Sportful Pista LS Jersey Full Zip

The Sportful Pista jersey is a straightforward thermal outer layer for autumn and spring, with a few little features that mark it out as a very good choice.

Like most jerseys of this kind, it's 100% polyester. Sportful call the fabric Thermoflow, and it's similar to Roubaix Lycra, with a brushed inner surface, as widely used for winter tights. It stretches a lot widthways so you can get a close fit without it feeling tight, but not a lot lengthways so the pockets don't droop down low when you have them fully loaded.

Speaking of the pockets, you get the usual quota of three in the lower back, with the addition of a fourth zipped one for valuables. The tops of the two pockets that sit towards the sides are slightly angled so they're easier to use, while the central one has an elasticated top that's handy for cinching everything in and making sure your mini pump doesn't go walkabout. There's a small reflective tab back there too, although it's positioned on the left hip which isn't the most visible place in countries where we ride on the left-hand side of the road.

The full-length front zip, like that on the rear pocket, is a decent quality offering from YKK. The puller isn't always easy to find with gloved fingers but you get there in the end.

In usual cycling style, the rear is cut slightly longer than the front to keep you covered up on the bike and the sleeves are a good length too. The cuffs are made from a stretchy band like you find at the bottom of the legs of lots of shorts these days. The band is 45mm deep and you're simply not going to get any draughts in here. I like that.

Another neat touch is that the logo and brand name are embossed into the fabric across the upper back. I think it looks good without being too shouty.

There are no windproof panels. The Pista is a jersey that's designed to be breathable when it's not icy cold, and it's very successful in that. You can obviously sling a windproof gilet or jacket over the top to extend its use right into the winter.

I found Sportful's sizing to be small. I take either a medium or a large jersey, depending on the brand. Here, the large was about as small as I could get away with. It was fine, but right on the limit. If you're chunky, you might want to size up.

This white option looks great but it's probably not the most sensible choice for damp British conditions. Black/white, black/white/blue, and red/white versions are available too.

Verdict

Neat-looking autumn/spring-weight jersey with some good details.