Lightweight jerseys are everywhere at the moment, and the Air-16 S/S is a solid effort from Lusso, even if it doesn't particularly stand out from the pack. If what you want or need is a simple, close-cut summer jersey with good cooling properties, this fits the bill.
It comes up slightly smaller than your usual size – Italian cut, despite being a British brand – so it's possible you'll want to go bigger. A close fit can be very welcome, though, especially in the heat of summer when it helps with wicking moisture.
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Other than that, it's a fairly standard jersey. It features mesh panels at the rear and sides for maximum ventilation, flat grippers at the sleeves which reach halfway down the bicep, with the same style at the waistline, adding to the sleek lines.
Three pockets plus a zipped extra slot provide the storage space – and a surprisingly large amount of it, too, bearing in mind the size of the body – while the full length zip is of a good quality without being too bulky, lending itself further to the lightweight mantra.
The neckline is also generous – even in the slightly small size I had on test. Okay, so I wouldn't be totally comfortable zipping it all the way up thanks to my fairly broad neckline (it's not me in the pics), but this is unlikely to happen in the heat of the summer anyway, where maximum ventilation comes up trumps against aero efficiency in most cases.
The white colourway is also, to my mind, eminently stylish. Not obviously so – there are no distinctive flashes to speak of – but it's a good looking piece on the bike, and works well with pretty much any bib shorts.
In the comfort stakes, it's very good without being extraordinary. The short sleeves grip halfway down your bicep, and thanks to give in the shoulders (a Lycra blend is used in this area), they don't pull up – fans of sharp tan lines, rejoice. That means no chafing or rubbing, with ample space given under the armpits too, even for my swimmer's frame.
Despite using fabrics that at first touch seem slightly delicate, the whole construction is very good quality – as with most Lusso kit I've tested previously. It washes through well and comes up like new, although if you get molten tar or oil on the white fabric, it's a devil to get out again.
> Check out our guide to the best summer jerseys
At £69.99, this isn't a cheap jersey, and only just meets that value in terms of performance, I'd say. The best way to describe it is a solid performer with a solid price tag, and I can recommend it if what you're after is a good all-round summer top without too much fuss made over styling.
Verdict
Solid performance and price, a good lightweight top for summer
Make and model: Lusso Air-16 S/S Jersey
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?
Lusso says: "A Super Lightweight race jersey for the hottest days, sleeves and rear body are in Miti's Asteria Pro fabric for the perfect body fit and with Ultraviolet protection factor, the front and side panels are designed for maximum breathability and cooling thus lowering your lactic acid levels."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Features:
- Highly Breathable
- Multi Fabric Design
- Full Front Zip for easy access
- SC-40 Arm Gripper
- 3 Rear pockets, plus 1 Zipped (4 in total)
- Moisture Managed Transfer
- Reflective Element at the Rear
- Race fit
- Machine Washable
- Made in the UK
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Well made, just like other mesh-based products from Lusso.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
No complaints, but somehow doesn't feel outstanding.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Nothing to suggest it won't last.
Rate the product for fit:
9/10
Lovely fit – especially if you like a race cut.
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
Comes up as I'd expect – so I can fit a medium or large depending on preference.
Rate the product for weight:
9/10
Extremely lightweight – perfect for summer.
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
The arms and side panels add a superior air of comfort and quality here.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
£69.99 is a lot to pay, but if you like the look of this jersey, it won't let you down in a hurry.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Very easy, although I did spot a few oil marks in the white fabric after a couple hot rides.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Good.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Cooling, comfort, and pocket space.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Only in white, just a touch expensive.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? There's nothing fundamentally wrong, so yes.
Use this box to explain your score
A good quality jersey. It doesn't scream "buy me" to me, but it's nevertheless good.
Age: 26 Height: 188cm Weight: 83kg
I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
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