I chose the Vapour as my only jersey for a week-long bike ride and came to appreciate the carbon-imbedded fabric for its smell-stopping power. Days of eight-hour rides, followed by being stuffed in a rucksack with other odorous kit, and it still emerged ready to wear again and again.
When on, the Polytex fabric is lightweight, feels comfortably cottony and wicks sweat quickly while the extended zip gives enough ventilation. The cut is feminine and closely contoured with cap sleeves - though some may find these too short under the armpits. The bottom hem is elastic and unfortunately it can ride up - with this sorted it'd be closer to a perfect score.
Features include three good-sized rear pockets and a reflective strip. The Vapour uses the same line of technology as the Cannondale LE Carbon but for £50 less. The difference in finish is noticeable (remember, the Cannondale has a waterresistant pocket designed for mp3 players!), but is it worth it?
