Sombrio Pedigree Jersey

The Sombrio Pedigree is a classic shape from the free-ride inspired brand, but cut elegantly just for women. It has a slash neck and ¾ sleeves like many of their tops. There are no pockets of any kind, nor any technical features. This is firmly in the ‘looking cool’ kit camp.

The first thing you notice when ripping the bag open is the large sticky label on the front of the jersey which reads "I don’t like velcro". The Pedigree is not designed to be worn with a hydration pack or under a gillet where Velcro tabs might catch its silky, draping fabric then!

While we’re talking impracticalities, it is worth noting that the jersey is also only washable in a cold wash, or the white decals on the front and sleeves will melt and stick to each other. You have to wash it inside out, too.

Despite the annoyances this top provides, it has to be said that it’s pretty stylish. It’s described as having a ‘slim fit’ but is actually a loose, feminine cut which falls off the bust, hiding all bumps and lumps round the waist. The neck is flattering, too, and the ¾ arms are a trendy addition that accommodates arm guards comfortably, if that's your thing. The colour is divine, and the preppy American-college design is very striking and not common in the graphic-novel obsessed design world of bike jerseys these days.

So, style wise this jersey gets a big thumbs up, but practically it is fairly disastrous. The material does not breathe well, so hot sweaty rides are not comfortable. Rides in the pouring rain, too, do not bring out the Pedigree’s best. The material clings to your skin leaving you cold and a definite contender for the wet t-shirt competition.

It seems that this jersey is designed to be ridden around your local trails on a lazy afternoon with friends where more chatting and trail analysis occurs than riding. Fine for mincing at the pump track or sessioning cheeky trails, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But arguably there's nothing wrong with wearing a regular old t-shirt for that either!

The Pedigree looks as good off the bike as on, and I’ve often worn it to the pub with jeans, where it never fails to attract a comment from my brand-savvy mates. Overall, the silky feel might be a little off putting for some, but the hang is flattering if you’re looking for a top for hanging out it rather than ripping up the trails in. At around £24 the Pedigree won’t break the bank, either.

Great value and good looks but limited use for long rides.

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