Aqualibrium™ . High-tech
fabrics and products only work well if they allow the body to achieve an
equilibrium between the input and output of heat and moisture. Many products
don’t accomplish this. The correct balance of breathability, moisture
management, wind resistance, and CLO factor are critical for maintaining optimal
temperature and dryness during activity. We, at Descente, call this
“Aqualibrium.”
Functional design for all of our products is guided by the
concept of “Aqualibrium”. No other manufacturer of sports apparel understands
this dynamic more, or puts it to better use, than we do.
RPF: Ride Position Fit. As you know, there is a fine line
between “rack appeal” and how a garment fits when used for it’s intended
purpose. At Descente we’ve always been concerned about never sacrificing
functionality for rack appeal and instead maintaining product integrity. While
Ride Position Fit is a design and product development guideline, it’s also an
effective sales and marketing concept. Let’s face it, we don’t design cycling
products for store changing rooms, standing straight up, facing a mirror.
Examples of RPF can be found in our front and back rise differentials, our
contoured collars, extra sleeve lengths, tapered and contoured front panel
constructions, extra-long index fingers on gloves and in many other features.
Power Compo. Descente designs apparel to help athletes
focus on their best performances, period. Power Compo philosophy is the latest
Descente innovation to put you closer to that perfect performance. Functional
designs married with cutting-edge fabric technology actually assist your body in
performing at it’s highest level yet.
Power Compo technology is
based on fairly simple science. Long, tube-like cells run the length of an
individual muscle — these are muscle fibers. The mind and body tell these fibers
to contract and release, allowing muscles to function. For this process to occur
properly, the right conditions must exist. Power Compo helps create these
conditions.
Research has shown that unsupported muscles tire more
quickly during exercise. Power Compo supports muscles, delaying fatigue and
extending endurance. The muscular environment also requires appropriate
temperatures for unhindered performance. Power Compo keeps the body supported
and warm by applying a gentle but effective compression. Examples of this
philosopy can be found in the Aero Exo, Aero-X and Classic Aero-X shorts, as
well as the D-Vente Baselayers.
FIT
These icons will help you determine how each of our tops and
jerseys fit. Since we try to accommodate a wide variety of body styles, this
guide should help you understand the subtle differences.
MATERIALS AND FABRICS
AERO-X uses two different deniers of
Nylon for advanced moisture management, durability and softness with 16% Spandex
content for perfect compression and stretch. An advanced fabric for the world’s
most comfortable cycling shorts.
AERO-XT is a unique
fabric that is highly aero/hydrodynamic thanks to the highly textured and unique
interior. The 86% micro-denier Nylon and 14% Spandex is an effective blend that
allows for a soft hand, a great fit and quick drying. The "high-amplitude"
structure of the interior creates "low-amplitude" dimples on teh surface,
allowing the right amount of turbulence across the fabric surface, thus lowering
drag. This structure also facilitates evaporation.
BLISS is a Nylon/Spandex fabric that
offers a buttery soft hand, great compression and durability. It is made of 88%
Nylon and 12% Spandex.
BLISS LITE is a Polyester/Spandex fabric with a soft hand and a
geometric, jacquard knitted pattern that offers rapid-drying, a super-soft hand,
durability and comfort for any athletic application.
CHINOOK is a 100% microfiber Polyester fabric that provides the finest
balance of water resistance, wind proofing, breathability, weight, noise,
durability and value. This fabric is treated with a Durable Water Repellent
(DWR) finish.
COLDOUT is a 87% Nylon and 13% Lycra™, fabric that provides durability,
warmth, compression, stretch and moisture management. It’s perfect for
applications in accessories, tights, knickers and shorts for cool and cold
weather.
COOLMATIC is 100% Polyester with a slightly open surface structure for an
advanced wicking capability and cooling feature. This light weight hot-weather
fabric is soft and extraordinarily comfortable in the most extreme conditions.
D-LUX MESH is a micro-denier Polyester/Spandex mesh fabric that is
brushed on the inside, yielding a soft feel next to the body along with superior
breathability, compression and moisture management.
THERMAL D-LUX. Soft and silky, mid-weight micro-denier Polyster/Spandex
fabric uses vapor-channel construction for great moisture management and is
brushed inside for enhanced thermal properties.
D-PLY combines a Polyester interior with a Nylon exterior to form the
world’s lightest “push-pull” moisture management fabric. The Polyester wicks
away moisture by “pushing” it from the skin –and the nylon helps evaporate the
moisture on the fabric surface as it “pulls” it from the polyester. The exterior
Nylon helps reduce odor build-up and provides a very light and supple hand.
D-VENTE is a Polyester/Spandex micro-denier mesh that delivers an uncanny
equilibrium between the input and output of heat and moisture. Whether hot or
cold outside, D-Vente helps maintain a constant body temperature and superior
moisture control while delivering a great body-hugging fit.
H2ZEROTM is 100% Polyester dual-denier yarn. It employs
“denier-gradient” and “vapor-channel” technology to provide best-of-class
moisture management. This lightweight fabric has a great hand and moves with the
body and breathes, providing a level of moisture management and unsurpassed
comfort in medium to high temperature ranges.
THERMAL H2ZEROTM is 100% Polyester,
“denier-gradient” fabric with vapor-channel technology. This is the thermal
version of H2Zero, with a soft brushed interior. It’s heavier than H2Zero and
Orbit and provides a high level of thermal protection and comfort. The advanced
knit construction provides unparalleled moisture management capability.
ORBIT is a
slightly heavier-weight 100% Polyester fabric that provides the same level of
moisture management and comfort as H2ZERO. Using vapor-chamber construction, for
cooler temperature applications, this fabric features a beautifully textured
surface and provides a unique look and outstanding comfort.
HYGIENIC
is the patented, permanent anti-bacterial protector from Christian Eschler AG.
This solution will combat the effects of retained moisture, body lotions, oils
and perspiration, which can encourage the growth of bacteria causing unpleasant
odors in textiles and their premature disintegration.
CLASSIC NYLON/LYCRA™ is 80% Nylon, 20% Lycra. Descente’s Nylon/Lycra for
cycle short applications has the ideal weight, compression, stretch and
durability. Treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) and wicking finish.
PRO-V MESH: This knit on a “crochet” machine from the world’s “driest”
yarn, called Meraklon™. A new generation of Polypropylene, Meraklon is
super-hydrophobic and does not develop odors, shrink, or pill as older versions
of “polypro” did. PRO-V MESH can be used in any condition including extreme heat
and cold weather climates. Our PRO-V fabrics offer a dramatic improvement and
evolution in the world of baselayer fabrics.
PRO-V MID: At about 200 grams per square meter, this highly functional
fabric is 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex. It’s a spun yarn fabric that is “low pill,”
deceptively warm for its weight and very soft. This is a “cozy” fabric that is
form-fitting and has a wide temperature range application. It also provides
unsurpassed moisture management. Our PRO-V fabrics offer a dramatic improvement
and evolution in the world of baselayer fabrics.
PRO-V MAX: At about 300 grams per square meter, PRO-V MAX 91% Polyester,
9% Spandex. It’s also a spun yarn fabric that is “low pill,” as warm a baselayer
as you’ll ever need but deceptively lightweight and operates through a huge
temperature and activity range. It’s a “cozy” fabric that is form fitting and
provides unsurpassed moisture management. Our PRO-V fabrics offer a dramatic
improvement and evolution in the world of baselayer fabrics.
ELEMENT TRI-COMP is a three layer, bonded fabric with 63% Polyester and
37% permeable PU membrane. This technical, mid-weight fabric is waterproof,
breathable and stretches with the body. This fabric is treated with a Durable
Water Repellent (DWR) outside and wicking finish inside.
SHELTER TRI-COMP is a three layer, bonded fabric with 89% Polyester and
11% PU. It has a moisture permeable PU stretch membrane middle layer for a high
level of protection and breathability, and a bonded, fleeced interior for
additional warmth. This outer fabric is treated with a Durable Water Repellent
(DWR) finish and the interior is treated with a moisture-management wicking
finish.
THERMAL SPY (Stretch Polyester Yarn) is a 94% Polyester yarn with 6%
Spandex for a great fit that moves with any position on the bike. A
high-performance fabric, this is a versatile fabric with dense exterior and a
fine, brushed interior. Thermal SPY offers some wind resistance on the outside,
comfort on the inside and an unusually high warmth-to-weight ratio.
VELOM is a super-lightweight, micro-denier woven Nylon fabric. It allows
us to make an entire jacket that is, incredibly, less than 2 ounces. The fabric
is water-resistant, wind-proof, very breathable, durable and quite. And of
course it’s unbelievably packable.
CHAMOIS
STRATA CHAMOIS. Our STRATA Chamois is the world’s most technically
advanced chamois. Separate side wings and front panel are welded to the main
chamois body, completely eliminating stitching while creating a super-smooth
transition between the independent chamois components. The Strata chamois is not
“stamped” from a single piece of fabric so each component can move independently
and in concert with the body for a superior anatomical and comfortable fit.
Thicker and higher density foam is used in critical center areas while lower
density foam is used around the periphery, creating multiple layers of superior
protection and comfort for the rider. The Strata is treated with HYGIENIC®
anti-microbial solution to combat the effects of retained moisture, body
lotions, oils, perspiration, etc, which can encourage the growth of bacteria and
cause unpleasant odors.
SPECTRA CHAMOIS.
This SPECTRA chamois was spawned from the development of the Strata and
possesses many of it’s attributes.
The separate side wings and front panel are radio-frequency welded to the main
chamois body, completely eliminating stitching and producing a super-smooth
transition between the independent chamois components. This creates a
comfortable, performing pad that moves in concert with your body.
The chamois is multi-tiered from 8mm – 10mm to provide protection in more
critical areas, but maintains the same foam density throughout.
The Spectra is treated with HYGIENIC® anti-microbial solution to combat the
effects of retained moisture, body lotions, oils, perspiration, etc, which can
encourage the growth of bacteria and cause unpleasant odors.
PHANTOM Chamois. The PHANTOM Chamois reduces
pressure points and chaffing and feels “invisible” when riding. This molded
chamois is an 8mm open-cell, perforated foam that is multi-tiered for critical
protection. All seams use fluff thread, zig-zag stitching and edges are
“clean-finished.” The smooth surface eliminates friction and has no pressure
points – which provides extreme comfort.
The Phantom is treated with HYGIENIC® anti-microbial solution to combat the
effects of retained moisture, body lotions, oils, perspiration, etc, which can
encourage the growth of bacteria and cause unpleasant odors.
