The best lightweight MTB jerseys will keep cool without overheating, be a solid second layer under your waterproof and match up with the rest of your kit.
Ben brought together the best lightweight MTB jerseys right now and put them head to head to see which ones came out on top.
The best lightweight MTB jerseys are has low weight, material that’s kind to the skin, good ventilation, good sweat-wicking capabilities, be able to take the crashes and make you look like a badass. Of course, they’ve also got to come in some cool colours, right?
Fighting for the top spot in this test are Endura Singletrack Core Print T, Ride 100% Airmatic Short Sleeve, Da Kine Vectra 3/4 Sleeve Jersey, Race Face Indy SS, Morvelo Slide SS Jersey and Mons Royale Redwood Enduro VT.
It’s worth saying: This isn’t an exhaustive list of all jerseys on the market right now, it’s just what we’ve been able to test. If brands want to send us their jerseys, we’ll happily include them when we re-run this feature.
Endura Singletrack Core Print T
Key features:
- Fast wicking, lightweight main body fabric
- Contrast rib fabric collar detail
- Full sublimation print
- Standard slim, not baggy, flap free fit
- Polyester 100%
- £34.99 RRP
- EnduraSport.com
As soon as you get the Endura out of the pack you are struck by how nice the material feels. You can also feel that it is feathery light weight despite the quality construction that Endura are known for. This was easily the test winner for me based on hot weather comfort, sweat wicking performance and the lowest price on test.
We Love
- Nicest, softest, lightest material on test.
- Great price.
- Good sizing and cut.
Could Do Better
- We are struggling to think of anything here, sorry.
Ride 100% Airmatic Short Sleeve
Key Features:
- Technical heather jersey fabric with a casual t-shirt look and feel
- Fade resistant sublimated graphics
- Reflective logo on back for increased visibility
- Drop tail provides increased coverage in riding position
- Internal goggle wipe keeps your eye protection clean
- £39.99 RRP
- Ride100PerCent.com
The Ride 100% Airmatic has a nice sporty fit and styling that feels more like a tech t-shirt than a full on ‘race’ style jersey. The material is not quite as cool at the Endura or Race Face but it is still a great summer jersey for less than £40.
We Love
- Material feels like a normal t-shirt.
- Available in a wide variety of colours and designs to suit any taste.
- Goggle wipe sewn in.
Could Do Better
- Lacking mesh or added ventilation panels.
Da Kine Vectra 3/4 Sleeve Jersey
Key features:
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
- 4-way stretch construction
- Polygiene® Odor Control technology
- Interior sunglass wipe
- Chest pocket detail
- High V neck, set sleeves, 2″ (5cm) drop rear hem
- £35.00 RRP
- DaKine.com
The dark, low key colours of the DaKine will be a hit with older riders and those who don’t like modern flouro colour schemes. When you combine the dark colour with the heaviest material on test it does mean that it is the warmest jersey on test, especially in direct sun. The fit is quite slim across the chest and shoulders which I liked, but chunkier riders may need to size up.
We Love
- Most protection due to 3/4 sleeves
- Understated styling will match any riding kit.
Could Do Better
- Heaviest material on test with 3/4 sleeves is best suited to cooler evening rides rather than hot days.
Race Face Indy SS
Key features:
- Subtle perforations in body and sleeve fabric.
- Mesh side panels.
- Flatlock stitching on shoulder yokes.
- Slight drop back patterning.
- Faux suede goggle wipe on inside of hem detail.
- £54.99 RRP
- RaceFace.com
The Indy SS Jersey is super comfy and cool with mesh panels, great styling and neutral fit. It is a top quality summer riding jersey and one of the coolest on hot days. It was a close run thing between the Race Face Indy and the Endura Core, with the high price of the Indy being the deciding factor in favour of the Endura.
We Love
- Lightweight and very soft material
- Mesh armpits and sides.
- Great cut and styling.
- Glasses wipe.
Could Do Better
- Price. Lower price would see it draw with the Endura.
Morvelo Slide SS Jersey
Key features:
- Sublimated fade resistant print
- Regular fit
- Breathable
- Quick drying
- 100% polyester
- £35.00 RRP
- Morvelo.com
The material on the Morvelo is unique amongst the jerseys on test here. It is quite heavy but also perforated with thousands of small holes, a bit like an American football jersey. When you are up to speed it is lovely and cool but in slower speed situations with less air flow I found this jersey quite warm. I loved the style and design of the jersey and the white shoulder panels certainly keep you cooler under direct sun.
We Love
- Perforated material keeps you cool when speeds increase.
- Cool design from a British brand.
- Price.
Could Do Better
- Despite being perforated the actual material is quite heavy and can be hot at slow speeds.
- Snags easily on bushes.
Mons Royale Redwood Enduro VT
- Merino Air-Con 140 material
- Mons standard fit
- High v-neck, perfect for riding
- Breathable merino mesh panels
- Drop tail for extra coverage
- Zipped back pocket for valuables
- Hidden sunglasses wipe.
- £56.00 RRP
- MonsRoyale.com
Mons Royale is a Kiwi brand that specialise in technical apparel constructed from Merino wool. Merino’s properties include sweat wicking and being naturally anti-bacterial. both of which help to prevent the Redwood jersey from getting smelly even on the hottest rides. Whilst the Mons Royale performed well in the heat I did not like the long in the body cut that looked strange and then rucks up a bit when you ride.
We Love
- Mesh panels on sides and armpits keep you cool.
- Zipped rear pocket is pretty handy for a phone or bank card.
- Merino wool keeps you cool and dry in the heat and it doesn’t get smelly despite my best efforts.
Could Do Better
- A bit too long in the body.
- Sometimes a little itchy.
- Expensive.
And which one do we recommend?
The Endura Singletrack Core T made its case early on with its light, comfortable material and low price.
From then on it didn’t really relinquish the top spot and was the standard by which all the others were measured against.
An honourable mention has to go to the RaceFace Indy SS jersey which went all twelve rounds with the Endura jersey but fell short at the bell for being twenty quid more expensive.
