Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Jerseys - short sleeve
Sugoi RPM jerseySugoi RPM Jersey Front

Sugoi RPM jersey

7
by rob_simmonds
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Sep 15, 2011

2
£40.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Decent summer weight jersey - one to buy now if it's in the sale to save for next summer
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.sugoi.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

Sugoi's RPM jersey is a lightweight top that is just the ticket for actual summer or maybe an autumn break to somewhere hotter than here. Just not in white, not for me anyway.

Let's cut to the chase. This top is white and very, very thin. I am somewhat furry, have a distinctive tattoo on my frontal area and there is no way I would ever wear this jersey in the rain. Do I need to paint a picture? (You don't Rob, because you thoughtfully provided photographic evidence… and a back view too – I can see why you doubt its claimed thermal properties - ed) However, it also comes in darker flavours, should you be interested.

Colour aside, this is a pretty technical jersey. On their website Sugoi claim that not only is this jersey breathable (it is) but if the Sugoi website is to be believed it is also water and wind resistant, which is pretty darn miraculous for a jersey that bears a passing resemblance to a teabag or is simply a factor of confusing website design. If it's not confusing website design I'd say that they were mistaken in their claims. The material itself is called FinoTech and Sugoi reckon it "creates the perfect environment for heart rate acceleration" disappointingly they don't say how. All of which might sound like I'm having a pop... I'd say it's more of a pick because make no mistake this is a good jersey anyone buying one isn't likely to feel cheated. The material is very thin, with lots of mesh, just what you need to keep cool. You also get three pockets and a full length zip, so important for rocking the open shirt/HRM man-bra look on epic Alpine climbs, or Ditchling Beacon if the Alps are shut.

The cut is surprisingly flattering for the fuller figure. Sugoi don't specify who this jersey is aimed at, but I'd hazard a guess at sportive types, deep of pocket and generous of stature. It certainly isn't a tight racing cut. The styling, white with green and black bits, is either modest and understated or just a bit dull. Either way, it's not my cup of tea but neither is it going to offend anyone.

Verdict

Decent summer weight jersey - one to buy now if it's in the sale to put away for next summer

road.cc test report

Make and model: Sugoi RPM jersey

Size tested: Large, tomatillo

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?

Sugoi are a bit coy on this - I'd say it's aimed at sportivistas.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Flat seams for increased comfort

Zone Construction: mesh inserts for added ventilation

Full separating zip

3 elastic back pockets slanted at the sides for easy entry

1 invisible zip back pocket

Cuffs and hem are positioned comfortably with elastic

Traditional collar

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

As a lightweight summer top it's pretty good.

Rate the product for durability:
 
6/10

Very thin and very white. I fear for its longevity, of course buying it in another colour does sort the whiteness aspect and while I've got fears so far they haven't been realised. The jury is out and I'll sit on the fence while awaiting their return

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

Like a moth's wing.

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

Lots of tech, but perhaps one to look for in the sales – shop around and you can find it at some bargain prices

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very good

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Cool and well ventilated

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The whiteness! The hideous see-through whiteness! But luckily they also do it in other colours too

Did you enjoy using the product? Mostly

Would you consider buying the product? Not in white!

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Perhaps

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Good quality summer weight jersey. Just don't go for the white.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 42  Height: 5' 8  Weight: er....85kg

I usually ride: Kona Dew Drop, Dawes Century SE, Carlton Corsa  My best bike is: Guess SC1 scandium

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

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, Audax and long distance solo rides

 

Sugoi RPM jersey
Sugoi
Sugo 2011

Add new comment

2 comments

Avatar
Rob Simmonds | 13 years ago
0 likes

Yup, it's pretty much a tea bag! And do try not to think about what it must look like if you get it wet.... 13

Avatar
andrew miners | 13 years ago
0 likes

defo a sportive top with those sleeves, hopefully as stated there are more colours not sure about the wind/wet claim looking at that material wishful thinking i reckon 39

Latest Comments