Chapeau! Tempo Jersey

The Chapeau! Tempo Jersey isn't ripping up the rulebook when it comes to design or features, but it does what it needs to in a simple way.

Chapeau! have been making a big name for themselves in the past few years and a staple of their range has been the Tempo jersey; this is the latest version.

One thing that Chapeau! have always done well is aesthetics and this year's Tempo jersey does not break that rule. It is a block colour with three waved stripes that sit across the chest at the front, and three rear pockets. It sounds simple, and it is, but it looks classy and you aren't riding around looking like a human billboard.

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Breathability is good thanks to the mesh construction of the jersey throughout, so I could easily wear it with a mesh base layer underneath on hot days and still feel relatively fresh.

The fabric used is 100% polyester which helps with the breathability, but I found that it did tend to hold on to smells more than something with more of a blend. After wearing it to ride into work, I could smell that I had used it in the morning when I came to put it on in the evening. It has a little bit of stretch which helps with comfort, but it's not the softest jersey against the skin. However, with additions like the label-less design and the felt collar, it isn't exactly uncomfortable.

Fit is form-following rather than performance, so although it's certainly not as aero as something you'd typically wear for a time trial, it's not exactly flapping about in the wind. That means that it's suitable for relaxed club rides or just a casual Sunday afternoon blat without people thinking you're a wannabe Bradley Wiggins but it still provides a good enough fit that you won't feel like you're riding with a parachute.

The pockets are big enough for pretty much everything you need on a typical ride. They are all cut horizontally across the back which does make it slightly more awkward using either of the side pockets compared to jerseys which have the pockets at a slight slant. On the right-hand side pocket there is also a small reflective Chapeau! logo which helps to be seen in low light.

RRP on the jersey is £49.99, which is about what I would expect it to be. It's not a complex jersey and doesn't have the kind of bells and whistles of more expensive jerseys, but does what it needs to with minimum fuss.

Overall the Chapeau! Tempo Jersey is a good looking, functional jersey that does everything it needs to with minimal fuss at a decent price.

Verdict

Well made, good looking starter jersey at an affordable price