Sportful Ladies-Special - Summary of the Long-Term Review

This short-sleeved undershirt with a crew neck in striped polyester fabric is the universal base layer for demanding winter outings. Its special fabric design, where a lighter stripe alternates with a three-dimensional stripe, is intended to ensure an even distribution of warmth.

Item number: 1120566-002
Color: Black
Fit: Tight (Women)
Material: 94% Polyester, 6% Elastane:
Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
List price: €64.90

Vanesa's first impression (Size XS)
A compact, softly ribbed core for the winter outfit. I'm not a big fan of long-sleeved merino products, which unfortunately soak up a lot during the climb and, from experience, lead to hypothermia during the descent. This one seems light, slim-fitted, breathable, yet also as robust as a winter baselayer on first try.

This is now my favorite winter base layer and I'm never letting it go. Despite its skin-tight, wrinkle-free fit, it clings to the upper body like a second skin, without restricting freedom of movement or chafing. The thermoregulation is also reliable even during more intense efforts.

This jersey is precisely tailored to the needs of Sportful's WorldTour female riders. Made from brushed fabric, with a close-fitting shape, it is perfect for layering but can also be worn on its own on warm days.

Item number: 1122507-456
Color: Galaxy Blue Berry Blue
Fit: Regular (Women)
Material: 81% Polyester 19% Elastane
Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
List price: € 109,90

Take a fashionable gradient, add reflective details on the back of the forearms, eliminate the seams in a minimalist manner, and voilà: The Pro Thermal Jersey is born. The fit is quite close to the body with "regular", without taking away any comfort on long rides. Likewise, a couple of arm warmers fit underneath, in case the temperatures fluctuate greatly during the ride. It is the more wind-resistant jersey of this series and was my favorite piece for rides between 7 and 15°C.

Short pants made of NoRain thermal fabric for protection against rain and wind, while ensuring maximum elasticity and freedom of movement. Developed with professionals and tested on the classic race tracks in the north.

Item number: 1120520-002
Color: Black
Fit: Tight (Women)
Material: 84% Polyamide 16% Elastane
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
List price: € 119,90

The name of these bibs seems to have been taken from the Bikeboard editorial team. Anyway, I was pleased to see that Sportful makes winter bib shorts with fleece lining for women, of which, in my opinion, there is often only a poor selection for women. These shorts quickly became my essential companion through the winter. Paired with leg warmers, knee warmers, or on particularly mild days sans – they fit snugly to the leg. The leg length ending just above the knee might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I find it charmingly modest. The leg warmers stay where they should; a 60 mm deep silicone band ensures this. They are water-repellent - in a downpour, even the Sportful fabric has its limits, but it always protects the athlete from the usual winter wetness. And on the climb, she can enjoy a cool breeze around her calves by stripping off the leg warmers.

• NoRain fabric and minimal seams for additional water protection
• Perforated Ltd lie-flat bibs for maximum comfort and breathability
• TC Pro seat pad for long rides
• Weight: 221g

The Bodyfit Pro W Bibtight, made from Gore-Tex Infinium fabric, is a thermo winter trouser for professionals, which withstands even the most demanding winter conditions. Thanks to the WR coating on the back, it offers breathability and waterproofness for perfect temperature regulation, even during the highest effort. Moreover, it features the Racing seat pad TC Pro W, whose 15 mm thick padding is perforated for better ventilation, quick drying, and more freedom of movement.

Product number: 1123527-002
Color: Black
Fit: Tight (Women)
Material: Gore-Tex Infinium (85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane)
Seat pad: TC Pro Seatpad
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
List price: € 149.90

No unnecessary seams, no wrinkles, fits superbly, clings quite tightly around the waist (apparently, they don't wear belly fat in Italy) and thus keeps the undershirt in place. The straps are under relatively high tension - for athletes with a longer upper body this might be a point to consider, but for my measurements, it's wonderfully tight.
The zipper at the ankle is normally always an issue for me; these here seem not to chafe for now. Let's see how the pants and especially the generous seat padding will prove themselves in the review on long rides.

The Fiandre jacket stands for maximum bad weather protection in extreme cold and has been adapted to the female anatomy. Thanks to the use of Gore-Tex Infinium DWR, it is exceptionally high-performing - the nano-treated fabric increases elasticity and comfort, thermally sealed seams ensure maximum waterproofness, and the Polartec Power Shield fabric raises the water column to 20,000 mm.

Product number: 1123535-3000
Color: Shrub Green
Fit: Regular (Women)
Material: Gore-Tex Infinium (100% polyester) + Mix of polyamide and elastane
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
List price: €219.90

Vanesa's first impression (Size XS)
The material feels high-quality, the fit is casual/slim and seems to also leave enough room for arm warmers and the like. I immediately notice the double layer at the collar, which finishes with an inner layer right at the neck, thus protecting against unpleasant driving wind and the evils of winter weather. I like that!

The Fiandre Women's Jacket is my favorite in the collection: Lightweight, tight fit and still insulates perfectly at temperatures between 0 and 7°C. At temperatures above that, I would personally stay away from it. It always looks good in wind, rain, and snow, and due to the otherwise dark color choice in the rest of the Sportful kit, it was also my go-to for rides at dusk. The details are kept simple. The usual red Sportful signature stripe is a tradition and makes me look 5 km/h faster on average, even though I'm always cruising through the Vienna Woods in zone 2. Look pro, go slow.

• Finishes on the neck, sleeves, and the lower hem effectively seal against the wind
• Versatile GORE-TEX INFINIUM DWR fabric
• Brushed interior for more comfort
• Weight: 302 g, Fit: tight

A women's jacket suitable for winter outings. The Gore-Tex Infinium front provides excellent protection against cold air and rain. The back, however, is made of Termodrytex fabric to ensure maximum breathability.

Item number: 1123524-002
Color: Black
Fit: Regular (Women)
Material: Gore-Tex Infinium (100% polyester) + Mix of Polyamide and Elastane
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
List price: € 179.90

The second core piece of this collection for me: More comfortable, less race-optimized, but excellently functional. At the front, the high-quality Gore-Tex Infinium fabric dominates, effectively providing protection against cold winds and rain, transporting warmth and moisture inside, and with a robust interior, i.e., a glazed inside (doesn't sound cozy, but it is), reliably keeps the kidneys warm. Mom has also stopped emphasizing the importance of a kidney belt, because at 299 grams, this jacket comes out on top.

Lightweight vest with fabric on the front that protects against wind and light rain, and a highly breathable material on the back. This versatile vest can be used for many situations.

Product number: 1120519-002
Color: Black
Fit: Tight (Women)
Material: 91% Polyester 9% Elastane
Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
List price: € 99,90

Easily storable, this vest is an ideal companion in the jersey pocket, whether on mountain pass crossings or on local training rides. Designed with NoRain Light fabric for or against cool wetness, the manufacturer recommends wearing it in the temperature range between 5°C and 15°C. The Fiandre Light NoRain Vest protects all essential organs in the torso during fresh descents into shady valleys and scores with the feeling of an ultra-light, velvety shell.

Maximum moisture protection with breathability and optimal fit - also around the ankle.

Product Number: 1121549-002
Color: Black
Material: 100% Polyester
Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
List Price: € 89,90

The first time trying them on, putting them on almost took longer than the ride itself, and I thought I might have to do calf-reducing workouts to fit into them for the photo shoot. I don't know if I just got better at putting them on, or slimmer, or if I just stretched the overshoe enough so that it conformed to the reality of my legs - anyway, it soon became possible to put on the shoe without cutting off my capillaries from blood supply. And I really liked it! Especially at a cadence of 100 rpm, I had to resist the temptation to keep staring at the mesmerizing effect of the red signature band attached on one side, which turned into a red stream as I pedaled briskly, and instead pay attention to traffic and surroundings.

But now to the facts: The Fiandre Bootie is a race overshoe that is somewhat water-repellent. You pull it over after putting on your shoes, so the design does away with Velcro. The zipper holds tight, even when the overshoe is put on more tightly. And it's also extremely stylish! I approve.

Ideal for any outfit! This simple headband is optimally suited for wearing under the helmet, offers light wind protection, and dries quickly. It is made from Sportful's own developed NoRain material, a water-repellent Nano-Tech fabric with high durability.

Item number: 1121547-002
Color: Black
Material: NoRain (84% Polyamide, 16% Elastane)
Sizes: One size
List price: € 14,90

Generous band that nicely covers the forehead completely. In the version for women, it comes with a practical cutout for the ponytail. Even my voluminous ponytail fits through the loop without any struggle.

These simple and cleanly designed gloves offer true premium protection with optimal fit. They feature a warm Gore-Tex Infinium back, a fleece-lined palm, and an Ultrasuede thumb patch.

Item number: 1101981-002
Color: Black
Material: 100% Polyester (Back/Thumb), 60% Polyamide 40% Polyurethane (Palm)
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
List price: € 59,90

Vanesa's first impression (Size S)
Very warm when first worn in the studio, high-quality workmanship and stitching. How skillful shifting and braking will be with it and at what temperatures I will actually wear this glove will be shown in the review.

A solid pair of gloves that kept cozy throughout the winter, didn't fray, offers all-around protection from the wind and wetness, and allows comfortable shifting and braking. The back of the hand is made from GORE-TEX INFINIUM 4 Way Warm fabric, the palm from ThermoDrytex Plus for thermal regulation and optimal fit. The glove fits wonderfully tight at the hem. The right index finger comes with a special touchscreen coating, which also remained reliable throughout the entire winter. The temperature range is specified from 5°C to 13°C.

The socks made from Merino wool provide excellent thermal insulation in cold temperatures, without being too warm in moderate temperatures. They feature Merino wool and nylon with plaited yarn at the footbed, Merino knit at the front and ankles for added warmth, as well as wool and nylon reinforcements at the heel and toe.

Item number: 1119554-464
Color: Berry Blue
Material: 70% Wool, 15% Elastane 15% Polyamide
Sizes: SM, LXL
List price: € 13.43 (currently discounted)

For the review, I exceptionally chose a chic arctic blue and committed a style break with my otherwise monochrome collection of cycling socks. But what I like best is the grippy diamond texture. They are also comfortably warm.