Kalf Flux Chevron Mens Short Sleeve Jersey

Kalf isn't a household name in the cycling apparel market, but the Flux Chevron jersey is a well-thought-out, high-performance piece of kit available exclusively from Evans Cycles for a great price.

It's not often I'm surprised by a new brand when it comes to product reviews in the cycling industry. Rarely does a smaller brand really rival the big guns – but here, it's definitely game on.

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I'd not come across Kalf before testing this, the matching shorts, and mitts, but I'm glad I have. The Flux Chevron jersey is technically advanced and packed with attention to detail that makes wearing it a pleasure. It starts with the race-cut fit which moulds brilliantly to the body, and goes on from there.

The Lycra main body is stretchy so that the race cut never feels restrictive, whatever position you tend to ride in, while also keeping fabric bunching to a minimum. At the same time it's very soft with lightweight flat stitching on the inside that helps minimise rubbing, so comfort levels are impressive too.

That continues with the extremities, with a soft and slightly raised collar that sits flush to the skin, and a waist hem gripper that makes use of the chevron design to form gripper nodules in a minimalistic way, also helping with the slim aero fit while doing a superb job of retaining the jersey length at the rear.

Furthermore, the jersey uses the natural elasticity of the Lycra fabric to form the arm cuffs – no rubbing grippers, or grippers of any kind save for the comfort-improving tab on the inside of the arm, internal to the sleeve itself. Cooling is maximised in this usually extra-sweaty area with a thin laser-cut ventilation panel that stretches halfway down your flank, and while this may usually raise questions of delicacy, it's remarkably well constructed.

Aero and race-cut jerseys are often criticised by non-racers for their lack of practicality in the pocket area, but Kalf has included three decent-sized storage compartments with flat seams at the edges for a slim air of quality. Capacity is flexible thanks to the sheer elasticity of the Lycra material, while there's a central zipped security pocket for valuables too. It's not protected by a waterproof lining, but it's the tiniest of niggles, especially if you carry your cash or valuables in a plastic wallet anyway.

This makes the Flux Chevron jersey perfect for... well, whatever you like, to be honest. From turbo sessions to short aggressive training spins or chaingangs, to century sportives and long, hot days in the saddle, it's up to the task. It's a jersey that I'll certainly be using repeatedly this summer.

The rear pocket area also features reflective branding around the zipper and in the Kalf sign 'K' for extra visibility, over and above the distinctive and stylish chevron design. I liked it when I first tried it on, and I loved it when I caught a look of myself in a shop window (just by chance, you understand, I'm not vain, or anything...).

If anything, I think it's a shame that Kalf doesn't have a second colourway in the chevron design to choose from – perhaps a deep purple or redcurrant, or even a super-bright design inspired by the flashes of coral on the inside of the collar and in the 'K' logo on the underside of the left sleeve. You can have that idea for free, Kalf, as long as I find a test piece finding its way to me. (My address is...)

> Check out our guide to 15 of the best summer jerseys for cycling

Back to the present: in addition to this lightweight racy design, you also get bags of quality too. Repeated washes aren't a problem, while the elasticity and slimline fit is maintained – something that occasionally goes awry in jerseys of this type after many uses. No such issues here.

All this, and it costs a mere £64.99 (at this point, direct from Evans Cycles only), hitting a really competitive price point for the style and quality. On such matters, and more importantly performance, it's up there with premium brands such as Rapha and Castelli, I'd say, and excellent value. Welcome to the top table, Kalf.

Verdict

An excellent race cut jersey for an excellent price