Sportful Bodyfit Pro Classic jersey

Of the three new Bodyfit jerseys launched by Sportful this year, the Pro Classic is the one that seems best suited to the most typical UK weather conditions. It offers a bit of extra warmth compared to a regular summer jersey to keep chills at bay, and it's very breathable if the weather warms up, but it's perhaps not as versatile as wearing a regular jersey with a gilet, or a wind and rain resistant jersey like one of the company's Fiandre range.

• Pros: Extra warmth, breathable, good fit
• Cons: A little niche for some, not as versatile as a Fiandre top

It's probably the most versatile jersey in the new Bodyfit range. The best way of thinking of the Pro Classic is as a jersey that bridges the gap between the company's lightweight Evo, a conventional lightweight summer jersey, and something like the short sleeve Fiandre Light NoRain, which is warmer than a regular summer jersey with added wind and rain resistance.

As the name suggests, it was developed for the pros to race in the Spring Classics when they need a bit of extra insulation, but the UK often serves up that sort of weather right through the summer, which is why I think this jersey has a lot going for it as a solid three-season top.

It's made from a material with a lightly brushed inside that provides extra insulation in cooler temperatures. It's ideal for those fresh early morning rides or days when the temperature never really rises that much. The extra warmth over a regular jersey is sufficient that you can do away with a gilet, making dressing before a ride easier, though it does remove some of the versatility such a combination provides.

The fabric is neither windproof nor water resistant, but it does keep the wind at bay more than a summer jersey, and while it won't keep you dry, it saves you reaching for a rain jacket for a little longer than if you were in a typical summer jersey; it'll survive a light shower better.

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

It manages to provide this extra insulation without compromising breathability too. Even during one all-day ride when it kept me warm for the first couple of chilly hours, it provided sufficient breathability when the temperature increased later.

The fit is ever so slightly more relaxed than the Evo jersey, mentioned above, and the Pro Light, both from the same Bodyfit range, with generous room in the torso and adequate stretch to ensure it's comfortable when crouched over the drops in an aggressive race position.

It's well appointed on the details front. There's a flap of material covering the full-length YKK zipper for extra cold air protection…

…and the sleeves are fashionably long, with laser cut and silicone-lined openings. They're made from a stretchier material, as are the side panels, to enhance the fit.

The waist drops lower at the back to provide extra coverage and the rear section has a large elastic band lined with silicone tape to stop it riding up when you're hunched over the bars.

There are three rear pockets with plenty of capacity for all the stuff you need on a short or long ride, although there's no zipped pocket for valuables. It does have a smattering of reflective details to boost your visibility to other road users.

The Classic is an interesting jersey. As the name implies, it's intended for the early Spring Classics when it's cool and you want extra warmth, and this jersey provides that without needing to wear a gilet. It's summer now, but the funny thing is this jersey is still pretty useful on cooler morning rides, saving you layering up, and it's breathable enough that you won't overheat. I've found it a good choice for long all-day rides, like a long audax, say, as you can carry less extra clothing to cope with the unpredictability of the UK weather.

Verdict

Extra warmth for chilly rides without adding extra layers but good breathability and good fit