Giordana Orica-Scott FR-C Pro jersey
This super thin race jersey is made to go fast and keep you cool in hot summer temperatures.
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The FR-C Pro jersey is one of my favorite jerseys of the year for its simplicity, comfort, compression, and heat management. It’s a super thin, race day jersey that performs exceptionally well in hot weather. It is, however, something of a traditionalist’s jersey, so don’t expect boutique styling and fancy, “it feels so plush” materials throughout. This jersey is made to go fast, and it’s cut to disappear once you put it on. Highly compressive and thin, it’s a race day jersey from start to finish.
Giordana sent me the Orica-Scott team kit to test out. In terms of aesthetics, well, it’s about what you’d expect from a branded team kit. Fortunately, Giordana offers other colorways and non-team versions of both the jersey and bibs.
Not surprisingly, the FR-C Pro jersey has a snug, form fit racers will recognize, largely due to the 16-panel construction and four-way stretch front panel. If you’re looking for a bit of forgiveness anywhere here, forget it. There’s no flapping or bunching. It’s also super-thin, especially down the back where Giordana uses a lightweight mesh under the arms to aid in breathability. And breathe this jersey does. It’s ideal for hot summer rides.
The low-cut collar is the first indication that the FR-C Pro is cut aggressively. The cuffs extend down the biceps and stop exactly where they should, just above the elbow. Woven elastic sleeve cuffs and a rear waistband keep everything snug and in place with no pinching or discomfort. That rear waistband has a smattering of gripper dashes to keep the back of the jersey in place, and we never experienced any creeping throughout the ride.
The sleeves are cut long, so expect these to extend almost all the way to the crook of your elbow. My arms are a bit short in the biceps, so the sleeves extend farther than I generally prefer, but the compressive cuffs made the sleeves comfortable regardless.
A small but smart detail: the zipper is easy to pull both up and down. Race jerseys often feature small, tight zippers that are great for saving weight but not so awesome for pulling up or down with one hand during the ride. You’ll appreciate the ease of use on long, hot climbs when you’re in need of some quick and easy venting.
Pair this jersey with the $230 FR-C Pro Bib shorts to complete an excellent race fit package. The bibs feature laser-cut, lay-flat straps and long, comfortable thigh cuffs, and they’re just as compressive and aggressive as the jersey.