The Chapeau! Tempo Jersey isn't ripping up the rulebook when it comes to design or features, but it does what it needs to in a simple way.
Chapeau! have been making a big name for themselves in the past few years and a staple of their range has been the Tempo jersey; this is the latest version.
One thing that Chapeau! have always done well is aesthetics and this year's Tempo jersey does not break that rule. It is a block colour with three waved stripes that sit across the chest at the front, and three rear pockets. It sounds simple, and it is, but it looks classy and you aren't riding around looking like a human billboard.
Breathability is good thanks to the mesh construction of the jersey throughout, so I could easily wear it with a mesh base layer underneath on hot days and still feel relatively fresh.
The fabric used is 100% polyester which helps with the breathability, but I found that it did tend to hold on to smells more than something with more of a blend. After wearing it to ride into work, I could smell that I had used it in the morning when I came to put it on in the evening. It has a little bit of stretch which helps with comfort, but it's not the softest jersey against the skin. However, with additions like the label-less design and the felt collar, it isn't exactly uncomfortable.
Fit is form-following rather than performance, so although it's certainly not as aero as something you'd typically wear for a time trial, it's not exactly flapping about in the wind. That means that it's suitable for relaxed club rides or just a casual Sunday afternoon blat without people thinking you're a wannabe Bradley Wiggins but it still provides a good enough fit that you won't feel like you're riding with a parachute.
The pockets are big enough for pretty much everything you need on a typical ride. They are all cut horizontally across the back which does make it slightly more awkward using either of the side pockets compared to jerseys which have the pockets at a slight slant. On the right-hand side pocket there is also a small reflective Chapeau! logo which helps to be seen in low light.
RRP on the jersey is £49.99, which is about what I would expect it to be. It's not a complex jersey and doesn't have the kind of bells and whistles of more expensive jerseys, but does what it needs to with minimum fuss.
Overall the Chapeau! Tempo Jersey is a good looking, functional jersey that does everything it needs to with minimal fuss at a decent price.
Make and model: Chapeau! Tempo Jersey
Size tested: Tempo Jersey
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?
The Tempo is cut for performance but won't cling like the wrapper on your flapjacks. Available in pattern, chest stripe and plain colours.
Available in limited edition pattern, chest stripe and plain, the lightweight, moisture wicking Tempo will keep you cool on hot days and give you room to breathe.
The Tempo jersey has three full-sized pockets, ideal for essential tools and food with enough room to store your arm warmers and gilet as rides hot up. With essential reflective trim and Chapeau! badge you'll be seen even as the sun sets on another adventure.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Lightweight
Moisture wicking
Reflective
Slim fitting
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Well made with a simple but decent choice of fabric.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Does exactly what it needs to, with decent ventilation and breathability.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for fit:
7/10
Decent fit, form fitting but not aero.
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
The medium I tested fitted as I expected.
Rate the product for weight:
5/10
Rate the product for comfort:
7/10
Decent comfort, although would maybe be nice to have a little more stretch in the fabric.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Good value for money, well made, simple jersey and a decent price.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Very easy, washed several times at 30 without any issues.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Well, it did exactly what it needed to with decent breathability, space for ride essentials, and decent aesthetics.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The print is really nice and classic looking.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Pure polyester does tend to hold smells more than other materials
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
The jersey doesn't come with bells and whistles but does what's needed.
Age: 29 Height: 6 ft Weight:
I usually ride: Mercian King of Mercia or Cinelli Gazzetta My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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