Details

Reviews

Road cc - May 10

A long-sleeved merino based top with windproof properties, the Popsicle is designed as a Spring and Autumn jersey, keeping out the worst of the wind, while still having the breathability and temperature management properties of merino wool. It's essentially two tops in one, with ultra breathable merino based sleeves, sides and full back, but a windproof fleecy panel across the front, where the wind does its worst. There's a deep chest zip to assist in ventilation if the going gets hot, and thumb loops at the cuffs to keep sleeves in place if you need them. The cut and fit are on the generous side, but not badly so. It just means that even tall athletically built women should still find the fit suits them as much as 'standard' women. Body and sleeve length are good, with no problems with gaps developing during riding. The neck is cosy when zipped up, without being constricting. Two large zipped pockets at the rear, with reflective trim, will take a good selection of bits and pieces, even a compact windproof shell jacket if needed, and there's a reflective logo to add to the visibility. You even get a 'secret' tube repair patch sewn in that can easily be removed and squirreled away. In use, it's warmish, with good wind resistance on the front, and is very breathable, preventing you from getting too sweaty. It's great for sunny but chilly spring days and windy autumn ones, but is a little on the warm side when a waterproof layer is suddenly required.

Verdict: Nicely designed but looking a little on the expensive side for a top that requires spring or autumn weather to stay reasonably stable. 3.5/5 stars
by Leonie Jennings.

Cycling Plus (UK) - Dec 09

The Windfoil Fleece front of the Popsicle jersey definitely works - we know because the bits of our tummy either side were distinctly chilled on our morning commute. The sleeves aren't windproof either, which you think you'd like them to be... initially... though once we'd warmed up we were glad they let in a bit of the coolness. The half length zip is also very welcome and means that you can get a good balance of windproofing and venting for days that start cold and then warm up. The jersey is 62 per cent merino (Heatwave), 38 per cent polyester, and is comfortable next to the skin. Initially, the non-flatstitched seams on the rear irritated, but once riding we ceased to notice them. Two generous zipped rear pockets provide space for keys and cards, and thumb loops keep the sleeves in place.

Overall: Warm but not too warm, ideal for the inbetween days. 8/10

CTC, Cycle Magazine - Apr 09

New Zealand has a similar climate to ours, albeit six months apart, and Kiwi company Ground Effect have a great selection of winter clothing that's well suited to UK riding. I have been riding with their Popsicle top as a base layer on colder days and solo on warmer ones. This top has a merino wool inner layer to suck away sweat from your skin and the outer is a hard wearing polyester. At the front, a Windfoil panel reduces the chill of the wind. In addition, the front zipper opens down to the waist to allow loads of ventilation, should you need it. When zipped up, the neck is high and keeps out winter draughts. The Popsicle comes with good attention to detail: elastic thumb loops, twin zipped rear pockets with reflective piping, a sew-in-tube repair patch, and a longer back to keep your lower back warm. It's good value too.

Australian Cyclist - Jul 06

In the cold days of July when the hottest thing in cycling sits in your lounge room and keeps you up until the early hours and the end of the stage, you want to keep warm on your bike. While the Tour de France riders sweat through a French summer, our Australian winters require a range of clothing to match the highs and lows of the thermometer. Unless you're a fair weather cyclist you'll need to prepare for the cold and wet. Layers make this much easier. You can ride off on a cool morning and peel away the clothing like the skins of an onion.

The Popsicle and Baked Alaska from Ground Effect are hers and his versions of the same top. Both are useful base layers that will keep you warm and dry. These tops have a Merino inner layer to suck sweat away from your skin and the outer is a hard-wearing polyester. At the front, a WindFoil panel reduces the chill of the wind.

The Popsicle is the women's version of the top and I've been riding with it as a base layer on cold days and solo on warmer ones. I've used other Merino-based tops before and find the fabric warm and comfortable to wear. The WindFoil panel does its job well and keeps the wind chill off on those days when the wind seems to be coming straight from the Antarctic. Teamed with a fleece top like the Ground Effect Toasty Pie, the Popsicle is a great base layer on colder days. As the weather or the rider warms up the top makes a useful lightweight spring or autumn jersey.

The Popsicle and Baked Alaska come with the usual Ground Effect attention to detail: elastic thumb loops, twin zipped rear pockets with reflective piping, a sew-in tube repair patch, and a longer back to keep your lower back warm.

A hard day at the coal-face - Bridget drops in on the Mt Hutt trails.
Photo: Caleb Smith