Make Nalini's Aeprolight Skinsuit Your Everyday Road Kit
It used to be that a skinsuit was intended only for racers chasing aerodynamic benefits in time trials, and for cyclocross. But that's changing: Many skinsuits now have three pockets and are gaining popularity in the pro road-racing peloton. Brands like Rapha, Castelli, Louis Garneau, and Nalini also offer attractive versions without sponsor logos.
Still, at first I worried about wearing the Nalini Aeprolight skinsuit—in cycling, the way we dress and the bike we ride makes a statement. I was concerned that putting on this suit, relative to my actual speed, would say, "I'm an overserious jackass."
But then I tried it, and I learned something no one ever told me about skinsuits: They can be comfortable. Like, really comfortable. More so than almost any two-piece combination I've worn. There were no bib straps to fold over and cut into shoulders or chafe nipples, no waistband to squeeze the belly. Riding in this skinsuit felt like the on-bike equivalent of wearing a Snuggie.
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The Aeprolight is a TT suit, so the pad is positioned farther forward, but it worked for my road-riding position anyway. The black, minimalist design is sleek and flattering, and I like the long sleeves because I don't need to slather my arms in sunscreen. While the mesh side panels are a little disco, they are supposed to improve ventilation. I found the Aeprolight to be no hotter than a typical summer garment.
Skinsuits do have their disadvantages. The top and bottom are the same size; maybe you aren't. If one section wears out or gets ruined, the whole thing is trashed—a big hit considering the Aeprolight costs $404, an extravagant price even for a suit that replaces two separate pieces. And yes, wearing a skinsuit still makes a potentially strong statement. But this one feels so good, I'm willing to own it—and do so with a smile.
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