Altura Sportive 97 Short Sleeve 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?

Says Altura: "Celebrating 20 years of performance cycling, Altura deliver comfort and styling in this performance engineered sportive short sleeve jersey."

It promises breathability, a cut designed to fit properly in the riding position and a "semi-fitted" shape.

On the whole, I think this hits the mark, but the fit is definitely more relaxed than most Altura tops I've tried.

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

"Engineered fabrics for improved moisture management"

"Allows excess body heat to escape from inside the garment"

"Item is constructed in a way that offers enhanced stretch capabilities"

"Integrated pocket with internal sound port to hold phone/media device"

* Altura Dry™ technology is engineered to move excess moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable

* Altura ErgoFit™ 3D patterning engineered for a more comfortable riding position

* Strategically located retroreflective trims for increased visibility in low light conditions

* Integrated silicon grip detailing delivers enhanced fit

* 3 rear pockets

* Semi-Fitted

Sizes: S,M,L,XL,2Xl

Red or Blue

This has been put together in China. Compared to a previous Altura top I own which is EU made, it's actually rather tidier. The double-stitching is regular, though not flatlocked (has this gone out of favour?), except at the sleeve cuff and gripper hem, and along the bottom of the pockets. I noticed that if the seams were stretched, some white stitching became visible through the blue or black but that's a minor thing.

The name "Sportive" suggests the kind of riding Altura has in mind: long distance, summer rides where comfort and versatility in a range of conditions are important. Setting aside the fact that no summer conditions have been evident during the test period, I found this fulfilled those requirements very nicely. The full-length zip with draught baffle is a particularly useful tool.

Beware abrasive materials such as Velcro which might rough up the stretchy fabric. I found a snag on mine after a couple of wears, which suggests it might start to look lived-in quite quickly. Otherwise, this is strongly made from quality fabric, mid-weight so quite robust.

In keeping with my remarks below about sizing, the sleeve cuffs were loose around my arms. I do have thin arms but other Altura garments have fitted better here.

If you prefer a closer fit, consider the Podium Elite SS Jersey.

I was puzzled by this garment. I fall right into the middle of Altura's Medium size range, yet this felt like a large. I prefer a close fit so this marks it down for me, but riders of heavier build may be at home in it.

Aside from my remarks on sizing, in actual use it was very pleasant to wear. I especially liked it for pottering around on my winter/touring bike, where racier garments might look a bit daft. It's one of those tops you pull on and then more or less forget about, which is a good thing.

About a fiver more than last year's offering, perhaps for the exclusivity of the 20th anniversary design, but still very good for a quality garment that will get a lot of use.

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

I recommend keeping it away from Velcro in the washing machine.

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

In spring conditions, with a baselayer and arm warmers, perhaps a gilet, it kept me comfortable on rides out into the chillier corners of the North Pennines. On its own it was definitely too well ventilated, but that will come into its own as summer goes on. In other words, it's versatile, which makes it ideal for UK summers. The looser fit is good for relaxed riding, perhaps even touring.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Good looking, well made, comfortable to wear and a generally well-thought-out garment.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The pockets are a bit basic.

Use this box to explain your score

It's another well made and effective garment from Altura. To be picky, I think the pockets are a bit basic and I worry about the long-term durability of these stretchy fabrics as they do snag easily. The sizing is on the large side, even compared to other medium Altura tops which usually fit me well; but if you are a heavier build than me this won't be an issue.