I have noticed and seen numerous jerseys this season that are made
from very light fabrics. Many of them additionally have mesh panels
located at strategic spots. Given the extreme temperatures in the
Sierras during the Spring and Summer months, I am really interested in
finding and acquiring several of these.
My first choice is to have both ultra-light fabric with some vented
and a full zipper, and the fabric and the zipper running the full
length are most important.
The first I heard of this class of jersey was from Castelli, but I
have not seen these IRL. Next I found several styles from Sugoi (that
I am told was purchased by Cannondale?) that feature fabrics in the 3
to 4 oz per yard range (which is really light!) and in trying these
on, the fabrics were not overly flimsy as their feather weight would
lead you to believe. (IOW, decent compression, which is to say they
have as much as one expects from a jersey) and with the really
attractive styles and prices these jerseys seem like the best range as
a whole. Some of the fabrics have a "polished" or satin surface and
overall I had the impression that if I wore 2 of them layered, I could
easily take off one of them when the weather warmed up and place it in
one of the rear pockets of the other. It was really impressive to have
fabric that light and thin while retaining just the right amount of
strength and "memory" or shape retention as a typical jersey. The
prices were from about $55 to $85 USD.
Next I found a Cannondale jersey with fabric nearly as light, but with
more "give" (easier to stretch) but the cut was slimmer than typical
and the overall effect was that the jersey fits really well and with
the bonus of several mesh panels and a 4th zippered pocket on the
right side, it was too good to pass up, I bought one of each color
(red only, and for $70) and so far it merely whet my appetite for more
of these ultra-light fabrics. For training (when no team apparel is
required) I usually prefer solid colors but as a firm believer that
"form follow function" the pattern is the last consideration and a tie-
breaker at the most.
Still, I wanted to look around more because so far, the only jersey
with both ultra-light fabric and mesh panels (which are also featured
on all of the newest bib shorts I bought recently). Pearl Izumi has a
vent on the bib shorts roughly where the rear pocket of the jersey lay
while on the bike and my understanding is that there are also mesh
fabrics on the jerseys that keep the extra layers of fabric from the
pockets from trapping too much heat and sweat.
With the Sugoi jerseys as a back-up, I kept looking and next I found a
range from Adidas that seem to be really nice. They have at least 3
jerseys with both full zippers and mesh panels to go with the lighter
fabrics. I assume the "Super Light" (style name of the jersey) is the
lightest of all, but the "Flow" and "Body Mapping" also seem to be
excellent for heat and moisture management. Also, they come in basic
solid colors which is great for me. They are listed at $75, $90 and
$100 USD, and if I can locate them locally I would love to try at
least one of them. The biggest problem is that I have never used or
even seen IRL any Adidas cycling apparel. I don't like buying online
unless I have already bought at least the first one locally.
Given my descriptions, I wonder if any of you have used any of these
or similar jerseys and have some feedback on fit and quality.
I have always used either the "Pique" knit typical of Assos, Castelli
and Vermarc (and a few others) or a more basic Lycra with light fleece
on the inside.
Any suggestions or comments are always appreciated.