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Mavic Cosmic Wind LS Jersey

5
£120.00

VERDICT:

5
10
Comfortable, but doesn't live up to its intention of being both windproof and breathable.
Weight: 
318g
Contact: 

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The Mavic Cosmic Wind LS Jersey is an early winter jersey that offers protection from the wind, and comfort levels like a jersey. It's close fitting and looks pretty solidly made but lacks somewhat in the breathability stakes.

At first glance the Cosmic Wind LS Jersey looked to be a winner, stylish with a simple black and white colour scheme, and with a variety of panels and fabrics, it could have been a perfect autumn top.

In use however I found myself somewhat less than overwhelmed. Mavic cite the jersey as having a three-layer membrane on the front panel to offer wind protection and excellent breathability, but that was not my experience. In reality, even when pairing with a summer base layer, I found the front panels unable to cope with even a moderate work rate, resulting in a damp chest and back; most unpleasant. Yes it does stop the wind, but it doesn't seem up for the job of adequately letting out sweat, so instead of the natural air-flow cooling you down, I found that I was overheating and getting damp on the inside.

To the rear is, what can only be described as, a butt-flap. It's a curiously inelegant piece of stretchy water-resistant material that is just long enough to dangle loosely around the bottom, it doesn't grip, instead it just, well, dangles. It serves its purpose, but so would a reusable plastic bag under the jersey - it's an inelegant execution of a good idea.

Speaking of inelegant, if you will notice the colour scheme, it looks quite good, simple and understated. However, the cut of the black/white fabrics makes it look as though you are wearing a white waistcoat/black bib-tights over a white top. I found the look a little odd.

So, plus points. It IS comfy. It's actually very comfy with nice cuffs, a fleece-backed collar and a nice close fit all combining to make it feel good on the bike. The wind-resistance means that even on milder days you don't need to layer up excessively - which helps with the temperature regulation.

Overall however it's a disappointing garment from Mavic. I think at £120 (£119.99 at some of the online emporiums; yes, seriously) it's by no means a cheap item. Ultimately the Mavic Cosmic Wind Jersey fails to live up to that price tag, falling down on its key claim of breathability and wind-resistance. It does the latter but fails on the former.

Having said that, I find myself wearing it quite frequently for rides when I know and understand that I'm going to get clammy. It certainly fails in the breathability stakes, but it is very comfortable in all other aspects.

Verdict

Comfortable, but doesn't live up to its intention of being both windproof and breathable.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Mavic Cosmic Wind LS Jersey

Size tested: Medium

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?

Mavic put this down as 2 products in 1. The wind protection of a jacket, coupled with the comfort of a jersey. Effectively making it a single product for early winter (and spring too I would presume). Wind chill protection in a tight, close to the skin ergonomic fit. If it lived up to its claims then it would make for an ideal high-tempo jersey on chillier days, but it doesn't. It keep the sweat in like a plastic bag, leaving you feeling clammy even on mild rides.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Technical material mix with 3 different fabrics placed where you need them

Feather light 2.5 layer membrane on front offers high wind protection and optimal elastic stretch

8 times more wind resistance than traditional membrane

Stretch inserts on the sides provide optimal freedom of movement

Close fitting construction eliminates fabric flapping while riding

New ergonomic shaped collar with fleece lining

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
5/10

It just didn't do its key function of providing wind-resistance and breathability. If Mavic were to lose the claims of breathability then the score would reflect it does a great job of keeping the wind at bay.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

It's been used and washed about a dozen times now, comes out looking immaculate and fresh every time. No loose threads etc.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

At lower tempos it's adequate, when the pace quickens it just gets overwhelmed far too quickly. But, it is comfortable to wear, well shaped and snugly fitting, in that regard the comfort level is high.

Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

It simply doesn't perform well enough to warrant such a price-tag.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Not well. On pootles it is fine, but most people won't be wearing a race-cut top like this for pootle-ing about it.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Nice close sleeves, snug cuffs helped create a good arm line and avoid the dreaded material flaps.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Being clammy after wearing it.

Did you enjoy using the product? Not especially.

Would you consider buying the product? No.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Overall a bit disappointed. I had high expectations upon opening the packet, soon quashed after the first ride.

Overall rating: 5/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 176cm  Weight:

I usually ride: Rapide RC4, Raleigh SP Race, Hoffman BMX  My best bike is: Rapide RC4

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, Adventure-packing, crossing-countries

 

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1 comments

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Chuck | 9 years ago
0 likes

Why do they insist in putting membranes in things like this- couldn't a Pertex-type fabric go in there instead? It'd be effectively just as weatherproof and a lot more breathable.

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