Exteondo WS Team Jersey Review - First Impressions
JesseD
Posts: 1,961
Hi all,
Not sure if this will be of use to anyone, but in case it is I thought I'd post a review here.
My Exteondo WS Team Jersey and arm-warmers was delivered yesterday and first impressions were good, I ordered mine in black as it would predominantly be used in spring/autumn rides where the weather would be changeable and there’s lots of mud etc on the roads, anything lighter would just get stained pretty quickly. It looks very well made with some great details such as the reflective stripe running down the back, the water drainage eyelets on the rear pockets and the flap at the back to protect your lower back/backside from water spray.
The Jersey is Exetondo’s answer to the Castelli Gabba (which was going to be my original choice until prices went up by 40%), it is made from a Gortex material which is meant to be wind proof and water proof
So to the fit, the jersey is used by the Giant Shimano Pro Team so as you can imagine the fit is best described as race fit for racing snakes, I myself however do not have the typical cyclist build, I look more like a club rugby player with broad shoulders, 41-42” chest, bigish biceps and a 35” waist, so looking at the size chart on the Always Riding website where I purchased this from I was torn between a large or an extra-large, after some advice from their customer service team I opted for the extra-large.
First off I tried on the arm warmers which are made from the same material as the jersey, they fitted well on the upper arms and forearms, they are tight but comfortable, just as an arm-warmer should be, my only gripe is that they seem baggy around the lower forearm and wrist, this in my opinion means that on colder rides your wrists are going to be slightly exposed to the elements, it will be fine if you have gloves on with long cuffs but if not then I dare say the cold will sneak in.
Next onto the fit of the jersey, which I was pleasantly surprised by, it was tight without being too tight and had no extra material flapping about, the extra-large was near enough a perfect fit for me. What I really liked about the jersey is that the arms are long for a short sleeve jersey with the cuff stopping just about the elbow, perfect for riding in the type of weather this jersey is designed for. As soon I had the jersey on and zipped up I felt comfortable, not restricted in any way, it is how a race jersey should feel IMO.
So how did it perform?
This morning I did my usual 90 minute ride which is a mixture of fast flat sections and some short sharp climbs, the weather dry, the sun was coming up and the temperature was a chilly 8-9 degrees. I opted to wear a pair of bib-shorts, a Cannondale sleeveless base-layer and the WS Team Jersey without the arm-warmers, I also wore a cap under my helmet to make sure I wasn’t cold. The jersey was plenty warm enough from the off, I wasn’t too hot nor too cold throughout the ride even after I warmed up, which threw me a bit as with a base-layer, jersey and Gillet combo I am usually unzipping the Gillet after around 20 mins of riding, this jersey seemed to keep my just at the right temperature no matter if I was climbing, descending, spinning on the flats or putting in efforts, I never got too hot or too cold. I was particularly impressed with the fit on the bike, it just felt right, with no flappy material anywhere. The pockets were easily accessible (not too high on the back that you need to have been practicing yoga for 10 years to be able to contort enough to get your hand into one of them) and my phone and keys were not bouncing around all over the place when I was out of the saddle.
Overall I am so far impressed by the jersey, it seems well thought out and I love the fit, I can see this being my go to jersey for the majority of my spring/autumn rides instead of a jersey and Gillet. When the temp drops between around 3 -6 degrees I will just team this up with a long-sleeve wind-stopper base-layer, but I can imagine for colder rides around 0 degrees this will not cut the mustard, I will then reach for the proper winter kit.
The next test for the jersey will be how it performs in the rain, I am hoping for great things but time will tell whether it is able to cope with the miserable UK weather, and by looking out of the window I can imagine that that test will come sooner rather than later. Once I have ridden it in the rain I will update this review.
Hope that was helpful all.
Not sure if this will be of use to anyone, but in case it is I thought I'd post a review here.
My Exteondo WS Team Jersey and arm-warmers was delivered yesterday and first impressions were good, I ordered mine in black as it would predominantly be used in spring/autumn rides where the weather would be changeable and there’s lots of mud etc on the roads, anything lighter would just get stained pretty quickly. It looks very well made with some great details such as the reflective stripe running down the back, the water drainage eyelets on the rear pockets and the flap at the back to protect your lower back/backside from water spray.
The Jersey is Exetondo’s answer to the Castelli Gabba (which was going to be my original choice until prices went up by 40%), it is made from a Gortex material which is meant to be wind proof and water proof
So to the fit, the jersey is used by the Giant Shimano Pro Team so as you can imagine the fit is best described as race fit for racing snakes, I myself however do not have the typical cyclist build, I look more like a club rugby player with broad shoulders, 41-42” chest, bigish biceps and a 35” waist, so looking at the size chart on the Always Riding website where I purchased this from I was torn between a large or an extra-large, after some advice from their customer service team I opted for the extra-large.
First off I tried on the arm warmers which are made from the same material as the jersey, they fitted well on the upper arms and forearms, they are tight but comfortable, just as an arm-warmer should be, my only gripe is that they seem baggy around the lower forearm and wrist, this in my opinion means that on colder rides your wrists are going to be slightly exposed to the elements, it will be fine if you have gloves on with long cuffs but if not then I dare say the cold will sneak in.
Next onto the fit of the jersey, which I was pleasantly surprised by, it was tight without being too tight and had no extra material flapping about, the extra-large was near enough a perfect fit for me. What I really liked about the jersey is that the arms are long for a short sleeve jersey with the cuff stopping just about the elbow, perfect for riding in the type of weather this jersey is designed for. As soon I had the jersey on and zipped up I felt comfortable, not restricted in any way, it is how a race jersey should feel IMO.
So how did it perform?
This morning I did my usual 90 minute ride which is a mixture of fast flat sections and some short sharp climbs, the weather dry, the sun was coming up and the temperature was a chilly 8-9 degrees. I opted to wear a pair of bib-shorts, a Cannondale sleeveless base-layer and the WS Team Jersey without the arm-warmers, I also wore a cap under my helmet to make sure I wasn’t cold. The jersey was plenty warm enough from the off, I wasn’t too hot nor too cold throughout the ride even after I warmed up, which threw me a bit as with a base-layer, jersey and Gillet combo I am usually unzipping the Gillet after around 20 mins of riding, this jersey seemed to keep my just at the right temperature no matter if I was climbing, descending, spinning on the flats or putting in efforts, I never got too hot or too cold. I was particularly impressed with the fit on the bike, it just felt right, with no flappy material anywhere. The pockets were easily accessible (not too high on the back that you need to have been practicing yoga for 10 years to be able to contort enough to get your hand into one of them) and my phone and keys were not bouncing around all over the place when I was out of the saddle.
Overall I am so far impressed by the jersey, it seems well thought out and I love the fit, I can see this being my go to jersey for the majority of my spring/autumn rides instead of a jersey and Gillet. When the temp drops between around 3 -6 degrees I will just team this up with a long-sleeve wind-stopper base-layer, but I can imagine for colder rides around 0 degrees this will not cut the mustard, I will then reach for the proper winter kit.
The next test for the jersey will be how it performs in the rain, I am hoping for great things but time will tell whether it is able to cope with the miserable UK weather, and by looking out of the window I can imagine that that test will come sooner rather than later. Once I have ridden it in the rain I will update this review.
Hope that was helpful all.
Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!
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Comments
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I was hoping that this jersey would remain overshadowed by Gabbas and the like, so I would remain the only person I know with one. And now you've ruined it.
It is a very good bit of kit. I am almost looking forward to the temperature dropping enough so I can wear mine again.
I'd disagree about the armwarmers, I wore them once and subsequently deposited them into the oubliette.0 -
In relation to the arm-warmers I think a lot depends on the shape of your arms (no sh1t Sherlock!), I think Etexondo have missed a trick here and if they had spent a little more time on the design of the arm-warmers they could have got the entire combo spot on.
I am actually looking forward to a rainy ride now so I can try out how the jersey works in the wet - I must be barking!
As for the exclusivity of the jersey - I'll delete the post now
Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0 -
How does it hold up in rain?0
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Most importantly, it keeps you warm. Water beads off for a time but then penetrates. It's not waterproof. It is excellent at keeping a chill wind at bay.
I couldn't believe how little kit - a BL, arm warmers and this jersey - could keep me so warm.0 -
Most importantly, it keeps you warm. Water beads off for a time but then penetrates. It's not waterproof. It is excellent at keeping a chill wind at bay.
I couldn't believe how little kit - a BL, arm warmers and this jersey - could keep me so warm.
Not used mine in the rain yet, but do agree with Bondurant, the jersey has an uncanny ability to regulate body temp.Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0 -
I was weighing buying one of these up against a Gabba 2. The difference in price (between the two cheapest retailers) is only about £30. I don't care about looking 'different' but the performance value is important for whichever one I choose.
On paper, the two seemed to be offering essentially the same thing. That's why it's good to hear from those who have bought and used the goods. Sadly I cannot find a place to 'try on' the Exteondo, but I have been trying on the Gabba in my local bike shop. It's been a good read, thanks guys, very helpful.0 -
OK, so the weather here in Jersey has finally played ball and the heavens have started to open. I wore the jersey on Monday morning in what can only be described as gale force winds and sideways rain and I have to admit it performed brilliantly.
I also got caught out towards the end of yesterday’s chain-gang ride when it started to shower and the jersey repelled any water thrown its way, and its plenty warm enough with just a baselayer on underneath.
Looking at the apocalyptic weather outside of my office window today I think its going to get a very thorough test on this evenings ride as well.
So performance wise, in light showers it just repels the water which beads off and doesn’t seem to soak through, in heavier rain the water will eventually soak through but the jersey then acts like a wetsuit and your body heats up the water so you stay snug, the wind proofing then stops the water chilling the body, I have to admit I don’t regret buying this over the Gabba at all, rather the £40 saving was in my account than with the retailers.
Fit wise I went for an XL which is pretty much perfect for my body shape, I have broad shoulders and chest and big arms from going to the gym, the XL is tight but not restrictive on these areas but has enough give to be tight fitting around my mid-section as well. For reference I am a 42” chest and have the build of a rugby player, I wear an XL in Santini clothing and usually a large in other brands such as DHB.
What I don’t like is the arm warmers that come with the jersey, they are made from the same material as the jersey which is good but the fit is terrible, they are just too big for my arms around the biceps and are baggy on the wrists, I wore them last night and got so pished off with them they were taken off within the first 20 mins of the ride, the £40 I saved buying the jersey over the short sleeved Gabba will be spent on a pair of nano-flex arm warmers from Castelli instead. The only use I can see for the Exetondo arm warmers are for wearing over a long sleeved base layer or over another pair of arm warmers in the winter so maybe I will keep them for that.
Would I buy the jersey again – definitely, I really rate it and as autumn is now upon us I am finding that I am gravitating towards this jersey over the normal jersey and gilet option, I may even buy one in another colour as well!Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0 -
Looks like a really tempting purchase, it's a shame they don't do it without the arm warmers at a slightly lower price.0
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Those arm warmers sound interesting - my normal problem is that the forearm & elbow in particular but also the biceps are to tight on just about every pair I have tried and at the same time the grip around the top is too loose.
These sound like they may be a perfect fit - must find a shop to let me try a pair.0 -
Overall I am so far impressed by the jersey, it seems well thought out and I love the fit, I can see this being my go to jersey for the majority of my spring/autumn rides instead of a jersey and Gillet. When the temp drops between around 3 -6 degrees I will just team this up with a long-sleeve wind-stopper base-layer, but I can imagine for colder rides around 0 degrees this will not cut the mustard, I will then reach for the proper winter kit.
I don't understand why you would do this as the jersey is already made from a windstopper type material? You are going to start affecting breathability doing this.0 -
Maybe he 'meant' just a long sleeved 'base layer' underneath the windstopper jacket/jersey.
My concern now is that if the 'sleeves' are below par and to rectify that people go for the option of the nanoflex arms by Castelli then the saving between the two is neither here nor there anymore (I can pick the nanoflex arms up 'cheapest' price at £20). Which again leaves me wondering....Gabba...or Extenondo??? in that case my leaning is starting to go more towards just buying the Gabba short sleeve and the nanonflex arms.
But guys...I wouldn't have even known about this 'arm' issue, except that with your experience you can comment on it, so thanks again.0 -
Overall I am so far impressed by the jersey, it seems well thought out and I love the fit, I can see this being my go to jersey for the majority of my spring/autumn rides instead of a jersey and Gillet. When the temp drops between around 3 -6 degrees I will just team this up with a long-sleeve wind-stopper base-layer, but I can imagine for colder rides around 0 degrees this will not cut the mustard, I will then reach for the proper winter kit.
I don't understand why you would do this as the jersey is already made from a windstopper type material? You are going to start affecting breathability doing this.
To clarify, when the weather gets really cold (and for me that is edging down towards 3 degrees), I will use a wind-stopper base layer underneath the jersey which I reckon will be plenty warm enough when used with arm-warmers as well, anything above that I think a normal base-layer will be fine.
I have a Giodanna merino wool base-layer with a Windtex front on it but the back and arms are merino wool, I wore this under a Endura long sleeve jacket with a wind-stopper material on the front last year and it was fine so I think it will be fine under the WS Team Jersey.
That said until it gets colder and I try it I wont know for sure.Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0 -
My concern now is that if the 'sleeves' are below par and to rectify that people go for the option of the nanoflex arms by Castelli then the saving between the two is neither here nor there anymore (I can pick the nanoflex arms up 'cheapest' price at £20). Which again leaves me wondering....Gabba...or Extenondo??? in that case my leaning is starting to go more towards just buying the Gabba short sleeve and the nanonflex arms.
But guys...I wouldn't have even known about this 'arm' issue, except that with your experience you can comment on it, so thanks again.
The cheapest I found the Gabba was £120 in the sort sleeve version, this didn't come with arm warmers. The WS Team Jersey was £80 but came with arm warmers, hence the £40 price difference.
So if I bought the Gabba, and then bought the nano-flex arm-warmers, the total price would be £140, whereas if I buy the nano-flex arm-warmers as well as the WS Team Jersey the total price will be £100, hence the £40 saving. In fact the WS Team Jersey, the included arm-warmers and the nano-flex arm-warmers will still be £20 cheaper than just the short sleeve Gabba jersey on its own.Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0 -
Hi Gents. I've opted for the Gabba 2 short sleeve + separate nanoflex arms. My local bike shop did me a good deal on the Gabba + I shopped online for the arms. £120 total. So I didn't think that was 'too' bad. Went for the 007 black look!!0
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That's not a bad price all in given the retail opn the jersey alone is £140.00.
TBH I don't think you'd be disappointed with either, be interesting to hear your thoughts on it as I may at some point buy a Gabba2 as well, variety is the spice of life an all that!Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0 -
That's not a bad price all in given the retail opn the jersey alone is £140.00.
TBH I don't think you'd be disappointed with either, be interesting to hear your thoughts on it as I may at some point buy a Gabba2 as well, variety is the spice of life an all that!
Why? You're buying exactly the same type of jersey!0 -
You own more than one pair of bib-shorts or bib-tights?
I will be riding throughout the winter over here and I can see me using this type of jersey on 95% of my rides so having more than one will be very beneficial, so if I can find one for close to a ton then I will give it a try, especially if I can find it in blue or yellow to match my team kit. If I cant then I will buy another WS Team Jersey in yellow.
I could just go straight down that route but I do want to try a Gabba2 to see if its any better than the Exteondo.Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0 -
My concern now is that if the 'sleeves' are below par and to rectify that people go for the option of the nanoflex arms by Castelli then the saving between the two is neither here nor there anymore (I can pick the nanoflex arms up 'cheapest' price at £20). Which again leaves me wondering....Gabba...or Extenondo??? in that case my leaning is starting to go more towards just buying the Gabba short sleeve and the nanonflex arms.
But guys...I wouldn't have even known about this 'arm' issue, except that with your experience you can comment on it, so thanks again.
The cheapest I found the Gabba was £120 in the sort sleeve version, this didn't come with arm warmers. The WS Team Jersey was £80 but came with arm warmers, hence the £40 price difference.
So if I bought the Gabba, and then bought the nano-flex arm-warmers, the total price would be £140, whereas if I buy the nano-flex arm-warmers as well as the WS Team Jersey the total price will be £100, hence the £40 saving. In fact the WS Team Jersey, the included arm-warmers and the nano-flex arm-warmers will still be £20 cheaper than just the short sleeve Gabba jersey on its own.
Do I assume from this that Always riding 'had' it for £80, but it's now £93, or was there a code or something?Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180 -
Sorry possibly should have mentioned that as I live in the Channel Islands we don't get charged VAT which will be the difference.Obsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0
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No worries, just didn't want to miss out on a bargain!
Probably going to try a medium. 37" chest.
Does that sound about right in your opinion?
Reviews on other sites seem to suggest it sizes a bit smaller than other etxeondo kit.Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180 -
No worries, just didn't want to miss out on a bargain!
Probably going to try a medium. 37" chest.
Does that sound about right in your opinion?
Reviews on other sites seem to suggest it sizes a bit smaller than other etxeondo kit.
I would say yes, I am a 42" chest and an XL fits me fine but I think I could have got away with a Large but it would have been skin tight, so I would imagine a medium would fit you fine, but if you want a really tight fit then possibly a small looking at the size guide on Always Riding's websiteObsessed is a word used by the lazy to describe the dedicated!0 -
No worries, just didn't want to miss out on a bargain!
Probably going to try a medium. 37" chest.
Does that sound about right in your opinion?
Reviews on other sites seem to suggest it sizes a bit smaller than other etxeondo kit.
I would say yes, I am a 42" chest and an XL fits me fine but I think I could have got away with a Large but it would have been skin tight, so I would imagine a medium would fit you fine, but if you want a really tight fit then possibly a small looking at the size guide on Always Riding's website
Cheers, just ordered.Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180 -
Jersey arrived tuther day, well pleased with the jersey, quality is good, and fit in medium is pretty good.
As I have noticed in other reviews, the same size arm warmers are a bit big, which is a bit of a shame - think Small in the arm warmers would have been perfect for me.Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
Scott CR1 SL 12
Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
Scott Foil 180
