Santini's Vega 2.0 jersey is a warm and stretchy thermofleece jersey for autumn/spring rides and wearing under a windproof in the heart of winter, and it has the bonus of offering protection from road spray and drizzle.
- Pros: Water repellent, wicks sweat, warm
- Cons: No windproofing
The Vega is mainly made from a super-soft nylon/elastane fabric that wicks sweat away from you well. I always use a baselayer but you could comfortably wear this next to your skin if you prefer (although the seams aren't flat-stitched). The front panels are made of the same fabric as those at the rear; there are no windproof sections here.
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It's a slim cut (Santini categorises its jerseys as classic, slim and sleek, getting progressively skinnier), although the huge amount of all-direction stretch in the fabric means that the vast majority of people are going to get a close, comfortable fit without any tightness.
The rear is cut long so you get good coverage back there, and it's finished with a jacquard elastic waistband that has a silicone print inside to stop it shifting north as you ride. The collar is tall and close fitting, and the spotted cuffs sit close around your wrists to avoid any draughts there.
The full-length front zip has a puller that's chunky enough to find even when you're wearing your biggest winter gloves, and it locks in place wherever you set it. The flap behind that zip is mightily wide (7cm, if you're interested) for no apparent reason. Maybe it's a style thing. Whatever, it's made from a fabric that's a little denser than the rest of the jersey so you don't notice any cold air getting in there.
The main fabric is water repellent thanks to its AcquaZero treatment, meaning that rather than soaking in and spreading, road spray and drizzle bead up and roll off. Don't confuse water repellent and waterproof – the Vega 2.0 isn't waterproof.
Santini says, 'The AcquaZero treatment keeps you dry through drizzle, showers or up to one hour of heavy rain.' I'd agree with the first two. If water hits the fabric hard or it accumulates in folds, it'll get through. You don't get as much protection from the rain as you do with something like the Santini Reef that we reviewed back at the start of the year. If it starts to come down properly you're going to need a jacket.
On the other hand, if you head out for a ride and the roads are wet and there's damp in the air – which, let's face it, isn't unusual in the UK – you'll stay dry. You get the idea. The water repellency has stood up to repeated washes over the past few weeks.
Santini gives the Vega 2.0 a temperature range of 5-15°C and I'd say that's about right although some people are going to be too warm in this jersey at the upper end of that band. The fact that it's a snug fit and not bulky means you'll easily be able to put a windproof gilet or jacket over the top when temperatures get really low in the winter.
> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best winter jerseys
You get yer regulation three pockets in the lower back, approved by generations of cyclists, but not one of those new-fangled zipped ones for your valuables. The top of the pockets has a reflective binding that really shines back at other road users when it's caught in headlights.
As you can see, this version has a vivid yellow trim but if that's not to your taste you can get red or orange instead.
Overall, this is a very good, no-nonsense jersey that you'll get plenty of use from between autumn and the end of spring. For typical UK conditions, the added water repellency is a real strength.
Verdict
Warm and stretchy long-sleeve jersey that's also water repellent
Make and model: Santini Vega 2.0 Aquazero Long Sleeve Thermofleece 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?
Santini says, "Made of warm Blizzard thermofleece with water-resistant Acquazero treatment. Warm and comfortable it provides maximum protection from the rain. The jersey features a jacquard elastic waistband with a non-slip grip to ensure a perfect fit while you ride. Three large pockets on the back provide generous storage space.
"Made in Italy."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Here's the full rundown of features, courtesy of Santini:
Fit - Race cut garment made of Blizzard bi-stretch fabric for a glove-like fit. Elongated back with jacquard elastic waistband includes a non-slip grip to ensure the jersey stays in place throughout the ride.
Performace - The high stretch water-guard AcquaZero treatment with grade 4 water repellency, keeps you riding even if the forecast is less than favourable. Reflective details on the back for added road visibility.
Comfort - The garment is made of Blizzard bi-stretch fabric that keeps you warm by retaining your body's heat when the temperature drops. The fabric also has optimal wicking properties to pull moisture away from the body when necessary. The AcquaZero treatment keeps you dry through drizzle, showers or up to 1 hour of heavy rain.
Durability - The high quality fabrics chosen for the garment guarantee that the technical characteristics and the shape remain constant even after prolonged wear and numerous washes. Made in Italy by our highly skilled production staff.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
It performs well, as long as you realise it's intended to be water repellent and not waterproof.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for fit:
8/10
It's so stretchy that it'll fit a variety of different builds comfortably.
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
I'm usually a large, occasionally a medium. I took large here and it fitted fine.
Rate the product for weight:
6/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
It goes in the machine at 30°C, like most other cycling clothing, and washes well. The Acquazero treatment is still working after repeated washes.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It does a very good job to keep you warm and comfortable in cool and slightly wet conditions.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The cut is good and the stretchiness makes for a great fit.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Not a lot, although I guess some people won't be into the spotted effect on the cuffs and chest (it's one fabric overlaid on another).
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
Long-sleeve jerseys cost anything from about £40 to £200. You don't get any windproof panels here but you are getting a warm and water-repellent fabric and some neat features that justify the price. I'd say it's a solid 8 overall.
Age: 43 Height: 190cm Weight: 75kg
I usually ride: My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding
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