Craft Cadence Recycled Performance Jersey : Getting Rolling

Craft Cadence Recycled Performance Jersey : Getting Rolling – by Guitar Ted

In a world where environmental consciousness is heightened and where we look more and more at ways to have less negative impact on our world, a jersey made from 100% recycled materials raises interest with me. Maybe you don’t care, or are uninterested in where your jersey comes from, (or where it would go to when you are done with it), but if you are at all concerned or interested- read on.

What It Is: Craft Cadence comes to this issue with an offering that has responsibly sourced materials and combines that with performance that is claimed will satisfy your needs as a cyclist. Here are the features and benefits as listed on the web page for the jersey:

• 100% Global Recycling Standard (GRS) certified recycled technical fabric that is both sustainable and high performing
• Zip guard to prevent zipper discomfort while riding
• Comfortable fit that is suitable for casual riding and club runs
• Reflective trims on the back for night time visibility
• High quality full length SBS zipper
• Three easy-to-access rear pockets with additional zipped pocket
• Extra thick 2cm silicone hem gripper for tight fit and improved stability

The Recycled Performance Jersey comes in sizes XS-XL and costs $91.00 USD. The jersey is sold direct from Craft Cadence UK and shipping to the USA is available.

First Impressions: Craft Cadence sizing chart directed me to the XL size and so I had that sent out to check on for this review. Out of the box I was a bit concerned as the jersey looked too small. However; this recycled material is pretty stretchy! I thought there was going to be no way I’d be able to zip up the thing but I was surprised by the material’s ability to stretch and feel as though it was comfortably doing so. You know when you are straining a material to its limitations? I never felt that way about this jersey at all.

Of course, that said, it fits skin tight. This, in my opinion- for me at any rate – is a racing jersey. With no size XXL on offer, I could not opt for a size up, and anyway, would that even matter? This material and how it is designed seems like it is going to fit snugly, and a draped, loose fit just is not possible as it stands with the way the jersey is designed and put together. If you are not comfortable with showing the world your ‘mid-life mass‘, then this jersey is maybe not for you. It definitely is not going to be something for the ‘plus-sized’ amongst us. Not with the current size range on offer.

Beyond that, I was pleased with the zipper. Now, dear reader, I am a zipper-snob big time. I simply despise a wimpy, finicky, poorly made zipper that I know will eventually fail. Good on Craft Cadence for spec’ing a zipper that seems to be easy to use and up to the task. Next- the pockets were nice and easy to get into despite the snug fit. Plus the zippered security pocket works well. The silicone gripper on the lower hem area is a nice touch which should keep the jersey from creeping up my back during longer stretches in the drops.

So Far… The Craft Cadence Recycled Performance Jersey comes to us with a responsibly sourced material used to make a racy-snug fitting jersey which promises to have a performance to match its cut. It seems well put together and the features it has are just what you need in a jersey meant for high-performance, and nothing you don’t need. We’ll see in a bit what I think of it all when I come back with my final verdict in a few weeks.

For this product and other Craft Cadence items see their website here: https://craftcadence.com/

Note: Craft Cadence sent over the Recycled Performance Jersey at no charge for test and review to Riding Gravel. We are not being paid, nor bribed, for this review and we always strive to give our honest thoughts and views throughout.