Louis Garneau Performance Carbon Short Sleeve Jersey

The Louis Garneau (LG) Performance Carbon Short Sleeve Jersey could be one of the most technically advanced jerseys we've ever tested here at road.cc judging by the specification list. Does it all work? Well it's hard to say for certain, but one thing is for sure, when the mercury rises above 20°C you still remain as cool as cucumber.

Bring back the heatwave!

The Carbon part of the name comes from the fabric used on the majority of the torso, Carbon Ion, a material by Resistex which is 95% polyester with 5% carbon fibre.

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In its own words, the manufacturer claims “the electrical charges that are dispersed in our body are responsible for numerous adverse effects. Resistex® Carbon prevent the discharge of electrical charges on the body, thus preventing muscle twitching, cramps, and fatigue.

“Carbon improves the electric performance of human bodies by promoting blood circulation and the regular supply of oxygen to the cells.

“The characteristics of high conductivity Resistex® Carbon also allow to improve the dispersion of moisture favoring sweat evaporation.”

These kind of claims are difficult to confirm or deny without laboratory tests, but one thing I will say is it's doing something as the LG Carbon is one of the best wicking jersey I've worn, noticeably cooler in the latest block of hot weather compared with other jerseys. Mesh panels under the arms encroach round the back to aid ventilation even more.

If you go for one of the darker coloured jerseys rather than the white here, the material also incorporates ColdBlack technology. Basically, the fabric is designed to reflect heat rather than absorb it; I've tried it on other black garments and it seems to work, albeit by a small amount.

>> Check out our guide to summer cycling jerseys here 

The cut is slim, Racer Fit as LG calls it; it's supposed to provide a tight, aerodynamic fit although I did feel it was a little short in the body – not helped by the fact the material tends to ruck up at the front around the full zip. To be fair it is designed to do this with the teeth being sewn in in such a way that they pull away from the body to avoid chafing and irritation. All it does, though, is touch in places and not in others – it just feels odd.

The Carbon Ion might be breathable but the fabric isn't as soft as some, which seems to hamper its ability to really contour to the skin. It's not uncomfortable, it just never quite felt right around the stomach and chest.

The shoulders are shaped for a riding position and these do feel like a nice fit, and the arms are kept in position by a laser-cut band. They grip the arm by compression rather than using seams and elastic or silicone grippers, much more comfortable. As far as the sizing goes, the jersey comes up spot on to the recommended dimensions.

Pocket-wise, you get the traditional three with the two outside ones being slanted for easier access, and as they sit quite high up on the jersey this does help a little. You also get an Enviro pocket – a small, lined pouch designed for sticking your empty gel wrappers in and keeping them separate from your jersey and other stuff in your pockets.

Overall the LG Performance Carbon is a great jersey for hot days, especially when it is humid and muggy as the wicking and ventilation properties are amazing. The fit and feel of the material less so, for me anyway. With regards to value, £65 is actually a pretty good price for the amount of technology on offer, and this together with the quality and workmanship easily justify it.

Verdict

A great jersey for the summer months depending on how you get on with the fit