Dakine Thrillium Jersey | £35
The Thrillium is a raglan-sleeved, lightweight polyester fabric jersey with antimicrobial treatment for odour ‘management,’ crew neck and glasses wipe tucked behind the hem.
Dakine are masters at producing well cut, functional garments and the Thrillium is no different.
The cut is loose, but not too loose, the sleeves are perfectly proportioned and the back just the right length to keep you covered at all times. The fabric isn’t as soft as some, but it is practical and very fast drying, which makes the Thrillium perfect for multi-day trips.
VERDICT
A sharp looking jersey with plenty of room for airflow and comfort for all sorts of mountain biking situations.
+ Sharp looking, loose fit jersey
– Fabric isn’t as instantly cosy as some
Sweet Protection Badlands Merino Jersey | £70
This Badlands merino wool jersey could just as easily have been included in the baselayer section, with its lightweight, high-wicking properties and super-comfortable fine merino wool mix perfect next to the skin.
The long body with extended back coverage is superb, as are the long sleeves and comfortable crew neck, all adding up to a really comforting and comfortable jersey to pull on.
Justifies its high price with a quality and versatility that makes you want to wear it ride after ride.
VERDICT
Justifies its high price with a quality and versatility that makes you want to wear it ride after ride.
+ Wonderfully comfortable and versatile
– That name's a bit of a mouthful!
Madison Zena Women's sL | £28 
Zena is just one of four off-road clothing collections aimed at women from Madison. It is aimed at the cross country and all-mountain type of rider, with a loose fit and a more durable fabric. It has a short zip neck and one zipped side pocket big enough for a medium sized phone, plus a micro-suede glasses wipe inside the hem.
Although the fabric feels substantial we found the open weave was sufficiently cool to use on warmer days. Throw a windproof shell over and the Zena holds on to more heat, with air presumably trapped in the mesh.
VERDICT
With eye-catching pink, blue and yellow available this is an appealing and excellent value jersey for off-road riding.
+ A well-made jersey at a steal of a price
– Could possibly do with hem gripper
Leatt DBX 2.0 S/L Jersey | £36
This innocuous looking but techy t-shirt is made of Super-stretchy Rayon fabric with a MoistureCool mesh rear panel. The crew neck and snug fit are designed to be used with Leatt's neck brace and body armour but we have worn it both on and off the bike with no eyebrows being raised – a fact that makes it invaluable on bike tours. The stretch and fit is nothing short of excellent, close fitting without being claustrophobic, while the mesh back does an excellent job of reducing sweat build up.
VERDICT
As happy with general trail riding as bike touring, with a casual look and feel that's transferred easily to the pub.
+ So casual looking and yet so technical
– You'll want more colourways…
Lusso Stealth Jacket | £65
Aimed at spring or autumn weather where the cool days demand more than just a short sleeve cycling jersey, the Lusso Stealth jacket is made from mid-weight, brushed back Thermal-Speed Pro fabric, with a full zip, wide elastic waistband and three standard pockets on the rear, plus a zipped side-access pocket for small valuables.
Despite the weight the Stealth works well for cool summer day rides too, thanks to the open weave of the fabric, which allows air to flow through. The fit is close, yet very comfortable on the bike with perfect sleeve and back length.
VERDICT
A very versatile jersey, useful for a good three seasons, making it a valuable addition to your cycling wardrobe.
+ Close fitting yet comfy, an ideal road jersey
– Nothing
Specialized Therminal Mountain Jersey | £70
Basically your good old zipped hoody brought up to date and made bike friendly, the Therminal is constructed of lovely, soft and stretchy brushed-backed fleece. A three-panel hood with drawstring closure can be pulled on if the temperature drops and there is one chest and one side pocket for small items. Thumb loops mean it should never ride up your arm, and elasticated drawstring at the hem finish off the features.
VERDICT
Such a nice place to be when the weather turns foul and the pace drops. A must for cold evenings on tour.
+ An extremely cosy and welcoming jersey
– Too hot for energetic riding
