Huez Inverse Rock Jersey

With what can only be described as a funky design, the Huez Inverse Rock jersey is certainly going to get you noticed. Thankfully, that love it or hate it explosion of colour is backed up by an excellent cut and great performance in a range of temperatures.

"Taking inspiration from the Helvetic rocks of Alpe d'Huez, this is our latest limited edition digital print, connecting us to the epic climb," says Huez on its latest creation, which is also available in a black version if this one is a little too out there for you.

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As with all of the Huez kit I've tested, the overall quality and level of finish is very high indeed. The stitching is neat and tidy throughout the well-positioned seams; none are placed where they could irritate the skin, even wearing a rucksack or whatever, which also helps with durability.

The fabric is Italian (the jersey is manufactured there too) and has high levels of stretch in all directions for a really close, race-style fit, enhanced by the cut of the panels. It's a flattering fit, so even though the jersey has a very slim fitting shape you don't need to be a racing whippet to look good in it.

Whether you're sitting more upright or hunkering down in the drops at full stretch, the Inverse Rock moves with you without ever feeling tight or restrictive across the shoulders, which is impressive considering how close the fit is when you're off the bike.

The tail is dropped for decent coverage when in the drops and the front arched up towards the centre which reduces bunching around the stomach and stops the zip rubbing on the front of your shorts.

The sleeves are pretty long, coming down nearly to the elbow, and are held in place more by the fabric than any sort of cuff, but it works well. I had no issues with them riding up at all even when things were hot and sweaty.

Keeping temperature levels under control, Huez has gone for mesh side and underarm panels which help to extract some bodyheat. I'd say the jersey works comfortably up until about 20°C before it can start to feel a little warm, but on the flipside the fabric will keep you warm down to low double figures so it makes for a great spring/autumn jersey.

If you do overheat you can always drop the full zip which is easy to adjust while riding and is positioned under a zip garage at the neck to stop any irritation.

Pocket-wise you get four across the lower back. Three are in the traditional position, with each offering plenty of storage space and made of non-saggy material. They'll easily swallow one of the latest large smartphones plus our jersey also came with a Huez branded aLOKSAK waterproof valuables bag.

The fourth pocket sits to the left-hand side, sized and positioned perfectly for an energy bar or anything else you might need to grab hold of on the fly.

The only thing it's missing is a zipped pocket for a key or some loose change; most jerseys now have one of these.

> Buyer's Guide: 21 of the best cycling jerseys

At £130 this jersey is up there with some of the top priced kit we've tested, and although I think it is an excellent piece of kit, we've seen some impressive jerseys for a ton or less. Sportful's Gruppetto Pro, for instance, ticks most of the same boxes for 80 quid, there are some good Alé options at £100, and Café du Cycliste's Zahira is 10 per cent cheaper.

The Inverse Rock is just a little too much money for me, even for the quality and performance. If you're happy to spend the cash, though, it's a great top (and it's for sale online in the black version for £98).

Verdict

Great fit and very well made, but it'll cost you