There's definitely a time and a place for skin-tight Lycra, but for riding around recreationally, pedaling to the gym or down the shops, it can feel a little bit, well, skin-tight! The Long Sleeve Active Top from Zoca is designed to be a more general fitness top, for all sorts of activities, rather than an out and out cycling top, but still technical enough to be suitable for vigorous pedaling if you want.
The first thing I noticed was the style of this top. Yes, that IS important, and especially in a more casually-styled garment.
The gathered drawstring hip detail, the overall cut and small things like the shape at the shoulders all go together to make this top look a bit more stylish than the average casual sports top. It looks a bit more feminine.
It's got technical features too though, and not just the soft silky moisture wicking fabric. There's a strip of reflective tape down the full length of the back, a small zipped pocket at the top of one arm and even long integral handwarmers in the sleeves that can be tucked away when not in use (you'd probably not use them on the bike, but they might be, ahem, handy off it).
It was pleasant to wear, with nice fabric and a good fit. The sleeves were good and snug, and although the body is loose in fit, there was no feeling of baggy excess fabric thanks to the gathered hem and drawcord. The fabric wicked moisture quickly and effectively, but it's on the warm side for summer wear.
You'll be glad of it for spring and autumn use, or even with another layer for winter. The short front zip also makes it less well-suited to warmer conditions, giving a touch less ventilation than I'd have liked.
This could quite quickly become my go to casual cycling top or gym wear.
Verdict
A relaxed looking but stylish top that's also sufficiently technical for most activities.
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Zoca Active Long Sleeve Active Top
Size tested: Medium, Rosehip
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?
Aimed at being apporpriate for all sorts of activities in all conditions.
Better suited to spring, autumn and even winter, but a good all-rounder.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Aquamove fabric
95% polyamide
5% elastane
1 small zipped pocket in arm
Integral handwarmers
Zip neck
Reflective strip down back
Drawstring hem.
Available in sizes XS-XL (Med = 12 ish)
Machine washable at 30
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Good quality fabric and well made.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Extremely comfortable next to skin. Wicked moisture effectively.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Fabric not overly prone to catching, but can accumulate odours as only washable at 30.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Good weight for a 3 season long sleeved casual styled top.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
9/10
Very comfortable indeed. Both on and off the bike.
Rate the product for value:
9/10
Not the cheapest, but a very good price for such a versatile top.
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, versatility, details, fabric.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Would have liked very slightly longer front zip for extra ventilation.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? I already have.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Definitely.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
Stylish and versatile long sleeved top for all sorts of activities.
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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