Details
Reviews
What Mountain Bike (UK) - Sep 04
2004 What Mountain Bike Awards
Best Jerseys
There are so many good, sweat shifting bike shirts around, you'll probably choose on style rather than particular fabric or features. That said, the casual looking cloth of the Manta Ray works really well on the bike or off, and it's an absolute bargain even if you pay around the world postage...
NZ Mountain Biker - Feb 04
Ground Effect's Manta Ray shirt has been around for a few seasons now. Designed for hot weather riding it features Intercool fabric, a long front zip and a whale-tail rear in a stylie shirt that would not be too out of place in a cafe as on a trail.
Now we've heard about amazing fabrics that have stretch memory, know how to breathe, are constructed with 3D weave and can do everything else bar talk to you. SO when you read that the Manta Ray uses "Intercool" fabric you just think "Right another marketing term". But one ride was all it took to realise that his was more than just hyped up marketing speak., My first ride was a typical humid Auckland day meaning that my usual sweaty self was even sweatier than normal! Removing the shirt I couldn't believe how the outside felt wet like water had just been poured on it while the inside was just damp. The fabric was actually working, drawing the sweat away from my body. I actually spent a few minutes rubbing both sides to believe it.
Out on the trail the Manta Ray is super comfortable, being lighter than your average t-shirt it's barely noticeable with loose waist and arm cuffs, and a very stretchy fabric. The long front zip is a great feature when the mercury rises and the tab on the zip is just a little feature that shows the Ground Effect crew design from experience (and know how clumsy gloved hands can be!). The Manta Ray has a generous single zipped back pocket that also contains an emergency tube patch. However, being a hydration pack user I haven't needed the storage space. With 10 rides under my belt (or should that be Manta Ray?) And the resulting 10 trips through the washing machine the Manta Ray is still looking good and the seams are 100% intact (I hate it when you spend good money on clothing and the first trip through the washing machine sees loose threads everywhere).
Drawbacks: While the Whaletail length is meant to keep your lower back covered, riding with a hydration pack means that you often that it rides up - not really a fault of the shirt but sometime annoying.
With the Manta Ray it seems you get a stylish, comfortable shirt that actually performs as well as it claims.
What Mountain Bike (UK) - Jul 03
The Manta Ray has always been a firm favourite of ours. Its soft, natural cotton feel, smart looks and cool summer performance all add up to one classy performance top. The man-made Intercool is a fast wicker and delivers 'all-day' comfort. Stitched to last, the Manta Ray is totally elastic free and hangs loose for ultimate summer coolness. The tall back hangs low to keep the kidneys covered and features a large zipped pocket.
Performance: 9 /10; Value: 9/10
Verdict: Stylish, hardwearing, fast wicking - all at a great price.
What Mountain Bike GOLD Award
What Mountain Bike VALUE Award
BikeMagic.com - Jun 02
Loose and light but not over flappy at speed. Stand up collar also adds a bit of cosiness and stops you grilling your neck on sunny days. Masses of ventilation and easy on off over helmet thanks to enormous gaping zip.
Soft cottony 'Intercool' fabric manages sweat really well for rapid drying as soon as you slow down, but it's still comfy and cosy when damp. Think favourite T-shirt feel, highly synthetic performance.
No pulled thread or bush diving problems yet either.
-The cut is good, the fabric is really comfy, there's a huge zip and the pricing is great. Our only mumble is the [rear] pocket arrangement, but if that isn't an issue for you then order one now.
For more check out... http://www.bikemagic.com/news/article.asp?SP=&v=2&UAN=2699
What Mountain Bike (UK) - Sep 02
What Mountain Bike 2002 Awards
The Manta Ray Jersey is the perfect summer partner to the Double Happys Shorts. The Intercool fabric feels like cotton but is in fact a high performance, fast drying and breathable sweat wicker. It's and ideal all day summer jersey as comfort is never compromised. The huge main zip and loose hem means there's loads of ventilation at hand but there's also a tall neck to block out the cold chills. The long back keeps the kidneys covered at all times and there is a sizeable rear zipped pocket that comes complete with the trademark emergency puncture patch.
Summer fabric combining the functionality of synthetic fibres with the familiar look and feel of cotton. A bi-component knit couples an inner layer of polyester with a textured cotton outer to help manage hot-headed moments. The polyester wicks sweat away from your body while the cotton draws it to the outside, ensuring super-efficient evaporation to keep you cool. Developed by Ground Effect and knitted for us in New Zealand.
- Composition: 33% Polyester; 67% Cotton
UPF 50+
Intercool's UPF 50+ rating extends your no-burn time by 50 times over bare skin. Designs with a stand-up collar and long sleeves maximise protection from the sun's UV rays. Yank 'em up if it gets too stifling.
Relaxed Fit
Intercool™ tops enjoy a looser fit with no-elastic hems... a good look both on and off the bike when matched with baggy shorts. Plus fresh air can blow up ya kilt so you don't lose your cool.
Sizing
This chart is a guide only – if you fall in-between sizes, the right size for you will depend on your body shape and how loose or tight you like to wear your clothes. It's no hassle to swap it, if your first choice is not the best fit.
| Unisex | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
S |
M |
L |
XL |
|
|
Height |
163 -
172 cm |
169 - 178 cm |
175 - 185 cm |
183 - 191 cm |
|
Chest |
91 -
97 cm |
98 - 104 cm |
105 - 111 cm |
112 - 118 cm |
|
Waist |
73 - 79 cm |
80 - 86 cm |
87 - 93 cm |
94 - 100 cm |
|
Hips |
87 - 95 cm |
96 - 103 cm |
104 - 111 cm |
112 - 120 cm |
Unisex vs Women's Sizes
Most Ground Effect designs are unisex. The jackets, tights
and baggy tops generally fit both men and women equally well.
Fitted garments like cycle shorts and some tops are more gender
specific so there is generally a women's version in the Outskirts
range.
Sweating it out on a backcountry epic or zooming around the hills on a balmy summer evening. The Manta Ray delivers hot-weather cycling performance without requiring you to squeeze into a body-hugging mobile billboard.
> Stand up collar to block UVs. Who wants to be labelled a red neck?
> UPF 50+
> Outrageously long front zip for turbo charged ventilation.
> Loose fit and no-elastic hem lets the wind 'blow up your kilt'.
> WhaleTail&trade covers your back when you're stretched to the max.
> Single rear zipped pocket for safely stowing valuables.
> Hidden emergency tube repair patch.
> Made by us in New Zealand.
> Intercool tops enjoy a looser fit with no-elastic hems... a good look both on and off the bike when matched with baggy shorts. Plus fresh air can blow up ya kilt so you don't lose your cool.
> HyperActive tops feature a closer multi-panel performance fit with flat seams. There's less flappin' at speed and the rear pockets are more stable when loaded with cargo.
What's the difference between the Manta Ray and the Slingshot?
> Both are made from Intercool fabric which makes them great summer riding tops.
> The Slingshot has the security pocket plus two elasticised pockets for on-the-go access. It has a slimmer multi-panel 'performance' orientated fit.
> The Manta Ray is a looser more T-shirt styled fit. It has a single zip security pocket in the back.
What's the SPF Rating for this top?
> UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a rating for sun protective textiles and clothing. Unlike SPF (Sun Protection Factor) that measures only UVB, UPF measures both UVA and UVB.
> Both our Intercool and Hyperactive fabrics have been tested as providing the maximum UPF 50+ protection. In practical terms this extends your no-burn time by 50 times over bare skin. Designs with a stand-up collar and long sleeves maximise protection from the sun's UV rays. Yank 'em up if it gets too stifling.
Washing Instructions?
> Intercool and HyperActive tops enjoy a warm machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach. The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation. And bleach rots natural fibres like cotton, strips the dye and may also cause irritation. As a rule of thumb, product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Plant based soaps like 'Ecover' or specific sport wash formula are recommended.
> Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
> Intercool and HyperActive tops will be almost dry out after the spin cycle of your washing machine so using a dryer is unnecessary - if you must then choose a warm (not hot) cycle.