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Jerseys - long sleeve
Morvélo ThermoActive Jersey Morvélo ThermoActive Jersey Morvélo ThermoActive Jersey Morvélo ThermoActive Jersey Morvélo ThermoActive Jersey Morvélo ThermoActive Jersey
Morvelo Bloc Orange Thermoactive Jersey

Morvélo ThermoActive Jersey

8
by Ruan Bester
UPDATED Wed, Jan 27, 2016 19:47

First Published Jan 27, 2016

0
£85.00

VERDICT:

8
10
The perfect jersey for changeable conditions with plenty of storage space for all the extra food and layers you could need
Weight: 
248g
Contact: 
www.morvelo.com
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Morvélo claims that its ThermoActive jersey forms 'the cornerstone of layering' and would be suitable for all cool and cold weather conditions. Does it warrant such confidence? After a couple of months' wearing it in all weathers, I'd say it does – though I'd like a bit more length in the back please.

The close-fitting arms and tightly closed cuffs make you feel warm and comfortable, like being wrapped in a lovely fresh towel. Over the last few weeks I've been out in all conditions, from commuting early in the morning to spending several hours riding in the driving rain – when, even without a jacket on, I've stayed comfortable. The fabric didn't feel saturated or heavy in the wet, and it dried out quicker than I expected too.

> Buy this online here

The multi-panel design should provide most cyclists with a comfortable fit, and the material has enough stretch to ensure it remains comfortable. The only thing I'd criticise it for is length, but that's par for the course for me; I often struggle with jerseys being too short. If you're the same, and tend to suffer from a cold lower back while riding, chances are the ThermoActive won't resolve that for you.

Morvelo Bloc Orange Thermoactive Jersey - riding.jpg

Morvélo has, to my mind, provided the perfect sized pockets – deep enough to hold a rain jacket or gilet without feeling like it's being stretched to an inch of its life. And the 'secret' pocket is the first one I've come across big enough to hold a smartphone of any significant size.

Morvelo Bloc Orange Thermoactive Jersey - side pocket.jpg

At £85 the ThermoActive jersey can hardly be called cheap, but for your money you are getting a warm, well-made, versatile top (and it's currently discounted to £51). After a couple of months' use and laundering, the colour remains as bright as ever and the stretched pockets always return to their original size. The silicone gripper hasn't deteriorated at all during the test period, nor the full-length cam lock zip, all remaining as good as new.

> Check out our guide to the best winter jerseys here

The 'Bloc orange', although very visible, might not be to everyone's taste (other colours/designs are available), but if the length suits you, this is a well-made, well-designed jersey with good detailing that does its job of ensuring you remain warm, on its own or layered with a jacket in the cold.

Verdict

The perfect jersey for changeable conditions with plenty of storage space for all the extra food and layers you could need

road.cc test report

Make and model: Morvélo ThermoActive Jersey

Size tested: Medium, Orange/Black

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Morvelo says:

Designed to be the cornerstone of 'layering' our ThermoActive jerseys can be worn in a wide range of situations;

* By themselves when it is cool

* With a base layer and/or gilet when it's cold

* Under a waterproof when it's cold and wet

* Used with a base layer and under a jacket if it's freezing.

The closed cuffs and close-fit arms work like arm warmers to keep out the cold and keep the warmth next to the skin. The high collar keeps out the wind and is contoured so it sits high at the front and lower at the back to ensure the jersey fits closely across the shoulders. A zip garage stops the rubbing of the zip puller when fully closed and the full length zip guard blocks any wind.

Cycle jerseys are the staple item of any cyclists wardrobe so it's important to us that they look superb and also perform magnificently. We use a side panel construction and set-in sleeves to tailor the fit so it enables the fast wicking properties of the polyester to work best. We then include details such as the close-fit arms, closed cuffs, stretch tape in the neck seam and silicone gripper in the hem to make it effortlessly comfortable. With a full length zip, 3 angled rear pockets and 4th zipped pocket for valuables, our ThermoActive jerseys are also incredibly adaptable. Just what you need from item of clothing you'll be wearing throughout the cooler months.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

*100% ThermoActive polyester

*Long close-fit arms

*High and contoured collar

*Closed cuffs

*Embossed neck seam stretch tape

*Silicone gripper at the hem

*Full length YKK cam-lock zip

*Full length zip guard

*Zip garage

*3 angled deep rear pockets

*4th hidden zipped pocket in side seam

*Double stitched pockets for extra strength

*Heat seal label

*Panelled construction for superior fit

*Rubberised Morvelo seam tab

*Reflective details

*Handmade in Europe from Italian fabrics

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Very well made with perfect size pockets, double stitching and a panelled construction.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

I remained warm and comfortable for several hours in the wind and rain.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The zip is still perfect after pulling on it repeatedly, and the jersey is just as orange and soft as the day I got it.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
7/10

The ThermoActive polyester is soft and comfortable, although if you struggle with jerseys being too short this one isn't for you.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Morvélo has produced a warm, comfortable and well-priced jersey.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The ThermoActive worked well in driving rain and cold weather, without you even having to think about adding a rain jacket or gilet.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The pocket are perfectly sized to hold a rain jacket, and the secret pocket will easily take a modern smartphone.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It's rather short for me, and would have left my lower back exposed if worn with the wrong bib tights.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

A very good jersey, though I'd like a little more length in the body.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 30  Height: 183cm  Weight: 86kg

I usually ride: Surly Cross-check  My best bike is: Cipollini Bond

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, I'll give anything a go

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