MTB

Review: Broken Riders Contour Long Sleeved Women’s Jersey for Enduro MTB

Made from 100% recycled polyester, the Broken Riders Contour Long Sleeved Women's Jersey has some good looking design elements.

Broken Riders are a small brand with big ambitions, a catchy name and an environmental and ethical conscience. They make a range of environmentally sound products for riders, including super soft bamboo riding t-shirts with eye catching designs, socks and hoodies.

Their Contour jersey is made from recycled polyester, and it’s one of their first forays into performance ride kit.

I have mixed opinions of the Broken Riders Contour Ladies Enduro Jersey. There are certain elements I really like, and the price is fantastic, but a couple of big things let it down.

Let’s get the cons out of the way first.

One of the first things I noticed trying this on was the fit – or the lack of it. Now I like a loose jersey as much as the next person, particularly if you are planning on wearing body armour under it, but there’s loose and there’s enormous.

The Contour jersey size is extremely generous, so even if you are going to be wearing armour I’d consider going down a size. It’s also not got a particularly feminine cut, so I couldn’t really see how this was a women’s jersey.

I contacted Broken Riders to get the lowdown, and they got back to me straight away, and were fully aware of the issue.

“Although we still reckon it’s a great riding jersey, we’re disappointed with the fit of the women’s version – the cut just isn’t right. So much so, that even though they’re labelled inside as women’s medium, we actually specify them on our website as a women’s large. We’re working on rectifying this for the next run with a new manufacturer, and will concentrate much harder on achieving the right fit for female riders while still satisfying Broken Riders’ environmentally responsible approach by using recycled polyester.”

So great news there – it sounds like this issue is going to be resolved, which is great because there are some massive pros to this kit.

Firstly, I love the contour line pattern, which is eye catching and different. The contours themselves are the actual contours of a downhill trail in the South Downs beloved by Broken Riders called Devil’s Dyke.

Secondly, the price is hard to argue with. £40 is a great price for a riding top.

Thirdly, it’s made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, so it’s got green credentials to boot.

Broken Riders have also released a short sleeved version of the Contour Jersey, and we can’t wait to see the new and improved fit feels.

VERDICT

A great jersey with striking looks, perfect for enduro riding, or just hitting your local trails. The sizing and cut is off, but this is something the company are aware of and are working to improve.

Match it with the Broken Riders socks for an awesome

PROS
– The price!
– The stand-out looks

CONS
– The fit issue, which is being resolved

Price: £40
Sizes: S, M, L
More info: Broken Riders

What Broken Riders say about the Contour Jersey:

Women’s loose fit with dropped rear hem for rear coverage while riding. Contour design based on the contour lines of one of our favourite local trails! Made from 100% recycled rapid-dry polyester. Discarded plastic bottles and unwanted polyester clothing are recycled to create the ultimate environmentally responsible riding jersey. Printed using dye sublimation process making the jersey colourfast. Fantastic quality. Be kinder to the planet – buy 100% recycled!