Road Cycling Clothing

Review: Adidas adistar CD.Zero3 Jersey and Bodysuit

Slippery aero kit that's a breeze to wear

I’ve never really thought of Adidas as a traditional cycling clothing brand – however, their qualifications within active sportswear are clearly impressive, and they launched the SS2015 range with Laura Trott as brand ambassador so I was excited when the Zero3 jersey and body suit arrived on my desk.

Even more so, because this set winged its way to me just before my annual excursion to Majorca for a week of riding.

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The Zero3 jersey is designed for riders who are counting every second. This jersey is wind tunnel tested – and it shows. A very slim fit design hugs the body pretty close, and the full zip is hidden for optimum aerodynamics.

The sleeves are a close fit, too, and designed to be super slippery in the wind.

I’d usually wear a size 8/10, which this ‘small’ jersey was – but I did find the fit was very close. It was incredibly comfortable when on the bike, but I felt a little awkward at coffee stops, and the amount I could store in the 3 back pockets was limited! If I’d been choosing sizes, I would have gone for a medium.

All this said – when I was on the bike – the jersey was a dream. The material has “open and closed mesh for superb breathability, moisture transfer and racing comfort” – and I did feel a fabulous sensation of cooling on my back when I climbed on hotter days, but I was perfectly snug (with added arm warmers) during the windy, flat portions that Majorca insists on offering.

Onto the bodysuit. Even better than the jersey. The biggest plus, for me, was the long, wide bands on the thigh. I’ve got a pet hate of thin, silicone grippers (or more, a pet hate of muffin leg!) – and these are the opposite.

Furthermore, the legs were long enough that I could wear knee/leg warmers with no gap appearing over a long day in the saddle. Admittedly, without leg warmers, they are on the long side for shorts, so avoid if you prefer Daisy Duke style options.

There’s a small pocket on the bibs, as well, perhaps for your race radio – but perfect for gels if, like most of us, you’re not riding with a DS in your ears.

I wore these bibs for a long day – 100 miles, 9200 feet of climbing, and I was totally comfortable. I also love the upper body design, with a full covering, so you could get away with not wearing a base layer on a warmer day.

These were also in a small, for size 8-10, and fitted like a dream. The pad is designed to keep a rider happy for 6 hours in the saddle, and I can vouch that it does just that – without feeling overly thick.

There are reflective details, but as one rider pointed out to me, this isn’t the most visible kit. The jersey is, however, available in white also. Unfortunately I cannot trust myself, or my mucky hands, with white kit!