New Zealand brand Solo has been around for a few years now but it has recently got improved distribution in the UK so you're likely to see more of their products, such as this St Neith jersey, than previously.

There are several screen-printed Solo Classique jerseys to choose from and, living up to their name, each has a classic look. Call it retro if you like, there's a kind of 1950s or 60s vibe here with enough going on to make the jersey look interesting but not so much that it's cluttered. It's going to come down to personal taste, of course, but I reckon the Classique tops look stylish across the board.

Their St Neith jersey is made from Nuovotech polyester which is a mid-weight summer fabric. It's not as light and airy as a mesh but it does a good job of wicking sweat away from your body to keep you feeling comfortable, doesn't get waterlogged easily, and dries pretty fast while you're riding. You might want something lighter for mega-hot rides, but for typical UK summer temperatures it's a good choice.

The collar and cuffs are polycotton/Lycra although they feel soft and natural. They're ribbed and stretchy so you get a snug but not too tight fit. The other details are top quality too. You get a silicone gripper around the inside of the waistband that helps prevent any riding up and the neck zipper is a high-end option. 18cm long, it has a sturdy feel and it locks at whatever height you position it rather than creeping down.

The usual three pockets in the lower back come with elasticated tops to help keep your stuff from jumping out, and there's a little zipped compartment on the outside of the right-hand one that's ideal for stashing your phone and a bit of cash safely.

Sizing is about average but go to the size chart on Solo's website http://www.solocc.com/product.cfm?cid=14&pid=1 to be on the safe side. The cut is traditionally slim and there's enough give in the fabric that a close fit doesn't feel at all restrictive.

You can buy a jersey for much less money than this… but you can pay a lot more too. This top doesn't break any new ground in terms of technical innovation, but it's an attractive design and it does its job well.

Verdict

Stylish summer jersey with high-quality features

All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Solo St Neith Jersey

Size tested: Blue/black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Solo say:

Highly breathable and wickable polyester fabric keeps you cool and dry

18cm front zip with over-size zipper pull designed for using with gloved fingers

Customised silicon elastic waist band

Small rear zipped rear pocket (in addition to the standard 3 rear pockets) for safe storage of phone, keys, cash etc

Unique knitted polycotton/lycra arm and neck bands for the real 'retro' look

Superb quality screen-printed (not digitally printed) design means brighter and more vivid colours

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Very good build quality

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

I've no reason to doubt it'll last well. The zip, hem gripper and collar/cuffs are all high quality.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

It's not a bad price for a well-designed and well-made jersey.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes, largely because I think it looks neat

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yep

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 190cm  Weight: 74kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding,