The Mons Royale Tarn Merino Shift Wind jersey packs in comfort but adds a very useful weather protection feature, making it a top that’ll appeal to those who ride big mountains or simply want to beat wind chill. While mega effective, it comes up large in terms of sizing and you’ll need deep pockets.
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Mons Royale Tarn Merino Shift Wind jersey - Technical details
The Tarn Merino Shift Wind jersey (we’ll call it the Tarn from now on) has been designed specifically to cope with the demands of gravity riding, whether that’s in the bike park or during freeride jaunts.
To achieve that aim, the Tarn jersey uses Mons’ new Merino Shift fabric that’s made up of a blend of merino and polyester which is reinforced by additional nylon fibres to boost durability and moisture wicking. There’s also a ripstop front panel that’s been added to block the wind.
With that in mind, Mons Royale reckons that this top makes for an ideal mid-layer for use throughout the year. Wrapping up the spec list of the Tarn is a drop tail for coverage and there’s a neatly hidden sunglasses wipe.
Mons Royale Tarn Merino Shift Wind jersey - Performance
The fit of the Tarn Shift Wind jersey is certainly on the large side. While the chest measurement is pretty close to the brand’s size guide and the torso is lovely and long (without being excessively so), the sleeves are too long. In practice, this doesn’t affect my ride too much but this is definitely something to be aware of if you have shorter arms.
This jersey has cuffs stitched in which keeps the sleeves from slipping down the hands. There’s also a fair bit of bunching around the wrists that doesn’t look too great.
Lengthy sleeves aside, as expected of a Mons product, it’s super comfortable. While the ripstop front panel clearly adds a bit of weight, it’s backed with that svelt Merino/polyester blend that feels incredibly soft against the skin.
Of course, being built using merino wool, the Tarn jersey offers excellent thermoregulation, meaning in warmer climates, it stays cool, and in colder weather, it’ll help keep you warm. The ripstop front panel is a real ace up its sleeve. It does exactly what Mons Royale put it there for, blocking wind. Pair the effective wind blocking with that thermoregulating property, and the jersey is excellent for big mountain rides, where the temperature fluctuates because it completely eliminates wind chill at the torso.
Thanks to that panel, I’ve ridden comfortably on brisk spring mornings without getting cold. The fabric also breathes well enough to help keep the top from overheating. It is a long-sleeve jersey though, so even though the thermoregulation is great, it’s simply not as cool as a short-sleeve.
Because the front is weightier than the rest of the jersey, it can cause the top to roll forwards on the shoulders. It's pretty unnatural and it can be a pain to constantly adjust, but it's never been too much of an issue.
Mons Royale Tarn Merino Shift Wind jersey - Verdict
There’s no getting away from the fact that the Tarn Merino Shift Wind jersey is expensive at £100. But even though its asking price is rather lofty, it stacks up against similar, wind-blocking jerseys, such as Rapha’s Trail Windbloack Jersey that’ll cost you £10 more. Even Rapha’s Merino Long Sleeve jersey is just £5 cheaper, and it stains pretty easily.
Leatt’s MTB AllMtn 5.0 jersey gets similar wind-blocking tech but that is a bit cheaper at £90. It doesn’t get that lovely soft merino fabric though.
While expensive, its value isn’t too shabby when compared to similar products.
That doesn’t stop the fact that it is expensive, but for the money you’re buying a jersey that effectively blocks wind and thermoregulates excellently. If you’re one for big days out on the mountain, or just looking for a top to stave off wind chill, the Mons Royale Tarn Merino Shift Wind Jersey is very good, if you can forgive the lengthy sleeves.