm but the use of more breathable TDTxp fabric for the back means that the Partial WS jacket doesn\u2019t overheat as readily. Three high capacity rear pockets for all your stuff. An excellent choice for UK riders. It goes without saying that it\u2019s one of the most stylish softshell-style jackets available.<\/p><\/div>\n