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Solo Velux Jersey

8
£70.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Well-made summer jersey in a cool retro style
Weight: 
225g
Contact: 
www.paligap.cc

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Solo do their Classique jersey in a whole selection of designs; this Velux one is new.

Rather than relating to the slanty windows, Velux is actually a reference to Luxembourg – 'velo', as in bike, and 'Luxembourg', as in the duchy. 'Sans égale' means 'without equal' or 'unparalleled', so if you want to treat it as a homage to your favourite skylights, we're sure that's fine too.

The Classique jerseys are screen printed in various retro designs. Solo describe them as an 'interpretation of the styles worn by the great riders of the 50s-70s.' They're not actual designs from back then, but they borrow the general look.

The jerseys are made from Nuovotech polyester. It's a medium weight fabric – not as light as some mesh materials but suitable for most UK summer conditions. I've just ridden in this jersey in 21°C, and it was about right for that kind of temperature. Head up Pyrenean climbs in the height of summer and you'll probably want something lighter. The neck zip is 18cm (about 7in) long so you can let some extra air in there... but not as much as with a full-length zip, obviously. You get the picture: it's best for summer days but not boiling hot ones.

The arm and neck bands are knitted from polycotton and lycra and have a comfy feel while the elasticated waistband comes with a silicone gripper inside that helps it stay in place as you pedal.

Around the back you get three deep pockets that are elasticated at the top to help keep everything inside, and there's a little zipped pocket back there too for stashing your cash, phone, pictures of your loved ones or whatever.

There's a good guide on Solo's website http://www.solocc.com/jerseys-and-base-layers/classique-jerseys/59-velux... that'll help you pick the right size.

Verdict

Well-made summer jersey in a cool retro style.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Solo Velux 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?

Solo say:

"* Highly breathable and wickable polyester fabric keeps you cool and dry

* 18cm front zip with over-size zipper pull designed for using with gloved fingers

* Customised silicon elastic waist band

* Small rear zipped rear pocket (in addition to the standard 3 rear pockets) for safe storage of phone, keys, cash etc

* Unique knitted polycotton/lycra arm and neck bands for the real 'retro' look

* Superb quality screen-printed (not digitally printed) design means brighter and more vivid colours"

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

You can get jerseys much cheaper than this but the quality is good. I'm guessing that most buyers will part with the cash because they like the retro styling.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Perhaps.

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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