I suppose it would be handy for the purposes of this Huez* Race Day Special jersey review (and all reviews hence forth) – to point out that when it comes to life, music, food, bikes and cycle jerseys, I tend to have very immediate reactions. I will either love it or loathe it.
Very occasionally, there will be something that grows on me. Like very specific songs from the canon of Phil Collins, say, or pavlova. But for the most part, you have a narrow window of opportunity to ingratiate yourself with me.
Fail in those first few minutes and I’ll never be able to bring myself to be evangelical about the brand.
On the other hand, if those first impressions are good (or even better, great) then woe betide any friends or cycle club members in earshot for the next month (or six). They will hear about little else.
With that background firmly established I’ll move on.
Very occasionally, there will be something that grows on me. Like very specific songs from the canon of Phil Collins, say, or pavlova.
In my relatively short but increasingly financially crippling road biking career I must have tried on, ordered, returned and generally lusted after hundreds of cycling jerseys. And in that time, I can honestly say I have only loved wearing about two.
There is always something that niggles. Poor quality finishing; a cheap zip; awkwardly placed seams; an uncomfortable cut.
With the Huez* Race Day Special Jersey, all those worries were assuaged as soon as I tried it on.
Comfort & Performance
The Race Day Special is so unobtrusive on the body that you almost forget you’re wearing it. Super lightweight, it’s soft against the skin and incredibly breathable – a testimony to the work Huez* have undertaken with professional riders to integrate the latest carbon fibre construction to improve heat transfer and dissipation.
It incorporates mesh inserts under the sleeves to bring additional breathability – something you really notice when riding on gloriously sunny days like the one we chose for our test ride.
The Race Day Special is so unobtrusive on the body that you almost forget you’re wearing it.
Huez* have included a removable waterproof pouch in one of the three rear pockets to store a phone, money or whatever other superstitious knick-knacks you like to carry around with you on your ride.
There are also strong reflective elements: tabs at the side seams, hidden bands on the sleeves, a superbly positioned reflective logo on the left breast (right on the nipple, though this mightn’t be the case for everyone if you have them in weird places) and a large reflective rear pocket area.
Fit & Sizing
The fit of the jersey seemed tailor made for me: the sizing chart is absolutely bang on, so get your order right and you will find a form-fitting garment that really moves with your body in the saddle.
And while I’m probably a little more slender than some in my age bracket, I believe there is enough play across the sizing bands for it to feel comfortable without leaving you feeling trussed-up or saggy.
Get your order right and you will find a form-fitting garment that really moves with your body in the saddle.
I’m 183cm and nowadays weigh around 75kg (165lbs in old money) and with fairly broad shoulders I’m around a 38-40 inch chest. Across most brands that puts me in the Medium to Large sizing chart. With the Huez* Race Day Special I opted for a Medium and it was spot on.
If you prefer your fit a little looser then it might be worth going up a size, but the Polyester/Polymide/Carbon material mix contains plenty of stretch.
Value for money
The Race Day Special jersey retails at £100, so in jersey terms it is certainly in the upper reaches. Although that price point might cause some to baulk, the noticeable rise in quality above standard sportive fair should put it firmly on the radar for those looking for comfort and performance with more than a splash of style.
It is a supremely well-crafted jersey which is beautifully cut and good looking. It will undoubtedly generate a loyal following should an expanded range of designs be forthcoming. With only one design in the range at present I would urge Huez* to take the Race Day Special and run with it: some bold hues would have me completely sold on Huez*.
Reviewer stats
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
Measurements: 38 inch chest, 32 inch waist
Cycling activity: 80-150 miles per week, in moderate British conditions.