The Endura Men’s Xtract Roubaix LS is a long-sleeved winter jersey whose thick, fleecy materials make it warm enough to wear on its own in chilly conditions. This warmth, its generous fit and storage capacity mean it performs much like a light jacket – and for £74.99 it represents good value too.
> Buy now: Endura Men’s Xtract Roubaix LS for £74.99 from Endura
Endura has succeeded in making the Xtract Roubaix LS very windproof thanks to its thermal fabric and design. When I wore this over a thermal base layer, the fleece-like Roubaix material warded off nippy breezes, which enabled me to wear it as a single layer in single-digit temperatures.
While Endura calls it a jersey it has features that are more characteristic of jackets, such as the high, soft collar and full-length zip guard that enhance insulation and comfort.
There’s little chance of cold air intruding on your back or wrists either because the sleeves and tail are long.
A silicone hem gripper stops this from riding up.
In terms of visibility, the red I tested and yellow versions are bright in themselves while the black is obviously less so – but they all have reflective Endura logos on the middle rear pocket and neck as well as strips on the cuffs.
Storage is another strength of the Xtract Roubaix LS. The three, open rear pockets are deep and don’t sag under the weight of spares, snacks and an electric pump or mini pump.
In addition, the jersey has a large, zipped side pocket that could easily fit my Google Pixel phone.
I’m less certain what the similarly sized zipped chest pocket is for – quizzically, Endura says ‘for your secrets’. I suppose you could store something like your keys, audax brevet card or work pass. In fact, the nippy starts and ends to the winter day encountered on the commute are ideal times to wear this jersey.
However, the Xtract Roubaix LS isn’t one of those jersey-cum-jackets you can head out in when showers are forecast – at least not without taking a waterproof jacket. Unlike more expensive outer layers like the Castelli Perfetto RoS 2, it lacks a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating. Though given the Xtract Roubaix LS is half the price, that’s understandable.
That said, the bulk and bagginess of the jersey could make putting on a slimline waterproof over the top a tight fit. Compared to Endura’s race-fit jerseys such as the the excellent Pro SL S/S, the cut of the Xtract Roubaix LS is relaxed to the extent I could have sized down from the medium I usually wear in Endura. But then at 190cm and 75kg, I’d be in the smallest size in the range, which runs from S-XXL. So it’s possible if you’re a more slender or shorter rider you might find size S too big.
The looseness of the cut probably has a detrimental impact on aerodynamics too, all things being equal. But if the versatility of the Xtract Roubaix LS saves you from wearing a similarly draggy jacket over a lighter jersey, this impact might be mitigated. This would also reduce the weight penalty of wearing this quite weighty 414g top. Its fit and warmth also makes it a good pre-race warm-up top.
Furthermore, unless you join fast, winter group rides you’ll probably happily trade warmth for watts. And it’s steadier-paced, solo riding the Xtract LS is best for anyway. High-intensity intervals left me wet, although not cold underneath. My temperature remained snugly consistent on autumnal zone 2 rides.
Value
I was very impressed by the Xtract Roubaix LS’s insulation, comfort and practicality for what, at today’s cycling jersey prices, constitutes pretty decent value.
It’s much more affordable than the £186 Cafe du Cycliste Lorenne Men’s Air Channel Jersey, and probably warmer too.
The same can be said of a racier jersey like the £165 Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Midweight.
It also costs less than the £114.99 Gorewear Spinshift Thermo Jersey, but sounds less versatile because the Gore gets a DWR treatment and our review praised its breathability.
If you want a spring/autumn option rather than a deep-winter jersey, the £58 Galibier Roubaix Merino Jersey is less expensive.
For further options, check out our best winter cycling jerseys buyer’s guide, and our best winter cycling jackets buyer’s guide for when the weather turns worse still…
Conclusion
When you’re more worried about keeping out the wind than saving watts and weight, the Endura Xtract LS is the jersey to reach for. While it’s not the most breathable jersey and probably not the most aerodynamic either, it stars on cool, dry days when you’re riding at a steady pace. If you’re committed to winter commuting and outdoor training you would get a lot of use out of it.
> Buy now: Endura Men’s Xtract Roubaix LS for £74.99 from Endura
Verdict
Extremely warm jersey with a jacket-like fit and features at a competitive price
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Endura Men’s Xtract Roubaix LS Jersey
Size tested: L
Tell us what the product is for
Endura says: “When the temperature drops, this jersey steps up. Thermal Roubaix fabric locks in the heat without turning you into a sweaty mess. Athletic fit means no flapping, just fast-moving comfort. Three rear pockets swallow snacks, spares, and that rock you picked up mid-ride ’cause it looked kinda cool. Zipped security pocket keeps the important stuff safe. Hidden chest pocket? That’s for your secrets. Full front zip with a storm flap lets you batten down the hatches when the wind’s got an attitude. Cold days? Bring ’em on.”
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Endura: High wicking, thermal Roubaix fabric provides fantastic insulation
Athletic fit
Full front zipper with storm flap
Hidden zipped chest pocket
3 open rear pockets plus zipped security pocket
Silicone hem gripper
Discreet reflective trim
Really comfortable, practical and warm, which slightly compromises its breathability.
Fit is relaxed, which helps warmth but probably adds drag.
Sizes up big compared to other products in Endura’s range.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Very easy.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Really well except I tended to get wet with sweat underneath while working hard. However, this dampness didn’t make me cold.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Its practicality, visibility, comfort and warmth.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Considering you can spend more than twice as much on the Cafe du Cycliste Lorenne Men’s Air Channel Jersey and Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Midweight, the Endura is very good value.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
You get a lot of insulation, storage and features for your money.
About the tester
Age: 31 Height: 190cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: Fairlight Strael 3.0 My best bike is: Canyon Ultimate CF SLX (2016, rim brake)
I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, touring, club rides, Gravel
1 thought on “Endura Men’s Xtract Roubaix LS”
This is a great jersey, I
This is a great jersey, I picked one up last year for just £22.89… in fact, this year, if you’re happy with navy blue in size XL, it’s available now for £27.01.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08FP354J5?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0&th=1&psc=1
(sorry road.cc, I know you earn revenue from your affiliate clickthroughs, but this is a bargain)