2XU Sub Cycle Jersey

The 2XU Sub Cycle Jersey – and its matching bib shorts – are part of a small cycling range from an Australian company better known for its compression, running and triathlon gear. Unfortunately, there's a slight 'first generation' feel to the Sub Cycle that leaves it with some niggling issues.

• Pros: Cools and wicks well, strong style, easy-to-use zip
• Cons: Slightly strange fit, gets smelly quickly, no hem gripper

First, the positives. The Black/Green Shapemania colour scheme is bold and stylish, while bright colours on the back and sleeves aid safety. The elastic topper on the three rear pockets is a reflective silver, but there's enough black elsewhere to stop it all getting too garish. Asymmetric cuff colours are a nice touch. On the downside, if the golf-sock-as-cycling-jersey look doesn't appeal, there are no other colours available.

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The rear panel is 'Aero Mesh X' fabric that vents well and dries rapidly, while the front, sleeves and shoulders are 2XU's thicker, though still perforated, 'High Fil Sub' for a little more wind protection. All seams are overlocked bar the sleeve cuffs and hem, which are flatlocked. Nothing itches or chafes, whether the jersey's wet or dry. Silicone grippers inside the stretchy elastic cuffs mean the sleeves stay firmly put.

Strangely, there's no silicone inside the elasticated rear hem, leaving it to ride up relatively easily. It's quite likely to do that, as the fit is aero-efficient tight (the model in these pictures would need a smaller size).

I fall bang in the middle of the recommended chest size for a medium, and the fit is tight but a little strange. The elasticated cuffs are on the verge of being too narrow, while the neck is too loose to sit against my skin. And while it's tight enough across the chest to give a small but noticeable compression feel during hard-breathing efforts, the zip refused to lie flat against my front, preferring instead to undulate all the way down. This creates patches of noticeably cooler air, looks messy, and offers dubious aerodynamics.

With no flap behind it, the zip leaves red teeth marks wherever it does press against your skin, though the grippy little puller extension makes it very easy to adjust while riding. And while we're looking closely, some of the stitching is a little untidy... but don't get too close, as this fabric is the kind that develops smelly pits after a single ride.

Wear it again without washing and the odour actually lessens once the jersey gets warm and moist (honest, guv), but ideally it needs washing every time. The Sub Cycle cleans up well, with no ill-effects from its time in the machine.

2XU says nothing about UV protection, while the rear mesh is very open, so assume it gives none.

> Buyer's Guide: 18 of the best summer cycling jerseys

That's quite a list of negatives, but bear in mind that each is fairly minor and nothing is a show-stopper. None of this was enough to ever make me wish I was wearing something else, as it's cool, mostly perfectly comfy and from a foot away looks great. However, it's enough to stop it becoming a go-to item. With four sizes from XS to L, sizing up won't help, as while it would relax the arm and chest fit, it would only make the large neck and snaky zip worse. If you have skinny arms, a barrel chest and a big neck, however, you may be OK.

While a subtly tweaked Sub Cycle Jersey could be a real winner, competition is fierce. The dhb Aeron Speed jersey may not look as sexy, but it's a great fit, highly breathable and only £55. At the 2XU's price, £80 gets you the Castelli Prologo V jersey, a well-evolved (fifth generation) short sleeve top that's cool, well made, and cut for a slim yet unrestrictive fit. The high-scoring, tight-fitting Santini Tono SS Jersey is also worth a close look at £79.

Verdict

Bright, good-looking and (mostly) comfy summer jersey that could do with some refining