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Louis Garneau Mondo Evo jersey

8
£104.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Slim-fitting hot weather jersey with plenty of reflectivity.
Weight: 
146g
Contact: 
www.evanscycles.com

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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This is a high-tech, slim fitting race jersey that's great for hot weather performance riding.

First, let's deal with the cut which Louis Garneau call their Next to Skin cut. They offer each jersey in one of four different fits: Relaxed, Semi-relaxed, Profit and Next to Skin. As the name implies, the Next to Skin cut is intended to be body hugging with no excess to flap around as you ride, and it's cut fairly short in the body so there are no creases when you're bent over in the saddle. If you're after a jersey that's in any way relaxed, look elsewhere. This is a full-on racy option.

The Mondo Evo uses a bunch of different fabrics, each for a specific purpose. The main body fabric is called Mondo and it's a mix of micro-polyester and spandex so it's very stretchy. That means you don't feel too trussed up despite that close fit.

The shoulders are made from a fabric called Speed Tech which is a nylon/Lycra mix and even more stretchy, while the side and under-arm panels are Power Mesh. You can't quite see through those panels but they do let plenty of fresh air in and dry very fast if you get sweaty.

Then, those red bands at the ends of the sleeves are made from Lazer Rev fabric. It's a lot like a material you see around the hems of many high-end shorts these days; it's supportive and it doesn't fray despite the fact that there's no hem there.

The front zip isn't full length but it is 15in (38cm) long – that's almost down to the belly button on me – so you can let in lots of air on the climbs. You get the customary three pockets at the rear, one with a hole for an earphones lead, and there's reflective binding and print back there for a bit of extra safety. A silicone gripper keeps the hem from inching up and the jersey offers UPF/SPF 50 to look after your skin.

The Mondo feels very cool in hot weather, particularly thanks to those mesh panels, and it drags sweat away from your body and disperses it well. Durability is good too. After a couple of months of heavy use there's a small patch above one pocket that's looking a little worn where a mini pump or gel has rubbed against the fabric, and a small section of the reflective print looks a bit cracked, presumably from washing. Those are really minor concerns, though.

I like the white version but if, like me, you're incapable of keeping anything white for long, you might want to go for the black/yellow option instead.

This jersey was originally priced at £105 but Evans are currently selling it for £79.99 – a very good price for the quality you are getting here.

Verdict

Slim-fitting hot weather jersey with plenty of reflectivity.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Louis Garneau Mondo Evo jersey

Size tested: 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?

Here's the full write up from Louis Garneau:

"The Louis Garneau Mondo Evo Jersey is one of the most technical pieces of apparel we offer, the Mondo jersey is constructed of 4 fabrics, each specifically implemented for a different reason. Power Mesh Vents are designed for maximum ventilation that is comfortable and chafe-free. Mondo is a superlight fabric for a second-skin feel. Speed Tech improves aerodynamics, and Lazer Rev offers compression and muscle support.

 

Fabric: Mondo, Speed Tech, Power Mesh and Lazer RevFabric

Properties: Cuts wind resistance/cooling zones/muscle support

Cut: Next to skin fit

Sleeve Length: Short

Fastening: 38cm invisible zip

Pockets: 3 back pockets with reflector

Reflectivity: Front and back reflective logos

Ventilation: 38cm invisible zip

Protection: UPF/SPF 50"

The front logo is tiny - just a small patch. The sleeves are fairly long as short sleeves go.

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

The main fabric is called Mondo. This is what Louis Garneau say about it:

"* Stretchable knit with the unique ability to stretch and recover its shape like no other fiber.

* Because of the multi-filament polyester construction, this material is known for softness and comfort.

* This knit has a UPF/SPF 50.

* Stretchy knit: 86% micro-polyester, 14% spandex

* 130 g/m2, 3.8 oz/sq yd

* Like all knits, it is recommended to avoid abrasive materials and surfaces."

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Not cheap as jerseys go, but a good price considering the quality.

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

Does its job really well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Both the cut and the fabrics.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 41  Height: 190cm  Weight: 75kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

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

 

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. We send him off around the world to get all the news from launches and shows too. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

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