The Etxeondo Gizon jersey is light, breathable, and close fitting without being restrictive.
It’s a high-quality garment at about half the price of some so-called premium jerseys.
We’d recommend it without hesitation for the high days of summer, conditions we’ve enjoyed almost exclusively since taking a ‘first look‘ at a host of garments from Etxeondo.
We tested it on the hottest days of the recent heatwave, where temperatures have nudged 30 degrees. The Gizon was the most effective of any we wore during the period.
While much of the performance of our sample jersey in such conditions was undoubtedly owed to the colour (we can’t say how the black, red, or blue versions would have fared), we’re also happy to praise Etxeondo’s perforated Superdry fabric, one that met the billing.
The fit was excellent, offering a sleek silhouette without feeling tight. That said, it’s worth considering Etxeondo’s Mediterranean heritage: this is still a jersey likely to suit riders of a build closer to Contador than Stannard.
Stand-out features included the collar, which dropped away conveniently at the throat, and the sleeves, which were cut closely enough to offer a flap-free fit without the need for elastic, silicone, or anything else that might disturb circulation.
Three rear pockets and a full-length zip are de rigueur for any jersey aimed at serious riding and we found them present and correct on the Gizon. The pockets performed their duty adequately, and the sizeable rubber tag on the zip made it easy to locate when in the saddle.
Our final word concerns the Gizon’s appearance, which we considered stylish in an understated manner. The black detailing had little impact on its performance in very hot conditions and provided a pleasing contrast with the vast swathes of white whose benefits we have discussed above.
The Etxeondo Gizon jersey is available in black, red, white and blue, with a contrasting chest band, in size S to XXXL, and costs £69.99.
