Giro Chrono Elite Short Sleeve Jersey review
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Giro Chrono Elite Short Sleeve Jersey review

Giro's top-tier jersey offers performance to match the price tag

Our rating

4.5

140.00
140.00
120.00
160.00

Ashley Quinlan / Our Media

Published: August 2, 2023 at 11:00 am

Our review
Heavyweight performance from a lightweight jersey – the Chrono Elite is hard to fault

Pros:

Classy construction; impressive ventilation; comfortable fit

Cons:

£40 more than the already impressive Chrono Expert; limited colour choices

Giro claims the Chrono Elite is its lightest jersey yet, and it’s targeting the hottest days on the bike with mesh panels and a UPF 50+ rating in the mix.

It’s sleek and lightweight, with the recycled materials completing a formidable spec list that really impressed throughout testing.

The comfortable fit and extensive ventilation make it one of the best cycling jerseys on the market, although it'll set you back £40 more than the Giro Chrono Expert.

Giro Chrono Elite Jersey specification

Giro Chrono Elite Short Sleeve Jersey for road cyclists
The large zipper heads are a nice, easy-to-grasp detail. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media

The Chrono Elite is Giro’s top-end jersey and boasts some high-level spec, including laser-cut sleeves, smooth materials made from recycled fabrics and a sizeable mesh area for ventilation.

The large polyester/elastane mesh area on the back and under the arms effectively increases ventilation, while the nylon and elastane blend ensures it sits close to the body without being floaty or restrictive across the full gamut of riding positions.

The colour options of black, 'phantom blue' and 'charcoal mica' are understated but, bar the odd reflective detail, they won’t give you huge visibility on the roads. I’d prefer it if Giro mixed up the colours instead of essentially offering two black versions.

That said, the 'phantom blue' on test here looks great, with the mint green logos and zipper heads standing out.

Giro Chrono Elite Jersey performance

Giro Chrono Elite Short Sleeve Jersey for road cyclists
Mint green logos complement the 'phantom blue' colourway. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media

The Chrono Expert (£79.99) is one of my favourite jerseys of recent times, and the lighter and leaner Elite has proven similarly hard to fault.

The three open rear pockets are moderately sized and easy to access, but there are bigger around if you prefer to stash a jacket, tools and food on your body rather than on the bike.

The pockets keep their shape well and don’t sag when loaded.

The central zipped pocket is slick in construction, the large zipper head making it easy to open on the move. It was big enough to hold my battered old iPhone 7 and protective case.

Giro Chrono Elite Short Sleeve Jersey for road cyclists
The Chrono Elite is one of the best cycling jerseys we've tested. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media

The above points meant I picked this as my garment of choice to attempt Madeira’s 30 per cent gradient hills earlier this year.

I did have to remember to lather up with sun cream underneath the mesh area before heading out, because while the main body has a UPF 50+ rating, the mesh doesn’t.

Giro Chrono Elite Jersey bottom line

Giro Chrono Elite Short Sleeve Jersey for road cyclists
The jersey's fit and ventilation are excellent. Ashley Quinlan / Our Media

The Chrono Elite is the priciest jersey in Giro’s road collection, but it's also one that’s hard to fault for performance.

Ventilation is excellent, the spec list impresses and the fit is comfortable.

I’d like to see more colours in future seasons, though.

Product

Brand giro
Price 160.00 AUD,140.00 EUR,120.00 GBP,140.00 USD

Features

br_gender mens
Features Sizes: S-XL

Materials: 90% recycled nylon, 10% elastane

Colours: Phantom Blue; Black; Charcoal

Gender: Men’s tested; women’s available