Bontrager Circuit Jersey

Bontrager's Circuit jersey is a lightweight summer top that's comfortable and breathable. You can have it in a range of relatively inoffensive monochrome shades or this, the Geo-Scope, which with its bright asymmetry is quite obviously the one you want.

Coming in at a relatively competitive £50, the Circuit jersey is from Bontrager's "fitted" range, so it's designed for a relatively close but not race-fit cut. I'm a tall, thin sort of a chap, and the medium was a comfortable fit on me. If you want something more aero, you're looking at Trek's "pro-fit" cut, as seen on the Ballista jersey which Stu liked so much. Getting a tight aero fit in your cycling clothes is one of the biggest changes you can make to go faster (see here) but I'd argue that's not what this jersey is about.

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For my money, and perhaps despite the name, the Circuit isn't really a jersey for racing in. It's a jersey for looking sharp on hot summer rides, while remaining comfortable and relatively streamlined.

I've worn it for some fast all-dayers now that things have warmed up, and been impressed with the breathability of the Profila fabrics used. There are actually three different fabrics used here, with the main body an airy mesh that is plenty breathable, the patterned part made from a stretchy Lycra fabric, and the third fabric – a more open mesh – just used for vertical strips at the sides of the torso, giving a little more stretch to aid fit.

Bontrager has got the details right, too, as well as the graphics. There are the regulation three pockets at the rear, of a decent size, and made more usable thanks to the lower edge being folded back underneath (like on the Ballista). As is increasingly becoming standard, there's a fourth zipped pocket on the right; it doesn't offer any water resistance, but it's a proper size, big enough for a modern phone.

To either side of the pockets are vertical reflective strips, sewn in and positioned such that they're visible from the sides or the rear. Textbook stuff. There's a quality full-length zip, and a gummy gripper around the bottom, which keeps everything in place.

> Check out our guide to the best summer cycling jerseys here

Details like that make a jersey nicer to wear but they're probably not why you'd buy this – my feeling is that it's largely going to sell just because it looks great. If you like the colours but want something more aero, it's worth pointing out that there's a Geo-Scope version of the Ballista jersey too.

Yes, maybe it's a little Morvélo-influenced, but when was looking a bit like a Morvélo jersey a criticism? The Circuit is a dashing summer jersey, with the stylish design complemented by well-crafted details and fabrics that keep you comfortable. I like it a lot.

Verdict

Great-looking summer jersey for a reasonable price – what's not to like?