First impressions of the Madison Leia short-sleeved jersey were good: soft lightweight fabric, nice styling with the stitched lines and neat design touches like the turn-up cuffs on the capped sleeves, scalloped hem and overlapped V neck for those who want a top that doesn’t look too bike orientated.
Off the bike the jersey looks great, if a little loose around the torso. It is described as a relaxed fit and Madison say “the Leia can double up as both a trail jersey and a jersey for the yoga studio” so this accounts for the loose fit. Jump on your bike though and it’s immediately obvious that the jersey is too short (unless you have a very compact upper body), despite having a slightly dropped tail. It’s especially lacking at the side seam where the scalloping exposes your skin above your shorts. It’s not a good look and means your pack waist straps can rub. The length at the front is okay but if you’re in a stretched-out riding position then your lower back won’t be covered.
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The generous cut means that while it fitted me fine around the shoulders, it was quite baggy and unflattering around the waist and the material hangs down at the front while you’re riding if you’re pack-free. I’d prefer a slimmer – and longer – fit.
Performance-wise, the 91% polyester and elastane fabric wicks well and is very fast-drying, although being synthetic after just one sweaty ride it whiffs a bit. I tested the Leia jersey Shown in silver grey but it’s also available in turquoise and burgundy. In all, a good-looking and performing jersey but let down by the cut.
Check out Madison's range at www.madison.cc
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