Endura’s MT500 range is renowned for rough-and-tumble performance, and this jersey fits right in. It’s not a cold-conditions top or a freeride-specific garment, but something in between. And it isn’t just an astonishingly well-specified jersey for the money, it’s an astonishingly well-specified jersey, full stop.
With wicking fabric and extra mesh panels under the arms, the Burner will keep you cool on warm days despite the long sleeves. The fit is slouchily good but with a neat shape through the shoulders that stops it being sloppy. A raglan sleeve gives great ease of movement so that the jersey doesn’t shift when you do. It also means there’s room for lightweight pads.
Reinforced (but stretchy) panels on shoulders and forearms handle possible abrasion from pack straps and there’s even a pocket, although just a small zippered one. In use it’s a hugely versatile garment. It’s very reasonably priced, too.
A downside is that no-one liked the burgundy, but other colours are available. We put the Burner to the test in boiling conditions and expected it to wilt. But while it isn’t daisy-fresh after several back-to-back rides without the benefit of laundry, we haven’t lost friends either…
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK and What Mountain Bike magazines, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.