The Boardman Women's Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey is a lovely everyday top at a great price. Boardman hasn't messed around giving its jersey a complicated name, nor has it messed around adding unnecessary features to a simple and functional piece of kit.
The jersey comes in various bright and tasteful colour schemes, and handily the turquoise and pink version I tested was my favourite.
> Find your nearest dealer here
When I first put the jersey on, it felt slightly restrictive around the shoulders, but once I was on a bike with my arms stretched out to the bar, this was no longer an issue. I wore a size 8 and, other than that slight tightness, found the fit to be good and true to size.
Boardman Womens Short Sleeve Jersey - riding.jpg
The casual, relaxed fit is flattering, and while it's not skin tight, it doesn't leave excess material where it's not wanted (note it is not me in the photos). I also found that the sleeve cuffs sat nicely around my arms without being tight, and the bottom hem with its rubber gripper stayed in place relatively well while riding.
Boardman Womens Short Sleeve Jersey - gripper.jpg
Other jerseys in this price range often come with a half or three-quarter-length zip, so I was immediately pleased to find that this had a full length zip giving more flexibility to undo it on hot rides and making those roadside wee stops in bib shorts just a little bit easier.
Boardman Womens Short Sleeve Jersey - collar.jpg
The 'Qwick-dri' fabric of the jersey is very breathable and wicked away moisture well just as Boardman claims. The jersey isn't designed for the hottest or most humid conditions, but on mild and warmer (British) summer days I was perfectly content without overheating. I found it soft and comfortable with no itchy seams or chafing, and experienced no problems when washing it on a cool cycle.
> Buyer's Guide: 8 of the best cheap cycling jerseys
I find jerseys without a zip pocket really annoying, so was pleased to find that the Boardman has a zip-up valuables pocket at the rear. It was disappointingly small, though: my keys and debit card fitted in fine, but it wasn't big enough for my slim cycling wallet or phone.
Boardman Womens Short Sleeve Jersey - zip pocket.jpg
According to the product details from Boardman, the jersey features a further three rear pockets, as the majority of jerseys do, but in fact it only has two. This may sound a little crazy, but I am used to packing my spares into three pockets and I know exactly what lives where when I head out for a ride, so I found the two pockets, although well sized, a little frustrating.
Boardman Womens Short Sleeve Jersey - pockets.jpg
With an RRP of £30, I think this jersey is very good value for money. Brands such as dhb and BTwin have some similarly priced offerings, but Boardman has certainly set the bar high. The jersey's flattering fit, full-length zip and bright colour scheme mean I'd happily overlook the limited pocket space.
Verdict
A great, comfortable jersey for everyday riding without draining the bank
road.cc test report
Make and model: Boardman Women's Short Sleeve Jersey
Size tested: 8
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Boardman says: "Hit the road in style and comfort with the Boardman Womens Short Sleeve Cycling Jersey. This jersey is made from breathable fabric and a relaxed fit for comfort. It includes three rear plus one zipped pocket for security. In addition, the jersey also features Qwick-Dri fabric which helps to wick away moisture, keeping you cool and collected."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Boardman lists these features:
Relaxed fit semi fitted for comfort
Breathable fabric
Three rear open pockets
One zipped pocket for security
Full length locking zip
Quick-dry fabric
Performed really well as a comfortable and nicely fitting jersey for everyday use.
I really like the fit which is feminine and semi-fitted yet relaxed.
I am an 8 and found it came up perfectly true to size.
It's not the lightest jersey you'll ever find, but certainly doesn't feel bulky.
The fabric wicks moisture really well and I found it very comfortable.
With an RRP of £30 it is one of the cheapest offerings out there and you get a great deal for the money.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
No issues so far with washing on a 30 degree kit cycle; it has held its shape well.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It's nothing spectacular, but it performed perfectly as a comfortable everyday jersey with just about all the useful features required.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Love the relaxed and feminine fit and the full zip which is often lacking on cheaper jerseys.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The zip valuables pocket is quite small and there are only two other rear pockets.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
It's a great value for money, comfortable and well fitting jersey that does just what you need it to.
About the tester
Age: 20
I usually ride: Planet X London Road My best bike is: Bowman Palace:R
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, track
A great, comfortable jersey for everyday riding without draining the bank