The Funkier Mataro Pro Ladies Rider Short Sleeve Jersey is a good value summer top with great breathability and wicking properties. It's described as having a 'pro racer cut' but isn't the tightest I've worn, though it is a good fit and comfortable for everyday use.
- Pros: Good value summer jersey
- Cons: Check sizing as it comes up slightly roomier than other brands
I've been testing the Mataro Pro Jersey for about a month in a mixed bag of weather conditions and it performed very well – with arm warmers, gilet and baselayer in chillier conditions, and on its own in warm sunshine.
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It has what's described as a pro racer cut, but I have worn other medium summer jerseys that are a little tighter fitting, such as the Lusso Stripes S/S. That said, it's comfortable and fits well without being too tight. (It's not me in the photos – that's Tass, trying and failing to breathe in hard enough as the pics were taken…)
The fabric is claimed to be 100% breathable/moisture wicking polyester, and after testing I can vouch for its ability to wick very well. There is mesh fabric under the arms, down part of the side panel, and on part of the back panel (the black is the mesh fabric). Then the front and part of the back is a 'ribbed sublimated panel' material.
There is what Funkier describes as a 'loose fitted waist gripper' which just sits nicely on your hips without riding up. The jersey is a longer length than some – which might, or might not, appeal.
It's a full zip design, but there's nowhere to park it at the collar to stop it rubbing against your neck. I didn't wear it fully zipped up, so didn't have a problem; if you like to zip right up, be aware it might rub.
There's no gripper on the sleeves, but I don't think they need it as they fit comfortably round the arm.
The Mataro Pro has the classic three-pocket design at the back, with the bonus of an extra water-resistant zipped pocket on the right for things like money or keys. It just about fits a small mobile into it, but I prefer to put my phone in a waterproof case anyway.
In terms of value, at £45 it's very appealing for a good short sleeve jersey. I've been testing the Castelli Anima 2 Women's Cycling Jersey at the same time (full review to come), which is a lighter jersey and more of a performance fit, but that'll set you back £70.
> Buyer's Guide: 17 of the best summer cycling jerseys
Overall, I like the Mataro Pro. It's a versatile jersey you can wear in the colder spring weather with a baselayer and gilet, or on its own in the warmer summer weather with its good wicking material.
Verdict
A good value spring to summer short-sleeve jersey for everyday use
Make and model: Funkier Mataro Pro Ladies Rider Short Sleeve Jersey
Tell us what the product is for
Funkier says, "A pro racer cut, the Mataro jersey contours your shape yet allows freedom of movement. Designed for the cyclist who isn't willing to compromise on style or comfort."
For me it is a summer everyday jersey.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Funkier:
* Pro racer cut
* 100% breathable/moisture wicking polyester; rib front/back sublimated panel fabric; mesh underarm, central back and side panels
* SG6 loose fitted waist gripper
* Full length zipper with puller
* Two standard back pockets
* One rear pocket is water resistant
* One side pocket to store valuables
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
For day to day cycling it was great.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Early days, but after a month of testing and washing it is still going strong.
Rate the product for fit:
7/10
The fit was comfortable wearing a medium. Not super-tight, there was room to move. I have worn tighter fitting medium jerseys.
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
For a medium jersey, it sized up slightly larger than some other medium jerseys. It fitted but wasn't performance tight.
Rate the product for weight:
6/10
At 184g it is heavier than, for example, the Castelli Anima 2 Women's Cycling Jersey which is 106g.
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
It was very comfortable to wear.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
For £45 it is great value, especially considering little details like the water-resistant zip pocket – you can pay £100 for a decent short sleeve jersey.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Washed fine at 30 degrees.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
As a day to day cycle jersey it was a comfortable top to wear.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Good value for money and can be picked up for less.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing really.
How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
Many full-zip short sleeve jerseys in a performance fit come in at about £50-80 depending on brand. Altura's Peloton Mosaic Women's Short Sleeve Jersey is a similar offering, and can be picked up for less.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Maybe
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly
Use this box to explain your overall score
It's a well-made, comfortable jersey that can be used for everyday riding, at a great price.
Age: 36 Height: 168cm Weight: 60kg
I usually ride: Genesis Croix de Fer Ti My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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