Altura NV2 Elite Short Sleeve Jersey

The Altura NV2 Elite Short Sleeve Jersey is a great design, fitting second-skin close and packed with interesting features. It's such a close fit I felt like our medium was painted on, especially around the sleeves, although this relaxes slightly with a few wears and washes.

• Pros: Extremely comfortable and very practical for speed-orientated road riding
• Cons: Feels constrictive to start with, no UV-repelling sun protection properties

While Altura once had a reputation for being rather generous in the cut and size departments, this one's more for racing snakes. In fact, my initial thoughts were 'should've gone up a size', but as the sleeves were the correct length, sitting just above the elbow, and in proportion to the body front and rear, I concluded it was designed to fit this way.

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Having said that, if your preference is for long-sleeve baselayers you might still want to go up a size – if your kit needs to plod on through the wilder months.

Like most jerseys of this ilk, it's made from a polyester weave but not one that feels overly synthetic against the skin. Worn in lots of different contexts and aboard my eclectic fleet, I can confirm that comfort is top notch. Admittedly, the mercury's not risen beyond 25-26 degrees, but the design has certainly kept pace with my own efforts. Given its intended use, the fact that there's no sun protection built into the fabric is a bit of a missed opportunity.

Altura Dry technology is basically Altura's way of saying the fibres are designed to react to the wearer's temperature, trafficking moisture away efficiently. This is bolstered by the 'Draft Venting' – strategically positioned vents that assist rider cooling, the largest of which more or less constitutes the back panel.

Like most synthetics, it still has to reach a certain temperature before the moisture traffic magic begins, but I reckon it's closer to 10-12 minutes rather than the typical 15-20, something I attribute to those massive vented panels.

From then on, dampness levels are restricted to a light, misty glow. Whipping the full-length zipper to half-mast provides instant, cooling relief, though I have to say I'd prefer a bigger tag.

After four, maybe five hours at 90-odd rpm, freshness wasn't in merino country but I wasn't a clammy mess and odour management was well within socially acceptable limits. Good enough, in fact, that I wore it several days in succession, by which point it was developing a funky flavour.

Being polyester, it can be bunged in the machine at 30-40 degrees. I always go cooler and the NV2 Elite has always emerged looking and smelling fresh. True, you wouldn't expect it to get overly scuzzy being a road jersey, but I've a penchant for the wilder side, whether on a 'cross derivative, mountain bike biased tourer, or purebred cross-country mount. Thankfully, I've swerved a spill, but regular grappling by brambles and other frisky foliage hasn't induced bobbling or similar distress to the fabric.

Its wicking prowess also comes in handy following the odd sharp and unexpected shower when I'd forgotten or couldn't be bothered to don a lightweight jacket.

A generous silicone hem tags you like the proverbial shadow however low your machine's front end or how often you fidget between tops, drops and aero bars. Or how much you cram in jersey pockets.

Talking of which, there are five, sensibly proportioned. Though thin and relatively stretchy, they still offer ample support; even across rougher surfaces they've offered reassuringly secure tenure to 600ml bottles, a 5-inch smartphone, bananas and my big bunch of keys.

There's also a zippered 'valuables' pocket, boasting a decent sized tag for easy access.

Night vision

The jersey incorporates Altura's Darkproof concept which, in my view, is a really welcome bit of technology. It refers to 360-degree retro-reflective patterning that is suitably stealthy by day but comes alive when graced by vehicle or street lighting.

The more intricate patterning is bolstered by bold cuffs, striping between the pockets and, of course, Altura logos. Splashes of DayGlo are also included and, for me at least, complement the stealth effect very nicely.

On dusky evenings it all seems to work very effectively, with drivers seemingly taking note faster than if I was wearing a plain jersey and running blinkies. This was particularly apparent at concealed junctions and other potential stealth points.

Value

It's possible to get a very good, in-house branded jersey for half the Altura's asking price – the likes of the PBK Montagna, for example, which continues to perform well and look good despite regular use – and Sean rated the £56.99 Northwave Blade Air 3 very highly, but while I wouldn't consider the Elite a bargain, I'd say the standard of construction and subtle, well-engineered features represent good value as a package.

> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best summer cycling jerseys

Overall, there is a lot going for this jersey, and even though the sunnier months are characteristically short here in the UK, the fast-wicking, practical design lends itself handsomely to training camps or indoor trainer slavery.

Verdict

Nice jersey with some innovative features, though you might want to size up