Club Ride’s Bandit is a relaxed fit, casually styled cycle jersey for the summer. I like it so much I’ve been happily wearing it off the bike too – it’s great for walking and doesn’t look weird teamed with non-bikey shorts or even jeans. The off-white colour goes with pretty much anything, even if it does show up dirt/dust quite quickly – solve that by choosing the TigerLilly red/orange option.
It’s very comfortable thanks to the loose yet not shapeless (the contrasting mesh side panels also flatter by accentuating the waist) cut and the super-soft material.
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As you’d probably expect, being made from polyester it is breathable, wicking, fast-drying and lightweight. But you might not expect the anti-microbial treatment and built-in sun protection of UPF 20 – very welcome.
The mesh inserts on the shoulders, sides and back of the neck help ventilation while the lack of a seam below the armpit is a nice detail. The short raglan sleeves also eliminate any potential chafing from seams, and I particularly like the cog (or is that sprocket?) pattern and little notch in the hem for a distinctive touch.
There is a zipped pocket to the rear designed for a media device if you like to listen to tunes while you ride. The pocket won’t fit one of the larger smartphones but is perfect for an MP3 player or iPod. There’s a port to thread your earphone cables through, plus a loop sewn inside the collar to run them through too so they don’t accidentally disappear inside your jersey.
> Read our guide to the best casual gear for cycle commuting
Finally, the jersey has a reflective CR logo on the sleeve and tag on the side, both on the left though as it’s designed for right-side drivers, revealing its American roots.
Verdict
A well designed and constructed casual top that includes some neat features
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Club Ride Bandit Womens 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?
It’s for women who want casually styled performance cycle wear, and it does the job very well.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Sheer2Dry™ – Lightweight, breathable, wicking, quick-drying 140g/m2 fabric
Anti-microbial treatment
UV Protection – UPF 20
Mesh panels for venting
Rear pocket with media port
RideLight™ Reflective accents
Comfort fit
It’s a loose fit, though without being annoyingly baggy or flappy.
Size down – I’m a Small which the size chart says is 4-6, when I’m actually a 10-12. It’s a bit confusing as it’s US sizing so the price tag label says size S while the label inside my top says USA S, EU M.
It’s very well priced at RRP, and you can currently find it discounted online.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Machine wash 30.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well indeed – cool and comfortable.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The design, cut and fabric feel.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
I think it’s very good; it’s a versatile, casual jersey that looks good, is super-comfy and includes plenty of technical features, at a really good price.
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
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