Skip to main content

Gore C5 Trail jersey


This is another deceptively simple-looking jersey that scores highly because of the performance of the fabric. It’s lightweight, with a high degree of stretch and a long, slim fit that still allows unrestricted movement on the bike. The fabric has a smooth feel, wicks superbly and dries quickly. It sounds (and feels, at first) like it’ll be delicate but close inspection reveals a dense surface designed for abrasion resistance. Unbelieving, we tested it on a spiky hedge and it survived unscathed. While it’s not the cheapest tech tee, it’s by no means expensive, and in our view it’s worth investing the extra tenner or so to get a top that successfully combines lightweight hot-weather performance with the hardier durability usually associated with heavier materials.

Price $75

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

Merida Big Seven 100

We've rolled up to our local woods, with a meandering blue trail, some natural wooded tracks and a bit of fire road chucked into the mix to see how the Big Seven 100 tackles trails that entry-level riders are likely to cut their teeth on.