Жилет GripGrab Grinta получил оценку 7/10 из-за узкой посадки и высокой цены

Squarely aimed at gravel riders who prioritise performance, the GripGrab Grinta Short Sleeve Jersey is light, slinky and racy. It comes up pretty small and is quite notably tight, however, while the front is short and the pockets are too tall for easy access. Given its good but not cutting-edge construction, and GripGrab’s lack of standing as an out-and-out luxury brand, the price is a little punchy, too. Gripgrab Grinta Short Sleeve Jersey – Technical details GripGrab is probably best known for its cold-weather kit, but the Grinta short-sleeve jersey sits at the opposite end of the spectrum as a premium summer offering. The main panels use a textured fabric that GripGrab says improves thermoregulation and reduces the need for a base layer. While it lacks some of the more overt aerodynamic detailing seen on rivals – such as ribbed sleeves – the Grinta still feels very performance-focused thanks to the close cut and thin materials. It’s available in sizes S to XXL to cover chests from 88cm (34.6in) to 124cm (48.8in), with each size spanning a 6cm (2.4in) range. There are only two colours, though: black or olive green with black sleeves, as tested here. Gripgrab Grinta Short Sleeve Jersey – Performance Although there is no XS, smaller riders are unlikely to be disappointed, as the sizing comes up noticeably small. I’m usually an XS or S, and the smallest Grinta felt as tight as the closest-fitting jerseys I’ve ever used. My chest is 89cm, which puts me close to the bottom of the size guide, but the jersey still felt very snug. While it wasn’t uncomfortable, I feel like many riders might prefer sizing up. The fabric is at least highly elastic with plenty of stretch, but this is unquestionably a race-fit jersey designed to sit tightly against the body. I found this easy to get on despite the snug fit, and the zip feels smooth and high quality, with a reasonably sized puller that’s easy to use even in full-finger gloves. On the rear are three full-size pockets, along with a smaller zipped pocket to the right. Capacity is excellent across all four pockets, although the ultra-thin fabric and laser-cut openings sit very flat, which can make it fiddly to separate the pocket openings while riding. The pockets are also quite high up. This maximises storage space, yes, but you need flexible shoulders to reach them comfortably on the move. The zipped valuables pocket is discreet, but the zip is easy enough to locate when needed, and there’s enough room for essentials such as a key or bank card. The collar is low-cut and unobtrusive, which suits an aggressive riding position. Even in a low tuck, I had no irritation or bunching around the neck or chest. At the rear, the dropped hem’s gripper panel proved very effective at stopping the jersey rising up. The sleeves were similarly stable, despite lacking any grippers. I rode in this from just above 10 degrees with a base layer underneath to much warmer days without one. The Grinta managed moisture well and maintained a consistently comfortable temperature, particularly during hard efforts. Gripgrab Grinta Short Sleeve Jersey – Verdict The Grinta is undeniably expensive, and there are no standout technical features or particularly innovative fabrics to justify the premium price. GripGrab makes aerodynamic claims, but riders specifically chasing aero gains may expect more obvious performance-focused detailing, such as textured sleeve fabrics, which are absent here. That said, the fit is excellent if you prefer an uncompromising race cut, and the fabrics are very comfortable. It’s up against jerseys such as the Castelli Espresso 2 Jersey, which is considerably cheaper at £135 and available in a wider range of colours and sizes, and the Sportful Supergiara Jersey. The Sportful is cheaper again at £90, while adding practical extras such as mesh side pockets. It looks like you can only get it with a big logo on the front for that price now, however. That’s not to say the Grinta is wildly out of sync on price – the Castelli Aero Race 8S is £169, for instance, while the Q36.5 Dottore Clima jersey is £220. Unless you want black, which is £250. Both have similarly racy aims to the Grinta, though arguably Q36.5 in particular has a premium cachet to its name that GribGrab just doesn’t. GripGrab has produced an excellent warm-weather jersey that performs well across a broad temperature range, but the very tight fit and premium pricing narrow its appeal slightly. The spacious rear pockets are genuinely useful, although their positioning and construction make access tricky. Ultimately it’s a highly capable jersey, but one facing strong competition from cheaper alternatives offering similar performance. Test Report What does the manufacturer say about this product?: GripGrab says: “Grinta refers to the mental and physical toughness, resilience, and strong-willed attitude that cyclists exhibit, especially when facing challenging conditions, difficult terrain, or intense racing situations. The Grinta Short Sleeve Jersey is designed precisely for this type of ride. It is aerodynamic and achieves a best-in-class combination of enduring comfort and performance. Its snug sleeves and compressive body offer a streamlined fit. The high-end woven fabrics guarantee exceptional durability while providing an impressive second-skin feel.” Tell us some more about the technical aspects of this product: GripGrab lists: • Performance fit • Cutting-edge materials • Extremely resilient • Sun protection • Reflective details Shell fabric: 76% Polyester 24% Elastane, Insert: 74% Polyester 26% Elastane Rate the product overall for quality (1-10): 8/10 Any further comments on quality?: Clean edges, and no loose fibres or issues with the quality of the fabrics. Rate the product for performance when used for its designed purpose (1-10): 7/10 Any further comments on performance?: I found the tall, slim pockets hard to access. Rate the product for value (1-10): 5/10 How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested?: This is getting up into premium territory. Rate the product for weight: 7/10 Any further comments on weight?: Not the lightest, but as many of the very lightest jerseys are nearly transparent, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Rate the product for comfort: 7/10 Any further comments on comfort?: The fabrics are comfortable, with no itching or scratching, but the cut is notably tight and feels short. Rate the product for fit: 7/10 Any further comments on fit?: Very tight and close-fitting. Any comments on sizing? Did it size up too big or too small?: There is no XS, but the size S is smaller than most other brands. Even for a tight-fit race jersey, it is quite small, and with a high front. Any issues with durability?: No How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?: Simple. Machine wash at 30 degrees. Did you enjoy using the product? Yes Would you consider buying the product? Not at the retail price Would you recommend the product to a friend? Maybe Use this box to explain your overall score This offers excellent comfort and breathability with a secure race fit. However the very tight cut, awkward pocket access and premium price make this look vulnerable against cheaper rivals offering similar performance. Overall rating: 7 /10 About the tester Age: 42 Height: 168cm Weight: 61kg I usually ride: Road / Gravel / MTB My best bike is: Cannondale SystemSix (road) I’ve been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Semi-pro or ex-pro I regularly do the following types of riding: Cyclocross, Gravel riding, Indoor riding, Bikepacking, Audax, Mountain bike XC