Long sleeved jerseys for non-winter use are often pretty thin on the ground and rather hard to get right, and yet they're actually very useful, since a bottle of Pimms usually lasts longer than the classic British summertime.
The Long Sleeve Active Top from Zoca isn't a dedicated out and out cycling specific top, but rather a long sleeved top made from technical wicking fabric, designed with all sorts of active pastimes in mind. As such, it still has some very nice features, which show how much thought has been put into the design and that the people responsible have actually considered a variety of sports, rather than limiting themselves to just gymwear or running, as is often the case with multi-activity clothing.
Features-wise, the Long Sleeve Tech Top has a nice selection. There's a decent front zip, long cuffs with optional integral thumb loops to turn them into hand warmers, two slanted side pockets, a huge central rear zipped pocket and a generous stripe of reflectivity down the middle of the back. The AQUAMOVE fabric is a super soft and silky polyamide/elastane mix with plenty of stretch and, as the name suggests, is designed to transport moisture away from the skin quickly and effectively.
The fit and cut of this top were excellent, with a sleek but not over tight shape, and good length in both the body and sleeves, that will appeal to a variety of shapes and sizes. Sizes go up to Extra Large too, to reinforce that accessibility. The slightly curved tail made for good lower back coverage and no gaps between legwear and top, even when down on the drops, and despite the lack of gripper. The fabric density makes this top best suited to turn of the season type rides, where it's neither hot nor cold. Together with a gilet, it was capable of seeing off all but the worst chill, quickly moving enough moisture away from the skin to maintain good levels of comfort.
You'd not be likely to use the hand warmers when riding, but if you're going to be using this as a multi-activity top, they really rather handy (sorry). In addition to being comfortable next to skin, and wicking moisture well, the fabric was also surprisingly resistant to Velcro attack- unusual for such a silky fabric. It would probably still be best to keep the two as far apart as possible though. Whilst the front pockets are a bit tricky when riding in a more sporty position, they are a nice touch for more multi-activity use or for upright leisure riding. The rear zipped pocket is cavernous and easily big enough for a lightweight compact jacket, armwarmers or a gilet etc.
£55 isn't a bad price for a really versatile and effective long sleeved top, that, let's be honest, you'll probably be wearing a good chunk of the summer.
Verdict
Incredibly versatile long sleeved top, ideal for turn of the season use. Good value for money too, with soft supple fabric and a good fit.
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Zoca Active Women's Long Sleeve Tech Top
Size tested: White, 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?
Designed "with the performance girl in mind" "to keep you warm on a chilly morning and cool on a warm day"
On the button.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
95% Polyamide/5% Elastane AQUAMOVE fabric
Two front pockets
One large central rear zipped pocket
Long cuffs with built in optional handwarmers
Front zip
Available in sizes XS-XL (Med = UK 12 ish)
Machine washable at 30
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Really nice quality fabric and solid components. Well finished.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Comfortable to wear, wicked moisture well and did just was it was supposed to.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Fabric surprisingly resilient to velcro damage, but still best to keep them apart!
Fabric starts to smell reasonably quickly. Washable at 40 would be better.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Not a bad weight for a turn-of-the-season long sleeve top.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Very comfortable to wear and ride in.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Good value when you consider the versatility, both in activities and seasons it can be used for.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Performed very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Style, fit, fabric.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Would have preferred washable at 40.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Definitely.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Attractive, well made and versatile multi-activity top. A sound investment.
Age: 37 Height: 1.65m Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, general fitness riding, mtb,
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Great to read about someone who knows their own mind. Well done Stu!