X-Bionic The Trick Biking Shirt
£120
For spring and summer use this short sleeve jersey from X-Bionic is a hit. The mid compression fit and stretch fabrics don’t feel too racey, and the material is super comfy next to the skin.
Apart from looking a little strange, the channels and ribbing across the back area are designed to bring on the early onset of sweating – which sounds like an odd approach… But this is designed to reduce temperature spikes and overheating, with the channels around the sweaty areas of the jersey then wicking away enough sweat for you to feel dry all over. And it works, keeping us consistently comfortable on even hot, prolonged continental climbs.
Specialized Therminal RBX Sport Women’s Jersey
£45
For spring and autumn days, this great value thermal long sleeve jersey is a perfect fit in several ways. Close cut and stretchy it is a joy to wear on its own or over a thin baselayer, and is far warmer than we expected considering the thin material.
A full length zip is welcome for ease of dressing, and ventilation options on the climbs, while the drop tail gives ample coverage. On chillier days we’d like a higher collar, but this isn’t a deal breaker.
The brushed inner face is very comfortable, and the styling pleases all who zip it on. It’s also quite refreshing to see how discreet the branding is; just a tiny logo on the chest and rear pocket.
POC Trail LS Jersey
£55
The Trail jersey is no more than a simple long sleeved jersey, with no pockets or fripperies, and that is why we love it. With a Polygiene anti-odour treatment POC actually recommend not washing the jersey every ride to save the environment.
After 5 rides and no washing we were pushing the limits but, while we wouldn’t necessarily want to wear it out to dinner, it certainly seemed to be far less whiffy than we would have expected.
Apart from this we loved the stretchy nylon/spandex fabric that is super-soft and comfortable to wear next to the skin, and the cut and sizing is just right. A great jersey for all sorts of cycling.
Giordana Women’s Lungo Short Sleeve Jersey
£80
Perfect for the hottest days of summer, the Lungo is wonderfully light and airy, with a feathery open weave fabric helped out by open mesh under the arm pits. The styling is universally loved too, with great colours and some lovely style points such as the zig-zag cuffs and contrasting zips and trim.
The real devil is in the detail however. Broad 2 inch elastic cuffs and hem are extremely comfortable and supportive, with the hem being backed by a sliver of silicon gripper to stop it slipping. The main zip is chunkier than we would have expected but, as we are sure was the intention, the size gives it a cracking free running quality.
Fox Explore Adventure Trail LS Jersey
£60
At first glance this Fox riding jersey may look like no more than an innocent high-street long sleeved t-shirt, but when we pull it on that myth dispells.
The first thing we notice is the fit. The main body is soft and pliable, extremely comfortable next to the skin, and the cut is generous but not flappy when on the move.
But it’s details like the laser cut holes under the armpits, welded on patches by the shoulder and forearms to help with hydration pack wear and branch chafing, and a small key/mp3 pocket by the hem, which all add up to a quietly excellent MTB top. Perfect for a summer evening or to avoid sunburnt arms during the day.
Craft Gran Fondo Jersey
£80
With a fit that is close, but not too racey, we find the Grand Fondo a hugely comfortable jersey to wear. The soft, pliable fabric is great against our skin, the length good, and the usual triple pockets across the back are supportive and deep, while including a small zipped pocket on the middle one for ‘can’t lose’ items such as a car key. That pocket also sports a headphone port into the back of the jersey so you can rock an MP3 in there too.
It comes from Craft’s ‘Beat the Heat’ range of garments, and as such maximises cooling. Mesh on the back of the arms help drain heat and moisture from that area, while a mesh front keeps the air flowing right across the body. If it all gets a bit much, we are pleased to see a full length zip in evidence. It is nice to see that, despite the air permeability of the fabric, the jersey is rated 50+ UPF sun protection.
Above all we really like the slightly retro look and great mix of understated colours. Expensive, but competitive with other manufacturers comparable quality jerseys.
Mavic Cosmic Elite Thermo LS Jersey
£85
Although at the high end of the jersey price list, we quickly came to love this warm top from Mavic. Through the cold and wet winter it is heavily used under a shell, providing warmth with its close fit and soft inner brushed Roubaix type fabric.
As spring arrives it begins to appear as an outer layer over a baselayer though, proving to be just wind resistant enough to keep the chilly headwinds at bay, but allowing more than enough throughput to ventilate and prevent sweat build up.
The close, stretchy fit is excellent, the back kept in place by a silicon gripper. Three good pockets across the back are complemented by a zipped phone pocket.
