Club Ride Phoenix Womens Jersey

Given its glamorous appearance, the Club Ride Phoenix jersey is surprisingly practical and comfortable to wear on the bike. (I'd call it a strappy top, but you'll find it under Women's Jerseys on Club Ride's website.) At first sight I didn't think I'd like it that much as a cycling top, but the Phoenix quickly seduced me.

Find your local dealer here

Buy this top online here

With built-in sun protection of UPF 20 and a discreet zipped side pocket for some cash and a key (and maybe your lippie, to maintain your look), it's perfect for a summer's day jaunt when you want to look as hot as the weather feels. I reckon it'd turn a few heads as you cruise into a mid-ride cafe stop, not least from envious female cyclists. Just don't forget to put suncream on your shoulders or you'll end up with some very funny tan lines.

The material – 90% polyester, 10% elastane – feels super-soft against the skin and has a nice weight to it (despite the fabric description being 'lightweight'), which means it hangs nicely. If you're prone to perspiration, then the technical elements of the material come to your aid. Not only does it wick well, it also has an anti-microbial treatment to ward off unladylike odour, although I'm not sure how necessary this is unless you wear it several times on the trot.

The design of the top means you can safely lean forward on your bike without exposing too much cleavage (if you have one). An internal mesh bra support helps in this respect, and to minimise unwanted bounce. It has two removable thin padded cups, which give extra shape to those of us who are less well endowed. If you're of ample bosom, though, the internal bra might be rather small.

The Phoenix is a good length, so your lower back will remain covered even when you're leaning forward over the handlebar. At the front, the material loosely clings to your body, keeping your midriff cosy and giving you shape. Should you decide to head straight out for a night on the town, then the subtle reflective logo between the shoulder blades and the reflective side tag afford some night visibility.

The top pictured is in Black Butter, with a butterfly pattern, and it also comes in a red version (Molten Butter) or the plain black Raven. I went down a size (to a USA small) from the one I am wearing in the photos – the fit is quite generous so size down rather than up. Even so there was no digging in of straps or the inbuilt bra elastic.

So, contrary to my initial impression, I rate this top. Of course, it has limited storage capacity (unless you can stuff an inner tube down the front) so you'll need something – or someone – else to carry your essentials, but if you use a pannier then that's no issue. You wouldn't really want to sully the Phoenix with a backpack. And £40 for a top with these technical features is quite a decent price.

Verdict

A slinky yet wearable number that brings a touch of glamour to your summer cycling wardrobe