Review: Craft Cadence Recycled Performance Jersey

(2021) “It’s just one plastic bottle,” says 7.5 billion people on our planet. Plastic waste is a problem when it comes to pollution, but London-based cycling company, Craft Cadence, has joined the world of solutions. An entire line of cycling jerseys, Craft Cadence features Recycled Performance Jerseys, garments made of recycled materials, earning a 100% Global Recycling Standard.

It is by no stretch of the imagination that, when petroleum prices rise, so too do the performance ware prices. Everything from kayaks to single use plastics to compression garments require steps involving petroleum. Craft Cadence has covered the latter two categories with their Recycled Performance Jersey involving certified recycling technical fabric. Offering five colorways for men and six for women, their jersey has the pedigree for the perfect fit. The London-based commuter cycling company let us put their recycled jersey to the test.

Here at creakybottombracket.com we endorse all things eco-friendly. Craft Cadence Recycled Performance Jersey is precisely the helpful direction cycling can provide - taking solid waste such as plastic bottles and turning it into useful products. Slipping the Performance jersey on had a touch of enviro-happiness as the sleeves set themselves prior to our ride. With the dependence on single-use plastic bottles, imagine the amount of cycling jerseys that could be made.

Craft Cadence Recycled Performance Jersey in classic black sports the recycling logo on the middle pocket.

The fit will appeal to many riders. Somewhere between race fit and club fit, the Recycled Performance Jersey offers a comfortable feel without the anxiety or claustrophobia of race fit compression. The sleeves reach far down to the elbows, the current cycling style. Don’t let the looser fit through the abdomen/ lower back fool you, we had our pockets loaded. The jersey held fast for town line sprints, preventing torsion throughout the ride. Fabric once functioning as plastic jugs never fit so comfortably.

Testing the black jersey through several warm rides, the Recycled Performance Jersey definitely absorbed the sun’s rays. This is perfect for those cooler rides when autumn sunsets harken less sizzly temperatures. The zipper is stout and easy to operate on sustained climbs with one hand; the three rear pockets offer ample space to store nutrition, a phone, and even the Craft Cadence Essentials Cycling Wallet. If the ride is going long, take care knowing the Recycled Performance Jersey has the storage space.

Minimalist jersey design delivers a function look with comfortable fit.

There were few areas we found wanting regarding the jersey. The colorway had us paring easily with any other set of bibs. The black definitely heated up quickly in the late summer/ early fall temperatures but it was actually acceptable. This jersey excels in cooler climates when summer’s edge has dulled. We find ourselves reaching for the Recycled Performance Jersey whenever the temperature dipped into arm warmer territory to avoid the fleece-lined long sleeved jersey.

Moderately priced compared to larger brands, the Craft Cadence Recycled Performance Jersey is the perfect addition to late summer/ early autumn riding conditions for those stubborn to break out the cool weather gear. With the nod to cycling style of longer sleeves and all day comfort, this commuter company has definitely created an impressive jersey for touring rides and commuter trips. But as road cyclists don’t be surprised if you find yourself hoping Craft Cadence eventually makes bibs out of plastic bottles, too.