Polaris Fission Jersey £40

At a glance Warm, close fitting, long-sleeved cycling-specific jersey for cooler temperatures at a bargain price.

Tested by
Jon Adams, tester for The Bike List

Value

Performance

If you're using a short-sleeved jersey with arm-warmers, and the arm-warmers are staying for the entire duration of your ride, then it's probably time to save yourself some hassle and invest in a long-sleeved top. Pulling on a single jersey will get you out the door and on the road much faster, and in cooler temperatures, there's no point in faffing around with removable items if you're not going to actually remove them!

The Fission jersey from Polaris has a fetching two-tone design in black with red trim or black with 'Lizard' trim (that's green) and offers a good, close fit, so there's no flapping on quick descents. The Thermalite fabric is comfortable against the skin with a brushed, fleecy interior, and it's stretchy as well, so you can hitch up the sleeves to cool the wrists if you're getting a bit too warm on a climb. The full-length zip helps with venting too, and this has a really positive locking action, so whether you want it sealed tight around the collar for maximum warmth or open halfway for cooling off, it stays put once you fold the puller flat against the zip itself. The puller is nice and large too, so it's easy to use with full-finger gloves. This is just as well, as this jersey is so warm, you're likely to be wearing full gloves when using it.

Round the back are three decent-sized pockets for stowing your essentials, and the centre one has a Velcro closure for added security. This works well - it's maybe not as attractive as a zip closure, but it's more effective in use (especially with gloves on) and that's what counts. The Thermalite fabric isn't fully windproof, so you'll need a gilet or windproof jacket over the top in cold conditions, but the weave is tight enough to keep a fairly strong breeze out while still being as breathable as any microfleece top. There's a silicon gripper at the hem of the drop tail, and this gives a good seal around your backside and stops the jersey riding up at the back.

For just £40, this is a great buy. The only downside is it's a bit short on retro-reflective flashes. It's a warm jersey, so is quite usable on its own on calm nights down to about 9-10˚C, but there's only one bit of retro-reflective piping at the back under the pockets, so some more wouldn't hurt. The only other thing is that it does hold onto a bit of water if you're caught in heavy rain, so the fabric will get heavier after a soaking. Having said that, it's hard to fault this piece of kit, especially considering the price. If you're after a long-sleeved top for late autumn through to early spring, this is a superb option, and it's just as effective as jerseys costing twice the price. Good fit, good performance, and very good value.

Buy from www.chainreactioncycles.com