PBK Scala Jersey

Thanks to its lightweight mesh construction, the PBK Scala jersey is perfect for those hot and humid days in the middle of summer. The fabric has excellent wicking properties and a comfortable feel against the skin, and the price is a steal too.

PBK is online retailer Probikekit's in-house brand, and if the rest of the range is as good as this Scala then it's definitely been doing its homework.

Apparently Scala translates from Italian to English as 'climb', which is why PBK has gone for such a minimalist design.

Why Italian?

Because that's where the Scala is made, from start to finish, according to PBK – everything from cutting to printing and stitching.

Everything bar the sleeves is made from 100% polyester, which provides enough give to create a close-fitting jersey without being restrictive to movement. It has a racing style cut which is quite flattering even if you aren't a racing snake.

The sleeves are polyester, too, but include 10% elastane to give them more stretch to achieve a snug fit whether you have muscular biceps or traditional cyclist's pipe cleaners for arms. They are quite long too, finishing not far above the elbow, which can play havoc with your tan lines.

The majority of the jersey is a mesh construction – everything but those sleeves, to be precise – and it works well to keep you cool on days when there isn't much air movement about. The micro dot holes on each side of the material let cool air in and warm air out, and I never felt overwhelmed in it from the sun even when climbing some 25% inclines.

If you do overheat you can always drop the full length zip as far as you want to.

I always wear a baselayer regardless of the time of year or weather, but if you don't you won't find the Scala uncomfortable against the skin as it is very soft without any itchiness whatsoever.

The fabric is also said to come with an anti-bacterial treatment to stop nasty niffs and it works pretty well – I managed about eight hours in it one week before it actually needing washing. You also get SPF50 sun protection throughout the jersey too.

The style of the Scala is pretty traditional, with a slightly dropped tail held in place by elastic and a silicone strip and three pockets situated above in a horizontal layout across the back. I've used deeper but these were still firm enough to hold heavy stuff like a phone and multi-tool, and I never felt like anything was going to fall out. You also get a zipped valuables pocket on the right hand one which is the ideal size for bank cards and cash or a key.

Priced at £49.99, the PBK Scala is good value for the performance and comfort. The finish is pretty good as well, although there are a few stray thread ends and the like kicking about – admittedly, you only notice that if you are having a really good poke about inside.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best summer cycling jerseys

Other in-house brands such as BTwin from Decathlon and Wiggle's dhb have models for around the same price, the latter's £60 ASV Race jersey being priced at £45 after discount. The Decathlon equivalent comes in at a tenner cheaper than the PBK – but BTwin is always hard to beat on price.

Overall I was very impressed with the Scala right across the board, and with a bit more attention to the stitching detail it would be hard to beat.

Verdict

Well priced, funky looking jersey that is great for riding in the summer heat