Originally Posted by
Val23708
black is the worst shade you can wear cycling. not only is it hot in the sun, its too cool in the cold and nobody can see you in the dark.
The
Rapha Pro Team jersey uses something called
ColdBlack in the material:
"A lightweight, high-performance race jersey cut for an aggressive position on the bike. Developed in close collaboration with Rapha Condor Sharp pros, the jersey is made from high-wicking technical fabric that incorporates coldblack® technology. Used specifically for this jersey, the fabric’s dyestuff absorbs less heat, staying cool against the skin in hot weather. Mesh side and rear panels give added breathability."
ColdBlack is made by the Swiss textile company
Schoeller who are known for their innovative products like 3XDry. Their textiles are tough and have kept me dry during a number of rock/ice climbing adventures.
Popular Science had this to say about the material:
"Most black clothing absorbs 90 percent of the sun’s heat, but black fabrics that have been treated with Schoeller’s Coldblack technology during the dying process actually reflect 80 percent of heat rays (nearly as much as white fabrics) while also offering UPF 30+ protection against harmful ultraviolet rays. The company keeps the technology a closely guarded secret, but the results speak for themselves: Temperature tests at independent labs found that a Coldblack-treated shirt held under infrared lamps stayed 10°F cooler on the interior and 22° cooler on the surface than a regular shirt. Expect to see Coldblack popping up soon in apparel like black Mammut Champ and Westcomb Talus mountaineering pants."
WRT being seen in the dark, I'd wear a reflective vest and a bunch of blinkies anyway. However, I don't ride in the dark.