Primal Mai Tai Evo Cycling Jersey

The Mai Tai Evo Jersey from Primal is certainly going to get you noticed, but thankfully its retro styling isn't there to dazzle you away from any shortcomings. The Evo is a performance-cut jersey that works really well when things get a little warm.

The AE Elite fabric is made from polyester and nylon and has a fairish amount of stretch, although primarily the jersey relies on its close cut to offer its slim shape. It isn't skinny tight, like a lot of performance jerseys, but offers a close fit with a bit of room, a realistic range of sizing if you like.

The Evo is a great jersey for when the weather turns warmer, from high teens centigrade and above, thanks to the lightweight material. The side panels and underarms use a mesh fabric, which aids breathability and keeps the jersey feeling cool and breezy, especially when climbing or you are working really hard.

The full length YKK zip runs smoothly, which makes it easy to move up and down one-handed while in the saddle, should you wish to regulate body temperature. You don't get a zip garage at the top but the neck isn't high, so irritation isn't really an issue.

At the rear you'll find three pockets in a traditional layout, though it is good to see that the two outer ones are angled, making entry and exit much simpler when crouched in the saddle. They are a decent enough depth for a tube, phone or short mini pump, and the fabric is reasonably taut so you don't get masses of sag when fully loaded.

The right hand pocket also has a zip for valuables like cash or a debit card.

The rear tail is dropped by a good three inches for plenty of lower back coverage when in the saddle, and it is all held in place by an elasticated hem and silicone gripper. I certainly never had any issues with the jersey riding up while I was riding.

Overall quality is very good indeed, with no signs of any stray threads or rough stitching, and from previous experience of Primal products (Primal makes our road.cc kit), durability will not be an issue.

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Price-wise, the Evo actually sits towards the mid to lower end when you look at the collective of jerseys we are sent in for review. You can go cheaper, but I'd say at £65 you are getting a technically designed jersey that offers a great cut and fit for the performance rider.

Verdict

Fun looking jersey that performs well when the temperature rises