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review
Jerseys - short sleeve
Northwave Evolution short sleeve jersey Northwave Evolution short sleeve jersey Northwave Evolution short sleeve jersey
Northwave Evolution SS Jersey

Northwave Evolution short sleeve jersey

8
by Benjamin Lang
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 7, 2011

2
£79.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A well designed and constructed jersey that is packed with technical features making it suitable for racing or all day riding alike
Weight: 
0g
Contact: 
www.i-ride.co.uk
How we test

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The Northwave Evolution Jersey is an eye-catching and well-designed jersey that performs really well and looks good to boot. The bold red, white, black and silver colour scheme is both highly visible and visually appealing, and the fit is snug, in keeping with the current race wear trend towards aero jerseys.

On putting on the Evolution jersey I was impressed by its feel and fit, especially once on the bike. Northwave has  obviously given a lot of though to getting this right and the jersey didn't feel too tight anywhere, yet didn't bunch up or flap around at all when riding. The Light Tech fabric was cool and breathable, and the 3 rear pockets were easy to get stuff in and out of, even with the flap covering on the middle pocket. On the front, a further chest pocket provides a small amount of extra storage space, although it wouldn't cope with much more than a bunch of keys or a bit of cafe money. A full length zip gets you in and out of the jersey and provides you with the maximum possible ventilation for those long hot climbs.

On the rear of the jersey there is a small reflective logo, but not really enough to make a big difference to your visibility to other road users. Large ventilation patches on the sides provide excellent breathability. Northwave makes a lot of claims about their Carbon fabric, including odour-fighting, anti-UV and anti-static properties. I've never heard any complaints (or indeed made any) about fellow cyclists' electrical properties before, but the odour fighting part I'm sure many can relate to. After a fair few rides and washes the Evolution jersey did indeed appear to have stayed relatively fresh-smelling. I can't help but think that this is just delaying the inevitable, however. The jersey appears very well-made and I couldn't fault it for quality, although I suspect the small rubberised 'Bike Passion' logo on the back will peel off eventually, as they're wont to do.

If race-ready styling and bold colours are your thing, then the Evolution jersey is worth a look. Its technical fabrics and racing cut make it a high performance jersey for either racing or all-day riding. I suspect it will prove popular with the sportive market. Whilst it's not cheap, it has similar features and spec to some jerseys costing much more.

Verdict

A well designed and constructed jersey that is packed with technical features making it suitable for racing or all day riding alike.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Northwave Evolution S/S jersey

Size tested: Red/white/black, L

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?

A high-tech jersey with an evolution cut for support and comfort in the ride position and carbon fibres advanced fabric performance.

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

Main fabrics: Lightech with Carbon Fibers

Zip: Full Opening zip

Vent inserts: Side and Back

Pockets: 3

Elastic: Jacquard Dots Silicon

Reflex inserts: Reflective front logo - Back flap

Tech: Carbon Inserts

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Good fit and ventilation made it very comfortable to wear.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: Surly Long Haul Trucker  My best bike is: Litespeed Saber

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, Triathlon

Northwave

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2 comments

Avatar
Fat_Birds | 13 years ago
0 likes

Poor quality and style... A pure drama!! Where left Northwave his passion??

Silicon dots, the sewings, the pockets... A drama again!

Avatar
martincashman | 13 years ago
0 likes

I bought this Jersey when it first came out, love the colour scheme, style and fit. (To pun) It's a cut above all the regular jerseys I've collected to date. Worth the extra quids, feels great on and despite being a snugger fit, is quite slimming too. Only wish the wind would die down here so it wasn't hidden under a gilet all the time.

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