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Velobici PBP Tivoli Seamless Collar

4
£30.00

VERDICT:

4
10
Expensive, and not all that warm or comfortable either. You'd be better off spending your money on a cheap fleece neck warmer
Weight: 
24g
Contact: 
www.velobici.cc

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The Tivoli Seamless Collar forms part of Velobici's Paris-Brest-Paris range (or PBP for short). This epic quadrennial brevet from Paris to Brest, on the western shores of Brittany, and back, requires riders to complete the 1200km route in less than 90 hours. Invoking the name of such a prestigious event sets the bar high, and the Tivoli Collar unfortunately fails to live up to this expectation.

The Tivoli Collar's claim to fame is that it is knitted as one single piece, and therefore lacks any seams (hence the name, obviously!) that could cause irritation. In terms of fabrics, the Collar is composed from a mix of Thermo-cool (51%), Merino wool (42%), Nylon (4%) and Elastane (3%). Given these two facts, one would expect the Tivoli Collar to be very comfortable, but I found that it was anything but. The wool content whilst 'only' comprising 42%, still makes it very itchy to wear, at least on my skin, and I also found the hems caused me some irritation.

In terms of warmth, the Tivoli Collar again fails to live up to expectation as the relatively open weave makes it very draughty indeed. On chilly morning rides, I found myself reaching for a cheap fleece neck warmer instead of this much dearer offering from Velobici. One of the great things about neck warmers is their ability to be used under the helmet as well as around the neck making them extremely versatile. Unfortunately though, the Tivoli Collar's tapered shape means that it doesn't really fit on the head, further limiting its appeal.

And then there's the price. Granted, the one piece construction adds cost over sewing two ends together, but the end result isn't that comfortable anyway. The 'made in the UK' label goes some way towards explaining the extraordinary price, but it still fails to justify it in my opinion.

Verdict

Expensive, and not all that warm or comfortable either. You'd be better off spending your money on a cheap fleece neck warmer.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Velobici PBP Tivoli Seamless Collar

Size tested: Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Velobici say:

"This Lightweight neck collar is seamless to prevent any unnecessary rubbing around your neck. made from 51% Thermo Cool and 42% Merino wool this collar is insulating, moisture wicking and anti-bacterial. Shaped to fit comfortably, it can be worn all year round and looks cool on and off the bike."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

- 42% Merino wool, 51% Thermo-cool, 4% Nylon, 3% Elastane.

- Moisture wicking.

- Insulating.

- Seamless.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The knitting is obviously well done with no loose threads or unevenness in the weave. The one piece construction is great in theory.

Rate the product for performance:
 
3/10

It's just not comfortable or warm.

Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10

To be honest I haven't worn it all that much but the quality of construction seems to indicate that it will last.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

It's light, maybe too light.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
3/10

The wool was itchy and the hems were irritating.

Rate the product for value:
 
3/10

Performance just doesn't match up to the premium price.

Did you enjoy using the product? No.

Would you consider buying the product? No.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No.

Overall rating: 4/10

About the tester

Age: 20  Height: 190cm  Weight: 70kg

I usually ride: Giant TCR Advanced 2  My best bike is: Canyon Ultimate CF7

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, sportives, mtb,

 

For 5 years, racing was my life and I went all the way from a newbie bonking after 40 miles, to a full-timer plying my trade on the Belgian kermesse scene. Unfortunately, the pro dream wasn't meant to be and these days, you're more likely to find me bimbling about country lanes and sleeping in a bush on the side of the road.

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6 comments

Avatar
Fixie Girl | 11 years ago
0 likes

+1 for Rapha.. I was bought the velobici one for christmas and it sucked.

Off loaded it to fleabay!

Avatar
Dr. Ko | 11 years ago
0 likes

+ 1 for the Rapha, bought mine later the year during a sale.  4

Avatar
sneakerfrfeak | 11 years ago
0 likes

I also have the Rapha one and agree with the comments above, Merino rocks.

Avatar
Nzlucas | 11 years ago
0 likes

I have an Arcteryx Merino one not as shaped as the Rapha one but still pretty good like the rest of their kit. +1 for 100% Merino

Avatar
dave atkinson | 11 years ago
0 likes

I've got a Rapha one too. I agree with TheHatter, it's a cracking piece of kit.

http://road.cc/content/review/29991-rapha-winter-collar

Avatar
TheHatter | 11 years ago
0 likes

Don't spend your money on a cheap one splash out £25 on a pure merino rapha one - best thing they make and will wick sweat much better than fleece. I've got 2 and wear & wash them all the time. BTW I'm no Rapha disciple

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