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Alé Women’s Graphics PRR Strada Jersey

8
£100.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Close to perfect, but with a high price tag to match
Weight: 
103g
Contact: 

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.

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The Alé Graphics PRR Strada Jersey is an incredibly lightweight and great fitting jersey with plenty on offer for dedicated club riders and racers alike in the summer heat.

  • Pros: Fit, weight, comfort, just about everything really
  • Cons: Price, no zip pocket

Alé tells us that the front and sleeves use a lightweight, micro perforated fabric for breathability, while the rear uses its sweat-wicking Carbon Triangle fabric for all-day comfort. The side panels are made from a mesh material, adding to the breathability on hot days. This combination of materials forms an incredibly lightweight summer jersey which wicks away sweat effectively and dries fast.

ale_graphics_prr_strada_ss_jersey_womens_-_riding.jpg

The sleeve hems/cuffs are an unusual combination of a woven 'gripper' and mesh which sit in place without feeling tight or restrictive.

ale_graphics_prr_strada_ss_jersey_womens_-_sleeve.jpg
ale_graphics_prr_strada_ss_jersey_womens_-_cuff_gripper.jpg

The base of the jersey is also unusual with a wide, dimpled hem around the front and silicone gripper around the rear. It did shift around a little while riding, but not enough to cause any discomfort.

ale_graphics_prr_strada_ss_jersey_womens_-_gripper_front.jpg
ale_graphics_prr_strada_ss_jersey_womens_-_gripper.jpg

I wore a size small which Alé equates to a UK 10. I am usually an 8 but the small fitted me nicely so you might find you need to size up here. The fit itself is lovely with a feminine, racing cut which left no unwanted excess material but equally is not overly tight. I found it flattering and extremely comfortable.

ale_graphics_prr_strada_ss_jersey_womens_-_back.jpg

The rear of the jersey features your standard three average-sized pockets which are easy to access while riding. Unlike many jerseys nowadays, there is no zipped valuables pocket.

ale_graphics_prr_strada_ss_jersey_womens_-_pocket.jpg

The jersey features a simple design and comes in four colours: blue and pink, black and pink, black and turquoise or for something brighter, 'strawberry' and yellow. The black and pink which I tested is certainly my favourite of the options and looked fantastic paired with the Traguardo Bib Shorts I was also testing.

> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best summer cycling jerseys

At £100, this is one pricey jersey, and even though it does have a lot to offer, it's £20 more than both the 2XU Sub Cycle Jersey, a colourful alternative, and the Santini Volo Jersey. You can pay more, though: my all-time favourite summer jersey is the Rapha Souplesse Lightweight Jersey II, which was £120.

If you're happy to spend the money, the Alé is a great buy for summer riding and paired with a baselayer or arm warmers will keep you comfortable and looking good on cooler spring and autumn days too. It's also currently discounted to £65...

Verdict

Close to perfect, but with a high price tag to match

road.cc test report

Make and model: Ale Women's Graphics PRR Strada Jersey

Size tested: Small

Tell us what the product is for

Alé distributor Paligap says, "Ideal for those looking for a tight but comfortable fitting with high performance materials. A perfect style with raglan sleeves and woman fit, dye cut waist and sleeve bands constructed with the J Stability System, lightweight and Microforato fabric on the sleeves and front panel. The back panel is made in Carbon Triangle fabric having dissipative, antistatic and antibacterial properties. Side panels and underarm in mesh fabric for a better ventilation. The jersey is stitched with at seams which are extremely comfortable next to the skin and they also improve aerodynamics."

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

Paligap lists:

CONSTRUCTION

Body Mapping / J Stability System

DETAILS

– Ergonomic Racing Fit

– 3 pockets

– Security Reflex on the back

– Flat seams

TEXTILE COMPOSITION

MAIN FABRIC

85% POLIESTERE

15% ELASTAN

BACK

98% POLIESTERE

2% OTHER FIBERS

UNDERARM

94% POLIESTERE

6% ELASTAN

SIDE

94% POLIESTERE

6% ELASTAN

SLEEVE HEM

EXTERIOR

59% POLIESTERE

35% ELASTAN

6% OTHER FIBERS

SLEEVE HEM

INNER

80% POLIESTERE

20% ELASTAN

FRONT HEM

EXTERIOR

59% POLIESTERE

35% ELASTAN

6% OTHER FIBERS

FRONT HEM

INNER

80% POLIESTERE

20% ELASTAN

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10
Rate the product for sizing:
 
6/10

Comes up a little on the small side.

Rate the product for weight:
 
9/10

Incredibly light!

Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

It is expensive, but it fits well and performs brilliantly, so you get what you pay for.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Very simple, washes at 30 degrees as with most kit, and has held its shape and stretch.

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

Really comfortable, light and cool for long summer riding.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Fit and unusual sleeve cuff design.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

No zipped pocket. Price.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

I really struggled to fault it, bar the lack of a zipper pocket which I'd like and the high price tag; otherwise, it's brilliant.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 21  Height: 164cm  Weight: 56kg

I usually ride: Planet X London Road  My best bike is: Bowman Palace:R

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, track

Ashia is a Maths student at the University of Bath and has been riding and racing bikes for the past 6 years after a track taster session at her local velodrome had her hooked. Most weekends, she can be found out racing, be it track, road, criteriums, time trials, triathlons, or cyclocross.  Whilst she is fiercely competitive and loves to race, she is still on the look out for anyone hiring a "full time cafe rider" when she graduates.

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