Review: Adidas Adizero Short Sleeve Jersey

It's not very often that I weigh a piece of clothing. In fact, I don't remember ever doing it before... It was the first thing that I did with the new adidas adizero jersey though; because to be blunt, it's ludicrously light.

Adidas claim that the jersey weighs in at a minuscule 65 grams; my medium sample actually came in at 62 grams on my scales, so it is indeed a serious featherweight! The thinking behind this record breaking design, is simple: lighter is faster, thinner materials are more comfortable in the heat, and a lower profile style is more aero.

In recent years, we've seen Grand Tour contenders such as Chris Froome wear skimpy (and see-through) jerseys and skin-suits on Alpine stages; the adizero jersey comes from the same school of thought, and pushes the boundaries in terms of ventilation and minimalism.

Shrouded in tissue paper, the jersey arrives like a precious piece of art. When you unwrap it, you can see why; this is a piece of apparel made of fabric that won't deal with burly handling. It's about as light as Lycra gets, and features net fabrics on key perspiration areas such as the back, under-arms and lower hem. It is about as close as you can get to wearing nothing, whilst still wearing something.

The fit is good, and my medium size jersey came up fairly well, although I would probably opt for a small in retrospect (link to my sizings). The sleeves have a longer (more aero) profile than many traditional jerseys, and the cut is very much cycling-specific; with a significant drop-tail and higher cut front. There's very little in the way of a collar, which is an intentional design, aimed at reducing weight and heat-retention. There's also a full-length zipper, and silicone grippers on the hem and sleeves; both helping to achieve a comfortable and secure fit.

As is always the case with high-end products (this jersey retails for £100), it is the attention to detail in the adizero jersey that makes it interesting. It is also what makes it a performer out on the bike. The positioning of the mesh panels seems to be spot-on, and notably help in dissipating perspiration and heat; I've tested this jersey in 30 degrees, and the lighter fabric made a significant difference to temperature regulation and comfort. Other design features are also well considered, such as the subtle reflective detailing, which is a good nod towards safety.


If I have one criticism of the adizero jersey, it is the pocketing. In a bid to reduce weight and maximise ventilation, adidas have opted for just two small pockets on the jersey. For some, that might be enough, and you could fit say a phone and a few gels in the capacity. For me though, it's a bit too minimal. I tend to take a pump, phone, a few gels and a bar in my pockets; there is no chance of fitting that in this jersey. The result, is that you'd need to fit the pump on the frame and the other things in a saddlebag; once you have to do that, you're adding weight to the bike/rider, and it rather negates the benefit of the lightweight jersey for net weight loss. Personally, I would have preferred to have seen three normal size pockets.

Aside from the minor pocketing issue (which for many may not be an issue), this is a superb bit of summer cycling kit. The lightweight fabric is extremely effective at aiding comfort in hotter weather, the fit is close, and the cut is well tailored to a bike rider's position. It's also a great looker, and would certainly appear the part as you tackle that mountain pass.

If you're a rider that suffers from overheating, or you're based in a country with plenty of warmer summer days, this is a product worth considering.

View the adidas range at adidasspecialtysports.co.uk (Link)





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