My Favorite Jersey: The Giordana FRC-Pro Lightweight

Giordana sent me this jersey for review, but I was not paid to review it. Click here to support my channel and buy the FRC-Pro Jersey via my Competitive Cyclist Affiliate Program link -

https://competitivecyclist.g39l.net/DP1E5

It’s no secret that Giordana’s my favorite cycling apparel company: I’ve known the crew in Charlotte for over 15 years now, and they’ve always treated me like family. So, naturally when I launched this channel they were the first ones to jump in and offer to help. And I’m glad they did because this white forma long sleeve jersey is the new workhorse in my jersey drawer.

I’ve owned, ridden, tested, and reviewed every single generation of the Forma and FRC line - going back I can’t remember how many years, and I actually just gave away my first gen jersey to one of the local juniors who was in need of some new kit. To say a lot has changed over the years would be an understatement, but there’s also a lot that’s still...familiar: the body clone fit is still fantastic, and the fine details like cuffs, grippers, zippers and pockets are all still well thought out and perfectly executed.

When I first saw this jersey, I said to myself “wow, that would be PERFECT for an all-day ride like BWR” and I asked if they’d be up for sending me one to use on that epic day. They did, and after one ride I knew i was right (but more on that in a minute). After that, I pledged to wash it, fold it, and put it in a drawer until race day. Because, well, it’s white. And every white thing I own is a MAGNET for stains. So I did....I tucked it away….that was in February...of 2020 (in case you’re watching this in the future). Somewhere around march the May 5 start date of BWR summarily got moved to November, and as of today - July something 2020 - it’s looking like the November reschedule is gonna get pushed as well.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t see that coming like two months ago, but the upside is that I pulled this bad boy out of it’s vacuum-sealed bag and started using it. And I couldn’t stop.You see, here in Temecula it’s usually 50-60 degrees and overcast at sunrise and much hotter (and sunnier) by 10 o’clock, so I found myself in light arm warmers like the Giordana DryYarns most mornings. And, since they’re not as hot as traditional winter arm warmers I usually just leave them on for sun protection - which I can do up to the low 70’s.

But with the white FRC pro - I can keep it on all day (my longest ride in it was about 8 hours), and it keeps me cool into the mid-80’s regardless of my speed or tempo, PLUS you get the benefit of UPF 50 sun protection without having to slather or spray sunscreen all over your arms. And like I said - Since I pulled it out its early retirement I can’t wash and dry this thing fast enough to wear it - it’s my absolute go-to on any ride over 3 hours and I found myself wishing I had three more just like it.

But, that’s not to say it’s PERFECT. I was expecting it to be a little more snug - especially on the arms - like their EXO jersey which has compression fabric on the forearms. That would be a HUGE addition to the all-day endurance slash fatigue-fighting narrative of this jersey, and I think a nice upgrade over the stock sleeves which tend to wrinkle and bunch up on my toothpick arms.

It’s also a tad too long, and as a result the pockets can get a bit droopy - but on the flip, whatever fabric they used ON those pockets is ULTRA stretchy, and you can totally overload all three on an all-day epic because of the two-way stretch fabric that frames them up and provides support. And last but not least, there’s a reasonably tall but not too short collar to keep the sun off your neck, which is a nice departure from the no-collar EXO jersey I was using before.

Before I go, one side note about wearing it on a hot day: this is a summer jersey through and through but when you first clip in, your arms will be a touch on the warm side. But once the sleeves get saturated with a little sweat, you’ll feel a nice, refreshing cooling effect.

If you want to buy one for yourself, click the link below, but before you do don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for notifications. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see ya next time.