Endura Loop Jersey tested: Great value breathable cycling gear

If you’re getting serious about your cycling, it’s worth ditching a regular T-shirt and donning something made specifically for the job. I’ve been testing an Endura Loop Jersey to see if it’s a good solution.

Scottish company Endura is something of a household name in the cycling world, and Loop is its new-ish sub-brand, claimed to offer “Ride-ready gear without the nonsense…No BS, just the good stuff.” As far as we can work out, that’s edgy marketing speak for ‘it’s a bit less serious’. So if you’re more of a casual rider, it should be ideal, but it should serve more seasoned yet slightly more laid-back riders just as well.

The Loop jersey is available in seven sizes from XS to 3XL. I tested a medium, but had I paid a bit more attention to the size guide, I probably should have opted for an S. On my tall and lanky frame, the medium is a bit loose, although it doesn’t feel unduly baggy, so if you don’t want too tight a fit, by all means order a size up. In any case, it is worth bearing in mind that the top is described as having a “relaxed fit,” so it’s not intended to be skintight like the sort of thing you might see riders wearing on the Tour de France.

It’s a light piece of clothing and is made from what Endura calls a “DriRelease” fabric, which is supposed to dry out quickly. Having worn the jersey on several rides during heat waves, it seems to work as advertised. I’m yet to come away from a ride bathed in sweat. It’s this breathable nature of ‘proper’ cycling tops that makes them worthwhile over just a regular T-shirt. The Loop jersey and similar tops are also longer at the rear to give better coverage when you’re leaning forward on a bike.

The zipped pocket on the lower back is too small to fit a modern smartphone, but it’ll be handy for stashing a mid-ride pack of Haribo (or three), or perhaps some energy gels. The larger pockets are open at the top with no velcro, poppers or zips to keep contents secure, but for road and gravel riding, I don’t think you’d ever need to worry about your shiny new iPhone hurtling out and clattering down on the road.

The Endura branding is very subtle, restricted to just lettering on the left side of the chest and a small logo on the upper back. You might, then, want to pair this aesthetic with the equally low-key black version, although if you want to go the other way, there’s a nicely lurid Flame Red option. Somewhere in between is Barra Blue, for which you can get a matching set of Loop bib shorts (which I’ve also tested), and Tweed Green.

The quality of the Loop Jersey seems top-notch. After numerous rides and a fair few wash cycles, it still looks as it did upon delivery. I’d be confident about it lasting well.

The price for this impressive jersey is £49.99, which might sound like a lot if you’re unfamiliar with the often rather spenny world of cycling, but we have seen them priced lower at several retailers, so be sure to do a bit of research before adding anything to your basket and checking out.

What: Endura Loop Zipped Jersey
How much: £50
Average Joes Rating: ★★★★★