The Specialized Trail Air Jersey, available in short- and long-sleeve versions, is a lightweight and breathable option at a sensible price. The material does a great job of wicking moisture and has a slight stretch, which keeps the jersey comfortable even with the fit being on the slimmer side. With a wide range of sizes and a choice of colourways, there should be an option for everyone.
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Specialized Trail Air Jersey - Technical details
The Trail Air jersey is available in short- and long-sleeve versions but other than the colourways and arm length the jerseys share the same construction.
Made of a material called VaporRize, this jersey is designed to be durable, stretchy and lightweight, it uses a recycled polyester blend, which aids its wicking ability.
The cut is designed to be relaxed to accommodate chest and elbow pads if needed.
Finishing off the jersey with bonded sleeve hems and a soft band around the back of the neck for extra comfort.
The Trail Air jersey is available in five sizes from S to XXL, which should fit most riders. The short-sleeve version comes in black and oak green, while the long-sleeve is available in black and limestone (a dull highlighter yellow). The black colourways are classic Specialized, with subtle styling. The other colourways are more branded up.
Specialized Trail Air Jersey - Performance
The relaxed fit was a little on the snug side, certainly not as loose as I’d expected. Although the fit is a little snug, the material does a great job of making the jersey a comfortable layer, there is plenty of movement where the jersey never becomes restrictive. With body armour on the stretch does accommodate the extra bulk but aesthetically it looks like a tight fit.
The VaporRize material is lightweight and thin, I’ve found it great at wicking sweat away from the body; it manages moisture well, and at no point does it become clingy or sticky. The dark green colourway (short sleeve) and yellow (long sleeve) keep true to their colours when wet, which is not necessarily the case for all material and colour combinations. Breathability is great; the jersey feels light and breezy while on the move.
Washing the jersey is as simple as washing any other synthetic sports kit. While the dark green colourway cleans up great, the yellow on the long-sleeve jersey does stain, and dirt spots are present even after multiple washes.
The jersey is well constructed. The hems on the sleeves are bonded, giving a very clean finish, and all the stitching is very neat. They feel like a quality product. The back of the neck also features extra material over the stitching to be soft against the skin.
Specialized Trail Air Jersey - Verdict
Retailing at £45 for the short sleeve and £60 for the long sleeve, the Trail Air jersey represents excellent value for money based on the materials and performance on offer.
Other options worth considering are the Endura MT500 Burner Lite long-sleeve jersey at £55. This received a good review, with an excellent fit and good airflow and comfort. On the short sleeve side of things, the £68 ION Trade Amp jersey was well-praised for its quality and great fit but is on the expensive side.
The Specialized Trail Air Jersey (long- and short-sleeve) is a well-considered option if you’re looking for a breathable and lightweight jersey that doesn’t get clingy. The fit is a little slim, but the wicking properties and stretch in the material help make it very comfortable. At this price point, the Specialized Trail Air jersey is a great option for a fuss-free riding jersey.