It’d be easy to overlook Specialized’s Trail Thermal Jersey in their new fall clothing range but it’s one of the best mountain bike jerseys down to its value and stealthy performance. Even with that weird ‘I thought it was for a gun’ zip on the side.
Design
Specialized has actually used quite a clever and distinctive cut for the Trail Thermal jersey including an elbow-to-elbow yoke piece across the shoulders. The truth is that Polartec Power Grid is so stretchy it’s not really needed though. That comes from the fact it’s constructed from a very thin ‘skin’ covered in a grid of tiny raised fleece squares that actually looks like a gravel tire tread. This traps a layer of warm air between you and the outside for super-effective insulation. It also wicks sweat off the skin and evaporates it into the elements extremely quickly.
From a fit point, it’s generous in the body and the sleeves are a decent length and the hem sits low on your hips. It’s doubled over for a bit of structure as well and so is the collar. The casual vibe is boosted by the double-ended marsupial/tunnel pocket across the belly which also hides a zipped valuables pocket. This is big enough to hold a phone or stuff the entire jersey into if you want to pack it down. There’s another short section of chunky YKK zip on the right hip that I initially thought might be to help access a gun in a holster (well it is an ‘murican top) but it’s apparently there to let you access the rear pocket on SWAT bibs more easily. At just over 200g it’s still light for a mid-layer.
Performance
The Polartec Power Grid is a key part of why the Trail Thermal jersey works so well. Obviously, there are loads of densities and constructions of fleece/lofted fabrics to choose from in different clothing. Especially if you look at outdoor brands rather than MTB brands rarely make proper mid-layers. Even among all the lightweight ‘3D’ fabrics the amount of warmth Power Grid can create through the way it captures warm air against your body is amazing. On high-energy rides, I’ve been hot in the Thermal on 3- 5 degree celsius temps and if you combine it with a thin shell layer like Specialized’s Trail SWAT Jacket it’ll comfortably cope with sub-zero.
The open weave also wicks sweat spectacularly well, often producing comical clouds of ‘steam’ when you stop. That keeps your skin very dry which not only means less ‘ick’ but also reduces heat loss dramatically when you start heading downhill or hit an icy blast at the summit. The jersey also dries super quick while riding so while there’s no penetration protection from rain, its heat retention makes it great for showery/misty/foggy riding.
The only downside of the fabric is that wind can blow through it easily - which is where bringing a shell can help. The lack of a front zip also makes it harder to regulate temperature by opening up for an instant air con. The baggy fit means it doesn’t suck as much sweat off as it would with more comprehensive contact either so size down for maximum performance. The casual styling and hand warmer/stash pocket across the front will be a big win for a lot of people though.
The hip zip is worse than pointless though. It’s cold and clattery when you put it on, adds cost and weight and it’s just not needed as the fabric is so light and stretchy you can pull it up easily anyway. The overall price is still very good for even a basic Power Grid top though so getting the extra pocket features is a real bonus.
Verdict
Specialized’s Trail Thermal Jersey looks like an apres ride top and works great as one too. Not least because it wicks sweat super fast and dries quickly too so you won’t be sat around wet and cold after a hard ride.
The amount of heat it holds in for such a lightweight layer is incredible too, making it a brilliant top layer on cold but calm days or an awesome warmth booster under a lightweight shell. I’ve docked it half a mark as I’d rather have a short neck zip for temp control rather than the pointless SWAT zip on the side. The number of times I found myself keeping my hands warm in the front pocket proves how useful that is and the pricing is excellent. Just be warned that this is a seriously warm top so don’t go boiling yourself by over-layering.
Tech specs: Specialized Trail Thermal Jersey
- Price: $150 (currently on sale at $119.95 in US) / £65
- Sizes: XS-XXL (XXL in men's only)
- Colors: Black, Harvest Gold in UK plus Slate and Oak Green in US
- Weight: 203g
