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@Shannonball
First up, that is not ShannonBall in the photo. However, the real ShannonBall has taken the very same combo out for a few long weekend rides, as well as some mid-week sweat-box interval sessions. The Torm T1 jersey has been saturated with ShannonBall's bodily fluids. Yes, I have washed it a few times, too. Off the bike, I’ve also found the T1 smart enough to wear at work. Even though I work in cycling, those I share office space with do not, and nobody batted an eyelid. Helped by the odour-resistant fabric, no doubt.
How does this set perform? First the armwarmers, these are made of roubaix and as you’d expect, they keep your arms, erm, warm. They come in black on white or white on black and go with just about anything. I found the grips a bit too tight. My arms are not super lardy or musclebound, so found it odd that I had to go for the larger ones (size II) armwarmers to team with my medium T1. Still, size II felt a little too grippy. An XXL wearer might them awfully snug. But they do look good together.
So to the main event, the T1 jersey, which in common with all the Torm tops, is thoroughly understated. Torm jerseys are mainly monochrome, the T1 is as fancy a pattern as Torm puts out. If you want something a little louder from this label, you can go for post office red, the one exception to their B/W themed range. If you want something truly straightforward looking, try the T3 and T6, short sleeve and long sleeve jerseys almost devoid of design – solid blocks of colour. I’m kind of attracted to the red T4, which looks like a Seventies Arsenal shirt (I reckon Lee Dixon, now a keen road cyclist, would look smashing in this one).
The fit of the medium was good for me, with generous neck – an area of ample proportion for yours truly. The stitching seems solid, one or two loose threads, but no big issue. The biggest deal is that Torm jerseys are constructed from Sportswool which is warm and wicking – “machine washable superfine merino”. It feels good against the skin and I found I could wear just the T1-armwarmer set with just a baselayer on our recent mild winter days (50F/10C). On cooler (sorry, frickin’ freezing) days, it works well as midlayer. Talking of temperatures, I have now washed this jersey several times at 30 degrees and the T1 still looks A1.
The zipper works easily and there are three main pockets in the rear with a subtle dash or reflective trim. Additionally, you get two waterproof pockets with easy to grab zip tabs. What to put in them? Cash, credit cards, toilet paper, car keys. Ticks all round. Except for a mobile phone. My most water vulnerable possession can’t quite squeeze in. A tiny handset might make it in, but not my smart phone.
When I first pulled on the T1 on my other half’s first reaction was to ask, do they do ladies versions? Take note, Torm! You could make a lot of women happy. And while I’m hyperthetically growing your range, Torm, how about some matching bib shorts and a cap? And can clubs get their names overprinted on the jerseys? Please, Torm, can we have some more?
Worth noting that this brand sell a useful line in Sportswool baselayers, also very competitively priced for 25 quid.
The website proclaims that these are “real clothes for real cyclists at real prices”. With their long sleeve versions priced at £50, you won’t find an argument here. Actually, the Torm staff are pretty real, too and easy to deal with.
T1 retails at £45
Armwarmers £15
www.torm.cc