At a glance Warm, long-sleeved jersey with a windproof front, a stretch fleece back and a full-length zip. It looks very techie, but works in all kinds of weather and sports an appealing price tag
Tested by
Jon Adams, tester for The Bike List
Performance
If you ride to work, or like your regular loop on the bike to be uncluttered and uncomplicated, you're probably a big fan of the single layer garment. This is the 'magic' top you just throw on over your bare skin shortly before you start pedaling. It's quick to change when you get to work, and just as quick to put on when you quit the office and head for home. You don't need to expend any energy or time weighing up this or considering that; you just chuck it on and get on with it. 'Magic' tops are easy on warm summer mornings and evenings, as any short sleeved jersey, t-shirt or thermal base layer will do the trick. But when the weather's not so great and you face a mix of light showers, blustery winds and chillier temperatures, the magic single layer poses a tricky problem.
The soft-shell
jersey-cum-jacket was invented to provide the solution to this.
It's windproof where you need it to be, it's very breathable so you
don't get too damp inside, it sucks the sweat off your skin and
wicks it through the fabric, and it offers just enough insulation
to retain your body heat while you're active. Softshells aren't
fully waterproof, because the seams aren't taped and the fabric mix
is biased towards breathability, but they are weatherproof in that
they'll deal with anything other than heavy rain.
The Vortex II is the top-of the-range offering from Peak District company Polaris, and depending on the size you choose, it works fine as a jersey or a jacket. My sample was very close fitting on me, so I used it straight over bare skin as a long-sleeved jersey. With a bit more room, though, a base layer wouldn't be a problem, and that would see you through the winter with an additional windproof over the top for sub-zero temperatures.
The Vortex looks a bit incongruous at first glance with its black, straight-edged front panels and coloured back, sides and belly. Aesthetically, it looks a bit workmanlike - but all this changes when you put it on, and rapidly discover that it's very cleverly designed. The black windproof panels are all in exactly the right places on the shoulders, chest and the front of the sleeves, and the stretchy, thermal fleece is superbly positioned, too. Both fabrics are very comfortable next to the skin with soft, fleecy inner faces, and there's no scratchiness to the seams. The windproof laminate is thicker and bulkier than, say Gore Windstopper or Polartec WindBloc, but though this makes the garment's front a bit stiffer, it means you can vent or close the locking full-length zip with one hand. This is quick and easy when you want to cool off and get some air to your chest.
The close fit means
there's no real flapping on descents, though the downside of this
is the tight sleeves can't be hoisted up to cool your forearms on
climbs. The jacket is very warm once you're underway, and unless
there's wind or rain in the air, you're likely to be too toasty
above above 12ºC (give or take). A good way to gauge it is, if
it's warm enough to wear shorts, then it's probably too warm for
the Vortex II. In cold or windy, unsettled weather, it's great
though, and it'll take showers in its stride. Early spring, late
autumn and winter are where it comes into its own, though in
persistent rain, the overly large cuffs hold water uncomfortably.
These are quite retro in appearance and sag when wet, so it would
be nice to see them reduced in size or replaced with Lycra piping
or similar.
For stowing your essentials, there are four large pockets that are easy to get at, plus an extra zipped pocket for stuff you don't want to lose. There are good retro-reflective flashes front and back for night riding, and an effective silicon gripper on the elasticated hem to stop the back riding up. The Polaris size chart errs on the small size with a men's S chest at 35in, M at 38in and L at 41in, so be prepared to go up a notch if you're at the mid-to-high end of a size range.
All in all, the Vortex II is a very techie-looking jersey, so it's only really at home on a bike, and the cut is so performance-oriented that it wouldn't even double as a hill-walking softshell. Neither of these are bad things if you're specific about your cycling needs, and it is a great option as a single layer for no-nonsense types going out in cooler weather. The overly large cuffs are the only downside in my view, but the appealing price of £75 will help many to overlook this. A good all-weather jersey/jacket that works really well.
Buy men's from www.chainreactioncycles.com
Buy women's from www.chainreactioncycles.com
Polaris says:
- Fully windproof chest and sleeve panels - perfect for long winter rides
- Thermastretch contrast fabric for warmth, breathability and comfort
- Four elasticated storage pockets and one zipped security pocket
- Reflective print detail and piping
- Full YKK front zip
- Lycra cuffs for comfort
- Colours: Blue / Black, Yellow/ Black
- Sizes: Small - XXL
Find out more www.polaris-apparel.co.uk
