Babici

Lumiere Jersey

Over a relatively short period of time, we've come to expect a great deal from the Australian powerhouse, Babici. Collection after Collection, the young upstart has continued to push the boundaries of design, while disassembling the barrier between timeless aesthetics and functionality. And for its newest 'collezione,' Lumiere, we see Babici moving away from its past Fondo-inspired designs, instead moving towards that of the race-minded. Such is the case for the new Lumiere Jersey.

For the design, Babici used a minimally seamed construction in order to reduce abrasion. The cut is defined as aero-race, yet for the typical cycling build, you'll find it conforming and comfortable. In fact, Lumiere's shape through the shoulders follows the contours of the body rather gracefully. You'll find that this jersey features longer sleeves and a tighter torso fit than the Babici of the past. As we've been told, the Lumiere follows an almost skinsuit-like fit while still retaining the comfort of a jersey. This is due in part to craftsmanship, but mainly, it's derivative of Babici's story.

Australia is no stranger to the boyhood fanaticism of Italian cycling. And while Italian fabrics and style were in demand at Babici's inception, it noticed an undercurrent of desire to retain the Australian identity. So, designs in tow, Babici went to the premiere Italian fabric manufacturer, MITI -- the source of the ever popular and plagiarized SuperRoubaix, ThermoDream, and Ibisco fabrics. As their relationship blossomed, MITI's Time Out material presented itself as the obvious fabric choice for the front and back of the Lumiere jersey. With a warp-knit construction, the material is given a natural stretch. Within the knit, the threads follow a zig-zag pattern along the length of the jersey. This allows more surface area coverage while using less material, equating directly to an airy, lightweight construction. Time Out's open weave also accelerates moisture transfer from the skin to the quick-drying surface of the jersey. And while this fabric costs Babici an arm and a leg to produce, the comfort is worth it.

Furthering the race-design of the Lumiere, the sleeves and shoulders have been made from the Zaffiro ColdBlack fabric. Unlike Time Out, Zaffiro features a purposefully denser weave. This guarantees a continuation of Time Out's aforementioned characteristics, only with a higher level of durability and friction-reduction at the highest points of abrasion. And for the Black Lumiere jersey, the material has also been treated with MITI's Coldblack finish that permits the sun's heat to be reflected away from the jersey instead of absorbing it like most fabrics. So, you can ride on the rivet during summer races without running the risk of overheating. On the Black/white Lumiere jersey, you'll find that sleeves and shoulders use MITI's Shield Endurance. Like Zaffiro, this fabric features a warp-knitted, plain-stretch composition, only with a focus on heat transfer instead of heat deflection.

For ventilation, the underarms and side panels of the jersey feature MITI's Wing Feather fabric. This material is extremely lightweight, and due to its circular-knit construction, very thin. In fact, you'll find that its low denier makes this material almost transparent on the body. So, your core temperature is guaranteed to be well-regulated.

Now, you might be wondering about the Lumiere jersey's functionality. While moisture management and cooling designs are great, where do you put your stuff? Well, Babici included a thoughtful rear pocket design. With three rear cargo pockets and a zippered security pocket, the Lumiere has plenty of room for all of your ride essentials. And being the ever-perfectionists, you'll notice that Babici angled the outer-pockets towards the hips for easy access in the saddle. The jersey also has a subtle reflective strip under the pockets, and a full-length front zipper.

The Babici Lumiere Jersey is available in four sizes from Small to X-Large and in the colors Black and Black/white.