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review
Jerseys - casual
Craft Hybrid t-shirt Craft Hybrid t-shirt Craft Hybrid t-shirt Craft Hybrid t-shirt Craft Hybrid t-shirt Craft Hybrid t-shirt Craft Hybrid t-shirt Craft Hybrid t-shirt Craft Hybrid t-shirt
Craft Hybrid t-shirt

Craft Hybrid t-shirt

7
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published May 16, 2014

0
£39.99

VERDICT:

7
10
A neat, stylish top which isn't quite a jersey or a T shirt but something in between.
Weight: 
159g
Contact: 
www.craft.se
How we test

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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Is the Craft Hybrid T-Shirt a cycling shirt, or a general sport t-shirt? The answer is that it's a bit of both.

It's not classed as a cycling jersey but could be suitable for journeys that don't require pockets full of gear. The 'Hybrid' designation hints at the shirt's versatility. It can be used as a T shirt for running or hiking when worn under a pack and it's comfortable on the bike too. Either use provides a shirt that fits well and has a couple of useful features. The only problem you would have on journeys without a pack is the lack of pockets.

Made from 100% polyester, it feels a tad scratchy on the skin but worn with a base layer it is a different prospect. However, the Craft Hybrid might not suit a longer ride because only has two pockets. Tagged as energy pockets they are on the small side: ideal for your gels, bars, keys and a phone but not much else. One of the pockets does have the benefit of having a zip. The other benefit is they are slightly forward, on the side of the jersey in the corners rather than on the back of it. That's another reason why this could work as a T shirt for off the bike use.

The seams are unobtrusive which makes for a comfortable feel. There is a three quarter zip and there is a headphone hole that lets the wire to come out of the top of the jersey on the back without getting tangled. To assist with visibility there are reflective markings on the sleeves and lower back but they are all quite small.

The back of the Hybrid is thicker than the front, so it should be more durable in the long run. Despite using it with a backpack, the Craft hybrid Tee has shown no signs of bobbling.

Craft make some stylish gear and the Hybrid is no different. It looks good, wears well and has a couple of nifty features.

Verdict

A neat, stylish top which isn't quite a jersey or a T shirt but something in between.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Craft Hybrid t-shirt

Size tested: Medium, Black/Green

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 Craft Hybrid T shirt isn't quite cut for the longer journeys when you don't want to use a pack but still need to carry extra gear. The lack of rear pockets dictates that but what you do get is a T shirt that is perhaps more casual fitting and may well be more suited to apres biking.

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

Made from polyester, it still feels comfortable next to the skin and is cut in a looser fit rather than a full on race jersey. There are two small 'energy' pockets, probably named as so because you won't get much more in there. You also get a specific cable hole for your headphone wire.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Despite being made from polyester, the finish is quite smooth and not irritating on the skin. There have been no issues with the seams and the Hybrid T feels well made.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

On longer trips, the T can become quite wet and doesn't handle odours too well.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The Craft Hybrid T has proven to be robustly made.

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

It feels lightweight when you first don the T but it can become a bit 'heavy' if you go for a proper workout.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Given a long ride or a particularly warm one, the Craft hybrid struggles to keep the moisture at bay and this spoils the comfort.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

The price varies for the Hybrid T, ranging from £27 to £45 depending on the retailers and black with a hint of green is the dominant colour although there are a few brighter variants. Comparing the price to what you would consider a proper race jersey you getting good value. Even for a technical T shirt you're getting quite a lot of top for your money.

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

This is a tricky one. It's not quite an all day jersey but you could easily get away with wearing this cruising in town or riding to the pub. It looks good and works better than a normal T shirt.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Style and the fact it is slightly different to normal race jerseys.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

A bit more storage would allow you to use the hybrid T for a greater selection of journeys.

Did you enjoy using the product? Mostly; I use a pack for commuting which got round the lack of storage.

Would you consider buying the product? Perhaps.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? If they weren't looking for a riding-only jersey.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

The Craft hybrid T falls between two stools - it isn't really a T shirt in the traditional sense or a race jersey but that highlights its versatility and its identity crisis. It has features that you wouldn't find on a T shirt but misses some you would expect on a jersey.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 45  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

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

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

Craft Hybrid t-shirt
Craft Hybrid
Craft

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