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Sportful Allure Thermal Jersey (womens)

8
£65.00

VERDICT:

8
10
A well-made, attractive jersey that will provide near year-round comfort
Weight: 
237g

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Sportful Allure Thermal Jersey is a long-sleeve women's top that lives up to its claim of being cosy and comfortable, a very good choice for cool spring days or 'an extra thermal layer in winter', as Sportful suggests.

The jersey is made from Thermoflow fabric, with a dimpled exterior surface and a fleecy interior, and offers a good balance of design, fit, warmth and comfort. Worn over a merino baselayer, bib tights and with a breathable windproof over the top, it's kept me warm in temperatures as low as 2 or 3°C.

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The collar comes up nice and high to keep your neck warm, and an elasticated hem keeps the jersey in place despite the absence of silicone gripper. The sleeves are of a good length, which ensures no irritating gap between the elasticated cuffs and your gloves, even when you're stretched out on the bike.

Sportful Allure Thermal Jersey - riding.jpg

As spring has finally sprung in the UK, the Allure has been perfect worn over a short-sleeve jersey, wicking well and keeping me warm and dry. Although the fabric is described as 'thermal', it's actually quite light and will roll up small enough to fit easily into a standard jersey pocket for those 'in-between' days when you leave home early in crisp conditions and return in warm sunshine. The full-length zip, which seems good quality, gives plenty of scope for adjusting ventilation.

Sportful Allure Thermal Jersey - inside.jpg

The three rear pockets are of a good size – certainly compared with some women's jerseys – and will hold all your ride essentials. The only improvement might be a zipped pocket for valuables. The pockets feature a reflective Sportful logo and two small reflective tape inserts, which are secured at each end. Although I can't see how performance might be affected, I would have preferred these to be securely sewn onto the fabric.

Sportful Allure Thermal Jersey - pocket.jpg

The Allure Thermal Jersey comes in three colours – grey, pink or turquoise. I like the turquoise on test, with its attractively trimmed collar, hem and cuffs in a deep pink fabric. The contrast reflective stripes across the front are thoughtfully positioned above the bust so as not to make you appear wider than you might be! I think the jersey looks great with black tights, and the bright blue must certainly improve visibility.

> Buyer's Guide: Everything you need to know about cycling jerseys

Overall, I think it's a very good jersey that works over a range of temperatures, making it very good value at £65 RRP. A zip pocket would be handy, though.

Verdict

A well-made, attractive jersey that will provide near year-round comfort

road.cc test report

Make and model: Sportful Allure Thermal Jersey (women's)

Size tested: Women's, Large

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?

Sportful says: "Cozy and comfortable with a feminine look. Perfect for cool spring or fall days or as an extra thermal layer in winter."

A good description.

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

ThermoFlow fabric for warmth and breathability

3 external rear pockets

Elastic cuff and hem

Reflective tape inserts

Full-length YKK® zipper

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Seems very well made and secure, no loose threads.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Warm with good breathability and three good size, deep rear pockets. The sleeves are nice and long too.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Looks to be of a sound construction and the fabric is of a high quality. I'm slightly concerned that the reflective strips across the front of the jersey might fray after extensive use, but nothing untoward has happened in a couple of months of testing and washing.

Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10

Generally a very good fit.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

All round very good value.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washes well and has retained its new looks.

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

Jersey performed well, a welcome addition to your cycling wardrobe.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Good fit, attractive bright colour and contrast trim.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes – definitely.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

The jersey is very well made, fit for purpose and attractive in design. At £65 RRP I think it's very good value for money.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 51  Height: 1.7mtrs  Weight: 68kg

I usually ride: Enigma Etape  My best bike is: Same

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: club rides, sportives, general fitness riding

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