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Vulpine Men's Merino Alpine jersey

9
£80.00

VERDICT:

9
10
Stylish and comfortable jersey with superb attention to detail.
Weight: 
223g
Contact: 
www.vulpine.cc

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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The Merino Alpine Jersey is another example of Vulpine's fine eye for detail. They've produced a jersey that you'd be more than happy wearing on your epic Alpine journey as you would afterwards at the cafe stop.

Vulpine have a fondness for Tasmanian merino wool and it's not hard to see and feel why. The texture is soft and stretchy allowing for a very good fit. For a jersey that falls into the higher end price bracket you would not unreasonably expect a decent return for your cash.

The folks at Vulpine HQ have identified a number of key points that enhance their range. The lack of sewn in labels prevents irritation or scratching, instead this detail is printed. The silicone gripper is on the rear of the garment to help keep it in place when you are on the bike. Flatlock stitching is used for the same reason as the absent labels.

The ride qualities of merino are well known. It has a top line in temperature management, moisture wicking and making sure the owner is still presentable no matter how hard they've worked. All these properties are present in the Tasmanian merino. The ability to resist odour is quite impressive and if that wasn't enough it is extremely comfortable. It will also dry quickly.

As you might expect in a jersey which features alpine in the name, it is designed to keep you cool. It has a full length zip in a contrast colour, a dock to keep the zip pull out of the way and a leather pull for some additional style.

On the reverse of the jersey, you have two angled rear pockets with a zipped pocket in-between. Above this rear security pocket there is a reflective strip complete with light loop if you ever find yourself out after dusk.

There are other little details that enhance the look of the Alpine jersey. The Vulpine logos are embroidered and the rear pockets have buttons to keep them closed.

The old adage of you get what you pay for is very apt. Yes you're paying £80 for a jersey but you are getting plenty of value for it. This is a great looking jersey with a number of technical features that are not immediately obvious. It is only when you use it you appreciate what you have. I can't wait for summer to truly arrive to give me an excuse to wear this more often.

The merino wool used in making this jersey is a quality product but the technical features that have been added mean this jersey is much more than the sum of its parts. Throw in the style card and you have something that will be the envy of your riding mates.

Verdict

Stylish and comfortable jersey with superb attention to detail.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Vulpine Men's Merino Alpine jersey

Size tested: Medium, Claret

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?

Anyone after a classic riding jersey for long hot summer rides, preferably european. Great at the basics and has style to match.

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

The merino wool works very hard to keep your temperature stable, by retaining heat on cooler rides or dissipating it on those warmer ones. It doesn't hold nasty niffs and would look at the cafe stop.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

You can appreciate the quality of the Alpine jersey just from the feel of it. On closer examination you can see the effort that has gone into designing it with it's neat little touches.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Even wearing a pack did not leave me feeling too warm or sweaty. The merino really does an excellent job of keeping you comfortable.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

With the materials used, the jersey has a decent feel to it that translates into performance and durability.

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

The weight hasn't proven to be noticeable when just wearing the Alpine jersey over a base layer.

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

Having tried this without a base layer, this is a very easy to wear jersey. No itching or intrusion from the seams or material.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Given the performance and looks I'm not sure there's much to quibble over.

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

I was very impressed with how well it worked at doing the job it was designed for.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The texture of the jersey combined with a full length zip will make this a great top in the summer.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Struggling with this - if you want to travel light which means stuffing essentials in your jersey pockets don't overload them. They are quite low to start with and will only sag lower if they are full. You almost feel as if you'd sit on them.

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?

Top marks for introducing some neat touches to what could have been a very functional piece of kit.

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

 

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