Adidas launches ‘lightest ever cycling jersey’

Adidas is launching what it’s calling ‘the lightest every cycling jersey’, the adiZero jersey weighing in at just 65g.

“The adidas adiZero jersey sets a new benchmark for innovation in cycling apparel, as the lightest top ever to be released to the market,” says Adidas. “Constructed in a sharp solar blue with lightweight mesh materials, the adiZero jersey is designed to make light of the hottest of days in the saddle, keeping a rider cool whether cruising along a sizzling straight, or climbing the harshest of gradients.”

That’s the PR spiel. For comparison, Castelli’s Climber’s Jersey, specifically designed to be lightweight, has a claimed weight of 91g – not that 26g is going to make a whole lot of difference to your speed.

Adidas say that it’s so light it can float on a helium balloon. Well, yeah, although that does look like a pretty large helium balloon in the picture rather than one of those you get down the fair.

The adiZero jersey, which won a gold award at last year’s Eurobike trade exhibition, is made mostly from a lightweight mesh material that’s designed to be highly breathable and fast drying. The front panel is said to be more windproof while the shoulders and arms are stretchy for a close fit.

The full-length front zip is the lightest full cam-lock design that YKK make while the back pockets are angled for easy access when you’re riding.

“The British Cycling version has also been used extensively by the team during elite competition, and will be worn in upcoming international road competitions,” says Adidas. “This pro-cycling insight was instrumental in ensuring the highest quality of design and construction.”

The adiZero cycling jersey will be priced at £120 and will be available from 1 June 2014 at www.adidas.co.uk.