Ion’s Pure SS jersey is a simple and, to my mind, stylish – if you rock the surf look – technical riding top. Made from a super-stretchy polyester and elastane blend with even stretchier mesh panels at the sides, it feels very comfortable while being both lightweight and breathable.

The material has a lovely soft handle and is treated with an antibacterial technology to keep you smelling sweet rather than sweaty.

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The fit is slim and flattering, aided by the fast-wicking contrast side panels which give you a narrower silhouette as well as ventilation. It’s a good length with a slightly dropped back hem kept in place by silicone gripper, so it won’t reveal your love handles when you’re on the bike.

ION Pure SS Jersey – back.jpg
ION Pure SS Jersey – back (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Although it’s a casual style, its figure-hugging cut means it looks okay worn with Lycra shorts as well as baggies. The neck is cut high all round so no fear of sunburn here, but also no zip to adjust ventilation.

ION Pure SS Jersey – shoulder.jpg
ION Pure SS Jersey – shoulder (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

A nice detail is the sunglasses wipe sewn inside the front hem to one side. The glasses symbol is actually reflective, though rather tiny, and there are two more reflective accents on the back: the Ion logo and a rectangle above the rear hem.

ION Pure SS Jersey – detail.jpg
ION Pure SS Jersey – detail (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
ION Pure SS Jersey – inside fabric.jpg
ION Pure SS Jersey – inside fabric (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Overall, it’s a simple top that does its job well, though I can’t help feeling it’s a little overpriced for what it is.

Verdict

Groovy technical tee with bike-specific features

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Ion Pure SS Jersey

Size tested: Medium

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?

Lightweight, breathable cycling top for girls who want a casual tee style.

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

Slim fit

74% Polyester / 26% spandex fabric

Stretch mesh side panels

Antibacterial fabric treatment

Glasses wipe

Silicone gripper on back hem

Reflective accents

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

No reason to suspect it won’t last well.

Rate the product for fit:
 
7/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
7/10

Size down if between sizes.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
4/10

£52 is a lot for a technical tee.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Machine wash 30 degrees.

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

It’s a simple top that performed well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit and asymmetrical design.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes – if it was on offer.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

It’s a good top, but pricey.

Overall rating: 7/10

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, mountain biking, audax