Bike Perfect Verdict
Distinctive styling and detailing with a high performing fabric and high volume pockets for faster/further riding. Lycra trim fades fast though and zip is short for hot days.
Pros
- +
Natural feeling performance fabric
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Big capacity back pockets
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Very inclusive size range
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Lots of neat detailing
Cons
- -
Short zip for long climbs
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Lycra trim fades fast
- -
‘Trail’ isn’t the right name
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It might be called the Trail 3.0 but fit, features and pockets of the are definitely more geared to faster XC, gravel or even road use. If climbing and velocity are your vibe you’ll find it works well, but does this Leatt top have what it takes to make it into our guide to the best mountain bike jerseys?
Design and specifications
The Trail 3.0 jersey uses the same MoistureCool 360 multi-directional stretch fabric throughout, but that lets Leatt get away with a relatively simple T-shirt cut. The zip is pretty short but it’s a top quality YKK one with a beard garage at the top. There are laser cut perforations on the underside of the contrast color sleeves and the mid back for extra venting too.
There are three big bottle sized pockets across the lower back, with an extra (YKK) zipped sub pocket on the right one. These are topped with a strip of Lycra and there’s another deep Lycra piece forming the back hem too. There’s a metallic copper Leatt logo that matches the Trail 3.0 MTB shorts and two small reflective stripes above the hem. There are silicon bag strap patches on the shoulders and the double thickness stand up collar gets silicon logo detailing inside too. Hem seams are folded and welded while main seams are flat lock stitched. The pocket corners are bar tacked too, but the left breast pocket is not much use for anything.
Performance
Overall cut is naturally close fitting, but with sizes from XS to XXXL, there’s plenty of potential to add some bagginess. While it looks relatively slinky and synthetic, the brushed back fabric feels natural against the skin while it breathes and shifts sweat well - it's quick drying too, if you get drenched. The patches of perforations give noticeable cooling airflow, but there will be times you’ll want a longer zip if you’re slogging up a long, hot climb.
Being able to stuff the big pockets is definitely a bonus on long days out. The bar tacked corners and Lycra top line help stability when they are full too. The Lycra hem and extended length also helps stop the stretchy fabric riding up when unloaded. It’s shower/dirt/stain proofed as well, but as usual you’ll need to refresh the coating after a few washes if you want noticeable weather protection.
The fabric has held up to the usual bush snags, scuffs and mixed washing/kit bag perils well so far. The only noticeable casualty being the color of the lycra trim sections which have started looking washed out and mottled very quickly.
Verdict
Leatt’s Trail 3.0 V22 is a close fitting, perforated, air con jersey with big volume pockets and neat trim details that works well for fast trail/XC or gravel use. The zip is short for really hot rides though and the Lycra trim is looking tired while the rest of the jersey is still fresh. Pricing is good considering the quality and detailing, but you’re likely to find big discounts on Leatt online which potentially make it a real bargain.
Tech specs: Leatt trail 3.0 V22 Jersey
- Price: $59.99 / £54.99 / €64.99
- Sizes: XS-3XXL
- Colours: Black, Malbec (tested), Desert
