Endura’s Baa Baa Merino Tech Jersey combines fine gauge merino wool panels for the front, sleeves and lower back, with perforated merino and lycra panels for the upper and mid-back and armpits to improve ventilation.

Flat-lock stitching is used throughout to prevent raised seams that may cause irritation, and there is a ¾ length zip with an internal placket to prevent it rubbing. A small, concealed, zip pocket is set into the side of the jersey, but this is only really big enough for some loose change or maybe an iPod. Sewn into the inside of the front of the hem is a section of micro fibre material specifically for cleaning your glasses. Overall the attention to detail in the construction of this jersey is excellent.

The jersey is quite loose fitting, I am a 40 inch chest and the size medium tested here was still quite generous in both the body and arms; Endura’s size chart states that a medium is intended for a 39– 41inch chest, so don’t expect a close tailored fit here, rather a more straight cut tee-shirt style. The cut is more of the mountain bike or touring jersey variety.

The amount of ventilation and the loose fit – Endura call it relaxed fit – make this jersey suitable for warmer days, and would be ideal for hot, city commutes or summer off–road forays, which I suspect is this jerseys target market. The addition of the perforated panels on the back of the jersey will help alleviate sweaty backs when carrying a CamelBak or backpack, which will be necessary if you want to carry anything beyond a couple of pound coins.

If it were a tighter fit it would make a good base-layer, and Endura do a Baa Baa base layer, but as it is, it tends to bunch up under close fitting jackets and jerseys. As a top layer jersey it is a little too lightweight for other than warm summer days, and a fairly basic fit and lack of storage let it down – and although it is billed as a Technical jersey that looser fit counts against it for performance road use particularly when it has to combine with race cut road jackets.

Verdict

Top quality materials and workmanship are the highlights of this jersey, but the fit and lack of storage limit its usefulness.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Endura Baa Baa Merino Jersey

Size tested: Large

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?

The relaxed fit make it more suitable to the warm weather commute or hot days on the trails.

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

Made from fine gauge merino wool throughout, with a high neck and 3/4 length covered zip. Perforated lycra reinforced merino panels in strategic areas to improve ventilation.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

High quality flat lock stitching throughout, quality zips with internal placket and zip guards add up to a very well made garment.

Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10

The fit was too loose, and the lack of useable pockets limited the performance of the BaaBaa Tech jersey.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

The quality materials and workmanship should provide a durable jersey, it has so far worn and washed well.

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

Comfort was high, as you would expect from a pure merino jersey.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

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

The fit compromised it’s performance overall

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The high quality of workmanship

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The relaxed fit didn’t really work for me as a road cycling jersey.

Did you enjoy using the product? It was okay

Would you consider buying the product? No, I want something closer-fitting

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Probably not for road but possibly for warm weather mountain biking

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 6′ 1"  Weight: 155 lbs

I usually ride: Litespeed Icon  My best bike is: as above

I’ve been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Track Cycling