Le Col x McLaren Project Aero LS Jersey

Tell us what the product is for

Le Col says: 'The Le Col x McLaren Project Aero Long Sleeve Jersey has been meticulously refined, engineered and mapped by McLaren aerodynamics experts to afford the rider an effective, efficient and proven external layer for saving energy and effort on segments. Composed using air tripping High Speed Lycra front and sleeve panelling, this jersey disrupts airflow, smoothing your passage through it on the bike.

An aero profile maintained with debossed and double sublimated logos throughout, a low profile race radio pocket allows you to remain in the loop when tackling elite events. Folded elastic banded cuffs offer an aero finish to the sleeves, whilst a Le Col x McLaren hemline gripper ensures this jersey is securely fitted for fast riding.

Finished with three rear pockets and a fourth zipped pocket optimised for aerodynamics with rubberised reflective McLaren tabs, practicalities on the road are taken care of - meaning you can focus on the road ahead.'

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Le Col lists these details:

WindTunnel tested and developed with McLaren Experts

Air tripping High Speed Lycra fabric on front and sleeves

Long sleeve cut for enhanced aerodynamics

Folded elastic banded cuffs for low profile aero finish

Debossed and double sublimated logos and design for aero finish

Low profile Race Radio pocket

Le Col x McLaren hemline gripper for secure fit.

3 low profile rear pockets with zip pocket

Laser cut rubberised McLaren Tab and two rear reflective tabs for visibility

Product material

Main Body Fabric: 80% Nylon, 20% Elastane

Back and Side: 100% Polyester

Weight: 95 GSM

Care instructions

Engineered for an extremely tight and aggressive fit - size up if on threshold of sizes

Delicate disruptive boundary materials require gentle manipulation into place

Do not force kit when dressing.

Machine Wash at 30°C / 86°F

Do not use fabric conditioner

Close all zippers/velcro fastenings

Dry flat, do not tumble dry

Do not bleach, iron or dry clean

We'd also suggest turning inside out prior to washing and keeping them separate from other items by popping them into a mesh laundry bag

Care is needed when putting it on and taking it off, although the material is not as delicate as some and can be machine washed at 30 degrees.

On me, the tall neck and long body create ridges that seem counter to its aerodynamic objectives. This was also a problem for a taller rider who, at 175cm, had similar issues.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

No problems. Le Col recommends turning it inside out and washing it within a mesh bag. I washed it at 30 degrees, using standard non-bio, and it was fine every time. Tumble drying is not recommended.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

While the materials seem good and sizing corresponds to Le Col's guide, areas of the design, including the high neck and long body, create an uneven profile – and not just on me – which would surely not help aerodynamics, which is the aim of the jersey.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The materials used make for a comfortable jersey, and the pockets are a useful size and offer easy access.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The high neck and long body combine to create ridges; I chose to wear the jersey with the zip slightly undone at all times.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

One of the most expensive jerseys we've tested, long or short sleeve, though it's still less than the 7Mesh Skyline at £200. For pure aerodynamics, the Rapha Pro Team aero suit is £35 more and Castelli's Sanremo Speed suit, £45 more, but you're getting a pair of shorts included.

Use this box to explain your overall score

At this price, you could reasonably expect perfection, or at least a fit that can deliver the performance aims. Sadly, for me it falls short here (or rather, long...), despite being the recommended size. The too-long front on me is prone to ridges when in an aero position, and the high collar is uncomfortable and meant I constantly wore it unzipped. I'm reluctant to score it too low, as the materials and quality are impressive, and fit is subjective, but a rider taller than me also tried it and had the same issues. If the length works for you then you might be happy to splash out, though the collar is still a lot higher than I'd like to see on an aero jersey.