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On test: adidas adiStar LS Wind Jersey, March 2, 2006
Breeze blocker
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James Huang tops off his windproof wardrobe with the adidas adiStar LS Wind Jersey. No hot chocolate for you until you're done testing, now get out there!
If you couldn't tell by now, I'm a big fan of windproof clothing for cool and cold weather riding. Insulation is great and all, but it doesn't do you any good at all if it gets blown away at the slightest breeze. At first glance, the adidas adiStar LS Wind Jersey looks like a fairly standard long sleeve cycling top but that's part of its appeal. Upon further inspection, though, adidas incorporates windproof ClimaProof Wind panels in the front of the torso as well as the top of the sleeves to provide extra protection when the thermometer dips down. The rest of the jersey is finished in a more standard wicking synthetic.
The designers at adidas manage to add this wind protection in a rather stealthy fashion that doesn't alter the fit of the jersey or how it lays on the body. The overall cut of the jersey is impeccable with a near-perfect fit on the bike finished off with clean flat-lock stitching all around.
Otherwise, a medium-height collar provides adequate neck coverage and a fleecy material adorns the inside of the collar as well as the back of the full-length zipper for added comfort and warmth. The rear of the jersey is fitted with a standard three pocket configuration with an additional small zippered pocket and a pair of reflective adidas logos run down each side of the lower back.
Did someone say hot chocolate?
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While the adiStar LS Wind Jersey obviously doesn't provide the overwhelming warmth of the adiStar Artic Jacket or Bib Tights, the windproof layer does lend a surprising level of flexibility in how this jersey is used. By itself, or with a short-sleeve baselayer, it was the perfect top for cool fall mornings up to the mid 50s. When paired with a long-sleeve baselayer and an additional light vest, it provided ample protection almost down to the freezing mark. With a heavier outer layer like adidas' adiStar Artic Jacket, it provided more warmth in conditions than most would have the psychological mettle to tackle.
Swing… and a grand slam
I'm not sure what adidas could do to improve on this piece as it's a close to perfect as I've encountered in a single cool weather jersey. adidas pulls off the tricky task of adding a windproof layer into a jersey in an almost completely transparent fashion and the result is a garment with a supreme level of usability. With a suggested retail price of just shy of US$100, some buyers may think twice, but when you consider that this jersey has true three-season utility it's a veritable bargain. What other colors does this come in?
Pro: Superior fit and finish detailing plus invaluable wind protection
in a conventional looking and feeling long sleeve jersey
Con: I only have one
MSRP: US$99.95
Fabrics: ClimaProof Wind
Colors: Blue, gold
Sizes: S-XL
More information: www.adidas.com
Cyclingnews rating: 
See also: adidas adiStar Artic jacket, adidas adiStar Artic Bib Tight
