Fabric/tag detail on the Origin short sleeve jersey
Kitsbow is known for an attention to detail in cycling wear that takes advantage of the best materials available. The Origin short sleeve jersey continues this tradition with clean minimal lines and top quality fabrics in their take on the classic full zipper top. The Origin Collection skews towards the endurance-focused, cross country side of the spectrum with a relaxed, refined take on technical cycling clothing.
Details: embroidered logo, collar, rear pockets and zipper stash pocket
Features
- Polartec Power Stretch® Pro with Nylon face
- Schoeller-armored abrasion resistant shoulder panels
- Reflective piping, stash pocket and headphone port, taped collar headphone port
- 3-pockets in the rear
- Full front zip
- Made in China
Bike ride rest stop while driving through southern California
On the Trail
The Polartec Power Stretch fabric isn’t the lightest weight material, which could make it run a bit warm on those summer days — but it’s proved to be a great choice for days with a wide range of temperatures, especially paired with a set of arm warmers and a packable wind breaker. The full zip is a good choice for this material, as it provides venting and it wicks sweat away extremely well. More importantly it doesn’t get the clammy feel that many other jersey materials have.
B-line approach
It’s the kind of top you chose when you’re planning to go out for a epic mission where you may encounter a wide variety of temperatures throughout the day. Paired with a base layer and arm warmers, it is a versatile piece that is technical without screaming “spandex”.
I’ve been wearing it on rides ranging from my daily commute to multi-surface urban rides to 20 mile XC pedalfests. The basic form and color goes with practically all my cycling wear including bike jeans, and I find it has been getting a lot of use because of it. The navy color way pairs well with the matching Origin short in gray (previously reviewed here) making for a refined looking kit with a grown up feel to it. The aesthetic fits my personal style to a T.
The straight line is faster
I’m not a fan of sublimated graphic-covered zip up jerseys, which mean I haven’t had an MTB specific full zip piece in my wardrobe for a while. While I have a number of road jerseys that would work, I tend to reserve them for XC racing and the road bike. Plus, a second skin full zip top with baggy shorts feels weird, so if you’re looking for a functional piece that hides that ponch, choosing the Origin in a dark color is a good option. It’s also available in a sky blue that I generally like but then you’re veering back into bike geek wear again.
That said, I wouldn’t hesitate to wear the navy Origin to ride to work, then to the local short track series… and get a drink at the pub afterwards.
The top also features Schoeller panels on the shoulders to prevent abrasion/ wear from packs, as well as the traditional 3 pocket in the rear. Though I tend to run a waist pack negating the need for the rear pockets, they are nice to have. There’s also a zippered stash pocket for additional security.
Fit
The Origin runs large for riders looking for a more traditional fit. More specifically, the Origin is long, especially if you compare it to a road kit. That’s ok though, this is definitely a top intended for mountain biking. If you’re used to and prefer more of a club fit or like to ride in a aero/ low road position Kitsbow recommends sizing down for a shorter fit. Most road jerseys are short in front to prevent bunching; this is definitely not a road jersey.
At $150, the Kitsbow Origin Jersey SS is on the high end side of the pricing spectrum and not going to be for everyone, but for those can justify the price and appreciate the level of detail, it is worth a look. Check it out at Kitsbow.com.
