Parrot Block jersey
Price: £24.99
www.parrot-online.com

Parrot are a direct-from-the-web clothing company making well designed riding gear for British conditions. Lack of shops in the buying chain also means prices are very competitive.

Style + cut
The Block is a classic cycling jersey, front panel, back panel, side panels and a pair of sleeves, all joined together with flatlocked seams to stop chafing.
Bottom hem is elasticated as are the pocket tops which keeps everything close and snug, while the sleeves are close enough without extra laggy. Short collar is close enough to stop draughts without choking you. The zip is long enough for most venting duties but not quite long enough to get over a helmet if you get the urge to go topless midride.

Soft, lightweight Aquaduct fabric with a semi-perforated outer face that wicks sweat into the breeze well or doubles up as a reasonably cosy underlayer. Sideways stretch keeps the simple cut close fitting and we’ve had no trouble with snagged threads yet. Classic cut complemented by red yellow or blue primary colour options.

Sizing
Our medium was a close fit on a medium sized body, with plenty of length in the back for skinny whippets. Pretty much ideal then.

Pockets
3 pockets on the back panel is a classic touch, and while the elastic top edges makes it hard to get stuff into them occasionally it also cinches the jersey in for a close fit and stops clobber falling out if you go base over apex.

As with many Parrot products they complement the already excellent pricing with ‘bundle’ deals for shirt and shorts or pairs of shirts (2 for £39.98). If you’re feeling butch it also comes in a sleeveless version for £22.99.

The zip’s slightly short, but the simple cut fits nice and close (if that’s what you want) and the fabric works well on it’s own or underneath other layers. Add in a cracking price and simple plain colours and this is pretty much the classic bike jersey on or off road.