The Altura Sprint kids' long sleeved jersey has a full length zip and most of the features found on any adult jersey. Unisex in design, the Sprint is available in either red and black or yellow and black, the colouring is pretty basic and has just small reflective detailing on the collar, shoulder and back pocket.
The Sprint is made from 100% polyester. The inner side has a soft, brushed-cotton feel and the outer is lightly meshed, giving a degree of breathability. Our tester thought the mesh would mean she would be cold when riding but found that her temperature was well regulated in the jersey. The zip lies against a fabric panel, so the jersey could be worn with or without a base layer. The seams are well sewn and lie fairly flat to add to the overall comfort.
Standard features on adult jerseys such as a dropped back with a silicone gripper and three individual back pockets make the Sprint feel just like a sized-down basic adult jersey. Features such as a zip hood, zip pull and heat welded labels haven't been forgotten on this kids' version.
Our tester felt that the cuffs were a little tight to get on and off "but it is good because they don't flap". She found the silicone gripper to be very secure, even when doing pre-ride toe touches as a warm up.
The jersey comes in three sizes covering 5-12 year olds. The 7-9 size tested fitted my tall but slim 9 year old snugly, and she looks like she has a little growth room left before needing to go up a size. I wouldn't say it was 'race fit' but it wasn't unduly flappy either. I'd say it would comfortably fit most children within a broadly average weight range for their age. Altura offer a clear size guide if you are unsure what to buy.
The Sprint jersey washed well at 40 degrees despite the label specifying 30 (oops) and didn't bobble with wear. The silicone retained its grippiness even after multiple washes.
Verdict
Basic zipped jersey for 5-12 year olds, with enough cycling features to make it just like mum or dad's
road.cc test report
Make and model: Altura Kids Sprint Long Sleeve Jersey
Size tested: Ages 7-9, Red
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Altura assemble their kids' jerseys with the same care and attention to detail as they do their adult counterparts. This jersey will wicks away sweat without decreasing air flow and features quick dry fabrics to let young bikers ride harder for longer.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
High wicking, breathable and quick dry fabrics
3 rear pockets
Reflective trim
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Well made and lasts through numerous washes.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Our tester didn't freeze or overheat wearing the Sprint.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Comfy to wear with or without a base layer.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
List price £29.99 but available for £23.99 if you shop around.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Our tester liked the colour and how comfy it was.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Age: 36 Height: 5'7 Weight: size 16
I usually ride: Trek 7.5 WSD My best bike is: Turquoise Cruiser
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Novice
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, general fitness riding, Leisure
Wait until you hear about HS2
Want to know which Royal Palace gets the most international tourists?...
It isn't about policing the roads, it is about reducing the likely hood of a dangerous overtake, in this case the taxi driver choose not to expose...
Quite. I was wondering where the cycling infrastructure is located that causes drivers to go 90 on the M3?
If one is prepared to pay £28 for a TPU tube, the butyl comparison should be Continental's Supersonic ~50g or Schwalbe at 70g. Both costing £8 - ...
I'd buy that for a dollar.
Media needs to do their part, but the readr/consumer also needs to do theirs as well:...
Kona makes practical, affordable commuter bikes and goes bust. Colnago makes toys for the affluent and it is booming. Just goes to show that the...
To answer your question, yes you can sometimes feel the difference. Built a set of wheels for a friend and he installed them with new lightweight...
Ah but taking pictures of things to defy the man (avoid a fine) is righteous. Taking pictures of people to grass on them to the cops (perhaps...