The Etxeondo Feather Short Sleeve jersey is an extremely slim fitting jersey with a very breathable fabric. It's excellent on the bike but does come with a high price tag. It does look good though, stylish and simple, and you're not likely to see many people wearing Etxeondo kit on UK roads.
Etxeondo is a Spanish firm, based in the Basque region and they proudly design and manufacture everything in their own facility. And they've been around since 1976 so they've got plenty of expertise when it comes to cycle clothing design. Their logo has been seen on some prestigious shoulders in the past; both Sean Kelly and Miguel Indurain raced in Etxeondo clothing during their careers.
That racing heritage gives you a good indication of the focus of the Feather jersey. It's designed with racers in mind. This applies to the fit. I tested a medium, but holding the jersey up in the air, it just looks teeny, more like a small or extra small. Once on however, the fit is excellent. In fact, I'll go as far as saying it's one of the best fitting jerseys I have ever tested.
It wraps and hugs the body with extraordinary comfort. Etxeondo clearly take fit very seriously. This second skin fit is good from an aerodynamic viewpoint, as there's no excess fabric to billow and flap in the wind. And it fits very well around the waist and the three pockets, even when loaded up, don't sag.
The fabric used is called Meryl, not one I've come across before. It's essentially a Lycra with a high stretch factor. It has soft feel against bare skin and weighs very little which combined with the stretchiness means the jersey almost disappears once it's on. The fabric also has UV treatment, handy for riding in hot weather, and at the same time it's highly breathable and very good at wicking sweat.
I particularly liked the shaped of the collar, which has a lower front section where the zip puller stops. This means you can do the zipper right up without any restriction around the neck, increasing comfort. There's a three-quarter length zip, I usually prefer a full-length zip for a summer jersey, but there's still plenty of scope for ventilation when you're toiling up the Galibier. The three-quarter zip does benefit the fit as there's an uninterrupted elastic waistband.
Around the back are the standard three pockets. They're plenty generous enough for a typical rides worth of supplies. There's no zipped valuables pocket which is a shame, something they've presumably omitted in the quest for lightness.
All that and it looks good too. I like the black finish with the offset white and red band, matching the sleeves and a slim detail around the neck.
Verdict
A stylish and very good jersey for racing and hot weather riding.
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Etxeondo Feather Short Sleeve jersey
Size tested: Black, 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?
The new FEATHER jersey is the ideal complement to the cycling shorts with the same name that we created last summer and that have been brought back to the collection this year. This jersey made from Meryl fabric is characterized by being extremely lightweight and having excellent breathability and absorption of moisture. The fabric's elasticity and fit, the design of its panels and its hidden �length zipper give it a very professional look.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Meryl fabric
UV protection
Most lightweight, breathable and fast drying
Three back pockets
Invisible � length zipper
Raglan sleeve with a great fit and comfort
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Top notch build quality and very impressive attention to detail, helps justify the high price.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
From the fit to the breathability and sweat wicking performance, it's a first class product. Right up there with the best.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
It's early days yet but the jersey has been through a couple of washes and still looks box fresh.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
It's extremely light is this fabric, you hardly notice it when you're wearing it.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
The fabric is soft next to exposed skin and the cut, panels and stretch makes it very comfortable and there's no restriction.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
It's at the higher end, but it's designed and made in Spain and there's a long history of producing high performance clothing, and that shows.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
For racing cyclists and anyone who wants a really well fitted jersey for summer riding, and wants something different from the more popular choices seen on UK roads, this is worth a punt.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Fit, fit, fit.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
I'd like a small zipped pocket.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
This is my first test of Etxeondo and it's instantly gone to the top of my favourites list.
Age: 31 Height: 180 Weight: 67
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,
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