Object of desire: Nopinz Petronas Sepang Racing Team Kit

We often do not present anything remotely focused on MotoGP on Cycling news, but when the mix in question involves Valentino Rossi, Petronas and Nopinz, you can bet your last dollar is going to pique our interest. It’s no secret that MotoGP athletes use cycling to complement their training and fitness, and the Nopinz Petronas Sepang Racing Team kit pictured here echoes the connection between the two sports. Designed to offer fans exclusive cycling clothing on the bike, it also represents swansong for Rossi and Petronas who will be leaving the team at the end of the season. Limited to 100 pieces, each garment is made to order by one of the best manufacturers of custom cycling kits, Nopinz, in Devon, UK.

Petronas as a company has a rich motorsport heritage stretching back decades. The Malaysian oil and gas company currently sponsors MotoGP and Formula 1 teams (Petronas Sepang Racing and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team respectively), whose colors are synonymous with high performance. For Nopinz, the modus operandi was to communicate this message and repackage it in a cycling context and we think that did a great job.

Aesthetic

Naturally, the Nopinz Petronas Sepang Racing Team kit takes inspiration from the MotoGP team and does so to great effect – keeping the same corporate identity and design language. As such, the kit is characterized by a dominant black palette and topped with a contrasting emerald green design scheme on the sleeves, stomach and thigh. The Petronas wordmark is prominently displayed on the chest, while the team logo and sponsor take up space on either side of the chest area. A nice touch is the zigzag pattern on the underside of the jersey; finished in a gradient of emerald green, it serves both as a nod to the Petronas logo and the topographic profile of the cycle path.

When it comes to kits of this nature, there is a tendency to clutter and stuff with advertising – often making it more of a deterrent than an object of desire – but Nopinz and PSR have managed to achieve the one of the most refined and attractive. collaborations that we have seen lately. A closer inspection reveals the hidden details of the fabric itself: a collection adorned with beveled chevrons – dubbed “Speedscalez” – that adds another dimension and tactile experience to the kit. Apart from that, the only other noticeable element is the lumo pink Nopinz logo on the right leg which casts doubt on who made this kit.

The complete kit includes a jersey, bib shorts and aero socks, the latter bringing it all together.

Object of Desire Series

Characteristics

The Petronas Sepang Racing Team kit uses Nopinz’s premium line of Pro-1 materials, renowned for its aerodynamic and performance properties. We have tested this particular fabric before on the Nopinz Pro-1 road suit and came away impressed with the fit, comfort and elasticity the fabrics offered. While testing has been limited to just two releases so far, building on previous experience with these fabrics, coupled with its almost tailored fit, first impressions are positive.

One of the many attributes that make Nopinz such a great kit maker is the breathable, lightweight properties of the materials and how that and the design work together to provide a second-skin fit and feel. Of course, a kit isn’t just about how it feels on the skin and that brings me to my next point – the chamois – an area that Nopinz has nailed down in the past. Like all of its Pro-1 offerings, the PSR bibs use an Italian-origin Teosport chamois – the TM Armadillo – known for its ergonomics and moisture management. The PSR Bib Shorts also utilize the company’s “Speedscalez” fabric pattern, a wind tunnel tested design that is both visually pleasing and functional.

Unlike the regular Pro-1 line, the PSR Bib Shorts have abandoned low-profile silicone in favor of sewn-in clips to hold the shorts firmly in place. This measure was introduced so that the Petronas print can be added to the design without losing the solid tone properties of the fabric. There is nothing to complain about here.

In terms of product weight, the whole kit (jersey, shorts and socks in XS) tips the scales at less than 340g, which is incredibly light for a full performance kit. The sizing is comprehensive, covering six fits ranging from XS to XXL.

Anticipated verdict

The Nopinz Petronas Sepang Racing Team Kit is a flawless and extremely desirable kit set designed for lovers of the PSR MotoGP team and the Petronas brand as a whole. The design is well thought out and organized in such a way that it is neither offensive nor posing – and can be used by riders from all walks of life, not just Valentino Rossi or Franco Morbidelli.

Limited to just 100 pieces, the kit is made to order in 21 working days. Prices vary and each item can be purchased individually or as a set / full pack: £ 195.47 (pack) / £ 109 (shorts) / £ 99.99 (jersey) / £ 19.99 (socks).

Technical specifications: Nopinz Petronas Sepang Racing Team Kit

• Price: £ 195.47 (set shown here) / £ 109 (shorts) / £ 99.99 (jersey) / £ 19.99 (socks)
• Sizes: 6 (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL)
• Fabric: Nopinz Pro-1
• Availablity: Limited to 100 units. On order in 21 working days
• Weight: Jersey (120g), shorts (180g), socks (38g) – XS
• Colors: 1