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Club Ride Phoenix Womens Jersey

8
£39.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A slinky yet wearable number that brings a touch of glamour to your summer cycling wardrobe
Weight: 
166g

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Given its glamorous appearance, the Club Ride Phoenix jersey is surprisingly practical and comfortable to wear on the bike. (I'd call it a strappy top, but you'll find it under Women's Jerseys on Club Ride's website.) At first sight I didn't think I'd like it that much as a cycling top, but the Phoenix quickly seduced me.

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With built-in sun protection of UPF 20 and a discreet zipped side pocket for some cash and a key (and maybe your lippie, to maintain your look), it's perfect for a summer's day jaunt when you want to look as hot as the weather feels. I reckon it'd turn a few heads as you cruise into a mid-ride cafe stop, not least from envious female cyclists. Just don't forget to put suncream on your shoulders or you'll end up with some very funny tan lines.

The material – 90% polyester, 10% elastane – feels super-soft against the skin and has a nice weight to it (despite the fabric description being 'lightweight'), which means it hangs nicely. If you're prone to perspiration, then the technical elements of the material come to your aid. Not only does it wick well, it also has an anti-microbial treatment to ward off unladylike odour, although I'm not sure how necessary this is unless you wear it several times on the trot.

The design of the top means you can safely lean forward on your bike without exposing too much cleavage (if you have one). An internal mesh bra support helps in this respect, and to minimise unwanted bounce. It has two removable thin padded cups, which give extra shape to those of us who are less well endowed. If you're of ample bosom, though, the internal bra might be rather small.

The Phoenix is a good length, so your lower back will remain covered even when you're leaning forward over the handlebar. At the front, the material loosely clings to your body, keeping your midriff cosy and giving you shape. Should you decide to head straight out for a night on the town, then the subtle reflective logo between the shoulder blades and the reflective side tag afford some night visibility.

The top pictured is in Black Butter, with a butterfly pattern, and it also comes in a red version (Molten Butter) or the plain black Raven. I went down a size (to a USA small) from the one I am wearing in the photos – the fit is quite generous so size down rather than up. Even so there was no digging in of straps or the inbuilt bra elastic.

So, contrary to my initial impression, I rate this top. Of course, it has limited storage capacity (unless you can stuff an inner tube down the front) so you'll need something – or someone – else to carry your essentials, but if you use a pannier then that's no issue. You wouldn't really want to sully the Phoenix with a backpack. And £40 for a top with these technical features is quite a decent price.

Verdict

A slinky yet wearable number that brings a touch of glamour to your summer cycling wardrobe

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Club Ride Phoenix Womens Jersey

Size tested: Medium, Black Butter

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?

This top is definitely aimed at women who think that how their cycling clothes look is as important as how well they perform, and don't see why they should compromise one for the other. It's designed for balmy hot days when you want to feel the sun kiss your skin - and top up your tan!

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

Sheer2Dry™ - lightweight, breathable, wicking, quick-drying fabric

Anti-microbial treatment

UV Protection - UPF 20

Zippered side pocket

Shelf bra with removable pads

RideLight™ reflective accents

Sport fit

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

Be sure to keep the fabric well away from Velcro.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Described as lightweight, but heavy enough to hang well.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Ever so comfy, lovely fabric feel and no digging in at all.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

You can pay a lot more for a simpler sleeveless riding top.

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

This top felt great to wear - the material has a luxurious feel and the cut means it's super-comfy.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The glamorous design and how it feels to wear.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 170cm  Weight: 60kg

I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er  My best bike is: Giant Anthem X1

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: commuting, touring, club rides, mtb, Audax

 

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