Pros
- Design
- Price
- Fit
Cons
- Sleeves lack finesse
Price as reviewed:
£59.99
Forming part of its Forgotten Races range is the Prendas Bordeaux-Paris race jersey.
The design celebrates the gruelling Derny-paced race which covered 500km and was famously won by Tom Simpson in 1963. It features a pattern made up of black and white Bs and Ps with a bowler-hatted Simpson depicted on the rear.
In terms of its technical features it’s a pretty basic jersey, but its price of £59.99 does put it in the entry-level category.
You only get one polyester fabric that’s used throughout, but it is relatively comfortable and breathable. You also get three decent-sized pockets along with a zipped one for valuables.
Tom Simpson riding a derny! A nice touch
The jersey is essentially from Santini and is designed by Fergus Niland who works for Santini – but it’s exclusive to Prendas – so you know quality is assured.
This also means that sizing and fit should be good and predictable, and both are. The Prendas Bordeaux-Paris race jersey fit nicely around the waist, stomach, chest and shoulders. The fabric has a nice stretch and the jersey overall is a good shape.
>>> 15 of the best summer jerseys
At the waist instead of a full, thick silicone gripper you get a nicer doubled-over but thin strip that helps the jersey remain in place well. However, the sleeve ends are very basic and are uncomfortable. No laser-cut sleeves here or change of material: all you get is folded-over fabric which is stitched.
To hold the arms in place it need to have some tightness – and it does – but this is uncomfortable against the skin and feels almost restrictive.
Pockets hold a good amount though and have no sag, avoiding the droopy-pockets look that afflicts some entry-level jerseys.
Overall I like the design – I think the jersey is durable, quality and great value for money. Maybe the sleeve design just needs a rethink.
Verdict
For a penny under £60 you can't argue with the Prendas Bordeaux-Paris race jersey. The fit is very good and the design lends itself to suit a number of short or gilet combinations. However, the sleeves feel very dated and annoyed me when out riding.
