Given how impressed we were with the Giordana Women’s Trade FR-C jersey and team bibshorts, we had high expectations for the Body Clone FR-C jersey. It shares many similar fabric technologies, but we didn’t find the fit of the jersey as well suited to riding.
Like the Trade FR-C jersey, the Body Clone uses carbon woven fabric in the side panels to prevent stretch. It also uses a more breathable fabric under the arms and a honeycomb knit fabric for the torso and the back.
We appreciated the carrying capacity of the three main pockets and the extra zipped pocket that was centred at the rear of the jersey.
The front panel has been kept white. This made the jersey feel nice and cool during hot weather rides. A downside to the lack of graphics mean this panel does tend to show the contours of whatever you are wearing underneath it.
While the Trade kit can be worn a size up from normal, this one is better worn in a size at the smaller end of the scale. The stiffness of lower side panels make it feel a little loose in this area, and the elastic at the waist isn’t designed to provide too much compression. Small amounts of silicone only feature on the rear of the waistband.
The waistband grippers are minimal and basic
As a result, the jersey tended to creep upwards while riding, making for a less-contoured and baggier fit. This was improved when it was weighted down by food or gear in the pockets.
On the whole this is still a very comfortable top for short or all-day rides. It is a less racy looking alternative to the Trade FR-C jersey but still uses fabric technologies designed with performance, ventilation and comfort in mind. Given the differences in fit and more comprehensive design features in the Trade jersey, we’d expect it to sell for a slightly lower price though.