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review
Jerseys - long sleeve
Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey
Polaris Mica Jersey

Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey

8
by Siobhan Kelly
UPDATED Wed, Mar 30, 2016 15:46

First Published Mar 30, 2016

1
£59.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Stylish, warm and windproof – a great jersey for cold days in the saddle
Weight: 
328g
Contact: 
www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk
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.

What the road.cc scores mean

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The Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey really comes into its own on cold days. The fleecy-lined polyester/elastane fabric is warm and cosy, the windproof panels at the front stop the biting wind penetrating, and the high collar zips up nice and snug.

As well as performing well, it looks flattering thanks to its contoured fit and contrasting green panels (also available in red) which are positioned so as to make you appear slimmer than you are.

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The figure-hugging cut means you can easily fit a jacket over it in case of rain or on particularly chilly rides; I tended to wear one to start off, as my arms felt cold in the wind.

Polaris Mica Jersey Back

I found the material wicked fairly well, although like most jerseys it wasn't as breathable as I'd have liked when working hard.

The Mica is nice and long at the back so keeps your bum toasty, and silicone gripper at the rear of the hem keeps it in place.

Polaris Mica Jersey Bike

The sturdy plastic zip is backed by material to prevent any snagging on your baselayer and there's a zip garage to stop it rubbing your chin. The zip pull is a bit on the small side to use easily with thick gloves, though.

Polaris Mica Jersey Zip

The sleeves are a good length and have thumbholes to keep them pulled down over your palms. This is great for warmth but I found the cuff hem dug in a little when riding, under the palm and especially at the base of my thumb, although this was only an issue on longer rides. Riding without using the thumbholes meant a draught at the wrist through the thumbhole.

Polaris Mica Jersey Hands

After just its first outing, my jersey developed a hole on one of the sleeve seams where the stitching appears to have missed the material. It must have slipped past quality control, and of course if the same happened to yours you would expect a replacement without question.

> Check out our guide to the best long-sleeved cycling jerseys

Cycling-specific details include reflective piping on the rear shoulder and lower back, plus reflective logos front and back. There's a triple storage pocket at the back, big enough to squeeze in the essentials (tube, lightweight windproof and snack), with the middle section secured with a Velcro tab.

Polaris Mica Jersey Pockets

All in all, this is a stylish jersey that performs well and at a reasonable price for its features.

Verdict

Stylish, warm and windproof – a great jersey for cold days in the saddle

road.cc test report

Make and model: Polaris Mica Jersey

Size tested: Womens,Size 10, Black/Green/Duck Egg

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?

Polaris says: "The updated Polaris Mica jersey is a slim, contoured fit cycling top which has laminated windproof front panels for protection on colder days. The softshell front is combined with Thermastretch fabric for its super-stretchy performance and brushed inner, making this top comfortable, warm and breathable."

I'd agree with this.

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

Laminated windproof 100% polyester micro-fibre insert front panel

Therma-Stretch™ fabric - 92% polyester, 8% elastane super-stretchy brush-backed material designed with fit comfort, breathability and warmth in mind

Contoured, female-specific fit

Full length front zip with chin guard

3 back storage pockets

Reflective piping

Silicone gripper on hem

Thumbholes

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
6/10

My jersey developed a hole on the sleeve at one of the seams where the stiching had pulled loose after the first wear. Aside from that it is well constructed.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Does what it's designed to well, although no jersey ever seems fully breathable.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

So far it's stood up well to wear and washing after a few months.

Rate the product for fit:
 
9/10

Fit is spot on. It's described as "performance fit" and is a flattering slim fit, with a good length at the back and in the arms.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
10/10

Sizing was just right - my size 10 fitted perfectly.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
7/10

Very comfy except for the thumbholes; the hem of the cuff can dig in a little under the palm.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

It's no bargain but not silly expensive either.

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

Easy - machine wash at 30°C.

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

Perfectly adequately, although I still got a little sweaty.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The flattering fit and style.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Niggly cuff hems.

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 score

A very good jersey, despite the niggly cuffs.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 43  Height: 170cm  Weight: 60kg

I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er  My best bike is: Giant Anthem X1

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, mountain biking, audax

Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey 2016
Polaris Mica Women's Windproof Jersey
Polaris 2016
Polaris

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1 comments

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mike the bike | 8 years ago
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I've got the men's version, it's a cracking jersey and well worth the money. If you're tempted, buy the next size up unless you want the skin-tight racer feel.

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