For several years, Santini has been working on the Terranova project, a line of technical clothing dedicated to gravel riding that stands out for its highly advanced choice of materials. Just consider the use of Polartec® Alpha™ in winter garments, which over the years has become a true benchmark for insulation and thermal management.
With the summer collection, however, the technical approach changes: less protection from low temperatures and more attention to breathability, lightness, and comfort. This is how the new Delta Line was born, a jersey developed once again in collaboration with Polartec®, capable of combining sustainability and high performance thanks to the use of recycled fabrics.
From the first contact the sensation is surprising: the fabric almost recalls the comfort of cotton, but once worn the technical qualities of Polartec® Delta™ immediately emerge, with truly effective moisture management even on the hottest days.
Polartec materials have made significant qualitative leaps in recent years and now represent a very high standard in terms of technical performance. This jersey, despite being in a completely different context than winter clothing, still manages to convey a pleasant feeling of freshness throughout the entire outing.
Santini Delta Line: technology at the service of freshness
The Delta Line is designed for any outdoor and indoor sporting activity, but it is on gravel that it best expresses its personality.
The slim fit stays close without being restrictive, while Polartec® Delta™ fabric works extremely effectively to promote the body's natural evaporative cooling.
Technical Insight: Polartec® Delta™
More than just absorbing sweat, Polartec® Delta™ directly affects the body's thermoregulation process. Its unique knit structure combines hydrophobic and hydrophilic yarns to rapidly disperse moisture, increase airflow, and reduce the uncomfortable feeling of wetness on the skin.
Key Features of Polartec® Delta™
- Advanced evaporative cooling
- High breathability
- Controlled drying
- Reduction of the “wet cling” effect
- Fresh sensation on contact with the skin
- Odor reduction
- Better air circulation
During the test, the jersey stood out especially on long, hot rides, where keeping the body dry is crucial for overall comfort. Even after several hours of pedaling, the feel remains very natural and never overly synthetic.
The two back pockets with zip are also very interesting, practical for carrying small items without compromising aesthetic cleanliness and freedom of movement.
Delta Line Technical Data Sheet
- Recycled Polartec® Delta™ fabric
- Lightweight and highly breathable
- Slim fit
- Two back pockets with zip
- Made in Italy
Santini Cargo: Comfort and support for modern gravel riding
If the real protagonist in the jersey is the material, in the Cargo shorts the strong point is undoubtedly the seat pad.
In gravel—as in mountain biking—support in the saddle is essential. Shorts must be able to provide support for many hours without sacrificing breathability and freedom of movement.
The Cargo Pants use a high-density Lycra that's particularly abrasion-resistant yet very soft on the skin. The elastic ribbed braces and mesh back help maintain excellent ventilation.
The side pockets are one of the most successful elements of the project: perfect for gels, bars or small accessories, they are easily accessible while pedaling without interfering with fluidity and comfort.
Technical insight: C3 seat pad
The C3 seat pad is designed for long distances and focuses on ergonomics and vibration absorption.
The construction with an ergonomic 3D surface and gel core allows for better pressure distribution, increasing comfort even after many hours in the saddle on rough terrain.
Strengths of the C3 caseback
- 3D ergonomic structure
- Anti-shock gel inserts
- High vibration absorption capacity
- Long-lasting comfort over long distances
- Excellent breathability
In the test it proved to be particularly effective on longer gravel rides, where continuous micro-bumps and changes in terrain can put even high-end products to the test.
Cargo Technical Data Sheet
- High density abrasion resistant Lycra
- Elastic ribbed braces
- Breathable mesh on the back
- Two side pockets
- Two additional back pockets
- Elastic grip with honeycomb silicone
- Rear reflective details
- Ergonomic C3 seat pad with gel core
- Made in Italy
Road sensations: technique yes, but also style
In addition to the purely technical aspects, the Terranova line is also convincing from an aesthetic point of view.
In gravel, visual identity is increasingly important, and Santini has managed to find a very interesting balance: sophisticated colors, combinations with strong personality but never excessive or too flashy.
A detail that we really appreciated during our outings, because it manages to give character to the outfit without falling into the "tacky" one, maintaining that elegant sobriety typical of Italian design.
Conclusions
Gravel today is much more than a discipline: it is a mix of technique, exploration, contact with nature and attention to sustainability.
The Santini Terranova line perfectly interprets this philosophy, combining advanced materials, elevated comfort and an extremely refined style.
The Delta Line jersey impresses with its freshness and moisture management, while the Cargo shorts are particularly appreciated for the support offered by the C3 seat pad during long hours in the saddle.
An outfit that will undoubtedly become one of my most used during my summer outings.
