Reviews

Sportful BodyFit Pro – Light, Evo or Classics Jersey?

Sportful has been designing and testing their products with the best professional cyclists in the world for over four decades. The BodyFit Pro 2.0 range is the epitome of performance cycling clothing and offers team issue products straight out of the pro peloton.

Read almost any road jersey review these days and you’ll notice words ‘breathable’, ‘ergonomic’ and ‘aerodynamic’ being thrown around like they’re going out of fashion. The beauty of the new BodyFit Pro 2.0 range is that each jersey has been developed with world champions and grand tour winners who demand the very best from their kit, so you’d better believe it performs when it says it does.

The Light, Evo and Classics jerseys all feature subtle differences when it comes to designs and fabric constructions. We’ve tested all three to help you understand which jersey will be the best fit for you.

BodyFit Pro Light Jersey

The BodyFit Pro Light comes into its own in the hottest conditions when you need a jersey that offers as much breathability as possible. Open structured fabrics across the entirety of the jersey ensures perspiration isn’t restricted and you remain in control of your body temperature. I was a little worried prior to testing that given its lightweight nature things could get a bit chilly after excess sweating. Fortunately, the fabric breathed exceptionally well even during intense, prolonged efforts on climbs and the descents weren’t half as cold as I anticipated.

It may be a super-lightweight summer jersey but Sportful hasn’t overlooked the small details. The zip isn’t fiddly or fragile and the waist is still elasticated and features a silicone grip. The fit is nothing short of superb. Look closely and you’ll notice the cut is different to conventional jerseys. Seamless shoulders and high-stretch fabrics across the arms and upper chest keep things aero while a low-cut collar gives that ‘pro’ aesthetic. In short, it keeps you cool when the temperature soars by easily allowing heat to dissipate from the surface of your skin and its ergonomic fit hugs the contours of your body.

the see through back panel of the bodyfit pro light jersey.

BodyFit Pro Evo Jersey

a cyclist riding out of the saddle in the bodyfit pro evo jersey.

The go-to jersey for the majority of Sportful’s pro riders, the BodyFit Pro Evo is designed for racing, training and everything in between. At a glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking this jersey and the BodyFit Pro Light jersey are basically the same, but they’re not. They both feature the same ergonomic fit, Aero Stretch shoulder panels and low-cut collar but there are some notable differences. The Evo offers full coverage on the front and back panels making it a more versatile, all-round jersey. The Light jersey is designed for those extremely hot summer days and is perfect for cyclists who live in hot climates. The Evo, however, performs best in temperate climates and is ideal for those who regularly find themselves riding between 10°C and 30°C in spring and summer.

The attention to detail and sleek design is what makes this jersey my favourite on the market right now. Lay flat, laser cut elastic cuffs on the arms keep the sleeves firmly in place and look extremely sharp. Below the three rear pockets and reflective logo sits a stealth reflective strip. During the day you won’t notice it but as the light begins to fade it increases your visibility to other road users. Colour choice is largely affected by personal preference but for me, the Blue Twilight/Yellow Fluo is both classy and modern. It’s the first jersey I reach for in my wardrobe whether I’m commuting to work, spinning to the cafe or heading out at the weekend for five hours in the hills.

a close up of the sportful bodyfit pro evo jersey.

BodyFit Pro Classics Jersey

a cyclist wearing the sportful bodyfit pro classics jersey while riding on cobbles.

The third option from Sportful in the new range is the BodyFit Pro Classics jersey. We got the chance to thoroughly test this piece on the dirt roads of Sienna earlier in the year when we flew out to Italy for the Strade Bianche.

Sportful BodyFit Pro Classics Jersey Review

Reviews

Sportful BodyFit Pro Classics Jersey Review

2018-03-15 14:37:22By Johnny Bowles

The Classics jersey was developed for professional riders competing in the biggest one-day races in the world like the Tour of Flanders and Milan San Remo. Unlike traditional jerseys, it’s constructed using multiple fabrics on individual panels. The inside features a lightly brushed fabric that increases insulation but doesn’t compromise breathability. The zip is covered by a flap that further helps to reduce wind chill and keep the elements at bay. It’s only a small touch but one that makes a noticeable difference when descending.

So when would you wear the BodyFit Pro Classics jersey? Clearly, it’s unlike the other two models in the range. It’s perfect for the springtime, early morning rides and those chilly summer days.

A close up of the lightly brushed fabric on the inside of the bodyfit pro classics jersey.

Browse the full Sportful Summer collection at ProBikeKit.



Johnny Bowles

Johnny Bowles

Writer and expert