Vespa

• Fabric: microFoil™
  
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (see chart)
• Colours:
  

Supersize

Reviews

What Mountain Bike (UK) - Mar 03

The ultimate in light weight, the Vespa is perfect for stowing away in a pack or jersey pocket until conditions dictate. The day-glow yellow isn't exactly or everyone's favourite trailside colour but the Vespa has been designed more with the commuter in mind. The micro fibre front blocks out the wind wile the back is meshed for ventilation. The tall neck is fleece lined hand hems are neatly finished with elastic piping. Reflective piping runs across the front and rear to further increase visibility.

Performance: 8/10; Value: 9/10
Verdict: Simple and effective. Ideal for the commuter but can also handle the trail if you can handle the colour.

Fabric

 

microFoil™

Shell fabric constructed from 100% polyester micro fibres, tightly woven to block wind with a light coating to resist drizzle. The ultra-fine yarn is silk-like to touch but retains breathability. The outer surface is buffed to achieve a natural 'peached finish'.

• Composition: 100% polyester.

Sizing

This chart is a guide only – if you fall in-between sizes, the right size for you will depend on your body shape and how loose or tight you like to wear your clothes. It's no hassle to swap it, if your first choice is not the best fit.

Unisex
	XS	S	M	L	XL
Height	154 - 164 cm 5' 1" - 5' 5"	163 - 172 cm 5’ 4” - 5’ 8”	169 - 178 cm 5’ 6” - 5’ 10”	175 - 185 cm 5’ 9” - 6’ 1”	183 - 191 cm 6’ 0” - 6’ 3”
Chest	84 - 90 cm 33 - 35"	91 - 97 cm 36 - 38”	98 - 104 cm 39 - 41”	105 - 111 cm 42 - 44”	112 - 118 cm 44 - 46”
Waist	66 - 72 cm 26 - 28"	73 - 79 cm 29 - 31”	80 - 86 cm 32 - 34”	87 - 93 cm 35 - 37”	94 - 100 cm 37 - 39”
Hips	78 - 86 cm 31 - 34"	87 - 95 cm 34 - 37”	96 - 103 cm 38 - 41”	104 - 111 cm 41 - 44”	112 - 120 cm 44 - 47”

Unisex vs Women's Sizes
Most Ground Effect designs are unisex. The jackets, tights and baggy tops generally fit both men and women equally well. Fitted garments like cycle shorts and some tops are more gender specific so there is generally a women's version in the Outskirts range.

Speed-of-light wind protection for hammering the tarmac or commuting to the coal face. The Vespa is an ultra-lightweight, hi-visibility vest that scrunches down to nothing. Its mesh back lets the hard work escape, and aspirant Houdinis can wriggle in and out of it while cruising at the back of the bunch.

> Full length front zip.
> Mesh back for maximum breathability.
> Hi-visibility microFoil™ front deflects cold winds and helps you stand out in dim light.
> Hazard! reflective logo at rear, and reflective piping on chest and back.
> XS size option (approx. women's small).
> Made by us in New Zealand.

Washing Instructions?

> Ground Effect shells enjoy a warm machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach. The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage the Microfibre fabric. Bleach may also attack the fabric's coating.

> Select a mild plant-based soap like Ecover, Ecostore, Earthwise or Aware. A specific sport wash like Grangers Extreme Cleaner or Nikwax Tech Wash (around NZ$30 from most outdoor shops). Any stubborn stains should be dabbed not rubbed clean. For grease spots you can use a degreaser like Swarfega. It's aggressive stuff though so take care - it might be best left alone as added character.

> Try not to wash too often. General wear along with washing will progressively remove the water repellent treatment on the outside of the fabric. This helps rain to bead and run off - and enhances the overall performance of the fabric. You can restore it after a wash by chucking your jacket in the dryer using a warm (not hot) cycle. This 'recharges' the water repellent treatment so it lasts a bit longer. When this trick no longer does its magic you can beef up the original treatment to some extent with a product like Grangers Extreme Synthetics or Nikwax TX Direct (around NZ$30-40 from most outdoor shops). Any stubborn stains should be dabbed not rubbed clean. For grease spots you can use a degreaser like Swarfega. It's aggressive stuff though so take care - it might be best left alone as added character.