Sugoi RS Jersey Review

Back to Spring… ahh… short sleeve jerseys and all that jazz. I’ve been stoked to get back into shorties and the Sugoi RS Jersey has been my early-season pick. Actually, I used it extensively last Fall and again now in the Spring, so it’s time for the verdict.

Sugoi RS Jersey Features:

Flat seams for increased comfort
Zone construction: features mesh inserts for breathability and performance fit
Comfortable stretch with a friction free fit
Ergo Sleeve contours for natural unrestricted body movement
Full separating zip with guard
3 elastic back pockets slanted at the sides for easy entry
Engineered collar detailed with shaped back neck
Hem features signature grip elastic at the back with a flat front finish
MSRP: $85

The RS Jersey is built for serious business. So much so, that the fit is, well… race-inspired. Keep in mind that you’ll likely need to size up with the RS (I had to wear an XL), but once past that, everything else performs as I’d expect. Last Fall, I had a chance to ride with the RS Jersey on several rides — until the weather turned. Now, I’ve been able to round out the review as the weather has warmed and I’ve been back at the tarmac.

The mixture of materials on the RS is built to provide superior moisture management during demanding rides. I found that to be true on warm rides as well as cooler rides (when used under a jacket). The open mesh-style Vector Stretch fabric used on sides and back, breathes extremely well and lets tons of airflow in. As it gets chilly, a vest is required, but warmer temps results in ample wind penetration for excellent cooling.

At the end of long rides, this jersey is hardly wet and I like being able to double-dip this jersey on two rides without having to deal with the typical stank — great for back-to-back lunch rides.

I love full zip jerseys — especially with bibs. It makes for much easier on/off and expands the cooling options for Sahara-like temperatures. For some reason, the zipper can be a little difficult to get going. There’s a small fabric zipper garage and you have to bend it out of the way to engage the zipper before you’re good-to-go. It’s also not an easy one-handed operation when you want to open it up on-the-fly.

While I do wish the gripper material extended all the way around the hem, the RS Jersey does seem to stay put throughout the length of the ride. I appreciated not having to continually adjust the jersey, like you do with some of them. I also found the back pockets great for hauling water bottles, tools and my iPhone. Everything seems to stay secure and in place.

NOTE: It looks like the new version is minimally different than the one I received last Fall. Construction and performance looks to be very similar.

Good RS Jersey