Universal Colours Chroma Jersey and Bibs review
Universal Colours’ Chroma range has always been their performance orientated range, using woven fabrics rather than knitted to offer increased levels of performance, durability, and comfort. The SS24 updated of the range brings about an updated fit, new constructions, and materials.
The ‘boutique’ cycling kit market is now becoming increasing crowded, a sector that was almost created by Rapha has seen other brands come to the market offering their own take on what performance cycling kit looks like. The likes of MAAP, Pas Normal and Velobici all offer some great looking performance orientated kit so is there space for another in the shape of Universal Colours?
We’ve been wearing the Chroma bibs and jersey on a range of rides, from sweltering gravel adventures to club rides to see if this kit deserves a place in your wardrobe.
Chroma Men’s Short Sleeve Jersey
£150 | Buy from Universal Colours
For:
Lightweight material
Feels luxurious
Eco credentials
Against:
Fit didn’t work for us; torso is too short
This latest revision of the Chroma Jersey sees some incremental changes over the outgoing jersey; the most noticeable being the new fit. Universal Colours have opted to take a page out of the Pas Normal design book and cropped the length of the jersey to verging on being too short. Granted, this reviewer is tall but when standing upright the bottom hem of the jersey was just below our belly button. If you have a shorter torso then this will be less of an issue but it certainly was an off look for us. In a riding position it became much less noticeable, but we would welcome an extra few centimetres for a more standard fit. It also meant the pockets were comically high up our back and getting things in and out of them tricky.
The fit elsewhere though was excellent, offering a snug without being tight fit on the torso and sleeves were of a good length. Silicone grippers ensured they stayed in place.
The new material used in this jersey is claimed to be 40% lighter and four times more abrasion resistant than the equivalent knitted fabric and whilst we haven’t been able to fully test the durability claims, the jersey does feel exceptionally light. It also offers SPF 30 protection for riding in sunny/hot conditions so no need to lather up in sun cream underneath the jersey.
The lack of weight to the jersey does make it very breathable and we felt comfortable when the temperatures were north of 30º.
If you have a short torso or simply don’t mind wearing a short jersey then the Chroma could be a good option for you, however at £150 it faces stiff competition and at that price you want it to be perfect. We’d plump for our trusty MAAP Training Jersey or Rapha Pro Team jersey for similar money and in our opinion, a better fit.
Chroma Men’s Bib Shorts
£190 | Buy from Universal Colours
For:
Compressive fit
Appealing colours
Against:
Legs a tiny bit too long
Solid back panel traps heat
The Chroma Bibs use the same French woven nylon as the jersey to offer the same performance and comfort credentials but again, the 2024 version brings with it updates.
The first is the higher fit waist (presumably to cover the gap between the bottom of the jersey). Joking aside, we liked the compressive and supportive fit provided by the higher waist and it did provide more coverage when wearing shorter jerseys. The leg length has been extended slightly too which we felt was a touch longer than other bibs but didn’t cause any fit or comfort issues apart from being a tad baggy as it fell just below the bottom of our quad rather than on it.
The shoulder straps are generously wide and didn’t dig in at all although the solid back panel did trap excess heat more than a highly shaped one.
The pad used in the Chroma bibs is the snappily named Elastic Interface Road Performance Space 2 seat pad which claims to be wider, longer and thicker than its predecessor. Again, we had no quals with the comfort of the pad and felt we could move around in the saddle and still be comfortable; hunkering down on the nose during hard efforts felt supportive and comfortable.
The pad features recycled materials and the foam layer is made from 60% plant based materials.
Our test samples came in the teal colourway which we’d describe as more of a grey/blue but nonetheless made a welcome change from black.
All in all, we had no complaints about these bibs and they provide a good alternative to the likes of Rapha or MAAP.