Reviews

Altura Podium short sleeve jersey – review

Good fit, excellent storage and cool, comfortable material make for a jersey that performs above its price point

With clean lines coupled with plenty of useful features, Altura’s Podium jersey works superbly, and it offers good value for money, too.

The jersey has a performance fit, which is borderline race cut. From the top the flush neckline is low and unrestricting and the cleverly cut paneling provides a snug but flexible fit while riding. Smaller details have been though about as well, one in particular being the zipper which is light, unobtrusive and robust for its size. It also locks flush when pushed down and a small tab makes it easy to open while riding.

The sleeve length is generous, which is on trend, reaching over the bicep. It’s a good balance and is neither too long – down to the elbow – or too short – not even reaching the bicep. The band at the bottom is made from a stretchy polyester and the generous width aids fit and reduces any tightness or pressure points.

Positioned under the arm is a four-way stretch fabric, and it doubles as an effective mesh that aids cooling. This cooling effect was still noticeable with a base layer underneath – perhaps due to the thin material – but it seems durable and it retained a good fit despite being washed several times during testing.

The rear features six pockets – one zipped, three classic and two smaller ones flanking the hips. The latter two are useful for a small pump or gels and I liked having the option to spread out the weight and items on a longer ride. The tops of all the pockets feature a folded seam which will reduce wear and makes it easier to slide a hand in when riding as it gives an edge to work against. Also on the back is a larger graphic positioned between the shoulder blades, although you’ll never see this one while riding, obviously.

At the hem, the jersey sits well, and the generously-sized silicone gripper worked well against various short fabrics, even the smoother, less grippy textures. Also around the hem area are small reflective details positioned on either side between the two outer pockets. Honestly, I don’t think there would be any harm in these being slightly larger, but that’s not a huge thing. There’s also an additional reflective logo on the central rear pocket, below the zipped pocket.

Another extra is the audio port on the zipped pocket with additional loops running up the inside of the jersey to guide earphones without the risk of snagging. Personally I prefer them positioned on the side of the jersey as with these central loops the cable sometimes rubs on the spine. I did, however, like the central positioning of the zipper pocket – it’s easier to remove stuff without the twisting and tugging you sometimes find when zipped pockets are on the side.

The Podium jersey is definitely a warm-weather piece of kit. It’s light and offers minimal wind resistance or weather protection and is excellent with a baselayer or without. For milder weather, above about 14 degrees, it’s excellent and coupled with a windproof gilet and/or arm warmers you could extend it through to the autumn and use it as a mid-layer.

Conclusion

Altura’s Podium jersey feels like it would justify a higher price tag than the £59.99 it commands. It works well in warm weather and also as part of a layering system when it gets cold, so it’s not just limited to summer riding. There are two additional colourways on top of the one here (black/blue and red/black), so there should be an option that works for everyone.