Page 88 - AMB Freelist

YOUTH MATRIX RED LONG SLEEVE JERSEY $79.95
As a parent, it has been encouraging to see an increase in options to clothe and protect the next generation of shredders. Given the option to test the Matrix Red Long Sleeved Jersey, the kiddo was enthused: mainly because her friends had advised her that a long sleeve jersey is just for going downhill, and as such she thought that meant she would be absolved from any climbing exertion every time she wore it.
Even after I broke the bad news, she was impressed with the 100% polyester breathable fabric and ‘super rad’ design, which was parroted from the rest of the grom crew. Fit-wise, the kiddo is (a small) 9 years old and usually rocks a size 8 in clothing, we found the size ten to fit well: I’d recommend checking the sizing as it seems a little on the smaller side.
Even though she did have to tackle the climbs despite the long sleeves, she noted that the fabric kept her nice and dry when sweating bullets in the Queensland summer, and with a UPF 30+ rating it keeps sun-averse parents happy as well.
The longer tail helped avoid any skin gap when getting low on the bike and the tailored sleeves and neckline fitted well and ensured there were no ‘flappy’ sleeves.
There was one concern; the kiddo was sad snacks weren’t catered for with a pocket...however she cheered up when we reminded her that jersey snacks can flap around and be annoying, and that she had multiple other snack-portaging options (shorts, hydration pack, spares pack).
At $79.95 it isn’t the cheapest youth jersey option out there, but the fabric, being Australian made, UPF rating and general ‘rad’ factor mean you should consider the Rubber Side Down youth range for your little shredder.
Anna Beck
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Photos: Gerard Lagana