Primal's Trimotif Men's EVO 2.0 Jersey is a really well made, boldy styled jersey with a great slim fit. Despite relatively thick fabric, strong breathability means it's as happy on hot, taxing climbs as anywhere else. The race fit is verging on small, though, so if you're borderline on the sizing brackets, go up.
- Pros: Excellent stitching, durable fabrics, strong styling, matching accessories
- Cons: Looks won't be for everyone, just on the small side, no zip pocket
Despite angles and colours that feel like laser eye surgery to passers-by, the EVO 2.0 is one of those mythical – can I say boring? – items you put on and simply forget. Until you glance down and wonder if a nuke's gone off.
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The cut fits really well everywhere, the wide silicone cuffs and full-width silicone hem stay put, and the metal YKK zip pull is easy to find in gloves.
The two outer pockets (of three) are angled for easier access, which is a nice detail even if I didn't honestly notice a difference in use. Heavy elastic closures and that dependable fabric meant I always felt secure stuffing my phone in. It all just works.
The stitching is impressively neat and strong, with flatlock seams everywhere bar the collar, which is overlocked. All are undetectable in use. The mesh under the arms, across the back of the shoulders and up your sides no doubt help with cooling (the main Q3 Elite fabric is reasonably heavyweight), without leaving the EVO 2.0 feeling leaky on cooler days.
If you like the styling (for the record I do, as it's usefully visible without making you look like a terrified commuter) then Primal does gilets and arm warmers that continue the pattern instead of covering it.
Regrets? I have a few. I wish it were a tiny bit larger, as this medium is as short and tight as I'd want to wear, despite me being bang in the centre of the 96-104cm chest size range. (Not me in the pics.) If you're in the upper half and not a noodle-like race whippet, consider sizing up.
With only nine million rival jerseys (approx) to choose from, you're free to name your price, which makes judging Primal's £70 tag awkward. There are plenty cheaper, true, but this jersey's quality is really excellent. A zipped pocket for valuables would be nice though.
> Buyer's Guide: 22 of the best summer cycling jerseys
It compares very well with the likes of Lusso's £65 Dash SS, Santini's 365 Classe SS or Sweet Protection's Crossfire (both £70) for instance – in reality it's just as good a choice as any of them.
If the styling's to your taste, this will serve you well.
Verdict
A really well made, boldly styled jersey that's good for all kinds of riding
Make and model: Primal Trimotif Men's EVO 2.0 Jersey
Tell us what the product is for
Primal says its EVO line "...redefines classic race cut cycling apparel. The advanced lightweight Q3 Elite fabric and strategic mesh paneling, along with the race specific fit, will keep you cool and comfortable during extended, intense efforts on the bike."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
The company lists these features:
* 3 Angled Rear Cargo Pockets
* Flatlock Stitching
* Full Length Hidden YKK Zipper
* Mesh Side Panels
* Mesh Underarm and Neck Panels
* Q3 Elite Fabric
* Race Fit
* Silicone Waist Gripper
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Perfect flatlock stitching everywhere (bar the collar, which is overlocked). Fabrics feel sturdy without being overly thick.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Accurate stitching and strong fabrics should last very well.
Rate the product for fit:
7/10
Well-judged shaping and a comfy fit, though it could be a centimetre or two longer.
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
Comes up a little small. Anyone in the upper two-thirds of each given range could easily size up.
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Stays firmly in place with zero issues.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
It's more expensive than some, cheaper than some. Quality is excellent though, and ups the score here.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Takes cool washes without issue.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Bold design that's high-vis without looking commuter-ish; excellent build; availability of matching gilets/arm warmers.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
While not exceptional, this jersey is certainly very good, and an easy eight.
Age: 47 Height: 183cm Weight: 78kg
I usually ride: Vitus Zenium SL VR Disc My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: A few times a week I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: general fitness riding, mountain biking
None of your business, mate.
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