SEVEN DAY CYCLIST
CYCLING, BUT NOT USUALLY RACING

Better are the two diagonal “power mesh” hip pockets that also appear on their jacket. Clever use of angles and elasticated tops, coupled with sensible depth ensures they’ll carry smart phone/big bunch of keys and even some mini pumps without jettisoning them at the first bump - they’ve also stayed put across ten miles of dirt roads at 20mph.

 

Comfort is much closer to merino, rather than polyester, maintaining an ambient climate relatively cool when it’s hot, yet retaining heat on cooler, late summer/autumnal evenings. The half length zipper offers some additional airflow and uses the same elasticated tag for effortless, mid-ride adjustment. Talking of which, fibres don’t react with wool’s pace but are much faster than polyester’s.

 

I’ve only felt faintly damp around the pits and lower back when riding at 25mph in 32 degree heat and this soon evaporated. At the other extreme, I was dry in fifteen minutes following an unexpected, sharp summer shower and it line dries following a bucket or machine wash in similar time. The hybrid weave also means it stands a better chance of retaining shape if thrown in with the household wash at 40 odd degrees.     

 

Sizing is accurate for the most part and cut long enough to protect the lower back when hunkering low on the drops for long periods-no flap or flutter-even on blustery descents. However, our medium tended to gather slightly around the middle, resulting in an unflattering paunch like effect …

 

Minor points aside; I really rate the traverse. Yes, it does seem a little steep given pure merino race jerseys can be had for as little as £40. However, the weave seems hardy and it’s a great all-rounder in the style and practicality stakes.