PH Cycling Shirts (I know, I know...)
Discussion
I gave my winter jersey it's first run out yesterday. 16 miles on the MTB, mid afternoon.
Honest verdict?
The sleeves are too long for my short arms. More a criticism of my short arms than the design of the jersey?
The pockets are longer (taller?) and less wide than the summer 'sport cut' jersey. This may, though, be more to do with it being 'pro cut', but it was a pain getting some stuff into and out of the pockets.
It fitted very well in the body, being snug, but with no sense of 'restriction'. I like this very much.
It was warm. Very warm. It will make an excellent winter jersey, but it's a little too warm for the current weather we're having. I thought, beforehand, that I would be quite warm in it, but I was forced into wearing it because my other jerseys were on the washing line. It turned out to be warmer than I expected.
It seems to be very well made, and I loved the bit at the start of the ride, where all I could smell was the sweet scent of 'fresh from the wrapper' new kit. No doubt that'll be gone after yesterday's sweaty escapade and a laundry cycle or two.
Overall, I'm really happy with it. I haven't tried the zip pocket yet, but it's generous enough for my keys and a couple of quid, and there've been no reports of zip problems with the other batches. My only minor niggle is with the sleeve length, but then I'm an oddbodied shortarse so 'regular' sized folk might not have the same issue.
Thanks again, Gruffy! I'm now looking forward to the possibility of a whole new design, possibly in a MTB cut, sometime next year. These jerseys seem, to me anyway, to be remarkable value for money over the 'off the peg' designs available in shops and on line. Great stuff!
Honest verdict?
The sleeves are too long for my short arms. More a criticism of my short arms than the design of the jersey?
The pockets are longer (taller?) and less wide than the summer 'sport cut' jersey. This may, though, be more to do with it being 'pro cut', but it was a pain getting some stuff into and out of the pockets.
It fitted very well in the body, being snug, but with no sense of 'restriction'. I like this very much.
It was warm. Very warm. It will make an excellent winter jersey, but it's a little too warm for the current weather we're having. I thought, beforehand, that I would be quite warm in it, but I was forced into wearing it because my other jerseys were on the washing line. It turned out to be warmer than I expected.
It seems to be very well made, and I loved the bit at the start of the ride, where all I could smell was the sweet scent of 'fresh from the wrapper' new kit. No doubt that'll be gone after yesterday's sweaty escapade and a laundry cycle or two.
Overall, I'm really happy with it. I haven't tried the zip pocket yet, but it's generous enough for my keys and a couple of quid, and there've been no reports of zip problems with the other batches. My only minor niggle is with the sleeve length, but then I'm an oddbodied shortarse so 'regular' sized folk might not have the same issue.
Thanks again, Gruffy! I'm now looking forward to the possibility of a whole new design, possibly in a MTB cut, sometime next year. These jerseys seem, to me anyway, to be remarkable value for money over the 'off the peg' designs available in shops and on line. Great stuff!
Cheers for the review. It all helps when I'm reviewing manufacturer options. It's a challenge for them to try and make it fit perfectly for such a wide range of body shapes in each size. For example, I have fairly short arms for 6'4" but the sleeves on my 7 were just right. On a more typical bloke of my height they'd be too short and I'm sure there are some shorter lads wearing 7s that they're much too long for. Still, for a winter jersey it's better they're too long than too short.
This is one of the reasons why I'm looking for somebody who can make proper 'race' spec jerseys as well as the sport cut / commuter jerseys. Hopefully the cuts reflect the different body types a bit more closely.
I found the jersey much too warm, personally, but I ride very hot anyway. The Owayo kit is well put together and I'm sure it'll prove very durable. It's good value for money but there are a few compromises that come with that. Because it's made from a single material you have fleecy material behind the pockets and on the pockets themselves. Double-fleece on an area that, ideally, would be one of the more breathable parts of the jersey. Then with the two layers of fleecy material for the mini pocket you end up with a (small) area on the back where there are four layers of fleece. It's things like this that keep the cost down but do compromise performance. I'm guessing there may be enough PHers who, like me, could stomach a 20% hike in cost for something less compromised?
This is one of the reasons why I'm looking for somebody who can make proper 'race' spec jerseys as well as the sport cut / commuter jerseys. Hopefully the cuts reflect the different body types a bit more closely.
I found the jersey much too warm, personally, but I ride very hot anyway. The Owayo kit is well put together and I'm sure it'll prove very durable. It's good value for money but there are a few compromises that come with that. Because it's made from a single material you have fleecy material behind the pockets and on the pockets themselves. Double-fleece on an area that, ideally, would be one of the more breathable parts of the jersey. Then with the two layers of fleecy material for the mini pocket you end up with a (small) area on the back where there are four layers of fleece. It's things like this that keep the cost down but do compromise performance. I'm guessing there may be enough PHers who, like me, could stomach a 20% hike in cost for something less compromised?
Gruffy said:
Cheers for the review. It all helps when I'm reviewing manufacturer options. It's a challenge for them to try and make it fit perfectly for such a wide range of body shapes in each size. For example, I have fairly short arms for 6'4" but the sleeves on my 7 were just right. On a more typical bloke of my height they'd be too short and I'm sure there are some shorter lads wearing 7s that they're much too long for. Still, for a winter jersey it's better they're too long than too short.
This is one of the reasons why I'm looking for somebody who can make proper 'race' spec jerseys as well as the sport cut / commuter jerseys. Hopefully the cuts reflect the different body types a bit more closely.
I found the jersey much too warm, personally, but I ride very hot anyway. The Owayo kit is well put together and I'm sure it'll prove very durable. It's good value for money but there are a few compromises that come with that. Because it's made from a single material you have fleecy material behind the pockets and on the pockets themselves. Double-fleece on an area that, ideally, would be one of the more breathable parts of the jersey. Then with the two layers of fleecy material for the mini pocket you end up with a (small) area on the back where there are four layers of fleece. It's things like this that keep the cost down but do compromise performance. I'm guessing there may be enough PHers who, like me, could stomach a 20% hike in cost for something less compromised?
My 'review' was for a size 7 winter jersey, too. But I'm only 5'6", so it's little wonder that I had issues with the sleeve length This is one of the reasons why I'm looking for somebody who can make proper 'race' spec jerseys as well as the sport cut / commuter jerseys. Hopefully the cuts reflect the different body types a bit more closely.
I found the jersey much too warm, personally, but I ride very hot anyway. The Owayo kit is well put together and I'm sure it'll prove very durable. It's good value for money but there are a few compromises that come with that. Because it's made from a single material you have fleecy material behind the pockets and on the pockets themselves. Double-fleece on an area that, ideally, would be one of the more breathable parts of the jersey. Then with the two layers of fleecy material for the mini pocket you end up with a (small) area on the back where there are four layers of fleece. It's things like this that keep the cost down but do compromise performance. I'm guessing there may be enough PHers who, like me, could stomach a 20% hike in cost for something less compromised?
As you say, too long is infinitely preferable to too short.
I'm glad I'm not 'odd' in thinking it was quite 'warm' in the jersey. Your explanation regarding the fabrics used means it makes more sense now.
As far as a 20% price hike goes? I'm not sure. 20% on that winter jersey and we're knocking on the door of £75, and that might be too rich for me, even though it's still decent value in the grand scheme of things. I think I'd probably try to find the money, though, if the design and quality were up there. For too long I bought cheap and often regretted it. The likes of the Karrimor gear at sports direct, and Aldi/Lidl offerings. Their gear does the job, and has (so far) lasted well, but it just doesn't feel like 'quality', and seldom fits really well. I've learned my lesson there, and will be more selective in what I buy, and where I buy it from, in the future. Comfort, after all, is vital in the saddle for more than a couple of hours, and it's worth paying for when you boil it down to purely value for the money you've spent.
I didn't mean for my last post to be a 'review' really, but if it helps build a better product next time, then that's cool. I know I've said it before, but thanks again for sorting these jerseys. It's very much appreciated, and I'm very happy with the summer and winter jerseys I now have. That said, although I'd not be interested in any more repeats of previous designs, if a fresh new design were to appear next time, I'd be sorely tempted.
Gruffy said:
That's a tough one for me to call as I only have personal experience with sizes 7 and L, which are similar. I believe 11 is the upper end of XXL, so that may be ideal if the XXL fits you perfectly and you're looking for just enough room for a base layer.
Hi GruffyI'm leaning towards that spare (assuming etc etc) being just too large.
If it is still spare and nobody has claimed it, I would take it and if it is too big, then it becomes my problem and not yours as you been so great with all of the admin?
S/P
Ps- my S/S XXL shirts fit well so maybe my winter (aka donuts and cake) shape may work......
I came home from my hols to find the winter "7" to be in house, I'm in the arms slightly long camp too, trunk fits well, but I even noticed that the arms are a bit baggy without any other layers. It will allow room for a long sleeved undershirt when it gets colder, but based on today's ride at 15C and a little wind, it'll be a toasty affair. Well chuffed.
Wore mine for the first ride today. The only other winter jersey I have is a DHB windslam roubaix, size M, which is an extremely close fit - I'm 5'11, 75kg, 39" chest and 32" waist. Not a racing snake but no belly.
The PH jersey (size 6) is a really good fit, ever so slightly long in the sleeve and looser round the shoulders / chest than the DHB, but on my 30 miler today neither of these were any kind of problem. The sleeve length allowed a nice wedge of material to slip under my gloves. The roubaix fabric isn't as thick as my DHB jobbie, which is probably more jacket-esque, so the PH one provides a happy medium for autumn rides. I'd like something over or under it on a properly cold jaunt though.
Graphically I love the design. For any future efforts I'd happily pay an extra 15 - 20% for additional features and a closer fit, as long as the quality is retained because this current one definitely feels like a pro item. Thanks again from me too Gruffy!
The PH jersey (size 6) is a really good fit, ever so slightly long in the sleeve and looser round the shoulders / chest than the DHB, but on my 30 miler today neither of these were any kind of problem. The sleeve length allowed a nice wedge of material to slip under my gloves. The roubaix fabric isn't as thick as my DHB jobbie, which is probably more jacket-esque, so the PH one provides a happy medium for autumn rides. I'd like something over or under it on a properly cold jaunt though.
Graphically I love the design. For any future efforts I'd happily pay an extra 15 - 20% for additional features and a closer fit, as long as the quality is retained because this current one definitely feels like a pro item. Thanks again from me too Gruffy!
pablo said:
Anybody want swap their size 7 for my 8?!.... Or shall I just go intensive on the pies/beer?!...
Hi Pablo, I'd be happy to swap as I seem to have started adding my extra "winter layer" already. My '7' has been worn only once to try it on and is otherwise exactly as it arrived in the post. I've been chatting to various suppliers this week and through the winter, trying to get the best deals. We need to get cracking as it's a busy time of the year. The plan is still to go for 'budget' jerseys, 'high performance' jerseys and MTB jerseys. If there's enough demand we could include cycling caps, but the minimums are 100 for those.
Current front-runners are Kalas, Bioracer and Primal.
Current front-runners are Kalas, Bioracer and Primal.
Gruffy said:
I've been chatting to various suppliers this week and through the winter, trying to get the best deals. We need to get cracking as it's a busy time of the year. The plan is still to go for 'budget' jerseys, 'high performance' jerseys and MTB jerseys. If there's enough demand we could include cycling caps, but the minimums are 100 for those.
Current front-runners are Kalas, Bioracer and Primal.
Thanks, I'll stay tuned to this thread Current front-runners are Kalas, Bioracer and Primal.
The biggest variable is the quality/cost of the high-performance road jersey. With some suppliers there is also the opportunity for a membrane jersey, like Castelli's Gabba.
For those interested in more of a pro jersey, what sort of cost would you be comfortable with, assuming the performance is proportional?
For those interested in more of a pro jersey, what sort of cost would you be comfortable with, assuming the performance is proportional?
£65-ish, I suppose.
Much more than that and the risk with bespoke items - no exchange/return if the size and cut ordered doesn't fit - comes too great. For me, at least.
But if everyone else is happy spending twice that then there's always the budget jersey option for me, so whatever you decide I'm sure it'll be all good.
Much more than that and the risk with bespoke items - no exchange/return if the size and cut ordered doesn't fit - comes too great. For me, at least.
But if everyone else is happy spending twice that then there's always the budget jersey option for me, so whatever you decide I'm sure it'll be all good.
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