Bike Perfect Verdict
Subtle cosiness, three sleeve length options and minimal environmental impact are all pluses for the Roam Shirt LS, but it lacks pockets and glasses/goggles wipes though, the price is premium too.
Pros
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Mobile fit without excess flap
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Fast wicking and drying with a comfortable feel
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Recycled, PFC and PFAS-free material
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UPF50 sun protection and antimicrobial treatment
Cons
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No glasses wipes or essentials stash
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Reflective sleeve detail is on the wrong side for UK traffic
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Like the very best MTB jerseys, 7Mesh have taken a typically responsible, practical and premium approach to their new temperate weather trail orientated Roam Shirt LS and it works great – as long as you don’t want to carry anything in it.
Design
The Roam uses a mid weight, internally textured, easy stretch polyester that offers a bit more warmth than average without being obviously chunky. The material is recycled too with no PFC or PFAS pollutants. It gets a Polygiene antimicrobial treatment though and it’s UPF 50 rated if the sun comes out.
The cut is distinctive too, with a section of ‘heatmap influenced’ patterned cloth forming a large ‘bib’ on the front of the shirt. A second patterned strip runs across the shoulders and forms the front, upper section of both sleeves. A solid color version of the same fabric is used for the lower body, lower sleeves and back. The sleeves are generously long with doubled back cuffs in a subtle contrast stitch and there’s reflective 7MESH lettering on the left hand sleeve and a small logo at the nape. You can also get the Roam in a top of the forearm 3/4 sleeve and a traditional short sleeve, as well as women’s versions. But there’s no hidden stash pocket or specific lens wipe cloth built-in.
Performance
I’ve been wearing the Roam regularly since it arrived a couple of months ago. That’s because the lofted feel and way it traps warm air makes it slightly cosier than a standard LS shirt, so leaving the jacket behind is less of a risk. The textured backer treatment also shifts sweat or post rain shower dampness really quickly, so whether it turns out warmer or wetter than expected then you won’t be soggy for long.
The bibbed cut with prominent seam can look a bit odd depending on body shape and the shoulders have a slightly boxy '80s vibe. The three piece, diagonally seamed sleeve cut works really well though and the shoulders are bag strap friendly. There’s enough stretch to go snug if you want too, but even in a small (I’m 180cm / 70kg) arm and body length were generous and it goes up to XXL. I’ve had no issues with pulled threads or tears despite some shrubbery misadventures and while the anti-bac treatment reduces washing urgency (in turn reducing eco impact) and it scrubs up well on a cool cycle.
Price looks expensive when you consider there are no pockets or glasses wipe though and the reflective arm detail is on the wrong side for riding in UK traffic.
Verdict
If you want a bit more warmth for ‘will it, won’t it' shine/shower/shiver days jersey in a natural feeling, free moving but not overly baggy, eco responsible, pocket free format the 7Mesh Roam is spot on.
Tech specs: 7Mesh Roam Shirt LS
- Price: $80.00 / £58.33 / €57.85
- Sizes: XS to XXL
- Colors: Douglas Fir Green (tested), Cinnamon Brown, Bottle Blue, Black
- Weight: 150g (S)
