The Sugoi RS jersey is an excellent, lightweight summer jersey, with a good fit, sensible fabrics for warm weather riding and features which make it very good value for money.
The jersey is part of the Canadian firm’s Racing Systems collection and arrived at RoadCyclingUK for review along with the bib shorts from the same range.
The jersey has what Sugoi describe as a ‘pro fit’ and that translates to a slim, tapered body, and ergonomic sleeves, which ensure the stretchy fabric carefully hugs the contours of the body. The close cut may not cut all body shapes but our medium sample tested never felt restrictive.
The jersey is made from two distinct fabrics which make it a very good option for hot weather. We described the fabrics in our first look but, in short, the first, named Gobi by Sugoi, is a lightweight polyester which makes up the majority of the jersey, while the second, dubbed Vector Stretch, is a lighter mesh used on the shoulders and underarms, and on a small panel at the rear of the jersey (the black parts in our pictures).
Both work well together to make for a jersey which is very well ventilated. The two fabrics are very light and let air pass through them easily, and the Vector Stretch panels are well located in areas prone to generating more heat or sweat.
The full-length zip also means you can regulate ventilation further, choosing to have the zip fully done up, right down to having the jersey flapping at your sides on a long, hot climb, like you’re sure to see in the forthcoming Vuelta a Espana.
The combination of sensible fabrics, which are well ventilated and breathe well, and that full-length zip make this one of the most effective warm weather jerseys I’ve tested, though that means it also lets chilly air pass through when the weather is less clement, or when descending.
Otherwise, the jersey has three rear pockets which are well-sized, plus there’s an additional zipped pocket, handy, as ever, to carry valuables, be it keys, cash or a mobile phone. The elasticated hem is held in place by a silicone gripper.
It’s also a stylish jersey, with the contrasting panels and zip, and small Sugoi branding on the left breast and pocket, the only deviation from the main colour; a vibrant red in this case, while black, blue, green and grey options are also available.
And that’s it as far as the RS jersey is concerned – it’s a well thought out and very effective summer jersey. The £54.99 recommended retail price makes this a mid-range jersey but it performs as well, if not better, than many which require a bigger outlay.
Price: £54.99
Sizes: S-XXXL
Colours: Red, black, blue, green, grey
Website: Sugoi
UK distributor: Cycling Sports Group
