Spoxe Fade to Black Jersey

Given its name, it's no surprise that Spoxe's Fade to Black jersey has a somewhat stealthy look to it, broken only by cascading Spoxe logos on the shoulders and rear pockets. This dash of colour transforms what would have been a fairly boring and conservative jersey into one with an edgy appeal, perfect for pulling out when that yellow thing in the sky makes an appearance.

Buy it online here

As a true summer jersey, the 140gsm Coolmax fabric used is very light and airy, and even comes with a UV protection rating of 40 – always a good sign for a jersey designed for maximum breathability. Viewed from the right angle, the fabric is nearly see-through, such is the openness of the mesh. A smooth running, full-length YKK zip is specced at the front, which features a metal toggle that's easy to grab hold of and operate one handed. At the rear, you'll find three ample sized pockets made from a heavier and less stretchy fabric, while a strip of silicone around the waistband holds the whole thing firmly in place.

The cut is on the racier side of things, as the jersey is intended to fit tight to the body to make use of the fabric's wicking properties and improve aerodynamics (and style). It's a little longer in the body compared with what you'd typically expect for the size (medium tested), but as someone with a tall and skinny physique, for me this was a plus as it meant the pockets were placed lower on the back and didn't require the flexibility of a gymnast to get into.

As is the current trend, the sleeves are also a little longer than typical (although nowhere near the elbow lengths you sometimes see in the pro peloton), and are stylishly finished with a 4.5cm silicone-injected 'power band' cuff. This is supposedly for improved aerodynamics, but evidently I need to do a few more bicep curls as the fabric was flapping in the wind on my arms.

In use, the Fade to Black jersey is ideally suited to days when the mercury climbs to 25°C and above. The fabric never gets bogged down and heavy with sweat, efficiently wicking it away. For occasions when additional ventilation is required, such as on a steep climb, the full length zip is easily adjusted with one hand, saving the need for any potentially catastrophic no-handed riding.

In fact, for a recent hilly mountain bike marathon race, when temperatures were predicted to reach the low 30s, the Fade to Black jersey was the first I reached for because of its breathability. It didn't let me down. The race also provided an ideal opportunity to test the jersey's durability, as a rolled front tyre had me cartwheeling through the air. Despite its minimalist fabric and construction, unlike the skin beneath, it escaped unscathed, save for a small tear in the central pocket where I had stored my mini pump.

At £75 the Fade to Black jersey isn't cheap, though it's currently reduced to £50, but it's an investment that could easily be worthwhile if you live in a hot climate or travel to them for a sportive/race. Because of its weight and breathability it's ideally suited for days featuring long, steep climbs, such as you might find on a summer trip to the Alps or Pyrenees. That it looks stylish and stands out from the crowd is just a bonus.

Verdict

A snazzy summer jersey with excellent breathability and a slim fit – ideal for that planned summer epic