VO2 Sportswear Team Pie Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey

A bit out of shape to join Team Sky? Custom clothing manufacturer VO2 could have just the kit for you with their Team Pie strip.

Loaded with satire towards the love 'em or hate 'em top flight pro team, the Team Pie long sleeve jersey mimics the colourways of the Rapha kit with tweaks to the branding. Piearello riders for once will have a top to wear with their logo on it.

Underneath all the jest though is a serious bit of kit, made from the same material used in the rest of their custom kit range. The fabric is exclusive to VO2 who say it has superior comfort and moisture management for wicking sweat away from the skin. The material is very thin, thinner than I've ever known a long sleeve jersey, but it is surprisingly warm even on days when the temperatures are hanging around single figures.

Push the effort and you don't seem to get overly hot in it though. Any heat that does build up quickly dissipates and the fabric is dry again within minutes.

You get a dropped tail that's long enough for a proper racing tuck. It also stays in place thanks to the pressure from the elasticated hem. Up above that are three pockets that will take pretty much all you'll need for a training ride. They are a good depth and things like a mini pump will stay put even when you're crouched right over.

The full-length YKK zip makes controlling your temperature easy and didn't snag or stick over the test period. This ends at a decent height neck that'll stop the drafts without digging into your throat.

On the whole it's a well made jersey with tidy stitching and so far it's certainly shrugging off any scuffs or daily wear and tear.

Sizing covers a broader range than most going from XS to 4XL and the cut is rather relaxed. I'm a medium in most brands but a switch to small would have fit me slightly snugger.

Overall the Team Pie range of kit is about having a bit of fun but VO2 haven't scrimped on the quality or performance because of that. It's good quality and as part of a layering system will easily get you through three seasons of the year.

First impressions were that it was overpriced going on how thin the material was. I didn't think it would be warm enough or strong enough but it's proven me wrong on both counts.

Verdict

Fun take on the world of cycling but with impressive enough performance to not be classed as a joke.