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review
£119.99
VERDICT:
Stunning jersey in both design and performance
Weight:
306g
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Bontrager Classique jersey is a style triumph: more than enough features to satisfy a keen club cyclist paired with a retro look.
We previously reviewed this jersey's long-sleeved, winter version and our tester loved it, championing the classic design teamed with 'modern luxuries'. This short sleeved summer version is no different.
In fact, save for the sleeves, from the rear the Classique jersey is identical. There are three main, easily accessible pockets, with a poppered fourth to store keys in, too.
The fit is nigh-perfect, offering a slim cut that isn't restrictive, thanks to the use of Merino wool. It's a fantastic fabric for high-quality non-aero jerseys simply because of its ability to keep you warm when the air is chilly, yet cool and dry when the temperature rises. It's also teamed with a full-length zip (with a nice hooped design touch, as well) for maximum ventilation should the temperature rise above comfortable levels.
The hems retain well against your body, especially the waistband which also features silicone grippers for added grip, ensuring there's no riding up. The collar is especially comfortable and, in a near first for me, doesn't restrict my windpipe when done all the way up.
But what stands out most about the Classique jersey is its sheer quality. From the thickness of the fabrics, to the quality of the zip and stitchings, this is truly a luxury garment that deserves to be taken care of. Certainly, you won't find any garish fluoro colours in the range; just a baby blue, pastel pink and off-white cream colour are on offer, with the cream featuring tasteful Trek branding across the chest.
The garment is designed to age well, and you'd be happy spending all day in it on an all-day adventure, time and time again. It responds well to washing, although as ever I always recommend a delicate wash, unless you've got a stain of some description that will need a more robust once-over to get rid of. If you can, spot treat these areas.
With this premium style of jersey, you'd expect a premium price. £119.99 is expensive for a jersey in anyone's book. But, then again, if you look at Rapha's Brevet offering (another classically styled yet modern piece of merino kit), this suddenly seems like a relatively good deal. Relatively.
However, this jersey is a great piece of design, and is one of those rare beasts that is absolutely worth the money asked for it.
Verdict
Stunning jersey in both design and performance
road.cc test report
Make and model: Bontrager Classique Jersey
Size tested: Medium , Powder Blue
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?
Bontrager say: "Simple elegance effortlessly combines with modern features in the Classique Jersey. Its sophistication is tempered with timeless style and high performance. Giving a strong nod to traditional style, this jersey is more than just good looks. The Classique Jersey delivers superior performance while giving a firm nod to the direction of traditional style. Perfect for a unique look on rides that demand performance."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
- Merino wool powered by 37.5™ active particle technology
- Full zip for ventilation on long climbs or warm days
- Three open back pockets and one rear snap security pocket
- Premium metal trims
- Drop tail design for cycling-specific fit
- Reflective elements enhance visibility for maximum safety anytime
- Fitted: Streamlined fit for all-around cycling performance
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Great quality garment all round, this.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Keeps you warm when it's slightly chilly, cool the rest of the time.
Rate the product for durability:
9/10
No degradation spotted during the test; it holds up well.
Rate the product for fit:
10/10
Unless you want a super-aero cut (and, I don't), it's perfect.
Rate the product for sizing:
10/10
Sizes as I'd expect. I wear a large and the large is perfect.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Not lightweight at 308g, but that's not what you by this jersey for.
Rate the product for comfort:
10/10
Again, superb all round
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Can't go higher than a 7 for a jersey that costs £119.99. But it's worth the investment in my view.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Treat it on delicate or a gentle 30 degree wash and it'll be fine.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Brilliantly.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Design, features, comfort, performance, etc.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, 100%
Use this box to explain your score
It's a luxurious jersey that performs as well as anyone but a racer could want.
About the tester
Age: 26
I usually ride: Specialized Allez Sport My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding,
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3 comments
The blue and pink ones are certainly nicer. Tough market mind.
The other colours are less overtly branded and - to my eyes - better looking. Maybe worth a look.
your idea of style must be different from mine.
there's more chance of me wearing a sky jersey than that, and that will only happen when hell freezes over