Altura Airstream Mens Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey

The Altura Airstream Mens Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey is described as delivering, “modern understated style with high performance comfort.” I tested the original Airstream back in 2020 and am pleased to report Altura has improved the cut slightly. It is sportier, but not race fit, while the slightly longer tapered sleeve has addressed sleeve flutter. The sensibly proportioned rear zip pocket is another definite upgrade. This new version has rapidly become my default jersey for general warm weather riding.

Specification

Little surprise we’re talking 100 per cent recycled polyester here, but I’m pleased to report it’s a tactile blend that doesn’t feel unduly synthetic against the skin. It’s a dual density design. The slate grey body is best described as middleweight, offering some welcome defence against blustery winds, while the orange panels are lighter with obvious ‘pores’ around the back, shoulders, pockets and pits.

If slate/orange isn’t your thing, there are three alternative colourways: black, slate grey/purple and two-tone olive.

Round the back, we have four pockets. These are refreshingly deep, but supportive, so no issues with annoying bounce or bob, let alone ejection when you’ve loaded a couple of particularly prodigious bananas, a full bottle, tubes and multi tool etc.

The fourth pocket is easily accessible, thanks in part to the long zip tag, and it’s roomy enough for cash, keys, or for stuffing with rubbish.

Staying with zips, the front is a full-length affair with a beefy tag and internal ‘comfort guard’ to protect against chafing when fully drawn.

Inside, I’m pleased to report flat seams and uniform double stitched construction throughout and a generous silicone gripper around the hem to prevent gathering.

There’s a subtle retro-reflective logo on the middle pocket and a bolder graphic on the chest for a little additional presence – nothing new but nicely executed.

Sizing/fit

As I said in my opening paragraph, the cut is snug, rather than racing snake, so arguably more flattering for mere mortals and I found there was scope for a middleweight short sleeve base layer and arm warmers, if necessary.

I’m proportionately short in the torso but relatively long limbed and broad across the shoulders and found the large hit that goldilocks spot, offering unrestricted movement.

Altura’s subtle cut tweaks have ruled out any annoying flutter. I’ve hurtled down some descents at 30-odd mph with no issues around the sleeves or elsewhere. That said, the cut is just relaxed enough to blend nicely with messenger knickers (yes, I still wear those) and even with brimming pockets, there were no issues with gathering or similar distractions, whether hunkered low on the drops for extended periods or regularly shifting positions.

Though primarily a road garment, there’s always some blurring between other road-related disciplines and I’ve regularly worn this on mixed terrain gravel outings. I’ve had no issues with pocket access, nor anything getting jettisoned. I was also pleased to note the pocket’s ‘cuff’ will happily accommodate LEDs with clothing tabs – although for best results, stick to something around the 45g mark.

Wicking

Worn between 14 and 27 degrees, I’ve found the Airstream very effective at regulating temperature. Polyesters, even in budget garments, have advanced considerably in recent years, so I wasn’t surprised to find the pits and perforated panels wicked moisture very efficiently and with minimal lag. The full-length zip also means you can tweak this to taste and circumstances.

The tag is a decent size and easy to use in mitts or very thin, full finger gloves. (I do however have compromised feeling in my right index finger and so fed a zip tie though to make control, especially when descending, that bit easier.)

The middleweight grey panels hold on to some additional warmth, which is welcome when the mercury begins to dip – although there is some slight trade-off when temperatures climb into the 20s, which is noticeable around the sides and lower back. Given a moderate breeze and a moderate pace, the fibres catch up and keep this minimal.

It’s adaptable too – layering up with a base layer, merino arm warmers and a packable GoreTex jacket ensured I was temperate on morning rides when it was only about 6 degrees.

Should you fall victim to a sudden downpour, a break in the cloud and gentle breeze should wick you pretty dry in 20 minutes.

Being picky, I would’ve preferred some SPF protection in the yarn, but the darker panels help and it’s certainly not a given at this end of the market.

The lack of antibacterial yarn wasn’t overly problematic on the funk front. It’s not my usual practice, but I wore the jersey for five days in succession and only then was some low-level odour from the pit area creeping in.

Care/durability

The Airstream has been exposed to 500 mixed terrain miles, taking in thorns and other prickly foliage, along with regular washing. This has failed to make any impression on the fabric – not so much as a loose thread, let alone a bobble.

In terms of washing, I’ve bunged it in the machine at 30 degrees with minimal detergent and it always emerged looking and smelling fresh. Handwashing with soap flakes, or similarly mild detergent, reaped similar results, meaning the Airstream is a viable option for weekend touring and bikepacking. The dark grey chest is also excellent at hiding grime and those tell-tale oily fingerprints synonymous with roadside repair and fettling.

Value

£40 is certainly competitive for a jersey. However, there are some that could give the Airstream a good run for your hard earned.

Van Rysel’s EDR 2 short-sleeved road cycling jersey (£39.99) is available in a choice of seven colours and made from 75 per cent recycled polyester. Other features include seven pockets and a two-year warrantee. Van Rysel describes the cut as fitted, which may be a little snug for some tastes and, as I’d expect from this end of the market, there’s no UV protection component.

The Madison Roam Merino Short Sleeve Jersey (£59.99) is made from a merino/polyester mix, which Stu Kerton found very fast-wicking and very good at regulating temperature in changeable conditions. Aimed at gravel riders, the cut is slightly more relaxed, although still fitted. However, there are only two-colour options.

The Boardman Mens 9 Series Short Sleeve Jersey comes in at £50. Josh was impressed with its overall performance, but noted the sleeves could gather a little and the right arm band was a little tight.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Altura’s latest incarnation of the Airstream is a big improvement on the generally capable version I reviewed back in 2020. As everyday go-to summer weight jerseys go, it covers most bases incredibly well and with minimal compromise and the price is enticing.