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review
Jerseys - short sleeve
Craft Performance Bike Tour jersey Craft Performance Bike Tour jersey Craft Performance Bike Tour jersey Craft Performance Bike Tour jersey Craft Performance Bike Tour jersey Craft Performance Bike Tour jersey
Craft Performance Tour Jersey

Craft Performance Bike Tour jersey

9
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published May 1, 2013

2
£65.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Well made and nicely fitting jersey that looks good without having to pay pro prices
Weight: 
155g
Contact: 
www.craftsportswear.co.uk
How we test

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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Craft are probably best known for the amount of pro teams they have supplied cycling kit to over the years and according to the Swedish outfit - feedback from the pro riders is used to design products like the Craft Performance Bike Tour Jersey.

Since their humble beginnings in 1973 they have come a long way in the world of performance sports clothing. Renowned for quality base layers and other garments for alpine sports Craft supply team kit for Radioshack Leopard Trek, the professional World Tour team.

They have used this feedback and knowledge base to good effect. The Performance Bike Tour jersey is proof of that. The jersey is light but feels well made and the stretch material makes for a comfortable fit with freedom of movement. The fit is described as classic race design which means it is fitted but not enough for the self conscious to be worried if a few extra pounds have been added over the winter.

There are a few additional features some which will be more useful to some cyclists than others. The zip is smooth and easy to use, ideal if you want to increase ventilation when summer finally arrives. For music lovers, there is an eyelet in one of the rear pockets to allow you to feed your headphones wire through. Talking of rear pockets, there are four in total a healthy amount one of which is zippered offering additional security. They are reasonably narrow but offer a decent depth.

Another technical aspect is the mesh fabric inserts in what Craft term 'hotspots'. Their function is to provide active cooling and moisture transport. Translated as keeping your core cool by taking the sweat away from the body. Having used this with a base layer, I can vouch for the effectiveness of this jersey. Besides having a cooling effect in one particularly windy ride the front of the jersey provided plenty of protection against the elements. The silicone band in the hem keeps the jersey from riding up so you don't feel exposed or uncomfortable.

It is reasonably priced and for the money you do get a well fitted top, technically proficient and looks like a classy top. Clearly the feedback from the pros is being put to good effect and Craft are producing some good looking gear.

Verdict

Well made and nicely fitting jersey that looks good without having to pay pro prices.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Craft Perfrormance Bike Tour jersey

Size tested: Large, Red and black

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?

With feedback from the pro peleton, courtesy of Radioshack Leopard Trek, Craft have used that knowledge well to produce a quality jersey.

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

The top provides plenty of protection at the front but the mesh fabric situated in the hot spots prevent overheating and removing the moisture away from the body.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Well made, the zip has a smooth and easy action. The material makes for a nice comfortable jersey and looks good.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

I was impressed with the level of performance from this jersey. It effectively removes the sweat, keeps you cool but also stops you from feeling exposed when the wind gets up. Moisture wicking is good, leaving the rider comfortable.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The material has a reasonable give courtesy of the elasticity in it so there shouldn't be any concerns over the long term performance.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

Perhaps not the lightest out there but this also gives it more usefulness given the varying weather conditions.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

I like the jerseys fit, it is snug without being really tight so it allows for freedom of movement.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

For the price you are getting a good quality jersey with several technical features that make it good value for money.

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

As a jersey worn under a jacket or as a top layer, the Craft Performance Tour jersey performed capably in both cold or warm weather. Keeping me comfortable in all conditions regardless of how hard I was working.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit, the material allows the jersey to sit well without riding up and would not look out of place in the peleton.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

There is little to dislike but if I was being picky then width of the pockets could be a little more generous.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes and I look forward to using this jersey when the sun comes out.

Would you consider buying the product? I would.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Without hesitation.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Good quality and a decent price.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

Craft Perfrormance Bike Tour jersey
Craft 2013
Craft

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