The Huez Bleed Print Jersey is one of those tops you reach for when the weather is on the warm side, thanks to its lightweight fabrics and breathable nature. The price is at the upper end of the market but there is a lot going on to justify it.
The Bleed Print is made in Italy but its sizing is straightforwardly British, with the medium tested here offering a close cut without being designed for racing whippets. The four-way stretch fabric used in the construction of the main body means the jersey offers a slight compression feel without being restrictive or too figure hugging.
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The fabric is thin, which contributes to the low weight, and because it isn't actually clinging to your skin you barely feel as though you are wearing it. It's very soft too.
Under the arms and down the side panels you'll find some mesh to wick away perspiration and body heat, and what a good job it does. This is one of the best things about the Bleed Print – you never get clammy, even when temperatures are nudging towards the upper 20s.
The only place that does suffer with moisture is the waterproof valuables pocket, with sweat transferring through from your body as the pocket's inner lining is a mesh kind of fabric like those seen on some race capes.
> Read our guide to the best jerseys for keeping cool in the heat
When it comes to storage, the Huez does well with five in total. The waterproof one is zipped, with side access, a pocket that Huez says will take the largest of smartphones. I've got a Windows something-or-other phone, which is nowhere near the size of some of the phones on the market, and that was a struggle to fit. And, as I said, it's waterproof from the outside but does get clammy from the inside.
Along the rear you get three traditional format pockets, all of which offer a decent depth, and the fabric is taut enough that you can load them up quite well without any sag. The fifth pocket is on the left hand side panel. It's a little smaller than the rest and because of its position I'd say it's for things you might need easy access to from the saddle, a gel or something like that, or perhaps your empty gel packets.
As usual, you get a dropped rear hem held in place by small silicone dots; it's grippy and doesn't move at all. You get the same on the sleeves, plus the added advantage of reflective strips running down the back to the cuff. They are quite large, but thanks to the colour of the jersey they blend in really well.
Round the front you get a full zip with a 'garage' at the neck to stop irritation.
Cost-wise, the Huez is getting on towards the likes of Assos, Rapha et al, and I reckon it's worth it. The finish and construction is very neat and tidy, the fabric very durable. Even the fragile looking mesh side panels stood up to me trying to tear it intentionally.
With its excellent fit and overall performance, I'd happily recommend the Bleed Print at this price.
Verdict
Brightly coloured summer jersey that is very cool in use and looks
Make and model: Huez Bleed Print 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?
Huez says: "The Bleed Print jersey is the most vibrant and colour rich garment we have ever created. It plays with the position of the seams of our Champ 1 Jersey by blurring the lines where the highly saturated multi tines of blue, which overlay each other.
"As ever, it was created to encompass the performance and technicality of the most high-end race jerseys whilst retaining comfort and practicality which allows it to be used all year round for racing, training and everything in between.
"4-way stretch fabric provides performance boosting compression and remains comfortable and the low cut neck line provides classic, race-inspired styling. Flat seam panels, ultrasonically welded together provide unbeatable comfort and unrestricted movement in the saddle and allow you to perform without irritation."
It's a very technical racer's jersey.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Reflectivity
3M®'s brilliant reflective technology keeps you highly visible when darkness falls.
Silicone Grip
Ultra-grippy silicone keeps the garment firmly in place.
UV Protection
Anti-UV clothing protects you in three ways by absorbing, blocking or reflecting UV radiation that causes sunburn and long term skin damage. Don't forget - even when the sun's not out, UV is about.
Five pockets including one waterproof, zipped valuables pocket.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
9/10
Rate the product for sizing:
8/10
Sizing for me tallies perfectly with the Huez charts.
Rate the product for weight:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
9/10
Rate the product for value:
5/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Easy, 30 degree wash and no fabric softener. No issues with keeping it clean and stain free.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The Bleed Print is a brilliant summer jersey thanks to its breathability and use of varying fabrics.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The soft feel to the fabrics.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Waterproof pocket doesn't stop moisture from the body.
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
I like the Bleed Print jersey very much, especially for hot weather use as it vents body heat effectively. It may be expensive, but you are getting a very well made product with a great fit.
Age: 37 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: Mason Definition
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
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