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Sugoi Hotshot II jersey

7
£55.00

VERDICT:

7
10
Stylish and versatile cooler seasons jersey with superb fit
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.sugoi.com

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Available in a choice of blue/grey or red/grey colour schemes, Sugoi’s hotshot II bridges the gap between summer jersey and winter jacket surprisingly well. It’s made from micro fibre polyester, andh credit where it’s due, the “fino therm” material with flat seams and fleece lining is extremely tactile against the skin.

Moisture management is better than expected thanks to the fibres greater surface area but you’ll experience the time honoured glow after twenty minutes exertion and a good base layer underneath is a must during the cooler months. A full-length zipper provides additional climate control and won’t chafe the neck area thanks to the protective “garage” closure.

Despite some initial scepticism, cooler mid summer rides with the zip at half mast were surprisingly comfortable, although you’d resemble a mobile sauna on warmer days but it’d be ideal for late September evenings with the first hint of chill filling the air. Always carry a micro-shell garment too in case the heavens’ open as the material quickly absorbs moisture, although in fairness it dries pretty fast and doesn’t require any special care beyond washing at 40 degrees.

Superb cut and generous sizing meant the medium test model fitted snugly but without restriction and silicone grippers prevent the tail from riding up, protecting the lumber region from chill. The back sports the obligatory three pockets- two either side angled for easy access with silicone tops preventing their contents jumping ship at the first bump. These have the added bonus of secure mounting for LEDs but a zippered compartment would’ve been a welcome stash point for wallets, compact cameras and other valuables.

Accepting the limitations of polyester based fabrics; this is a very stylish, competitively priced and moreover, practical addition to the spring and autumn wardrobe that will also work well on cooler summer evenings too.

Verdict

Stylish and versatile cooler season’s jersey with superb fit

road.cc test report

Make and model: Sugoi Hotshot II jersey

Size tested: M

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 Hotshot II is a bridge garment designed to fil the gap between skimpy summer race jerseys and full on winter training jackets. Primarily aimed at road riders but it wouldn't look out of place on the trail either

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

"Fino therm" polyester based fabric with fleece lining and flat seams for cooler conditions comfort, silicone tail grippers and pocket tops, full length zipper allows tailored climate control.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

280g (Medium)

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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

Performs surprisingly well-even in cooler mid summer conditions so long as you've plenty of ventilation. Good fit and silcone grippers means it stays put, keeping the vital organs dry and subtle touches such as silicone tops keep things from being ejected over rough surfaces. The only downside being it's polyester based, moisture management isn't as efficient as more technical fabrics.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Close, tailored fit, full-length zipper subtle but stylish colours.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing, just the usual limitations of polyester based garments.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? If they wanted a versatile multi-season jersey

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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