It’s time to start digging into the warmer layers for that next bike ride. If you’ve got the Hincapie Vantage LS Jersey, you’ve got a versatile jersey for use alone or under a vest or jacket.
Hincapie Vantage Long Sleeve Jersey Features:
- Soft, supple QuadroHot fabric insulates from the cold
- Brushed inner layer of fast-drying hollow-core fibers wicks moisture away from the skin
- Hincapie Gel-Gripper™ elastic hem keeps jersey in place
- Reflective strips on sleeves for enhanced visibility
- Three rear pockets
- Price: $100
Vantage delivers warmth and visibility
While a short-sleeve jersey with arm warmers is pretty darn versatile, sometimes it’s nice not having your arms feel like sausages and just go with the single, long-sleeve jersey. The Hincapie Vantage has been fantastic so far this shoulder season — offering just the right mix of warmth, breathability and protection.
The initial zip-up yields comfort beyond expectations. The brushed lining of the QuadroHot fabric feels ultra-soft next to the skin and provides immediate warmth. The cut and fit of the size medium is spot-on for my 5’11” 170 lb frame. With a perfectly-snug body and the right hem and sleeve length, this thing is darn-near perfect. If only the sleeves were gut a little more snug, it would be a 5-star fit — pretty good still.
More on the QuadroHot fabric. It’s knitted with a hollow-core yarn, which allows the fabric to deliver warmth without adding bulk. It also aids in moisture management.
With generous rear pockets, it’s easy to haul around extra layers or food for a long ride. Zipping and unzipping the Vantage LS on-the-fly is easy with the dangly zipper pull. However, that same dangly zipper pull does clang around against my helmet buckle when zipped all the way up. Note to Hincapie: don’t produce any more of these zipper pulls — time to get a longer, flat design (like Castelli uses).
I’ve got to mention the nod to visibility that Hincapie provides with some of the colors of this jersey. The black/white jersey I’ve had looks nice, easily matches the myriad of black bibs I’ve got (like the Hincapie Power GT) and does have some added visibility in the day with some block color designs and reflective strips for morning/evening rides. More particularly, the Red and Harbor colors offer extra visibility.
The Vantage LS has been solid for rides in the mid-40’s up into the low-70’s. On the colder end of the spectrum, I’ve layered it with the Hincapie Arenberg Zero vest and on the upper end, the full-zip has come in handy for extra breathability. The fabric knocks out enough wind to take the edge off while remaining breathable.
The Good
- Uber comfortable QuadroHot fabric
- Nice cut overall
- Great sleeve length
- Excellent visibility elements
- Nice pockets that are easy to reach
- Affordably priced
The Bad
- Sleeves could be a little more snug
- Time to re-design that dangly zipper pull
The Bottom Line: Hincapie Vantage LS
You’ve got to have a long-sleeve option in the jersey repertoire and the Vantage is a great option. With an efficient cut and ultra-soft feel, this affordable jersey is performing well so far this shoulder season.
Buy Now: Available at CompetitiveCyclist.com
