Altura Icon Warp Short Sleeve Jersey

The Altura Icon Warp Short Sleeve Jersey is a surprisingly thin and refreshingly comfortable top with a decent specification, features I've come to expect, and some smart, subtle detailing. I really like the design and print, and the cut is generally bang on. The only thing I'd really appreciate is a bigger zipper tag.

• Pros: Thin, yet sturdy fabric, good detailing, excellent moisture wicking
• Cons: Zipper tag a bit small

I've a fair few jerseys in my collection but none quite this thin. Essentially, it's our old friend polyester/elastane, but although incredibly thin it's a seemingly sturdy weave that wicks moisture really well. It's helped by extensive mesh panelling (starting at the arm pits and extending down the sides) coupled with a full-length zipper. The yarn does not contain any SPF tech, which may disappoint some.

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The raglan cut and stretch fabric help give a second-skin close feel while allowing unrestricted movement – perfect for alternating between hoods, drops and tops of the bars. For the first few wears, the sleeves and silicone grippers felt a little too snug but quickly relaxed after the first machine wash.

Moisture management is where it really excels. During testing, the mercury has been consistently in the mid 20s, and it's been mighty humid to boot. Compared with a more traditional-weight summer jersey, it's kept me consistently cool, airy and arid.

Slower than merino perhaps, the fibres seem to react very quickly, even with the zip dropped by just a third, which suggests the mesh panels genuinely work. Being picky, I would have preferred a more substantial zipper tag; nonetheless, I've had no issues dropping or raising it when conditions dictate.

Dropping it to half only proved necessary in high humidity, helped in part by a bottle of cool water. Nonetheless, relief took but seconds. These qualities lend it rather nicely to indoor trainer slavery during the darker months.

Odour management seems fairly good, too. I've worn the top for three days straight, 50 miles a day. By that point, a low funk was apparent and I'd stand upwind of folks at cafes/rest stops. That said, we weren't at the point where it was dragging me to the washing machine.

Having chanced leaving the micro jacket at home on a few rides, I can confirm the jersey dries swiftly – about 15 minutes given a moderate breeze.

Cut/sizing

Altura describes the Icon Warp as being "semi-fitted". I'd describe our medium as a tailored fit and very snug. (It's not me in the photos.)

I've noticed a trend for longer sleeves these past few seasons; allowing for the huge silicone hem, which offers secure tenure, the Icon Warp's extended just above my elbow, which works for me.

Traditionally, Altura tends to come up on the large side, so medium was an easy default. On balance, given the sleeve length and other factors, this remains so. However, I'd struggle to slip a baselayer beneath, or indeed arm warmers, say during a changeable autumn. On paper the large is slightly closer to my 181cm, 70kg frame, so it might be an idea to try for size should you teeter between them.

Construction/details

Round the back are four surprisingly generous pockets: the traditional terrace pattern, with a zippered fourth for valuables.

Though thin, the pockets are suitably deep and supportive at their base. Larger phones are well catered for, and although there's been some minor 'bob' with a full bottle when tackling lumpier lanes and unmade roads, nothing's been ejected.

The zippered pocket proved a little challenging to open/close on the fly, though no more awkward than several others in my collection.

Standards of construction are what I've come to expect of the price point and, indeed, Altura. Stitching is neat and uniform, and thus far there's no sign of bobbling/fraying or similar deterioration despite prolonged wear and frequent washing. It's also shrugged off close encounters with brambles and similarly prickly stuff.

Being someone who largely fell out of love with trade jerseys in my twenties, I really like the print, like a blending of faraway solar system and printed circuit board, with subtle retro-reflective detailing. It's just the right side of funky, without clashing with bog standard blacks or, indeed, blues.

Value

The Icon Warp sits nicely around the competitive mid-point, hitting the right notes for commuting, training and general riding. It's the same price as Cycology's Baroudeur – and others in Cycology's collection – although you do get SPF 50 fabric treatment with those. 

> Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best summer cycling jerseys

You can pay less: the very good Van Rysel RR 900 is £39.99 at rrp, though it and the Altura are both currently discounted to £34.99.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, the Altura Icon Warp is a nice option for warmer summer rides, European training camps and, at the other extreme, indoor training during the darker months. I particularly like the design which, for me at least, marries subtle and bold very cohesively.

Verdict

A nice jersey for summer and indoor training; a bigger zipper tag would be welcomed