Alé Women’s Graphics PRR Strada Jersey

The Alé Graphics PRR Strada Jersey is an incredibly lightweight and great fitting jersey with plenty on offer for dedicated club riders and racers alike in the summer heat.

• Pros: Fit, weight, comfort, just about everything really
• Cons: Price, no zip pocket

Alé tells us that the front and sleeves use a lightweight, micro perforated fabric for breathability, while the rear uses its sweat-wicking Carbon Triangle fabric for all-day comfort. The side panels are made from a mesh material, adding to the breathability on hot days. This combination of materials forms an incredibly lightweight summer jersey which wicks away sweat effectively and dries fast.

The sleeve hems/cuffs are an unusual combination of a woven 'gripper' and mesh which sit in place without feeling tight or restrictive.

The base of the jersey is also unusual with a wide, dimpled hem around the front and silicone gripper around the rear. It did shift around a little while riding, but not enough to cause any discomfort.

I wore a size small which Alé equates to a UK 10. I am usually an 8 but the small fitted me nicely so you might find you need to size up here. The fit itself is lovely with a feminine, racing cut which left no unwanted excess material but equally is not overly tight. I found it flattering and extremely comfortable.

The rear of the jersey features your standard three average-sized pockets which are easy to access while riding. Unlike many jerseys nowadays, there is no zipped valuables pocket.

The jersey features a simple design and comes in four colours: blue and pink, black and pink, black and turquoise or for something brighter, 'strawberry' and yellow. The black and pink which I tested is certainly my favourite of the options and looked fantastic paired with the Traguardo Bib Shorts I was also testing.

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

At £100, this is one pricey jersey, and even though it does have a lot to offer, it's £20 more than both the 2XU Sub Cycle Jersey, a colourful alternative, and the Santini Volo Jersey. You can pay more, though: my all-time favourite summer jersey is the Rapha Souplesse Lightweight Jersey II, which was £120.

If you're happy to spend the money, the Alé is a great buy for summer riding and paired with a baselayer or arm warmers will keep you comfortable and looking good on cooler spring and autumn days too. It's also currently discounted to £65...

Verdict

Close to perfect, but with a high price tag to match