Bike Forums - 7Mesh Synergy Long Sleeve Jersey Review

This is a review of the 7Mesh Synergy Long Sleeve Jersey.

7Mesh was founded and is run by former Arc'teryx and Assos executives and engineers. Those who understand Arc'teryx gear will find the review below very familiar. I own two of these - an older model which I've had for two years but is now too large as I've lost weight and the newest generation which I have been using for about 6 months. A patient shopper can find this on clearance for around $100.

https://7mesh.com/mens-synergy-jersey-ls

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2ed1e659aa.jpg

The Synergy Jersey is manufactured from Gore Windstopper in the front and lighter, stretchy, knit fabric in the rear. The 7Mesh website syas, "The protection of a windshell, the coverage of arm warmers, and the breathability of a lightweight jersey – all in a single garment."

7Mesh's claim of a great "warmth to weight ratio", "brushed interior loft fabric" and reference to arm warmers is perhaps overzealous marketing. The rear of the garment isn't open mesh but neither is it thermoroubaix type fabric. This is not an insulated garment. Whether anyone would wear this as a standalone jersey is questionable. Blocking cold wind at the front and venting moisture and heat at the rear is the use case. This is a wind shell, and an excellent one at that.

7Mesh has patterned and positioned the Gore Windowstopper textile extremely intelligently so that the entire front of the body is protected when in the riding position. Little to no air gets past or leaks around the edges. The design team has obviously spent some time understanding how people actually ride bikes and placed windstopper exactly where it is needed. The rear material vents extremely well.

This garment is highly articulated, patterned so that it fits when in the riding position. The flipside is that it feels slighly awkward when not actually on the bike - a bit tight across the chest and slightly long in the arms. It does not fold properly, will never lay flat and looks silly on a hanger. Mount the bike and grab the bars however, and this garment disappears. The photos below show the darted pattern at the rear shoulder blades. Proper patterning like this is more labor intensive but this isn't a cheap off the shelf pattern which relies on stretch. The fit is truly sublime.

Sizing is American and the size charts are very accurate. There is no need to size up or down. I'm 5'10", 168 lb with a 38" chest. Large fits snug but not restrictive.

Two zippered side loader pockets are unique. Both are able to accept an iPhone Xr but good luck getting it out. A men's wallet is a better bet. The iPhone fits one of the three rear top loader pockets perfectly however and the top load pockets have a unique flap of fabric which is supposed to prevent items from bounding out. Some complain that the flaps interfere with retrieving items from the pockets but I have not found this to be the case. I've loaded three Gu Block sleeves, three gels, Speedplay cleat covers, large pepper spray, iPhone and neck gaiter into the pockets and had room for lots more. Pocket zippers are stiff and will not open on their own.

Not being able to zip or unzip the front is a peeve of mine. The front zipper can be operated smoothly with one hand as long as one is careful about the wind flap which occasionally gets caught. Overall it is better than most.

Style speaks for itself. 7Mesh is always understated. I was actually a bit let down when I took it out of the package given the price. I thought there would be more. Performance and fit more than make up for it however.

Summary: If you need arm warmers then buy arm warmers. If you want a jersey then buy a jersey. Look elsewhere if you want insulation or a jacket. If you are looking for a shell which blocks wind in the front and vents in the rear then look no further as this is probably the best on the market. Those succeptible to bronchitis or anyone looking to keep cold air off the front of the body will absolutely love this garment, especially if you perspire a lot and need generous venting in the rear.

I'll be happy to answer questions but am not going to suffer fools. A few detail shots are below, some of which have an ugly green cast. The true color is shown in the photo at the top of this post.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8b87388294.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fa2287a8df.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0a970925ad.jpg

Inside of the wrist. The grey fabric is the inside of the Gore Windstopper textile.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7955d6180b.jpg

Hem detail
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ec91fd7beb.jpg

Pockets
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...c1467163c0.jpg

iPhone Xr for reference
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b438f9ffee.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...84eb0fd9c3.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...662a540aaa.jpg

Continued...