Pre-ride Checks for Your Bike and Bag
Howies, the Welsh company well known for their great logo tees and knits have taken a fairly recent foray into the world of cycling clothing. They have perfected a seamless circular knit technology. Using a specialist machine that can knit yarn into a tube means they can make body panels in one piece, yet still integrate breathable panels where needed, minimising the need for seams (and possible chafing) and maximising a comfy fit.
I have to admit I’ve got something about knitted full zip cycling jerseys. While I loved the Cafe du Cycliste Yolande that I recently tested, for me personally I couldn’t take it as the serious race jersey it was meant to be (especially with it’s elbow pads). As a casual cycling to the pub top though it was lovely.
No elbow pads or the such here though and I’m happy to say Howies have converted me, I will no longer look at full zip knitted cycling jerseys as just a posh cycling cardi. The Howies Team Jersey feels gorgeous out of the packet, extremely soft and very luxurious next to the skin, much more than it’s 96% polyamide, 4% elastane label suggests. There are white, red and green hoops around the jersey to add a touch of colour, Welsh mind, not Italian!
Although the item spans two sizes (S/M and L/XL) even as a size 10 the top fits well and didn’t flap about or feel baggy at all. I wore it on quite a cool day with a merino base underneath and even when a chilly wind picked up I was still warm enough, and I am quite a softy when it comes to the cold! A windproof gilet over the top allows it to be worn on all but the coldest of days too, proving it to be quite a versatile jersey. The material wicks very well too when you’re working hard and dries out quickly.
There are two decent sized rear pockets large enough for lightweight jackets and a phone, although I wouldn’t want to put too many heavy items in for fear of stretching the top too much. There is also a rear pocket with a reflective zip for safe keeping of money, keys, etc. although my criticism of this is that the pocket is much wider than the zip, allowing items to slide about and meaning smaller items have to be fished about for. This is just me being a little pernickety though!
There is also a reflective tab on the neck of the Howies Team Jersey jersey although this will be obscured by long hair or a ponytail. All told, this is a really comfortable jersey at an excellent price that looks great on (and off) the bike.
Pros
Supersoft and comfortable fit
Very good price
Con
The too large zipped pocket
Price: £59.00, available from Howies.
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