Test: Nalini Rododendro bib shorts

A overalls made with great care and top-quality materials. Excellent pad and the innovative system compatibility with transmitters Polar

 

The Company

Nalini is a brand owned by Moa Sports, with which the Mantova's company became known throughout the world cycling professional and amateur, becoming, over time, sportswear synonymous with high quality. For over 30 years, Nalini has embarked on a journey of development and research in the sector for cyclists leading it to be one of the most renowned companies in the world and partners of the most important professional team. The strengths are, no doubt, production entirely internal to the company, running from the realization of tissues to the items of clothing finished, the constant search for new materials and a wide range of products, besides the possibility of customization for professional teams and amateur.

The range Nalini

Nalini has a catalog full range of clothing for cyclists. From shoes, to underwear, to finish with mesh shorts, gloves, etc… Summer or winter Nalini proposes always items of clothing suited to the season, both for men than for women, with an assortment of models, sizes and colors that have very few rivals. Several collections, suitable for all needs, from replicas of professional teams, to the more sober and elegant, but always marked by high quality materials and innovative technical. Prof. Team, Pro Team, Base, Intimo, Shoes and'70, are the collections of  Nalini's catalog. The first reply clothing given to professional teams; Pro offers a wide range of combinations of colors, graphics and materials to satisfy every amateur cyclist or sports, the Team is a project dedicated to teams that allows for easy customization's clothing; the Base is the range "Full Season" with proposals that fit both summer and winter, marked by colors and graphics sober and elegant, then underwear, shoes and a collection casual,'70.

The new range Polar Compatible

By partnering with Polar, the Finnish company known producer of homonyms heart rate monitors, Nalini has created a bib shorts that allow the anchoring of Polar transmitter on the back with two practical buttons. The solution, simple, as trivial, allows better fit the transmitter, eliminating the need for belt chest, to the benefit of ride comfort, especially in long distances, and greater freedom in breathing. The difference between the two models Rododendro resides in the whole case pad: one with pad "SGP BLUE ICE", the other of ' "NCs-Ultra Comfort Nalini."

The Nalini Rododendro

The Nalini Rododendro bib shorts shows a perfect care of the details and a good making. The fabric-Xtra Life Lycra is velvety to the touch, promises a low memory (that is still very much in form despite the high use) and excellent resistance to chlorine, which is vital in assuring long life to the item of clothing despite the washes. It is noted that a careful study of how to position the seams and how to cut pieces to be merged allowed a conformation "anatomical" cutting while the elimination of many seams in the parts most sensitive, which can lead to irritation or discomfort. The seams are all perfectly executed with great attention the beginning or end them as a guarantee that not occur early break seam. The wide network pierced on the back avoids wearing an intimate technical similar, allowing easy transmission of sweat away from skin. Also on the back, we find the "strip" (this is an electrode) which allows, along with a transmitter Polar, the detection of heart beats. The back of the model was being tested is the SGP Blue ICE, a back "cross" suitable for Downhill, Mtb as the bike path. Format from an area of coolmax, perfectly breathable and with a high capacity for absorbing sweat. The pad is also bearing non-toxic gel which provide an excellent absorption of vibration, and thanks to their ability to change their form comply immediately anatomical's user. Is well cared and have, in addition to two large areas of gel, a range of channels to facilitate ventilation and the elimination of sweat. The front of overalls is more open, allowing easy ventilation of the body. They are also provided for different areas with hight visibility material, an element in more than safety in situations of poor visibility. Finally, very good, the thick layer of silicon on the edges of this shorts, which allows a comfortable grip and thighs to prevent the shorts same dates with the movement of the pedal and ensuring the same time, a good blood circulation in the area even if worn for many hours. The bib shorts Rododendro is available in sizes from S to XXXL, in the single variant colour black-white pattern we tried and with two pads cited above, only for men. Indeed, at present, there is no female version, which is being studied by the technical Nalini and Polar. The problem is that the magnetic strip of Polar transmitter has to be found in contact with the skin in order to capture the signal cardiac and optimal position coincides with the back of the bra. Hence the difficulties in creating a women's specific model that could satisfy the standards of Nalini fit and comfort, that those Polar excellent collection and transmission of the signal. The weight of overalls, noted with our instrumentation, in the size L, without the Polar transmitter, is 218 grams, while with the transmitter Polar reach a weight of  242 grams (26 grams transmitter Polar, 2 grams are removed eliminating the cover that is on the back of bib shorts is not included when the transmitter).

The road test

We tried for over 1,000 km the Nalini Rododendro, road, Mtb, and spinning; alternating different saddles, more racing and tapered to more "generous" in size. It is not failure, of course, the test with the Polar transmitter in order to ensure its functionality and effective "portability". The fit there seemed excellent with a size L that falls brush for those who are accustomed to choose the item of clothing of this size. The use of  Polar transmitter, however, requires some attention more in the choice of the measure. In order to function successfully, the rear must adhere well to the back, especially the provision of sensors. A misure too generous could lead to prevent the capture of the heartbeat, defeating one of the best features of this product. In fact, the wide mesh pierced, with good elasticity, reduces almost all this, but it will be good, being purchase, pausing a moment longer than usual to assess the exact extent, having in mind "needs" of Polar transmitter. After this "problem", one can only note the sensitivity of the product, the seams flat and positioned so as not to disturb and cutting of overalls, which is perfect when you tilt forward to challenge the handlebars of the bicycle. The elasticity of the material, then, allows the institution to join the body to perfection, but without tighten too, to ensure that it is not an obstacle to circulation. While proven by several athletes, the form has been perfect, low memory tissue is not just a promise and that should ensure a long duration of the items. The pads with two gel insert is very comfortable, especially over long distances and with saddles "minimal". Both Mtb that road, the bottom has shown an excellent ability to absorb the vibrations and allow a sitting convenient and comfortable: the greater, both the saddle features minimal. In particular parts of the gel-back, perfectly arranged, give a high comfort with each saddle, but especially those with minimum size and padding, when all the weight you pull down on prominent ischial. In this case, the parties to gel perfectly perform their work, allowing a high comfort and preventing the onset of pain. Of course, saddles more comfortable with the work of back is enhanced, allowing for "travel on velvet." The front there seemed well built to avoid compression of the perineum and genitals. The conformation and the various "channels" for which he is fitted ensure an excellent breathability and elimination of sweat, as tested on spinning and the roller. In the latter case, the back has again shown its worth, allowing long training sessions in absolute comfort, while remaining always sitting in the saddle. At this juncture, the rings gel have proved their value technique, allowing you a good comfort, but not reduce the blood flow in the area. The silicon inserts on the edge of shorts have proved their effectiveness in preventing shorts same traced back along the thigh and ensuring the same time a great comfort, even after many hours of use. The external material has proven to be resilient, both to external agents, as rain and mud, both washes. In the latter case it is good to consider that for the protection of the item, also against the manufacturer, it is best to wash the item by hand in warm water and mild soap, preferably neutral. In washing is also well take care of the back, avoiding bending, or wring rub vigorously. In the subsequent drying, then you should be careful to prevent the overalls is exposed to direct sun or, worse, heat sources. These are recommendations that should apply to any item of technical clothing and avoid an easy and early ageing of the same. The test with the Polar heart rate has highlighted the functionality of the system and its validity. Without the chest band and the transmitter on the sternum you can breathe better and without hassle. The transmission signal was excellent in all conditions with the care, common also to the normal range Polar chest, moisten the strip to tap heart rate beginning training. For the remainder of the operation was unexceptionable and freedom that we try without the band transmitter is a significant step forward both for comfort and for the provision athletics, strange that nobody has thought of before.

Conclusions

The Nalini Rododendro was well built, with an excellent back and good finish. Excellent fit. The quality of pad make it suitable for use both road and Mtb especially recommended in the saddle with little comfortable, where supply can very well the shortcomings of seats "minimal". Perfectly at ease even in cycling-indoor, can be very multipurpose adapting to all uses. The possibility of using the transmitter without the band Polar chest is a plus no small accomplishment. It enjoys greater freedom in breathing and do not have the hassle of transmitter on the chest: with this item of clothing you completely forget that you have the HR worn, and this is not little.

Positive aspects

Constructive quality
Finishing
Quality pad
Compatibility with the transmitter Polar
Comfort

Negative Aspects
None

Is suitable for
Athlete: perfect for the agonist is Mtb that road
GF-tourist cyclist: the comfort back, and the elimination of chest band Polar make it a good item of clothing head for cyclists who use the HR
Women: the current model is not suitable to users of women. We hope that as soon as possible the technicians Nalini and Polar will be able to find a solution for women.

Recommendations for purchase

For a good carefully assess the size, not only referring to the thigh, but also noting that the bands are well transmitter members of the bust. To improve the signal transmission can always use the gel for electrical appliances available in pharmacies.

The price

The Nalini Rododendro costs 133.00 Euro in Italy. A price commensurate with the quality and finish the item of clothing. (obviously the heart rate is excluded)

For further information:
Moa Sports - Nalini
Via Roppi 48
Castel D'Ario
Mantova
Tel.: 0376-660777
Web site: www.nalini.com
E-mail: info@nalini.com