Etxe Ondo

[VeloVT]

Bumping an old thread.

So I actually got one. Managed to get the Sanon jersey at STP for $58.

I ordered a small and was quite worried that it would be tight and I'd have to exchange it. I was actually quite surprised that it's a very, very comfortable fit -- I would almost call it generous for a more race-fit cut. It doesn't seem to run small to me at all -- if anything the opposite, and I'm carrying a few extra pounds right now (more like a 6 than a 4 now, though most of it is in my lower body). I have wiggle room through the shoulders and it does not cling and make me look like I have more belly than I do (as I think tight lycra can sometimes). Maybe some other styles run smaller? The torso is a little shorter than I would ideally like (definitely shorter than Gore or Castelli), but I think it will be fine.

My impressions... it's a very pretty jersey. The color blocking is quite striking. Overall it is nicely designed and nicely finished. I have to say though, I don't think it's any nicer than my *nicer* Castelli jerseys (it's a little nicer than the least expensive Castellis), or my Gore jerseys (which I think, considering their quality, are actually a really good value). I would buy more of these on extreme sale, but I really don't think the quality difference is extreme enough to justify the huge price difference. I'm not disappointed in this jersey because I only paid $58 for it, which is a reasonable price to me. I probably wouldn't be disappointed if I had spent $85 on it (though honestly, I can't remember the last time I spent that much on a jersey -- I really only ever buy them when there's some sort of sale -- call me cheap if you want to )... but I would be a little disappointed if I had forked over $145.

I'm not in any way trying to provoke Etxe Ondo fans with this observation, I just think it's interesting to get different points of view.