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
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Ale Women's Graphics PRR Strada Jersey
Size tested: Small
Tell us what the product is for
Alé distributor Paligap says, "Ideal for those looking for a tight but comfortable fitting with high performance materials. A perfect style with raglan sleeves and woman fit, dye cut waist and sleeve bands constructed with the J Stability System, lightweight and Microforato fabric on the sleeves and front panel. The back panel is made in Carbon Triangle fabric having dissipative, antistatic and antibacterial properties. Side panels and underarm in mesh fabric for a better ventilation. The jersey is stitched with at seams which are extremely comfortable next to the skin and they also improve aerodynamics."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Paligap lists:
CONSTRUCTION
Body Mapping / J Stability System
DETAILS
– Ergonomic Racing Fit
– 3 pockets
– Security Reflex on the back
– Flat seams
TEXTILE COMPOSITION
MAIN FABRIC
85% POLIESTERE
15% ELASTAN
BACK
98% POLIESTERE
2% OTHER FIBERS
UNDERARM
94% POLIESTERE
6% ELASTAN
SIDE
94% POLIESTERE
6% ELASTAN
SLEEVE HEM
EXTERIOR
59% POLIESTERE
35% ELASTAN
6% OTHER FIBERS
SLEEVE HEM
INNER
80% POLIESTERE
20% ELASTAN
FRONT HEM
EXTERIOR
59% POLIESTERE
35% ELASTAN
6% OTHER FIBERS
FRONT HEM
INNER
80% POLIESTERE
20% ELASTAN
Comes up a little on the small side.
Incredibly light!
It is expensive, but it fits well and performs brilliantly, so you get what you pay for.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Very simple, washes at 30 degrees as with most kit, and has held its shape and stretch.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Really comfortable, light and cool for long summer riding.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Fit and unusual sleeve cuff design.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
No zipped pocket. Price.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
I really struggled to fault it, bar the lack of a zipper pocket which I'd like and the high price tag; otherwise, it's brilliant.
About the tester
Age: 21
I usually ride: Planet X London Road My best bike is: Bowman Palace:R
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, track
Ashia is a Maths student at the University of Bath and has been riding and racing bikes for the past 6 years after a track taster session at her local velodrome had her hooked. Most weekends, she can be found out racing, be it track, road, criteriums, time trials, triathlons, or cyclocross. Whilst she is fiercely competitive and loves to race, she is still on the look out for anyone hiring a "full time cafe rider" when she graduates.