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Carbonaut Classic Jersey

6
£45.00

VERDICT:

6
10
Interesting top that's comfy and well made although the notion of performance looks for casual wear probably has less appeal than the reverse.
Weight: 
215g
Contact: 
www.carbonaut.cc

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If you're the kind of roadie that likes to look like a roadie off the bike as well as on, then the Carbonaut Classic jersey might be for you. It works pretty well as a leisure riding top too so long as you don't work up too much of a sweat.

Carbonaut say: 'Our dedication to the tailored fit and cut that flatters a rider's shape is central to everything we create: bringing together the finest materials, detailing and craftsmanship in every stage from design to delivery.'

Basically the tops they make look a fair bit like cycling tops but they're designed to be worn off the bike. This is the flip side of the coin from a lot of the clothing development we've seen in the last few years which is bringing us more casual-looking clothing that's designed to be ridden in. They sort of meet in the middle; sort of.

The Classic jersey is nicely put together. The thin cotton/Lycra material is comfortable and stretchy and the zipped rear pocket is just big enough for your phone; anything heavier makes the jersey sag. The tail is dropped a touch and the neck is high, but comfy. The sleeves are fairly short and fitted so you can top up your razor-sharp tan lines off the bike too.

So if it's a top that looks like a cycling top, would you wear it down the pub? Our straw poll of co-workers and friends said no, mostly. It seems that most people prefer technical-but-casual to the performance look without the technical fabrics. It might be just the thing you're looking for though. Everyone's different. However, with tops like Vulpine's Alpine Jersey and Café du Cycliste's range coming more into prominence, you can have casual looks and performance fabrics.

In the interest of completeness we did a fair bit of riding in the Classic Jersey too, and found it to be a comfy top for leisure-speed stuff. If you build up a sweat it'll start to soak – it is mostly cotton, after all – but for easy rides it's very pleasant. If you like going out with the family but want to keep a performance look, it might be just the thing.

Verdict

Interesting top that's comfy and well made although the notion of performance looks for casual wear probably has less appeal than the reverse.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Carbonaut Classic 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?

Born from the iconic lines of a racing jersey, this stylish top has a supersoft, carbonised finish, with side panels, a zipped collar and sleek, contoured lines for a great fit.

With distinct features including a dropped tail, secure rear pocket and a tailored cut, the Classic Jersey fuses a unique combination of design elements taken from a technical cycle jersey together with casual fabrics and stylish detailing.

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

Features:

* Contains 8% elastane for excellent shape retention

* Soft, carbonised finish with a fitted, ergonomic cut

* Zipped, secure phone pocket and dropped hem at the rear

* High, zipped neck with guard

* Woven chambray trim detail throughout

92% Cotton 8% Elastane. Machine washable

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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

Pretty well, I guess, though we can't see a massive appeal.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Comfortable and well made, good value.

Did you enjoy using the product? It's a nice top, sure.

Would you consider buying the product? No.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Depends whether they want to look a bit roadie down the pub.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 190cm  Weight: 102kg

I usually ride: whatever I'm testing...  My best bike is: Genesis Equilibrium with SRAM Apex

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track

 

Dave is a founding father of road.cc, having previously worked on Cycling Plus and What Mountain Bike magazines back in the day. He also writes about e-bikes for our sister publication ebiketips. He's won three mountain bike bog snorkelling World Championships, and races at the back of the third cats.

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