This year at the Birmingham Cycle Show, I was asked by James Smith (Director of Primal Europe) to test the new Epoch jersey. Now I have received it and the weather has turned cooler, it is the perfect time to get it on and road test it.
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| Reflective Flatlock Sewn Seams |
TECH SPECS
• FlexPro Laser Cut Arm Band
• Silicone Waist Gripper
• Water Repellent
• 3 Angled Rear Cargo Pockets*
• 4 way Stretch
• breathable
• estelveo
• Reflective Flatlock
• Set-In Sleeve
• Windproof
• YKK Invisible Zipper
*The details mention '3 Angled Rear Cargo Pockets' However, there are only 2 pockets in the Epoch.
• Silicone Waist Gripper
• Water Repellent
• 3 Angled Rear Cargo Pockets*
• 4 way Stretch
• breathable
• estelveo
• Reflective Flatlock
• Set-In Sleeve
• Windproof
• YKK Invisible Zipper
*The details mention '3 Angled Rear Cargo Pockets' However, there are only 2 pockets in the Epoch.
In the pack you get a free sachet of NikWax Wash-In this is to re-waterproof the Epoch after a suggested 10 washes. A list of washing instructions are provided which I think shows how much Primal care about their products and providing a brilliant customer experience.
My first test came on a dry November morning approximately 7ºC at 7am. I doned on my VO2 bib shorts, arm and leg warmers. Yet, in a confident mood, I did not wear my normal Underarmour top that I would wear on any other day as similarly chilly...
I zipped up the Epoch and set off.
I zipped up the Epoch and set off.
I did not anticipate the warmth that I experienced almost immediately. I know my body will create its own heat as I exercise, but the warm liner in the Epoch against my skin really started to warm up quickly. I was comfortable, more comfortable than I ever expected I could be in a short sleeve jersey on a chilly November morning.
During my 15 mile ride, I was pitted against numerous headwinds, bringing a chill factor of between 4ºC and 5ºC. This was swept away by the Epoch and I could hardly tell that it was that cold. The Epoch is well fitted, I chose a medium size with a little concern, but once the bib shorts were on, they kept my chunky bits squeezed in and the jersey really did give a comfortable fit in all of the right places. The race fit design is well constructed and knowing how some sleeves on my other jerseys, cut into my biceps, the laser cut sleeves don't cut in nor pinch or chafe under the arms or over the shoulders.
All round, the quality of the Italian made Estelveo fabric, stretches well, insulates the body and keeps the wind out. During the week long testing, I travelled in wet, cold, windy and foggy conditions. The wind against the Epoch was definitely deflected away from my chest region, at the same time, the lining material, would warm against the body's own heat and the warmth was noticeable compared with a standard jersey.
This was the case for all rides from 2ºC. On Friday, it was just 0ºC and it was bitterly cold. An ice mist came through the valley, the wind was calm but it had a bitter edge to it. On my chest, the Epoch was a tad cold, I didn't get the total benefit of the insulating layer. I'll be honest, I did cut my journey in half, but that's mainly because my I chose to wear the wrong gloves and my fingers were already cold by the time I had got 3 miles down the road.
In conclusion:
Dry rides from 2ºC are more than manageable for the Epoch, I did not feel comfortable wearing this in the dry when the temperature was lower than 2ºC, it let through a bit of a chill. However, 4ºC rainy rides were no problem for the jersey, pushing the rain past my body with little effort, I wasn't cold, nor did the jersey feel heavy like a standard jersey would when soaked with rain. Warmer 7ºC rides were again no issue, regulating my bodies heat when it was dry and even when it was raining, really did feel like the £130 price tag was worth every penny. I have never worn a jersey with more universal properties than this.
The Epoch is a great jersey, tight fitting yet comfortable and everything Primal Europe says the jersey will be. Definitely not a winter jersey unless wearing base layers or wearing a wind vest like the Radonneur. All in all, if you like Autumn/Winter/Spring cycling and racing, the quality Italian fabric, which keeps you warm and dry, then the Epoch is a must buy. Click here to go to the Primal Europe site.
During my 15 mile ride, I was pitted against numerous headwinds, bringing a chill factor of between 4ºC and 5ºC. This was swept away by the Epoch and I could hardly tell that it was that cold. The Epoch is well fitted, I chose a medium size with a little concern, but once the bib shorts were on, they kept my chunky bits squeezed in and the jersey really did give a comfortable fit in all of the right places. The race fit design is well constructed and knowing how some sleeves on my other jerseys, cut into my biceps, the laser cut sleeves don't cut in nor pinch or chafe under the arms or over the shoulders.
All round, the quality of the Italian made Estelveo fabric, stretches well, insulates the body and keeps the wind out. During the week long testing, I travelled in wet, cold, windy and foggy conditions. The wind against the Epoch was definitely deflected away from my chest region, at the same time, the lining material, would warm against the body's own heat and the warmth was noticeable compared with a standard jersey.
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| Knock Out arm warmers match the Epoch |
In conclusion:
Dry rides from 2ºC are more than manageable for the Epoch, I did not feel comfortable wearing this in the dry when the temperature was lower than 2ºC, it let through a bit of a chill. However, 4ºC rainy rides were no problem for the jersey, pushing the rain past my body with little effort, I wasn't cold, nor did the jersey feel heavy like a standard jersey would when soaked with rain. Warmer 7ºC rides were again no issue, regulating my bodies heat when it was dry and even when it was raining, really did feel like the £130 price tag was worth every penny. I have never worn a jersey with more universal properties than this.
The Epoch is a great jersey, tight fitting yet comfortable and everything Primal Europe says the jersey will be. Definitely not a winter jersey unless wearing base layers or wearing a wind vest like the Radonneur. All in all, if you like Autumn/Winter/Spring cycling and racing, the quality Italian fabric, which keeps you warm and dry, then the Epoch is a must buy. Click here to go to the Primal Europe site.
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