Review courtesy of Jacob Borger, genius in training.
Vaude is a company well known to those who like the outdoors. They have a reputation for making high quality, aesthetic and durable equipment ranging from lightweight tents to backpacks and panniers. My Vaude Hyper-Air backpack has served me well through two university degrees, travels to New Zealand, Western Europe and Russia, and is still going strong. Their cycling clothing, however is a bit of an unknown to me. I’ve long fallen into the trap of wearing hyper-coloured day-glo team kits. We’ve all been there. Most people set out to find a team kit which looks different from everyone else, but they usually end up looking just as gaudy and fake as the next guy. Hence, I’ve been on the lookout for some plainly coloured, and yet stylish, kit for a while, and Vaude have joined the likes of Assos and Campagnolo in this part of the market.
Vaude’s Spectra Jersey is a multi-panelled (I counted 16) affair which allows the material to fit more closely to the body’s contours than others. The design naturally leads to there being many internal seams, but none of them was an irritation when out riding. For me this is a pleasant surprise; it usually doesn’t take much (like a slightly off kilter tag) to set me scratching at it like a lunatic.
Most of the panels are a mixture of 84% polyamide and 16% elastane which is a much closer weave material compared to what I’m used to seeing in the average jersey and it seemed thicker too. This set me worrying about whether it would be cool enough. This material is combined with two loose weave panels (in a contrasting colour) under the armpits (80% ployamide, 20% elastane) and another broad contrasting panel of polyester across the upper back to aid ventilation. I needn’t have worried; on the hot January Sydney morning I chose to test the jersey, I comfortably kept my cool. The three quarter zip on the front provides additional ventilation (a godsend given the latest bout of steamy conditions in this part of the world) though I usually prefer a full zip.
Three pockets in the back provide adequate storage (if a little less than what I’m used to) and, importantly, the material helps prevent the wallet, keys and mobile from bungying around when out of the saddle. Above the pockets on each side is an unobtrusive reflective silver strip (handy at night) and there’s also a silicone gripper on the lower rear hem to prevent the jersey riding up. This is a good addition given that the cut seems a little short. The fit is fine with knicks (which is all I wear anyway) but those who prefer shorts (why why WHY??!!) will need to double check for length.
Overall the quality of this jersey is excellent; particularly the seams and hems which all carry a strong multi-interlocked stitching which should last a long time. Highly recommended.
To find a stockist, or look at other Vaude items, check out their website.