Le Col Hors Categorie Jersey II review
The Le Col Hors Categorie Jersey II is luxurious, extremely well-fitted out and leaves you asking for little else in a cycling jersey.
220 Triathlon Verdict
There can’t be many better than this for all-day comfort. A fine jersey indeed. Score: 95%
Pros
- Wonderful fit
- Quality design and cut
- Brilliant pockets
- Suits a range of temperatures
Cons
- Only the price really
Like Ryzon, Le Col products typically command a high price, as the Hors Categorie Jersey II does here. But then, this men’s cycling jersey oozes class and premium quality.
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From the embroidered logo on the front and back to the silicone grippers on the arm sleeves and the fit is close and aero without causing restriction. There’s a comforting amount of stretch to the jersey, yet it still maintains its shape and structure when the three jersey-style pockets and zip pocket are loaded up.
The latter is said to be waterproof, though it’s not totally fail-proof, as the zip will allow water ingress in really heavy or sustained downpours. That being said, it’ll offer a hugely valuable layer of added protection for your phone (my iPhone 15 slid in easily enough). You also get three classic jersey pockets, which easily took a mix of energy gels, energy bars and a phone. The pockets felt secure and there was no bouncing. You can even fit a water bottle in there.
Le Col Hors Categorie Jersey II temperature range
Le Col recommends this jersey for temperatures between 15-25°C+. There’s no mesh and the fabric has a weight of 200gsm, so it won’t rival something lightweight like the Sportful or Le Col’s very own Pro or Sport jerseys (140gsm and 100gsm respectively) for breathability and keeping you cool.
The high collar and thick neck guard also don’t lend themselves to super-hot days, so I’d probably be switching to a lighter option when hitting the higher point of that range, but what you do get here is versatility. During testing, temperatures hit as low as 10°C, yet I never felt particularly cold (when using arm warmers and bib tights). In fact, the warmth on offer was probably on par with the Ryzon option here.
Le Col Hors Categorie Jersey II features
The substantial silicone grippers worked well both on the arms and on the waist, keeping the jersey in place. They even continue right the way round the front of the jersey, so there’s no lifting up around the belly, either.
As mentioned earlier, the fit was great and proved true-to-size, yet I didn’t feel shrink-wrapped.
Comfort is also high thanks to the soft material. Its four-way stretch ensures unrestricted range of movement, while you also get UPF50+ sun protection. The decent zip guard at the neck ensures no irritation here, too. Additional details like the high-vis strips on the pockets and the large, grippy zip pulls are also welcome. The former offers a boost to safety, while the latter means it’s not a pain in the backside to operate. Just as important, though, is the size range. The men’s jersey is available in sizes XS-XXXL, which is an impressive range (women’s XS-XL).
Le Col Hors Categorie Jersey II bottom line
There’s lots to love about the Hors Categorie Jersey. Yes, it’s expensive. But my god is it a lovely piece of kit to wear and ride in.
Read our round-up of the best cycling bib shorts to find a set to match your jersey.
Le Col Hors Categorie Jersey II specs
| Price | $215 / £165 |
| Weight | 147g |
| Sizing | men’s XS-XXXL; women’s XS-XL |
| Features | Three rear pockets (fourth waterproof and zipped), reflective rear detailing, four-way stretch fabric, silicone arm grippers |
Rob Slade
