Kalf maintains its reputation for good quality performance kit for a good price with this Flux Print jersey. Last year’s Flux Chevron was ‘an excellent race cut jersey for an excellent price’ – this year’s Flux Print performs just as well, in a different colour, but it’ll cost you a fiver more.
- Pros: Great colourway, fit, comfort and good quality
- Cons: Price sneaking up
In terms of performance, things are effectively the same as they were with the Chevron jersey. The fabric is light and breathable, weighing in at 133g for a medium, making it perfect for summer weather use, with laser cut underarm vent panels for added cooling.
> Find your nearest Evans store here
The arm holes rely upon the elasticity of the fabric instead of using silicone grippers – something I’m a fan of as it reduces the chances of chafing when sweat and sun cream are combined with natural friction – and the waistband features a chevron design textured gripper.
Other features include three pockets (plus a zipped security pocket), iridescent reflective trim and logo. The pockets are all a decent size, with flat seams at the edges, and capacity is flexible thanks to the elasticity of the Lycra material.
I think the fade design of the Print jersey looks fantastic, with the chevrons more subtle than last year’s… Chevron jersey. It’s sleek, understated yet distinctive, and matches up perfectly with the Flux Print bib shorts.
I can also vouch for the longevity of Kalf’s Flux jerseys. I continued to wear last year’s Chevron jersey regularly right into the autumn and it’s shown no signs of degrading. I can only assume this Print design will be the same.
The only area where I’m slightly disappointed is in the price increase. The Flux Print jersey is a fiver more than the Chevron version cost last year, while that jersey, incidentally, has an rrp of a tenner more (though it’s currently reduced and in a limited number of sizes).
> Buyer’s Guide: 20 of the best summer cycling jerseys
While that doesn’t ruin the proposition in this great quality, great performing jersey, it does take a little away from the value equation it presented last year – and that’s a bit of a shame.
Verdict
Excellent performing summer jersey and great value, if a fiver more than last year’s Chevron design…
All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Kalf Flux Print Men’s Short Sleeve Jersey
Size tested: Medium
Tell us what the product is for
Kalf says: “SS18 sees the style return with this striking two-tone fade colourway, subtle chevron pattern and combined with black under-arm mesh panels.
“Designed to fit close to your body, the Kalf Flux Jersey uses a soft, compliant Lycra to ensure it doesn’t feel restrictive. Detailing includes the use of different panels – including perforated under-arms – to transfer moisture away from the skin, reflective logo details and laser-cut sleeves. Across the back three standard pockets are complemented by a zipped valuables pocket.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Evans lists these features:
Microfresh fabrics – Microfresh fabrics help sweat to disperse easily, thanks to the structure and the type of fibre they are made from. The result is improved breathability and quick drying, keeping the body fresh and the fabric from clinging to the skin.
Reflective details – Besides the obvious trend of fluro, Kalf designers have added reflective details, often very discreetly and within the brand logo on their apparel to add an element of visibility.
Very good.
This jersey design continues to impress.
The Chevron of last year has proven more resilient than I expected and I can’t see this version being any different, so a rise to 9.
The racy fit is tight, but the construction allows a good amount of give.
It sizes about right on me, which is to say a medium gives a very racy fit, and a large would ease this a little.
Given the race fit, it’s admirably comfortable.
The Flux Print costs a fiver more than last year’s Flux Chevron, but it’s still very good value.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Very well, with the benefit of experience with the Chevron version.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It’s practically spot on in every way.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Great colourway, fit, comfort and good quality.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The price rise…
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
It’s a very good jersey in just about every way; you can hardly go wrong here if you want a close-fitting summer jersey.
About the tester
Age: 28 Height: 188cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Canyon Ultimate CF SL 9.0 SL (2016) My best bike is:
I’ve been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
Comments are closed.