Craft Elite jersey 2012

Craft's Elite range is the clothing line used by their ProTour teams: RadioShack and Rabobank. Here we test the Elite 2012 Jersey, a short sleeve at the pinnacle of jersey design - but cutting edge doesn't come cheap.

Aptly named Elite, this is Craft's top of the range and designed for their Elite riders. It feels 'elite', the material is soft, with an almost silk feel to it. An elastic material with 'hexachannel' fibres knitted in a honeycomb construction is what Craft describe it as. Basically, it feels great in your hands and even better around your chest. The material is broken up by meshed sections at various hotpoints: back of the neck, mid-back, armpits curving around to lower back and lower chest - at the point where shorts overlap. An unusual but sensible position, as I find the overlap often gets a bit sweaty.

Putting the jersey on it feels like a real premium item. Testing a medium, it is one of the best fitting jerseys that I have tried. I often require a small to avoid any bagginess but the elastic material moulds and contours extremely well. An almost tailored fit left me keen to get out on the bike with my new found form, if only I could pull myself away from the mirror!

Vanities aside and on the bike, it didn't let down. The material continues to provide the best kind of fit: unnoticeable. Silicone hem grippers stop any bunching up and elastic mesh around the arms mean they fitted snugly up the whole arm rather than a simple elastic strap, which can often create ballooned shoulders.

A lightweight 108g (M) and with the 'haxachannel' material possessing strong wicking quality, this jersey certainly does a good job at keeping the wearer both cool and dry. Craft have gone for a 70s pastel gradient, which I quite like, and with a concealed zip I think this is a stylish garment. Three pockets at the rear are a good size and even include a hole inside the middle one for a headphone cable. A fourth small, zipped pocket also sits atop the middle; only really big enough for a few notes and a key or two. 'Reflective points' are listed but this is limited to the Craft logos fore and aft and a few very thin lines on the shoulder.

Overall I've been impressed by this jersey from Craft's Elite range, parent to some equally impressive shorts. With an RRP of £75 that many would scoff at, it is one of the best technical jerseys out there and the price clearly reflects that. I've tested far less comprehensive jerseys near this price range so I think it presents good value. It is a nice way to own ProTour level kit without becoming a billboard or wannabe.

Verdict

ProTour level kit, and one of the best technical jerseys out there.