For the spring/summer 2018 season, Sportful expanded its Bodyfit Pro jersey range to include three different variants: the Sportful Bodyfit Pro Light, Sportful Bodyfit Pro Evo and Sportful Bodyfit Pro Classics.
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The Sportful Bodyfit Pro Evo jersey is a great all-round summer jersey, which was developed with Sportful’s WorldTour sponsored teams — and if you watched the Tour de France, you would have seen the likes of Peter Sagan and Vincenzo Nibali wearing the jersey during this year’s race.
The Sportful Bodyfit Pro Evo jersey sits in between the Sportful Bodyfit Pro Light jersey and the Sportful Bodyfit Pro Classics jersey, which are optimised for warmer and colder temperatures, respectively.
As you'd expect in a jersey developed with pro riders, the Bodyfit Pro Evo jersey features an incredibly aggressive cut, however the multi-panel construction results in a fit that feels aggressive but not restrictive.
However, it’s worth being aware that as with most Italian brands, jerseys tend to err on smaller sizing, so trying on before buying is definitely recommended if making your first Sportful purchase.
Seams on the shoulders are removed by adding panels that begin on the upper chest and cover the top of the shoulder, meeting at the neck and upper area of the back panel. This not only improves comfort, decreases the risk of seams cutting in on this area and improves the ergonomics of the jersey, but Sportful says it improves aerodynamics too.
The Sportful Bodyfit Pro Evo jersey follows the pro-level trend of longer sleeves and a low collar, with the collar specifically a great feature for warmer weather riding.
While the longer sleeve length is welcome, there is a somewhat unnecessary seam around 50mm above the cuff of the sleeve, which at times can feel a little uncomfortable. Although this feature allows for alternative colour finishes in Sportful's custom offerings.
For a change this year, the UK actually had some decent summer weather. When riding in temperatures well into the high twenties (degrees Celsius), the jersey’s temperature regulating properties performed brilliantly. I never felt the need to unzip the jersey, and any sweat was soon dried as the jersey wicked away moisture.
A full length front zipper, silicone waistband gripper and three cargo pockets offer the standard level of utility expected for any decent cycling jersey.
Five colourways feature the same contrasting design, which while understated, may not be to everyone’s liking. A more subtle design, without the geometric accents and in plain block colours, may offer a more desirable piece.
For those looking for a world-class jersey to enjoy on fast summer chaingangs or racing, and can afford it, the Sportful Bodyfit Pro Evo jersey will not disappoint.