Renen Unite MTB long sleeve jersey review – technical riding jersey with unique customization options

There are so many choices when it comes to choosing a new mountain bike jersey and many variables involved before dropping your cash. Renen’s Unite jersey sits in the lightweight and highly breathable category. It’s handmade in the USA and features a cool custom name and number upgrade if you want to go full-factory, or just want your name on the back for fun. All of the Unite jerseys pair with the Renen MTB Pant.

Design and specifications

The Unite jersey is a close fitting jersey made from Drycycle technical fabrics boasting high-wicking capabilities. The back and underarm panels are constructed from larger sized Drycycle mesh material to promote moisture transfer, whilst the front body and arms use a heavier-weight material that looks like it should still vent well. The forearms use an abrasion-resistant ‘no snag’ material with a DWR treatment for added durability. The collar is a loop design rather than a standard crewneck, which, in theory, could add comfort as it eliminates the neck seam. 

If you want the full-factory racing look, Renen offers sublimation graphic name/number customized printing for an additional $50-$65. For that, you get your name and up to three digits printed on the back and arm using its own Renen font. As Renen use sublimation printing, all graphics are embedded into the fabric so it doesn’t affect the breathability of the material. There are also a couple of reflective print graphics on the upper chest and back of the upper arms.

Sizing ranges from S-XL with color options to match its Renen MTB Pant in Black, Chalk, Stone and Green and White Camo.

Performance

With the advice of Brian Lopes – yes, that Brian Lopes – Renen’s marketing and athlete manager, I went for a size small for a more fitted look. It hugs the upper body and then releases downward, creating a pleasing silhouette that feels soft next to the skin. There’s enough room for light body armor, and given the amount of stretch in the material, it would probably accommodate a full-on body jacket too. The slim cut and length in the arms are good, and there’s enough length if you want to wear it tucked in for a more race-oriented look.

Riding in hot weather, I did feel the initial build-up of sweat, especially once stopped after a hard climb, but it wicked pretty quickly once on the move drying out quickly. I could regulate my heat easily by pushing up the arms of the jersey. The stretch material stayed firmly in place and didn’t go slack afterwards, holding its shape, and it’s proven durable, fending off annoying attention from bramble strikes. 

I almost turned down the offer of the customised graphics, not being much of a racer, but with the ‘Big C’ in the family at the moment, it felt like as good a place as any to spread the message and certainly turned a few heads at the trail centre. The customized sublimated printing is a great option with this jersey, especially over traditional screen printing which can block essential airflow.

Verdict

With a base price below many high-end jerseys, I think it’s well worth the asking price, given the high level of construction, comfort and performance. It’s tougher than it looks, and the customization option is killer.

Tech specs: Renen Unite jersey

• Price: $84 +$50 for Back name/number customization + $15 for Additional shoulder number  / £65 / €78
• Colors: Black / Chalk White / Green camo / White Camo / Stone
• Sizes: S-XL