Overview
With the barometer hitting the sub 40 degree mark, I decided put the new Giordana Forma Jacket through it's paces. The folks at Giordana say it's good for temps below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, so I was definitely in the "zone".
For those not familiar with the Forma line, it represents the super-high-end from Giordana and this specific jacket falls within the Body Clone collection for a super close fit.
The Good
To set things straight, I wore a Merino long sleeve base-layer and bib knickers from Capoforma. Ok, now onto the ride. What I noticed immediately was the Meryl Actisystem outer layer with WindTex provided a nice wind barrier with just enough breathe-ability for sufficient air transfer. My shoulders were a bit cold at the start of the ride, but that is fairly consistent with most cold-weather jackets I have worn. I loved the subtle Roubaix fleece panels under the back of the arms that provided a little bit of venting throughout the duration of the ride.
After 45 minutes, all feelings of cold were gone and the jacket really started to perform. I was never hot as with other jackets I have worn, but just cool enough to be comfortable.
The Snob In Us
We wish the back panel (below the rear pocket) fell a little lower over our backside...the jacket slid-up a bit during the ride exposing a small area to the elements. Additionally, the white base color easily grabbed any road grime we came across. Our recommendation is to purchase the red/black combination over the white/black color combo.
Our Recommendation
If you are looking for a sub 40 degree jacket and don't want to spend over $300 on a comparable Assos or Rapha, this jacket is an easy choice. All-in-all, the jacket did a sufficient job of allowing heat transfer from the body through the outer shell while blocking wind penetration.
Where To Buy
Competitive Cyclist for $300
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