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review
£81.25
VERDICT:
A very high standard technical jersey for the hot weather
Weight:
159g
Contact:
www.conquestcyclewear.com
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 meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Conquest Performance 2 is an excellent technical jersey in a slim, performance cut.
It's made from several different types of fabric. The fabric used for most of the body is dimpled. Conquest say that this reduces drag, although to my mind the fact that it lets plenty of air through is more significant. The textured surface doesn't easily stick to your body when you do get it sweaty; that can sometimes be an issue if you ride without a base layer.
The underarm sections are a lightweight and highly breathable mesh while the tops of the arms and the shoulders are very stretchy Lycra. In fact, this jersey is pretty stretchy all round (widthwise much more than lengthwise) so it doesn't limit your movement. The arms, for example, will stretch to accommodate a whole range of bicep sizes without any worry.
All this breathability means that the Performance 2 jersey is best suited to the hottest weather, or for rides where you're going hard and working up a sweat – tough training rides and races. If you do start to overheat, a full-length front zip offers you lots of extra ventilation. It's good quality and comes with a puller attachment to make adjustments that little bit easier when you're riding on the rivet. A chin guard at the top stops it scratching.
As well as the customary three pockets in the lower back, you get a zipped compartment back there for extra safe storage. There's an eyelet for running an earphone cable internally.
The logos are fairly subtle – by cycle jersey standards, at least – and the styling looks pretty cool to me. I must say, though, that I'm not a massive fan of white panels on coloured jerseys. Or, rather, I am a fan but I don't trust my ability to keep them white for long. This one has a white back panel that's just asking to get grotty if it rains and you don't have mudguards. For that reason, I'd save this jersey for guaranteed dry rides.
Alternatively, you could go for Conquest's Performance 1 jersey that uses the same materials and has the same features, but comes in a slightly more understated design. The Performance 1 Is available in a version that's black throughout (as well as a mostly white version).
The jersey comes with its own little mesh wash bag to protect it in the machine. I can't say that's a massive concern to me but it's there if you want to use it.
Verdict
A very high standard technical jersey for the hot weather
road.cc test report
Make and model: Conquest Cyclewear Performance 2 Men's Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey
Size tested: Medium
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 Performance 2 Short Sleeve Jersey is constructed of highly breathable, elastic fabric that allows for an aerodynamic fit that won't bind, chafe or restrict your range of motion. Technical features such as dimpling to reduce drag, mesh underarm panels, and superfine elastic sleeves reflect the high attention to detail that defines the Performance 2 Jersey. The sleek, simple design of this jersey is a tribute to cycling's legacy, but you'll find its technical features and performance are anything but traditional. Perfect for racing, randonees, or your favourite regular ride.
"Perfect for racing, randonees, or your favourite regular ride the Performance 2 Short Sleeve Jersey is constructed of highly breathable, elastic fabric that allows for an aerodynamic fit that won't bind, chafe or restrict your range of motion. Technical features such as dimpling to reduce drag, mesh underarm panels, and superfine elastic sleeves reflect the high attention to detail that defines the Performance 2 jersey. The sleek, simple design of this jersey is a tribute to cycling's legacy, but you'll find its technical features and performance are anything but traditional."
And here are the features they list:
- Moisture wicking, antimicrobial jersey fabric keeps you dry and prevents odour
- Lightweight, breathable elastic lycra sleeves for superior ventilation and fit
- Elasticized fabric cuff holds sleeve in place without chafing or restriction
- High-stretch mesh underarm panels allow a form fit and improve airflow
- Invisible zippered pocket features an eyelet for headphones or a race radio cable
- You'll receive a complimentary wash bag to keep your jersey in top condition
Essentially, it's a performance-minded cycling jersey for the hot weather.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
- Moisture wicking, antimicrobial jersey fabric keeps you dry and prevents odour
- Lightweight, breathable elastic lycra sleeves for superior ventilation and fit
- Elasticized fabric cuff holds sleeve in place without chafing or restriction
- High-stretch mesh underarm panels allow a form fit and improve airflow
- Invisible zippered pocket features an eyelet for headphones or a race radio cable
- You'll receive a complimentary wash bag to keep your jersey in top condition
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Very well made. The fabrics are good and the zip is from YKK. If you ride without a base layer (I always use one) you might prefer flat seams.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
A really good performance. Very impressive.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
For the quality you get here, it's a decent price.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It's a really hard-working technical jersey that does a great job
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The breathable fabrics, full-length front zip, the slim cut.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
I pretty much know that sooner or later I'll get caught out in the rain and come home with a spray/mud line down that white rear panel that I'll struggle to remove.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
About the tester
Age: 41 Height: 190cm Weight: 75kg
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, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,
Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.
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