Since going bro, I’ve sworn off XC/road-style jerseys and moved exclusively to technical T-shirts and almost exclusively to a fanny pack. This bro-combo requires careful consideration for what I bring along on a ride, as cargo space is more limited (#broproblems). With the Action Elite Jersey’s rear pocket system and loose fit, function no longer compromises style.
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Fly Racing (Boise, ID) makes a lot of stuff. They make moto stuff, BMX stuff, stuff for snow, water, street, riding, racing, and just hanging out. More recently, they’ve branched into the mountain bike market with an equally-impressive range of gear, clothing, and accessories. Aaron Chamberlain recently praised Fly’s Ripa Jersey for its fit and function at a reasonable price. Whilst ripping the Ripa, I put the Action Elite Jersey through the wringer with a similar takeaway.
Action Elite Jersey Spec
- Polygiene odor control polyester fabric
- Zippered sleeve with headphone port
- Dual rear pockets (open and zippered)
- Integrated lens wipe
- Colors: red/dark teal, teal/black, grey/red/black (reviewed)
- Sizes: S-XL
- MSRP: $54.95
Fit and Feel
The Action Elite fits like your favorite T-shirt — neither skin tight nor overly baggy. A true-to-size medium rested nicely on my broad frame with a slight taper through the torso. Short sleeves hit mid-upper arm and a V-neck improves comfort. Raglan sleeves extend as one piece to the collar for better range of motion, and a dipped tail extends coverage when attacking.
I’ve certainly tested more breathable tops, but the Action Elite’s heftier polyester is a nod toward greater durability. The V-cut neck combines with a thin mesh panel sewn between the shoulders to channel a noticeable amount of air, and is perfectly placed above where a sweat-inducing hydration pack would sit.
Features
The inclusion of multiple pockets is the most notable feature of the Action Elite Jersey from Fly Racing. Although not as organized as a road or XC-style jersey (usually two to three side-by-side rear pockets), the two stacked pockets are wide and deep, with one featuring a YKK-zippered closure. Jersey pockets meant less time accessing my bag or filling my shorts when I needed to ditch my gloves, buff, base layer, or even an entire rain shell.
Headphone wearers will appreciate the Action Elite’s zippered sleeve, which easily accepted an iPhone 7, with internal cord routing for a clean look and snag-free function.
Funk-Free
Fly Racing has partnered up with Polygiene, the makers of an antimicrobial silver chloride treatment, to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria in their clothes. According to Polygiene, odor is the main reason we wash so frequently and prematurely discard our clothing. This combination has an unnecessarily harmful impact on the environment and your budget. In short, the less you stink, the less you wash; and the less you wash, the lighter your carbon footprint becomes. Oh, and the less you wash, the more you get to ride in the Action Elite!
In practice, while the jersey did not stink less during or immediately post-ride, the lingering odor days after the ride was noticeably absent on the Action Elite. In contrast, my usual cotton/poly tech Ts are good for one ride, and then straight to the laundry. Your miles may vary, but I think there’s a reason why so many outdoor textile manufacturers have joined the Polygiene ranks!
The Action Elite Jersey from Fly Racing strikes a beautiful balance between form and function. The loose, T-shirt-like fit paired with conservatively-placed pockets allows a casual look for serious riders. The Polygiene treatment also means you can enjoy this top more often without filing to the back of the pack to exhaust your funk.
Thanks to Fly Racing for providing the Action Elite Jersey for review.
