Sportful Gruppetto Pro Ltd jersey

If you want a jersey with the performance of a top-end race garment without a too over-the-top price tag, the new Sportful Gruppetto Pro Ltd is a really good pick. A great fit and fabric that keeps you dry on hot days mark it out as a top performer. It also comes in several, admittedly quite bold, colour choices.

The jersey sits below the popular BodyFit Pro range but still benefits from the Italian company's close ties with professional race teams over the years. The fit is more relaxed, though, with a more generous shape around the waist and shoulders. Not that I found it baggy or hanging off me, it's just not as tight or restrictive as a race fit, and for longer social rides it was a perfect choice.

It's a very comfortable jersey in all the key areas, with smooth seamless cuffs and an elasticated waistband. The slightly looser fit makes it a good option for cyclists who want the performance without the overly tight aero fit of some race jerseys.

It's made using the company's own DryPro fabric which provides a nice degree of stretch, benefiting the good fit. It's also extremely adept at dealing with sweat. Fling yourself up a long or steep climb and produce loads of sweat, and the jersey can cope with it all, pulling the excess moisture away to keep you dry.

There's additional mesh material in the side panels to provide extra ventilation when the temperature ramps up. I had a few very hot days in which to test the jersey and it coped admirably, perhaps not to the same degree as some of the very expensive, very lightweight jerseys I've tested, but the difference is small, certainly less so than the sometimes huge price difference would suggest.

There must be hundreds of sleeve designs, some great, many bad. I like Sportful's approach: a seamless lie-flat design, it works brilliantly. The sleeves are comfortable around the arms, aren't too tight and don't irritate. And they are a nice length as well. 

The rear of the jersey is dropped down and there's silicone gripper tape around the waistband to keep it in place. One feature I always appreciate is a small zipped pocket alongside the regular three at the rear. Another good detail is the slim flap of material that covers the full-length YKK zipper, a nice visual touch.

The Gruppetto Pro Ltd is by no means cheap, but it's a lot more affordable than many jerseys that offer only marginal extra benefit. If it's still more than you'd consider paying, check out the guide below – prices start at £4.99…

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best summer cycling jerseys

But if you're willing to pay out for the Gruppetto Pro Ltd, its performance in hot weather and on demanding rides is impressive, as is the fit – which should really work for many cyclists.

Verdict

A comfortable and breathable jersey for long rides and hard rides that does plenty to justify its price