Standout graphics will always divide riders into those that love them and those that, well, don’t. We’ll confess to finding something of a 1970s winter Olympics tracksuit look about this top, but it’s actually much better looking on than off.
The cut of the shoulders and arms is very good; roomy with lots of movement, without being too big. We like the way it sits and stretches with you through every move. However, for all its cycling specificity – it has a rear stash pocket and hem gripper, for example – it can still come up a tad short in the sleeves and back on taller testers. More regular shapes will be fine.
The fabric is a substantial mid-weight with a relatively harsh outside, but it’s flexible on the bike and the inside is very comfortable with an almost cottony feel. It’s great stuff, warm without being stuffy and very comfortable both on and off the bike.
The construction quality and specification is fine without being flashy or even inspiring – some felt as if The North Face kind of phoned this design in. However, if you value simplicity, it’s strong.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
