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review
£59.99
VERDICT:
A decent enough casual riding top, but pretty pricey for what you get
Weight:
131g
Contact:
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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If you're after a casual-looking, basic, short-sleeved riding top for mild days, then Giro's Women's Venture Sport Jersey fits the bill – but at quite a hefty price. It might have environmentally sound credentials, being made from recycled polyester with a smidge of organic cotton (4 per cent), but other than the classic-design three pockets at the rear, it is rather lacking in features to justify £60.
There are no flatlock seams, no silicone gripper on the hem, no mesh underarm panels, no zipped pocket, no reflective accents – what you see is what you get. Club Ride's Bandit Jersey is only £34 yet has lots more features and, to my mind, is more stylish.
> Find your nearest dealer here
That said, it is comfortable to wear. The relaxed fit allows complete freedom of movement and the sleeves are of ample length. The back is cut just over an inch longer than the front but, being taller than the model pictured, I'd prefer another couple of inches to rule out any risk of a gap between waistband and hem when down in the drops. If you wear bib shorts this won't be a problem, but I tend to wear waisted designs rather than bibs.
The stretchy mesh weave fabric is quite a heavy weight – more suited to a long-sleeve jersey than a tee, and for spring and autumn rides more than summer. I wouldn't choose it for a warm sunny day, when its breathability is compromised; being fairly thick the fabric isn't particularly quick drying, either – if you get caught in a shower you'll stay wet for a while.
A nod to style is the slightly contrasting pocket material and the panels over the shoulder, which is the same fabric as the rest of the garment but reversed. Inside the neck, the Giro label doubles as a hanging loop and the super-thin care label is easy to cut out without leaving a scratchy stub – both nice touches.
> Read our guide to casual cycle wear for commuting and leisure rides
Overall, it's a comfortable jersey to wear, and if eco credentials matter to you then you might be happy to swallow the price. For me, it needs to offer a little bit more to justify it.
Verdict
A decent enough casual riding top, but pretty pricey for what you get
road.cc test report
Make and model: Giro Womens Venture Sport Jersey
Size tested: Medium
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?
Giro says: "The Women's Venture Sport Jersey is ready for any adventure. The fit is relaxed for comfort and performance, so it easily rolls with changing road and trail conditions."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
96% recycled polyester / 4% organic cotton, weight 150g/m
Three open rear pockets
Relaxed fit
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for fit:
7/10
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
Comes in sizes XS-XL. The M fitted me fine, despite being listed as a size 8 in Giro's size chart (it's slightly less baggy than on the model in the photos).
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
4/10
£60 is pretty steep for a polyester T-shirt with pockets, although its eco credentials are good.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Says machine wash cold but I washed it at 30 degrees and it was fine.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Giro doesn't make many claims for the Venture, other than "fit is relaxed for comfort and performance". Yes, it is comfy and it performs much like any similar technical tee, although it's on the warm side.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The colour...
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
A bit too thick and hot for a tee.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Not at full price.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Not unless it was on sale.
Use this box to explain your score
It's an okay tee in terms of performance and comfort, which is why I'm giving it an 'above average' score of 6, but it's expensive considering the lack of features, which brings the score down from 7 'good'.
About the tester
Age: 44
I usually ride: Marin Point Reyes 29er My best bike is: Giant Anthem X1
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, mountain biking, audax
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