Much of cycling's apparel advancement over the past three decades of my cycling career has genuinely been about improving performance.

Be it technical features, cut, or even comfort, each phase has raised the benchmark in sporting prowess - but what, in my opinion, has taken a backwards step is this current phase for pastel colourways.

With even the best cycling jerseys succumbing to this sugary trend, it's one trend that I just can't, so I've increasingly found myself stuck in invisible black jersey funk.

That was until the Paria R-01 Short Sleeve Jersey.

Technical details

UK-based brand Paria has steadily been earning a bit of a cult-like following, filling the gap between boring cycling kit block or faded colours. Their motto is "Ride Loud," and they're best known for collaborating with alternative artists, breweries, and rock bands.

However, beneath the edgy aesthetics, which quite frankly are the most exciting designs since the 'Euro fluro' colourways of the early 2010's, lies, according to the brand, some serious technical apparel.

Made from an 88% polyester and 12% elastane (130g/m²) fabric mix, the Paria R-01 Short Sleeve Jersey is claimed to have been optimised for temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C, and even boasts an extended range of 15°C–35°C if suitably accessorised or stripped of a baselayer.

This temperature range is achieved by changing the fabric weave, with the back being a more opaque stretch fabric than the front, which is more open and highly breathable.

The fit is designed to be race-fit: high-compression; in other words, small really does mean small. If you are unsure of your exact size, erring on the side of caution and sizing up would be your best bet.

This is with the side note that there are both male and female fit options of the R-01 Short Sleeve Jersey, and, as you have probably guessed, I was riding the women's fit.
There are actually several designs for both genders to choose from, all of which I appreciate, although I have noted that the men's have a couple more, including this one.

Whatever your gender, all the jerseys share the same features: three open rear pockets and one small zip-secure one, a five-centimetre silicone hem gripper that circumnavigates the entire jersey, raw-cut, bonded, finished sleeves, and a low-profile collar.

Performance

The Paria R-01 is, hands down, the most complimented women's jersey I've ever worn. Everyone shares in the joy of an outlandish colourway and asks where it came from - even other clothing brands.

Riding the R-01 on several summer rides, I found the 130g/m² fabric blend incredibly efficient at moving sweat away from the skin. On climbs where the internal thermostat started redlining, I found that the material dried rapidly, preventing that cold, clammy feeling on the subsequent descents.

The Paria's quoted optimal temperature range of 18°C to 30°C is spot-on. I just did away with an undervest when riding above 30 degrees and still found the R-01 to be perfect. The robust wraparound silicone hem gripper ensures the jersey stays put, never riding up or swinging round, even on some pretty challenging off-road routes.

I did suffer the odd roll-up moment - but this was totally down to the size being a tad too small for my hips. The same goes for the arms. Designed with a 'modern' aero fit that finishes just above your elbow, the tightness of the fit depends on your biceps size.

As someone who now regularly strength trains, I found there was no slack to pinch any fabric. Note to all: small means small, so size up if you're debating which size is best, although even if it is tight, it will remain in full colour, with no whitening 'grin-through' distortion that can be found on under-dyed fibres.

R-01 features standard triple rear pockets. They are reinforced to prevent sag, meaning you can load them up with a phone, a multi-tool, and several gels without the jersey bouncing around on your lower back. They also sit high enough to feel secure but are jersey size dependent. So again, my small jersey meant small pockets, which did mean my XL iPhone 13 had to squeeze in, rather than slot, but at least I knew it was secure; it just made grabbing images on the fly a little more challenging, as it took longer to get my phone in and out of the pocket.

Value

At £89/$102, the Paria R-01 sits in an interesting sweet spot within the cycling apparel market. It isn't an entry-level budget kit, but it consciously undercuts the eye-watering prices of mainstream "premium" brands such as Rapha, Maap, or Pas Normal Studios, where equivalent race-fit jerseys frequently push past £160/ $215.

For your money, you are getting genuine technical performance - such as the high-wicking 130g/m² fabric blend, reliable YKK hardware, and tailored, flap-free panelling - without paying the "brand tax" associated with the sport's giant labels.

Better than that, it bridges the gap between team kit and meek pastels that see me reaching for my full goth emo look of all-black kit. While its ultra-aggressive cut requires casual riders to size up, it is a high-value, pro-level choice for cyclists who want to ride fast without looking like a box of macarons.

Tech spec

• Price: £89/ $102
• Pockets: Three
• Fit: Race
• Type: Short sleeve
• Colours: Leopard print (tested), Black raw, Wreckerboard
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

The Rapha Pro Team Ghost Air jersey is the most expensive cycling jersey that I’ve tested. It builds on the previous Ghost jersey with a design specifically suited for humid environments.

Construction

Rapha has developed the Ghost range of kit using climate chambers and laboratories to test the body temperature of riders in the Ghost kit versus other kits. The idea behind this line has been produce a jersey that limits the impact on performance that the heat has. The standard Ghost jersey was designed to be very fast moisture wicking but was not as effective in humid heat. The Ghost Air steps it up when conditions get humid thanks to some clever construction techniques.

Whereas the Ghost jersey sits flush with your skin, the Ghost Air features a series of dotted lines of material under the jersey. These push the fabric away from the skin and allow for airflow between the jersey layer and the skin. With humidity impacting moisture transfer, this improved airflow is designed to help sweat wicking when that becomes near impossible in humidity with standard lightweight materials.

The jersey also features a host of perforation across the entirety of the construction. This is aimed to work in conjunction with the internal channelling to allow for air to enter and circulate, assisting in evaporative heat loss. Rapha does state the jersey is for use in 25-40˚ C and humid conditions, and without a base layer to work at its best.

It also features the same lightweight mesh waist hem as the Ghost jersey, as well as low cut neck and three rear cargo pockets with a mesh structure around them.

Sizes range from XS to XXL, while three standard colours are available as well as a special edition Ice Dye version.

The Ride

To really put the Ghost Air to the test, I’ve made the most of the rather humid heatwaves that we’ve been graced with in the UK so far this summer; 34˚C and 60% humidity isn’t the maximum of what this jersey is claimed to be able to cope with, but it’s a good place to start.

The fit of the jersey is very much in line with the Rapha Pro Team range. The rear sits a bit higher than the Classic range, but the pockets are still manageable to reach into without difficulty. At the front, the hem does sit quite high, so if you have bib shorts with a lower cut at the front like the Assos Equipe RSR then you can end up exposing some skin when standing off the bike. As with other Pro Team items the fit is close and race cut, but not constrictive.

Having previously tested the standard Ghost jersey, the fast moisture wicking was a fantastic feature of that jersey with the very thin material, however it struggled to transfer this moisture when the weather was more humid. Back to back testing of the Ghost Air with that did confirm that the Ghost Air does work significantly better in that stickier humid heat. You can’t escape all levels of discomfort in those conditions, but the Ghost Air jersey does do a very admirable job of reducing how stuffy you feel around your trunk. Having the raised internal structures and host of perforations does assist in allowing air to enter and flow better than any other piece of kit that I’ve tested.

It can still struggle a little on longer, steeper climbs as the airflow becomes a little limited by the reduction in speed. However, at cruising speeds of 25-30kph the jersey works very effectively.

You do need to be careful with the white jersey in terms of colour staining, especially if you have darker bib shorts that are also getting very sweaty. I did end up with some colour patches on the Ghost Air, but they washed off and it was against a new unwashed pair of dark dyed shorts. Just something to consider.

Another feature I do like is the internal perforations do lead to a slight ribbed structure on the sleeves of the jersey. There is no testing to confirm if this improves the aerodynamic performance but, generally speaking, a textured sleeve is faster than a smooth sleeve, so it is unlikely that it hurts performance in any way.

Value

There is no doubt about it, this is a very specialist jersey, and that comes at a price. £275/$350 is very expensive for a cycling jersey. It wasn’t long ago that a pair of bib shorts exceeding £200 was a lot, let alone a jersey that now nears the £300 mark.

To put it into context, other hot weather specialist jerseys are significantly cheaper. The Rapha Ghost standard jersey is £225, Castelli Premio Evo £230, Assos Mille GTO S11 £210, and Isadore Echelon Ultralight is £170. I can’t say that compared to the likes of the Isadore jersey that the Ghost Air offers good value; it simply doesn’t justify being £105 more for most people.

Saying that, having tested a lot of jersey across a lot of conditions, I can confidently say that the Ghost Air is the best at regulating temperature when the conditions are more humid. To that end, it is a class leader, so if you want a jersey that is the best for humid conditions, this is it. But in those conditions, other factors such as head cooling are still a big limitation, and comfort is relative in 40˚C humid heat.

The Rapha Pro Team Ghost Air will be more comfortable than other jerseys in those conditions, but I don’t think it’s by such a margin to justify the cost for most people. But perhaps if I was doing events in hot humid conditions where I was preparing all season for it, then something that makes me cooler, more comfortable, and may enhance performance a touch might become a relatively better value item.

Conclusion

The Rapha Pro Team Ghost Air jersey is a wonderful adventure into what is possible when it comes to creating a jersey specifically for hot and humid conditions. In weather like that, nothing is truly comfortable, but compared to the competition, the Ghost Air does a better job at keeping you cooler for longer thanks to some clever technical innovations with the fabric.

It’s not good value for most of us, as £275/$350 is the price of a good pair of shorts and a decent jersey. But for those who want to be as comfortable as possible in conditions that frankly are extremely uncomfortable, the Ghost Air does a better job than anything else on the market right now.

Can the simple cycling jersey be elevated into something more? Castelli certainly thinks so, and is taking the premium jersey fight straight to Assos, SYN and PNS with the Premio Evo Jersey. As is often the case with these ‘halo’ products, their value lies not just in the product itself, but in the glow it casts over the rest of the brand - most of us look admiringly at range-topping products and then happily go off and buy the cheaper, more prosaic and dare I say, better value options.

Castelli’s Premio Evo collection is a very small range of clothing which utilises some interesting tech and fabrics. With just a bib short, mitts, cap, socks and jersey on offer, you will have to look elsewhere if you ride in cold, damp conditions, but on warm days, these are Castelli’s top offerings.

Construction

The matte black box with minimalist silver writing is certainly classier than the usual plastic bag, and probably more recyclable too. Remove the jersey, and straight away, the Premio Evo feels different to any other jersey, with a dense-but-light fabric. It feels like a very thin softshell, and this is confirmed by the Castelli website, as it states that the Premio Evo is made from ‘two separate stretch woven fabrics’ that have been created from recycled polyester.

The material is paper-thin, but with a good stretch and visible pores. It also rustles slightly. Most of the seams are stitched, but there are some bonded sections too, around the front of the neck and for instance, which adds to the jersey’s very clean aesthetic. The rear hem is elasticated, with silicone ‘Premio Evo’ grippers, although the elastic is only stitched to the jersey in a few places, presumably to avoid any unsightly ruching.

Sleeves are raw-cut with a textured (rather than silicone) gripper and ribbing on the fabric around the bicep. Castelli says that this improves fit - it certainly adds some visual interest.

Pocket-wise, it is all very normal, thankfully, with three decent-sized open pockets and a side-zipped security pocket. The open pockets have a bellows design at the bottom to add a bit more volume, and the top of each pocket is bonded, double-thickness fabric, which makes access a little easier.

Inevitably, the zip is also tonal, with a zip garage at the bottom but none at the top, although there is a short, Premio Evo-branded placket which would provide some protection from irritation.

Branding is very subtle, with a near-invisible tonal ‘Castelli’ on the chest and a small Castelli Scorpion on the middle pocket below another tonal ‘Castelli’.

Just three colours are available for men, Light Black/Black, Vortex Gray and the Deep Bordeaux of the test jersey, whilst women switch the Deep Bordeaux for Deep Purple. Men’s sizing runs XS to XXL, and women’s sizing is XS to XL.

The ride

The stretch-woven feel of the Premio Evo is unique in cycling jerseys, I think - the material sounds like an outer layer, yet the weight and skin-tight fit is very definitely that of a jersey. The fabric was also a little bit clingy, so there was a bit of rearrangement required after zipping it up, mainly around the shoulders and arms; however, once in place, this meant that it didn’t move about much. The smooth nature of the material also made it great when worn under a gilet, windproof or waterproof, as it allowed the outer layer to move easily over the jersey rather than dragging or snagging and feeling restrictive.

In practical terms, there was no drama really. The fit of the medium was exactly as I’d expect from Castelli - close but not restrictive. The collar was low-cut and modern, whilst body and sleeve length were perfect and the pockets sat in exactly the right place. The slightly stiffened pocket tops enabled easier access on the move and the bellows gave decent volume for the usual ride accoutrements. The stretch-woven material also did a great job of holding the pockets and their contents securely and in place whilst riding. Thankfully, there was also a decent-sized security pocket.

Despite the dense feel of the fabric, breathability was good - I wore the jersey during a UK heatwave when thermometers topped 30°C with high humidity and on a European cycling trip with drier heat. In both circumstances, I didn’t give the jersey, its breathability or moisture management a second thought, which is as it should be - it just got on with the job. Castelli gives the Premio Evo a temperature rating of 18°C - 35°C, the same as their Espresso Jersey.

Unfortunately, whilst poring over the jersey for this article, I noticed that some stitching on the right shoulder had come undone, leaving a small hole. After just a few months of wear, this is clearly not ideal, doubly so given the cash involved.

Value and conclusion

You just know that with the words ‘Premio’ and ‘Evo’ in the name, it’s going to be expensive, and so it is, matching or exceeding the cost of the priciest jerseys from Assos, Maap, SYN and Pas Normal Studios.

Given that it is still essentially just a short-sleeved cycling jersey and yet costs £215 / $300 of course, it isn’t good value. If that’s your budget, then the vast majority of us would be better off buying two or three less expensive jerseys instead, but it is nice to wear, and there is no denying that there is a strong market for premium products. Expensive bikes and cycling kit always polarise opinion between those who scoff at anyone willing to pay the cash and those keen to pay for the exclusivity. I am very glad that companies such as Castelli make interesting halo products like the Premio Evo Jersey, even if most of us can’t justify buying them.

Rating this product is very tricky - it’s nice, innovative and different, but in the barest terms, it doesn’t add much in the way of performance, and it is rather expensive (even leaving aside the stitching hole). I’ll give it a nominal 4 stars, but if you fancy trying something a bit outside of the norm and can stomach the price, then give it a go. Me? On balance, I think I'll stick to the Espresso Jersey.

Most riders are familiar with the Swiss clothing brand Assos, whether as their go-to cycling apparel or something to aspire to. Assos used to be head-and-shoulders more expensive than almost every other brand, but these days there are plenty of other manufacturers asking just as much, if not more, for their clothing. In fact, the new endurance-biased Mille GT products from Assos are very reasonably priced indeed.

The line between racing clothing and endurance clothing can be tricky to spot at the best of times, and you could probably lay the blame squarely at marketing departments as much as anything, but apparently, as part of their endurance series, the Assos Mille GT Jersey S11 Evo majors on all-day comfort rather than aerodynamics or muscle compression.

Construction

AirCell, the main body fabric, is so light that Assos recommends the use of sunscreen underneath the jersey, and the open hexagon pattern certainly looks like it should offer plenty of breathability. There is a new material used for the raw-cut sleeves called Eclipse, which is super light but does offer SPF 50 protection, so the jersey could lead to some interesting tan lines unless you are careful!

The collar is a little higher than seems to be the modern race style, although, conversely, the sleeves are shorter. The contrast-coloured zip has a guard at the bottom to protect the shorts from snagging, but there is no garage at the top to prevent neck irritation, all fastened with a chunky Assos logo zip pull.

An elastic silicone gripper keeps the rear hem in place, whilst the front hem is bonded rather than sewn for a very clean and classy finish. The pockets on all colourways are black and use Assos’ Triple Ramp design, intended to make access slightly easier, with internal flaps to help keep the contents secure. Disappointingly, especially for an all-day, non-race jersey, there is no zipped pocket. This seems like a major oversight on an endurance product, as the intended users are not likely to have a team car following them round with their valuables, and we all need to carry keys, cards or cash on rides.

The Mille GT jersey S11 Evo is available in seven block colours and sizes XS to 3XL for men and six colours for women, in 2XS to 2XL.

The ride

The Mille GT Jersey S11 Evo is built on the regularFit shape rather than the racingFit of the Equipe Series products. Don’t, however, think that this translates as baggy - the Mille GT is as close-fitting as I’d expect any medium-sized jersey to be on me. Where the difference to the racingFit manifests itself more is in the sleeve length and collar height; the sleeves are at least a couple of centimetres shorter than I’m used to, and the collar is a little higher than race-orientated jerseys tend to be. There is also no sign of any aero-optimised fabrics.

The AirCell fabric is certainly rather light - I could actually read my computer screen through it, and it proved to be plenty breathable enough for warm Canarian climbs on a winter sun trip. It was also pretty quick-drying, which isn’t always the case with jersey fabrics, so any sweat that was generated didn’t hang around too long. The Eclipse material used for the sleeves was also very light but denser than the AirCell, and stayed in place well without rucking up.

It’s a personal opinion, but I’m not a huge fan of the pockets being black - I’d prefer a more homogenous look to the jersey, but the dark material is more robust than the main fabric (or in Assos speak - Stabilizer V11 Back Panel). This helps keep the pocket contents stable and reduces the risk of damaging them when stuffed to bursting point.

I get the idea behind the internal flaps in the pockets; they might work to secure a phone or a gilet a bit better, but they are no real help in keeping other valuables safe. The lack of a zipped pocket seems very odd to me.

Having had a couple of pairs of shorts and longs damaged a bit by rough jersey and jacket zips, the small protector at the bottom of the zip was a welcome sight, and although there wasn’t a garage or similar protector at the top, I can’t say that I missed it. The front of the jersey is reasonably low, so it doesn’t come into contact with the neck anyway, with the collar sculpted down at this point.

Value and conclusion

Other than the subjective aesthetics of the black pockets and slightly sawn-off sleeves, the Mille GT Jersey S11 Evo is a fine jersey. As you’d expect from Assos, the finish and feel are excellent, and the selected fabrics perform very well in warm temperatures. The fit, on me anyway, was great and certainly didn’t feel particularly like a lesser jersey to the raceSeries.

Of course, I am a bit upset about the lack of a security pocket, but on the other hand, this jersey is only £115 / $170, which feels very reasonable indeed when Assos and plenty of other brands will happily relieve you of well over £200 / $250 for some jerseys. Partner it with the matching Mille GT Bib Shorts S11, and you have a great-looking, very comfortable, high-quality riding outfit for less than £250 - not peanuts, but good value nonetheless.

Pas Normal Studios (PNS) is a brand synonymous with premium style in cycling. But more recently it has upped the functionality to match the style. The Mechanism Long Sleeve Jersey may appear unassuming, using single fabric types rather than mixed panels of different materials, but it is an impressive performer across a range of conditions, with high levels of comfort for long days in the saddle.

Construction

PNS gives this jersey a useable temperature range of 0-20˚C, impressively broad. Breathability is rated a 4/6, while insulation a 3/6. Wind and water protection both get a 2/6.

The majority of the jersey makes use of a light fleece lining. It’s incredibly soft, and due to the thinness, incredibly breathable. This is intentional to improve moisture dissipation, something that brands like Castelli have put a great focus on with the AirCore technology implemented into its AW25 range and beyond. The only change of material is at the base of the pockets, where a mesh-like material is used so as to avoid excessive heat buildup of two layers of fabric and pocket contents.

PNS refers to it as a ‘Bacteriostatic and hydrophilic garment’, essentially meaning it is better at moisture transfer, at the expense of weather proofing, and should avoid build-up of sweat smells over time. Internally it’s a shame that flat-lock seams have not been used, but in reality this will often be worn with a base layer so this hasn't had a noticeable effect. The collar and cuffs use a folded over layer of fabric for a soft and rugged construction that shouldn't fray over time.

For added longevity, a zip guard is present at the top and the bottom of the zip. This should stop the materials from rubbing and pilling any shorts or tights that you wear. At the rear, the standard three cargo pockets are present, with a zip-up valuables pocket as well. This is situated internally to the cargo pocket, rather than the usual external placement.

The jersey has a race fit, but the pockets are not so high as the old Mechanism fit, or the Mechanism Pro fits. Colour wise, as standard there are ten options, as well as this TKO special edition and several other ‘Series’ specials.

Performance

Over the course of what has been a rather poor UK winter with regards to the weather, and a brief flourish of warm spring temperatures in March, the PNS Mechanism LS jersey has had to deal with a wide range of conditions; I've worn it on 6-8˚C winter rides as well as uncharacteristically sunny days where it got up to 18˚C . Layering beneath has varied, but the PNS Mech jersey has remained the consistent first defense against the elements.

The jersey manages an impressive balance of insulation with the lightly brushed fleece interior, combined with a very high level of moisture wicking for temperature regulation. The only area that this moisture wicking becomes an issue is in wet weather, but it has not been designed for that. This is a jersey made to keep you warm in cool conditions without a buildup of sweat when putting the watts down.

Most impressively it was rather comfortable up to 18˚C. I generate a lot of heat, so generally I would find that weather too warm for long sleeves. However, even with the majority of the jersey featuring the lightweight brushed fleece interior, it did not get too warm. The mesh used at the base of the rear does help dissipate heat surprisingly well, especially being around the pockets. But the main material is great at wicking away sweat.

The zip guards top and bottom are useful for reducing irritation around the neck and from rubbing the tights, but they can make zipping up or down awkward as they catch. The pockets meanwhile are situated lower than the previous Mechanism fit, which is a godsend for me with a long torso that certainly didn’t suit that prior fit. The pockets are more race sized, but can still accommodate plenty of food, spares, and tools. My only gripe with them is that the valuables pocket sits internally, so things like keys will get pressed into your back if the main pocket is full.

Some areas are not quite as refined. For example, the sleeves are folded over in design rather than raw cut, and the seams internally are not flat-lock. However, the seams don’t leave skin impressions, even with the race fit, and the sleeves are comfortable and not subject to fraying. I also really like the design of this jersey, as along with the standard colours there are plenty of special edition offerings like this. It does however lack reflective detailing given that it is appropriate for more winter use.

Value

£190 / $250 for a long-sleeve jersey is not great value. The TKO and PAS specials also hold a premium over the standard price so this is £205 for a long sleeve jersey. Given the lack of specific weather proofing this is a rather steep price. It certainly works well and had a broad operating temperature, but that is still expensive for what it is. It’s not far off the Maap LS Thermal jersey at £180 / $210, but several offerings undercut it substantially.

The Assos Equipe R Spring/Fall S11 jersey for example is £175 / $235 but features a host of different panels and technical features, while the Rapha Pro Team Midweight jersey is £165 / $260 for something that is functionally very similar.

I can’t lie though, there is a part of me that just likes the jersey for the way it looks and the brand. That doesn’t make it good value, in the same way a Gucci bag isn’t good value. But for some people, the price is justified by the brand and style. It does perform very well at what it sets out to do though, so it is not a case of style over substance.

Conclusion

The Pas Normal Studios Mechanism LS Jersey is a great balance of both style and substance. It’s impressively breathable in high teen Celsius temperature figures, but adept in the colder weather conditions as long as it stays dry. The lightweight brushed fleece helps here with great moisture wicking, while a breathable rear strip helps excess heat escape.

It’s not quite as refined in some elements, but the functionality is not impacted in the slightest. It certainly holds a premium price and isn’t the best value, but I like the style personally and people won’t be disappointed with the performance.

Based in New England, Velocio has been around since 2013, making a name for itself for high-quality yet subtle and modern-looking products for road, gravel and mountain biking. Velocio is also part of the 1% for the Planet partnership and so donates 1% of annual sales to designated environmental groups.

Much of their extensive clothing collection occupies a kind of mid-ground between road race and gravel adventure; products that could stand up to a week-long off-road epic but also wouldn’t look out of place on the weekly chaingang.

The Luxe Merino jersey is just such a piece.

Construction

Unsurprisingly, the Luxe Merino Jersey is made mainly from wool. Or at least 71% of it is to be exact, coupled with 18% Polyamide for durability and 11% Elastane for fit. The rear of the jersey uses a lighter, more open weave compared with the heavier-weight main body and sleeve material.

Inside the three rear pockets is a smooth synthetic liner to help them retain structure, and also to aid insertion and removal of gubbins. Cleverley, there is a silicone gripper hidden under the inside lip of each pocket, which helps to prevent items from getting ejected, but doesn’t grab at them on the way in. The silicone gripper around the bottom hem is similarly sticky to keep the jersey from riding up or moving around.

A simple but neat touch is that the scratchy care label is attached to the inside of the jersey by a small tab of soft cloth, so that when you cut the label out (as you need to do with most garments), the stub that remains won’t irritate at all.

The tonal zip has a full-length placket behind it, handy for hirsute riders who don’t relish getting their chest hairs caught, and garages top and bottom too. The collar also drops down low at the front to avoid irritation. A reflective tab on the rear and a couple of reflective logos add a tiny amount of extra visibility, but are more for style than safety.

Six colours are available for men in XS to XXXXL and six for women, in XXS to XXL.

The ride

The Velocio Luxe Merino Jersey is quite minimalist, in a very black kind of way.

Paired with the equally black Luxe Bib shorts, I was barely able to contain my overwhelming desire to perform a badly executed New Zealand Haka every time I put the kit on and looked in a mirror. Five other colours are available, though.

Aside from that, the other immediately obvious feature was that the sleeves are remarkably long. Longer than any other jersey I’ve worn, sitting right in the crook of my elbow. Not an issue, and great for sun protection, warmth and pairing with arm warmers without leaving that unsightly gap when the warmers inevitably migrate downwards.

Aesthetically, the merino lacks the chic raciness of more Lycra-based materials, which might be a good or a bad thing depending on your personal style, and it certainly fits with Velocio’s adventure bias. Fit was pretty much bang on for a size medium, and the soft, stretchy fabric was quite forgiving in terms of cut.

Unsurprisingly, the lightweight merino fabric was still warmer than any other short-sleeved jersey that I’ve come across, and again, this can be viewed both positively and negatively.

It wasn’t entirely ideal for long climbs in Gran Canaria with the temperature in the high twenties (although it coped pretty well), but it was perfect for cool spring rides in the UK - the kind where you start off wearing a gilet or windproof jacket and a pair of arm warmers but slowly disrobe as the ride warms up. The Luxe’s greater insulating properties make it ideal for use as a mid-layer in these circumstances, as it was much warmer than a normal jersey, yet also worked well on its own later in the ride - great for those mid-teens temperatures that always confuse me in terms of what to wear.

I was reasonably impressed with its moisture management - so often the downfall of wool fabrics - with just some dampness around the back of the neck after particularly sweaty efforts. The lighter mesh panel on the back seemed to do a great job of allowing moisture to escape.

The pockets were a good size and depth, and were easy to reach, even with my poor shoulder flexibility.

Value and conclusion

I usually eschew merino as activewear for running or riding; the fabric might be warm when damp, but it stays damp far longer than is comfortable in my experience. However, the Luxe jersey was better than I expected in those terms.

Fit, construction and features were all very good, assuming you are OK with the sleeve length, and it was certainly a comfortable jersey to wear on and off road. Only time will tell whether it succumbs to the loss of shape that can plague wool products, especially if washed as frequently as a cycling jersey should be, but so far, it still looks good.

The other Achilles heel of merino clothing is that the cost is usually higher than synthetic equivalents, but the Luxe doesn’t fare too badly here either. Its retail price in the is £151 / $209, which, whilst hardly bargain basement, is ballpark for a premium brand even without the added sheep tax. However, if you don’t need/want the merino wool element, then there are far less expensive options available.

It certainly makes a handy addition to your wardrobe for the shoulder season days that aren’t quite as warm as you’d like, and it is more adaptable than a long-sleeved jersey like the Pedaled Element, whilst fulfilling a similar purpose when paired with arm warmers. Experience also suggests that it would be great on a multi-day trip, making good use of merino’s natural anti-odour properties to prevent social pariah status by day three.

If you fancy a sleek, fast-feeling race jersey, perhaps look elsewhere - to Velocio’s Concept collection maybe, but if you want a short-sleeved jersey with more warmth and subtlety, then the Luxe is well worth considering.

PEdALED is a Japanese brand. It has been around for nearly 20 years, and although I had come across its products both in shops and online, I didn’t know too much about it, apart from its unusual use of the CAPS LOCK key.

Its broad range encompasses everything from road to mountain biking, via gravel, of course, and it even has a slightly unusual-looking urban range too. In fact, the only aspect of bike life that seems to be missing is pro road racing, and with collections called things like Element and Odyssey, there is a distinct slant towards long-distance adventures in its imagery and muted colour palettes rather than aero gains and stopwatches.

Element is the road-orientated range, with a more minimalist look than the Odyssey clothing, although there is a fair bit of crossover potential.

Construction

The Raisin Purple coloured fabric is made from Polyamide with Elastane for stretch, and is a little heavier than most short-sleeved summer jerseys, but not by much.

Although it is a relatively simple product, the fit, fabric and thoughtful design features elevate above the basic.

The sleeve ends are bonded for a super clean look, and the locking, tonal front zip has a full-length placket behind it to ward off chill winds and to prevent any chest hairs from getting caught, as well as a chin guard. The front hem is also bonded rather than stitched, whilst the rear has an elastic section decorated with silicone micro dots to hold it in place.

Inside the three rear pockets, there is an extra layer of fabric for some additional support, and there is a small zipped security pocket too.

Branding is limited to small wording on the chest and centre pocket, but there are no reflective details.

Sizing runs from XXs to XXL with seven muted, tasteful colours available for men and the same colours for women in XXs to XL.

The ride

The Element Long Sleeve Jersey is designed for those awkward spring and autumn (and sometimes summer too, in the UK) rides when a winter jacket isn’t required, but a thin, short-sleeved jersey won’t suffice either - the kind of days when your arm warmers would remain firmly in place for the duration.

Despite the jersey’s close fit, there was enough room and stretch to accommodate a thin long-sleeved base layer, or it could happily be worn next to the skin in the right conditions. Similarly, the cut and sheer fabric made it ideal for wearing under a gilet or windproof jacket on less pleasant days. PEdALED suggests that it could be worn in temperatures between 5°C and 18°C, but I’d say that was quite ambitious at the lower end without a windproof barrier worn over it. I’d say that to wear it as the outer layer, you’d really want the thermometer nudging towards double figures or to be working pretty hard.

To be fair, though, I was surprised by how effective the dense construction of the fabric was in brushing off cool breezes; it is in no way windproof in any form, but it did provide a bit more protection than I had anticipated. When spring sunshine permitted, it made for a very comfortable and easy-to-wear option even when the air still had a distinct chill to it. It was not as warm as Castelli’s Espresso Long Sleeve Jersey though, meaning that it doesn’t function quite as well as a mid-layer, but it is thinner/lighter and designed for warmer days.

The beauty of something like the Element Long Sleeve Jersey, when compared to a heavier jacket, is its breathability. Without any membrane layer or windproofing, the fabric allowed all of the moisture to escape, and dried very quickly, so I was never damp or uncomfortable. Of course, occasional judicious gilet use was required at times, especially as temperatures cooled later into the evening or for chilly descent

Its advantage over the tried-and-tested jersey/armwarmer combo is that the fabric is a little more thermally insulating than most jerseys, and that is a simpler, one garment solution. I also think that a lightweight long-sleeved jersey looks better too. The disadvantage is its reduced flexibility - you can’t adapt it as temperatures warm up, although you can add a gilet if it cools down.

A bit like the Velocio LUXE Bib Tights, the problem with the Element Jersey is its relatively narrow operating window, although at least, unlike the tights, it can be layered up.

Value and conclusion

For me, the Element Long Sleeve Jersey fits into the ‘nice but not necessary’ category of cycling clothing. Aesthetically lovely and technically great, I enjoyed wearing it, but I’m not sure I'd miss it all that much if I didn’t have it. This makes the £145 asking price a little bit tough, although not unreasonable.

Long-sleeved jerseys like this seem to be very on-trend at the moment, and so if you are tempted by one, then the Element would make a fine choice. It does everything that you’d expect very well, but I found myself looking for conditions that would suit it rather than reaching for it by default.

Construction

The MAAP Thermal LS Jersey has been designed for use in temperatures of between 6-16˚C, or cold conditions. This is essentially the next step in the thermal range from the Air LS jerseys which feature a more perforated material for use in spring/fall conditions or early starts to summer rides.

The jersey is built primarily upon an ultra-soft and recycled knitted Italian fabric across the entire body. Internally this uses a brushed-fleece facing to provide insulation as well as comfort.

MAAP’s Core Fit is used, which features a slightly longer body than the race fit, but still hugs the body. A bonded hem front construction helps to keep the jersey in place while riding with a silicone gripper at the rear to aid this further.

Many design elements have been used to give the jersey a sleek look. The low profile pockets at the rear are from the Pro Air 3.0 introduced in early 2025, and sit flush against the back when riding. The collar is low profile without being constrictive, while the shoulders use an internal bonded seam for less bulk and to avoid the pressure points that traditional folded seams can cause.

In addition to the standard 3 rear pockets is the zip-up valuables pocket. This is fitted externally to the main pockets while the zip features a tab to improve ease of access.

It's available from XS to XXL and in two colour options in this Drome design.

The Ride

The Thermal LS jersey is in keeping with MAAP jerseys in that it offers a snug and race like fit, without being constrictive or uncomfortable. In the size medium, the length in both the body and sleeves was adequate, offering good coverage. I particularly like the brushed fleece inner fabric which provides a good level of insulation, while the lack of specific weather proofing does mean that the jersey maintains a high level of breathability.

The rear pockets are situated at the right sort of height that they can be accessed easily, while the cargo capacity of them is plenty large enough for additional layers, food, and spares. A wide silicone grip hem across the rear helps keep these all in place even when riding out of the saddle.

I’m a big fan of the inclusion of a zip up side pocket as well since it’s where I always stash my keys so they don’t get caught up with spare clothes and food.

The finish of the jersey is generally very neat and smart, there are no areas of excess or stretched material, but there are some small little gripes I have. Given the high price, I am surprised that flat-lock seams have not been used internally. Folded over seams add a little more bulk and can leave some indentations on the skin, but it’s not something that detracted from comfort, so is certainly a minor niggle. There are also fairly limited reflective details. Given the MAAP Atmos Drome kit items make use of the MAAP logos as reflective details, it’s a shame to not have that carried over to the jersey.

On those decals, I am a big fan of this Drome design colourway. It’s subtle and understated, surprising given the hoard of different MAAP logos dotted around the jersey.

I'm also impressed by the performance of the recycled materials. Over recent years, recycled fibres in cycling kit have been criticised for not being as comfortable, and lacking some breathability and moisture wicking performance. In this jersey, there are no such issues, and it uses those recycled fibres brilliantly to make a garment that performs just as well as any other non-recycled garment.

Given the high prevalence of turnover, especially in more designer and seasonal cycling fashion kit, I’m very glad to see a focus on using more recycled materials. The great performance is an added bonus and hopefully will set the tone for more brands using a higher level of recycled materials in cycling kit.

Value and Conclusion

There’s no getting around the fact that £180 ($225) is quite a lot of money for a cycling jersey, even a long sleeved one. Rapha’s Pro Team LS Midweight jersey is £165, while the Castelli Espresso Thermal jersey is £145 / $180. The likes of PNS is similarly priced with the Mechanism LS Jersey, but on the whole the MAAP Thermal jersey is certainly towards the higher end of the pricing spectrum for what it offers.

There are more expensive offerings from Q36.5 and Assos, but those options feature active weather proofing or multiple textile uses to tailor insulation and breathability. They feature more specific design features that tend to make those garments more versatile and somewhat justify the higher than average costs.

The thing on MAAPs favour is the use of recycled materials in this jersey. Weather that actually has an impact on the cost I can’t say, unlike brands like Q36.5 sourcing and making everything within a smaller radius to reduce carbon emissions.

There is of course an element of style and designer branding. A Gucci piece of clothing costs considerably more than a piece from a high street store , even if the performance is the same. MAAP is certainly one of the ‘designer’ brands in cycling, so an element of increased price associated with that is somewhat expected. It means that for most people, it’s not the best value jersey out there. But if you want that designer kit, then the benefit of great performance might make it good value to you. I’ve certainly had a lot of glowing comments about this jersey while out riding in it.

The MAAP Drome Thermal LS Jersey is a very solidly performing thermal jersey. It offers a good level of insulation, great thermal management even with the fleeced inner, and frankly, it looks fantastic. I really like the fit, pockets, and love the use of recycled materials within the jersey. My only gripe is that it lacks any real specific features that justify the higher that average price for a thermal long sleeved jersey. But there is an element of paying for the designer status of the brand and this kit, it has certainly garnered a lot of positive attention, and maybe that will justify the price for some. For others, there are better value options available.

The Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Thermal jersey is designed as fast paced winter training gear for use in the worst weather conditions. This specific edition is part of its AW25 PAS collection, the brands take on a pro-team esque training uniform.

Construction

By using a Swiss made wind and water-repellent Schoeller fabric on the front arm panels, the jersey is designed to be water resistant for light rain, showers, and spray. On the rear the panels are more breathable yet still soft, made from M.I.T.I SuperRoubaix fleece; a DWR treatment is used here for protection againts wheel spray.

The fit is the same Mechanism race fit as used across the summer range of kit. However the pockets are not as high as on the Mechanism Pro line, so remain more accessible even with gloves being worn.

Other protective features are elasticated cuffs to keep windchill out, plus a full length zip guard with top and rear flaps to reduce irritation on the neck or around material on the shorts. Along with the three cargo pockets is a zip-up valuables pocket.

Sizes come in XXS-XXL, while the PAS colourway of Navy and Off-white is complemented by six standard colour options.

The Ride

The Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Thermal jersey sits somewhere between the brands Mechanism Long sleeved jersey, and the Mechanism Thermal Jacket. It’s not as rigid and deep winter focussed as the jacket, but offers more sturdy protection than the lighter weight jersey.

Testing it across a variety of conditions, the recommended usage of -10˚ to 7-8˚C seems a little bit low. I found that up to around 12˚C was comfortable, but lower than 3˚C and I needed an external shell or heavier duty windproof baselayer. What did impress me though was the performance against water and windchill.

Quite often I find that a heavy duty winter jacket offers great protection, but comes at the price of breathability and flexibility. When paired with a base layer they tend to be too warm above 5˚C for me personally, whereas a more standard long sleeve jersey is too cool below 10˚C especially if there is wind and rain.

This is where the PNS Mechanism Thermal jersey really excels. Internal fleece lining provides a good level of insulation, while the semi-hardshell exterior is flexible enough to allow good freedom of movement, but rugged enough to repel showers and road spray while limiting windchill massively.

It also manages this without getting excessively warm. Even without any specific breathable panels at the rear, I did not find that the jersey got too hot in most conditions. Even some faster paced winter group rides were alright, with changes in intensity and pace easily managed by the jersey.

My only breathability gripe is when climbing hard at lower speeds. Given the jersey is veering on the side of being somewhat jacket like, I’d like it if PNS had added a two-way zip, the same that they use on the Merchanism Thermal Jacket, and Q36.5 have added to the Dottore Hybrid LS Jersey. It does increase versatility quite a lot.

I was also pleasantly surprised how easily accessible the pockets were. PNS Mechanism fit of past has been short on the body and high up on the pockets, making it difficult for someone who is lanky to reach into the pockets at time. On the Thermal Jacket, the lack of flexibility makes this even harder. However the Thermal Jersey is flexible enough that accessing pockets, even with thick gloves on, was relatively easy. The pockets themselves are nicely spacious. However, although a zip up valuable pocket is present, it sits internally to the cargo pockets, rather than externally like the updated PNS Mechanism Jersey. This means keys might get jammed into your back slightly if a cargo pocket is heavily filled.

I also found the zip guard quite annoying. On the body it does a great job at allowing for easy zip usage while blocking out windchill. However the tabs at the top and bottom are quite stiff, and make it difficult to zip up and unzip fully, or access the zip when fully zipped up. It does however protect your neck, and the shorts material to prevent the metal zip parts rubbing.

Value and Conclusion

The only other criticism of the PNS Mechanism Thermal Jersey that I have is the price. Admittedly this PAS edition one is a touch more expensive than the standard £240 / $320 price tag, sitting at £260. However the likes of the Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que LS Jersey is similarly priced at £250-270 / $340 depending on colour, while the Assos Equipe Spring/Fall RS S11 Jacket performs in a similar fashion but for £305 / $390.

Assos however does feature a greater range of breathable panels at the rear, giving a larger usable temperature range, but the lack of water resistance means it misses out on wet-weather performance compared to the PNS. Q36.5 again features more varied panels for a wide usable temperature range, and features a two-way zip and some weather resistance properties, but is not quite as cold weather equipped.

The Rapha Shadow Jersey is another good comparison, at £275 / $365 but with greater water-resistance, a two-way zip, but perhaps not quite the same breathability levels.

Taking it down a notch to less premium brand offerings such as Sportful, and the Fiandre Shift jacket at £210 / $250 does represent better value for the money. It can be worn as a jersey, used in higher temperatures, has a two-way zip, weather resistance, and when bolstered with a heavier base layer can be used in cooler temps. Again, it is not as cold-weather equipped as the PNS Thermal jersey, but when layered offers a more practical overall package.

However, I do think the PNS Mechanism Thermal Jersey represents a pretty decent offering as a deeper winter layer that can be used in both dry and wet conditions. It lacks a couple of practical feature that if added would really boost performance and value, especially given the relative performance to cost against dedicated winter jackets.

The Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Thermal Jersey is overall quite an impressive deeper winter kit offering. In many ways it performs as well as a deep winter jacket offering, while being a bit more flexible in temperature range. Weather proofing is impressive for a jersey, and the fit is more racy without being too tight. The only gripes are the zip guards top and bottom, the lack of two-way zip, and it is still quite expensive for a jersey. However it does perform well where it aims too, definitely presenting a good combination of style as well as substance.

Italian clothing brand Q36.5 has raised its profile over the last year or two with sponsorship of a pro team that now includes Britain’s Tom Pidcock. The name stems from the ‘optimal body temperature of the human body’ combined with the word 'quaerere', Latin for research, thus suggesting that Q36.5’s products strive to help you perform at your best by managing your body’s temperature.

As well as producing performance clothing for the road, up to and including Grand Tour level, they also have a range of garments for more gravel-based adventures. This includes shorts, vests, jackets and jerseys as well as shoes and gloves.

Tattoos, stubble and moody visage optional.

Construction

If the condescending cliche for making women's cycling clothing is ‘pink it and shrink it’, then I’d like to suggest ‘dull it and wool it’ as the gravel equivalent. Inevitably, Q36.5 has added 55% merino wool to the polyamide/polyester mix along with silver threads. The wool/silver element is said to help keep the body cool in the heat and warm when it’s cold, as well as resist odours better than a purely synthetic fabric, all of which should make the Adventure Jersey suitable for multi-day, mixed-conditions riding.

Q36.5 says that the blend will also ‘protect from the negative impact of naturally occurring electric charges produced by the body during exercise’. Nope, I don’t know what that means either.

The shoulders, neck and pockets are made from a black, thin-but-tough-feeling synthetic material which adds a bit more structural integrity to the garment. The sleeves are slightly shorter than the modern road jersey style, with a less skin-tight fit too. The hem is elasticated, but there is no silicone gripper - instead, the elastic material is slightly textured to help hold it in place.

The full-length zip is pale grey, in contrast to the dark green jersey and the zip locks in position so it can’t come undone inadvertently. There is no zipper garage at the top, though. There are three open rear pockets with a lip of fabric for more security, and a vertically zipped pocket on the right-hand side.

The Q36.5 Adventure Jersey is available in XS to XXL in Anthracite Grey, Forest Green and Navy Blue. There is no female equivalent, although there are other options in the Adventure range for women.

The ride

Wool has never been my favourite material for performance clothing; it works well in static applications when warmth is important, but for me, it just retains too much moisture for too long and doesn't hold its shape well either. Luckily, my time with the Adventure Jersey was warm and dry, so it helped it dry as quickly as possible. In fact, it was too warm for the top on occasions as the mercury nudged over 30°C, even here in Yorkshire, and I wouldn’t have wanted to use it for fast-paced rides or big efforts, but for off-road jaunts and on-road cruises it was fine.

I liked the decent height collar and shoulder fabric, but I was less enamoured with the pockets. Although the pocket material was OK, the combination of looser fit and lack of structure in the main body fabric meant that they never felt very secure or quite deep enough (although, at 17cm, they are the same depth as those on my usual road jerseys) - I spent a lot of time patting my rear right pocket to check that my phone was still there after any rough section of trail. To be fair, I never did lose anything, and the pockets were straightforward to access and fine for overall volume - perhaps I’m just more used to the constrained fit of road jersey pockets.

The general fit was good and the cut well-judged; size medium (my usual jersey size) was not road-tight, but not baggy either - relaxed is probably the best word for it, and it worked whether standing upright or in a riding position. In fact, the Q36.5 Adventure Jersey is the only top I’ve worn on road, gravel, and mountain bike rides - the style and fit are such that it doesn’t feel out of place on any terrain.

Much to my wife’s disgust, I decided to try out wool’s famed anti-bacterial properties on a two-day, 250km ride around the Yorkshire Wolds by not taking any fresh clothes for the second day. I am pleased to report that, despite some decent temperatures and many rolling hills, the jersey was not too offensive by the end of day two. Had I been riding on my own, I might even have pressed it into service for a third day if required.

I also didn’t experience any negative impacts from all my naturally occurring electrical charges either, so that was a relief too…

Value and conclusion

£150 for a premium branded, merino-based jersey doesn’t feel too outrageous (which is not the same as good value) in this day and age. Furthermore, given that it can be worn for more than one type of cycling, its versatility serves to soften the financial outlay a little too.

Merino is still a bit of a buzzword in outdoor clothing, particularly when the word ‘gravel’ is involved. I understand why Q36.5 has chosen to use it in this jersey, but personally, I would have preferred a quicker-drying synthetic material that would most likely have better structural integrity too, giving a more secure feel to the pockets and a lower cost. I also have reservations about how well the merino will stand up to regular wearing and washing, as my experience with wool garments is that they do not hold their shape or last as long as their synthetic counterparts, but it would be unfair of me to count this against the Adventure Jersey just yet.

None of which is to say that the Adventure Jersey is a poor garment; it worked well for me, and I have no doubt that I will pull it out of the wardrobe in the future, too. I think that 4 stars is a reasonable rating for me - it loses a star for the combination of slightly insecure pockets, cost and the merino wool element.

I’ll start off by saying that one of my favourite kit items that I have in my pocket almost year round is a lightweight gilet that’s weather proofed at the front, and breathable at the rear. The best cycling vests work well as a wind breaker, or to ward off showery weather without making me feel excessively toasty. This Equipe RS Shell jersey is very similar in many aspects, save for one key point, it has sleeves.

Construction

This is something that Assos has done before with its Equipe RS Alleycat. Sleeves were added that had no protection beyond the elbow, and the reason was to stop the billowing that can occur around the cuff of gilets at the shoulder. This meant less speed, and in the Equipe line, that was not something Assos wanted to compromise on. Enter the RS Shell. Not only does it have sleeves to prevent any billowing, these sleeves also feature an aero texturing the same as the Equipe RSR jersey and well suited to the speeds of amateurs (30-35kph).

The bulk of protection on the Shell Jersey is courtesy of the new DIAMOND Ultra fabric from Assos. This is a proprietary 2L membrane designed to be highly elastic for the brand’s AEPD 11 racingFit designed to offer 360˚stretch and race fit. It is part of what Assos call aeroScience, combining weather protection with uncompromised aerodynamics.

This methodology follows on to the sleeves and hems, which are all raw cut. Meanwhile, given the race and high intensity focus, the rear features less protection and a large breathable panel to allow for excessive heat to be expelled. At the front a two-way zip is aimed to enhance this further while also allowing access to pockets underneath the jersey. It is only available in Black, part of the Assos blackSeries, while sizes some in XS-2XL.

The ride

The Assos Equipe RS Shell Jersey S11 is really quite an interesting piece of kit in that it is quite niche. In essence, it's a race day protection layer. Generally when riding at a fast pace we generate a lot of heat, so when adding weather protection it becomes a case of not getting too hot rather than too cold. Also we are likely travelling at a higher speed so elements are mostly tackled front on, and aerodynamic drag becomes an important factor. Finally, if it’s a race then it is unlikely the intensity will drop much providing no opportunity to cool down. It is those specific scenarios that this shell has been designed for, and as far as testing has gone, it appears to fit this quite well.

Firstly, the fit of the Shell Jersey is comfortably a race fit, it hugs the body and there is no excess material or flapping whatever position you hold on the bike. This is firmly in line with the Equipe moniker. It does this however without being constrictive, thanks mostly to the rear and the sleeves - more on those later.

The Shell is designed to protect you from the elements, and the DIAMOND Ultra fabric does a great job here at beading water droplets off the top layer and preventing the worst of the water ingress. Under very persistent and heavier rain there is a bit of ingress, but that is the case with most PFAS-free water resistant garments. Given the skintight fit of the Shell it was actually a lot more resilient to rain than I expected it to be.

Often though, a problem with waterproof items for high intensity is that they do not breathe. The DIAMOND material itself does appear to be more breathable than a lot of membranes I’ve tested, but the rear is the star of the show here. Assos took the decision to make it mostly mesh, allowing for a huge evacuation of excess heat from the body when going at high intensity. Obviously, it offers zero protection, but the idea is that when travelling at speed the majority of rain and road spray will impact the front facing surfaces which are protected. When riding in a group in the rain this was certainly the case, however with no mudguards there is a lot of rear spray which makes its way partly up the back where protection is limited. As a race garment, the trade-off is warranted, and also means race or event numbers are visible underneath.

A note on the two-way zip as well which boosts breathability thanks to the option to unzip from the top to get cold air in, or from the bottom to allow more heat out. This tailored heat management is fantastic and I wish Assos included it on its jackets rather than just the shells. It also allows for access to pockets underneath the Shell which is ideal for accessing food during events.

Another benefit of the two-way zip is that unzipping from the base means less material flapping. This was another goal of this Shell as it is designed for racing so aeroScience was applied by Assos. Taking from the Alleycat, adding sleeves to the garment reduces the material billowing that can occur around the shoulders. But the Equipe RS Shell takes this further by adding aero texturing to the sleeves to actually boost aerodynamics. It’s an older design material, but one that tends to test well at 30-35kph and is faster than a smooth or texture-less material in most cases. I personally am a massive fan of these features, as it effectively means the Shell is a gilet in function, but with improved speed performance. For racing or events and rides where you don’t want speed to be compromised but still require weather protection, this is ideal.

One gripe however is the lack of pockets. Yes the two-way zip does make access to pockets underneath far easier, but it still requires more effort than just accessing some external pockets on the gilet. To save on the breathability, a style similar to the Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid gilet where two mesh pockets are placed either side of the rear would work well even just for stashing a few gels.

Value & conclusion

At £215/$290/€250 its certainly not cheap. Indeed compared to much of the competition the Assos Shell Jersey is significantly more expensive. The likes of the Castelli Espresso Vest (£125 / $150), Sportful Fiandre Pro Vest (£/$120) are far better value offerings, however they focus mainly on adding insulation rather than specific weatherproofing.

Indeed the most similar option on the market currently appears to be the Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Vest with a mix of specific weatherproofing up front and more ventilation at the rear, and this is £190 / $260 so still cheaper and does include pockets. Similarly the Rapha Shadow Gilet has similar features at £225 / $300 but is more heavy duty and far more winter training specific.

The key selling point of the Assos Shell Jersey though is the construction to better assist aerodynamics. The problem with a lot of external layers is even if they are more race fit, the gilet construction means some flapping material around the shoulders. Similar to the Castelli Gabba R (£299 / $370) the Rain Shell adds sleeves to improve the fit, reduce flapping, and actually enhance speed. If anything Assos has done this better than Castelli due to using textured materials, but the trade-off is less protective material. The main focus has been protection at the front breathability at the rear.

It fits into a very specific niche, and it performs well there, but it’s hard to qualify it as necessarily good value overall. If you need a protective layer for racing or events where maintaining speed is key, this does do that job very well though, justifying its cost somewhat.

The Assos Equipe RS Shell Jersey S11 is somewhat of an outlier when it comes to products. It has similarities with several other gilets or weatherproof jerseys on the market, but as a race day aerodynamic weatherproof yet breathable shell layer it's unique. To that end it actually performs exemplarily well, using aero fit and materials to limit flapping, with loads of breathability features for a broad range of use. It’s certainly not ideal for colder weather, but can still be used on top of a warmer insulated jersey. For riders with a specific need for weatherproofing without race performance compromise, the performance justifies the cost, but for most riders it may be perhaps somewhat too specialised for them.

While I could spend hours mulling over the best bike I've owned, deciding on the best cycling jersey requires mere seconds. It’s the Classic Long Sleeve from Rapha.

When the brand first arrived it was one of the few items it offered but captured its ethos perfectly. Aesthetically it was the polar opposite to the typically garish jersey that many road cyclists wore. Clean and understated it tipped its cap to the likes of Coppi and Koblet rather than any of the current crop of riders. So while it didn’t appeal to those who liked to wear the same gear as their favourite WorldTour team, it was perfectly suited to those of us who recoiled at any full kit antics on the club run or otherwise.

In the ensuing years Rapha has grown into one of the most recognisable cycling apparel brands around. Fortunately it's seen sense to keep the Classic Long Jersey in the rotation, updating it over time while remaining true to its principles. And now it’s available with 25% off at Rapha’s Black Friday sale.

I still own, and wear, the original Classic long sleeve jersey I bought way back when. It’s testament to both its enduring style and its quality. I’ve added a couple more iterations along the way, and while the current jersey is a little more refined - a better zipper and improved pockets plus a wider range of colors - like the original it still relies on merino wool as one of the primary fabric and sticks to the cut that means it’s suitable for road and gravel, as well as for a wide range of body types.

The merino wool blend makes the jersey a reliable performer across a range of temperatures. It also means that it doesn’t smell so bad after a ride, which is great if you are touring, bikepacking or adverse to doing the laundry. I’ve found that it’s really comfortable too, more so than any other jersey I own.

Similarly the fit is just as practical. It’s neither too tight, nor too baggy. It can be worn with bib shorts and look perfectly sleek but also paired with baggy shorts on a relaxed gravel jaunt. The full length zipper adds in a bit of breathability, while the higher neck line means that it works just as well on cool mornings as it does later in the day when, hopefully, the sun has made an appearance. Other details I love are the zippered valuable pocket and the adjustable cord that means you can cinch in the bottom a little when your pockets are loaded down.

While Black Friday can encourage you to buy stuff you don’t really need, the Classic Long Sleeve Jersey is a sensible purchase that will last. And then some. My 17-year-old ‘relic’ is proof of that.

The Rapha Pro Team Shadow Jersey is the latest in Rapha’s Shadow range, first introduced in 2016. This takes over from the brand’s Windstopper Jersey, aimed at being a foul weather, race fit garment, which does look to make it a little more specialised that many of the best long sleeve cycling jerseys.

Construction

With the ban on PFAS technology, Rapha sought to find a new membrane material that was just as weatherproof as Gore Windstopper, but maintained the breathability and longevity and was PFAS-free.

To do this, Rapha tested many different materials, both in the lab but also in real-world testing. The resulting membrane is a single layer design with what the brand calls Micro-Pores ,which are able to better stretch without creating rips or larger perforations that could allow water ingress. Lab testing results gave a waterproof rating of 10000mm water column, and an NVTR breathability score of 20000.

To back this up, Rapha took the material to the climate chamber at Leeds Beckett University. Placing athletes in the chamber at varying temperatures and humidities to test breathability, the conclusion was that perceived breathability of the new Shadow jersey matched the previous Windstopper.

To enhance the waterproofing further, front facing critical seams have been internally taped so as to prevent the ingress of water in the event that the outer material becomes saturated. Externally a DWR coating is used to bead water off, but this has been designed in a way that it is more resistant to washing and persistent use.

In terms of practical elements, the fit of the jersey is still very much Pro Team, being closer fitting to avoid flapping material while being stretchy but not overly skintight. A more elasticated wrist allows for easier fitment, while the three rear pockets have been dropped slightly to make access to them easier.

Finally, reflective detailing has been added, with four colour options available for men, two for women, and sizes from XS to XXL.

The ride

This jersey has been designed for riding in foul weather, as has always been the reason for the Shadow range of kits existence. To that end, this jersey is a very impressive performer. The material used is not as supple or pliable as the old Castelli Gabba, which it was a response to, but far exceeds it when it comes to total weather proofing. With the Gabba, and the Perfetto models, I found I had to use base layers to quite a degree to provide enough warmth when the weather turned foul. The wind and waterproofing was more resistant as opposed to fully proofed.

Enter the Shadow jersey. Rapha has used a new 3-layer material that does a truly exceptional job when it comes to wind proofing and waterproofing. In fact riding in around 10˚C or so, the jersey has almost been too warm, due to the absolute lack of wind chill, even when wearing just a mesh baselayer.

Then we have the waterproofing, which proved effective. Water beads off the jacket easily in heavier showers, with no ingress on the front. There are seams that are not taped, but they are located in areas not front facing to the elements. The rest of the seams are taped so as to aid weather proofing further.

This relative lack of permeability does have a downside though. Rapha designed this jersey to have a level of breathability, but on a few test days where the weather has been positively nice and sunny, albeit only 10-14˚C, the jersey has gotten a bit warm. I will caveat this with the fact that I run like a furnace, so often temperature use guidelines are 3-5˚C higher than is comfortable for me. But what has happened to me on these rides is that I’ve essentially had sweat pool at the cuffs after a while, as it does not permeate the membrane. Add to that the effective windproofing, and I’ve had rides where it’s less than 10˚C and I’ve been riding with the jersey fully unzipped. It’s a factor worth considering for riders who run hot.

Rapha's testing showed that baselayer selection was key to temperature regulation. Using a long sleeved mesh layer was what Rapha recommended, but I still had the pooling of sweat. Rpha also sais its test riders had sweat pooling during testing, but the perception of heat was not so present. Admittedly I only noticed when I stopped to grab something from my pocket and saw the wet sleeve and gloves; I wouldn’t say I was overheating until the temperatures reached the mid-10s in sunny dry weather, which is a bit beyond the range that Rapha recommends for this jersey.

The jersey does however feature a brilliant two-way zip, often reserved for gilets and jackets, and I am a huge fan of these. It allows you to unzip from the top for a blast of cool air, but also unzip from the bottom to avoid that billowing effect that slows you down, and increases the rate of heat loss from the rear as the hem opens up. For those wearing this over a lighter jersey, it also gives you easy access to the pockets.

Fit wise is another area where this jersey performs well. I like the Rapha Pro Team fit, but in recent years it has veered into the annoying trend of pockets being placed super high up the back. This has been addressed, dropping the pockets down and making them far easier to reach while riding, while the overall tight race fit remains. The pockets themselves are also nicely large enough to pack well, but lack a zip up valuables pocket.

Elastic cuffs on the sleeves also help get this jersey on and off with the less pliable membrane material, but it can still be a touch tight. I do really like the reflective detailing on the back, left sleeve (needs to be on the right as well), and on the chest too, while the range of colours is on trend.

Value

Value wise, the Shadow Jersey has seen quite a hike in price compared to the Windstopper Jersey it replaces. Jumping from £220 to £275 / $365, makes this quite possibly the most expensive jersey that I have had on test so far, veering well into the region of winter jacket prices.

In fairness to the jersey, the way it performs is more akin to a winter jacket, offering exceptional weatherproofing and thus insulation through protection from the elements. More so than any foul weather jersey that I’ve tested. Combining with a deeper winter base layer means this jersey can be used in low single figure temperatures.

Even then, there are plenty of effective jackets that come in at a similar price or cheaper. Kit inflation over recent years does make this comparable with several market competitors though. The Castelli Perfetto 3 is far more breathable but far less weather proof and at £280 / $320, it is also advertised as a jacket. Meanwhile the similarly performing Assos Equipe RS Spring Fall Jacket S11 is £305 / $390, but the Equipe R SF jersey is just £175 / $210. Perhaps the Castelli Gabba R is most similar in terms of being lightweight, weatherproofed, and featuring pockets and two-way zip, but that does come in at £299 / $370.

The saving grace for the Shadow Jersey is its weather proofing and projected longevity of said proofing. It does not come cheap, but for foul weather, the performance is unquestionably good, and for the combined insulation, weatherproofing, and practicality, it outperforms several waterproof jackets while undercutting them and providing more versatility. If you want a one-stop foul weather piece of kit that you can adjust for temperature with base layers, rather than buying a jersey, a jacket, and a waterproof, the Shadow Jersey is incredibly capable.

Attaquer’s OrbKnit jersey, already a standout in the Australian brand’s premium lineup, arrived with a refreshed set of colours at the end of September, perfectly timed for Australia’s warmer-weather riding and, for me in Arizona, the start of fall.

With its sculpted knit construction, rich palette, and race-oriented cut, the OrbKnit positions itself firmly in the top tier of modern cycling apparel. Even in today’s crowded high-end kit market, it manages to carve out its own identity through thoughtful colour choices, sharp branding and a tactile feel that’s hard to match.

When my sample arrived, though, things took an unexpected turn: the sizing was slightly off. My partner, also a cyclist, spotted an opportunity and slipped it on. The fit wasn’t perfect, but it was close enough to make me think about the kit's viability for men and women, especially since every colourway is available in both cuts. Attaquer were willing to send along a true women’s cut for my partner, which allowed us to test the jersey out together. So consider this something of a “his and hers” first impression.

With new colours, men’s and women’s cuts, and a knit engineered for high-intensity efforts across varying conditions, the Attaquer OrbKnit has all the ingredients of a top-tier jersey on paper. But how does it actually perform? Let’s dig in.

Construction

The OrbKnit kit is built around a distinctive stitching and construction method, which Attaquer claims allows the jersey to contour precisely to a cyclist’s body. Rather than relying on traditional panels and seams, the OrbKnit uses multiple fabric types that compress yet stretch and ventilate simultaneously. The jersey has very few true seams. Instead, the different knit structures transition smoothly into one another, creating a single, cohesive piece of fabric.

All of this is a long way of saying that the OrbKnit jersey is tight where you want it to be, breathable in key places, and overall fits like a second skin.

“Machined in Italy using Italian circular knitting machines, OrbKnit represents a revolutionary approach to garment design,” Attaquer said in their press release. “This precision-engineered jersey incorporates varying textures, strategically placed mesh panel sections guided by sweat-rate mapping, and integrated compression zones — all seamlessly woven into a single fabric.”

Aesthetically, the unified weave gives the jersey a clean, modern look. Attaquer adds subtle nods to its Italian manufacturing with a small Italian flag inside the collar and on the tag, while a spider motif on the sleeve and sparse but bold branding complete the design. The jersey options feature single colours only, in white, turquoise, purple, brown, grey, and black. These colourways are the same for both men and women, and sizes run from XS to XL.

We both kept it simple with the white colour choice, and they were, well, quite white with the black logos and decals pairing nicely with the jersey or the OrbKnit weave. In the back, the jersey was slightly see-through, and with Attaquer bibs to match, it all came together quite nicely.

The Ride

Attaquer is upfront about OrbKnit’s snug, race-oriented fit, but even so, the jersey looks surprisingly small when you first pull it out of the packaging.

I requested a size small, and while it mostly fit, the cut runs noticeably short; just a bit too short for my six-foot frame anyway. For some riders, though, that length could be a real advantage. My partner, Bailey, for example, has a shorter torso and often struggles with women’s jerseys that bunch or fold when she’s in the riding position. The OrbKnit was the first jersey she’s tried that’s short enough to eliminate those extra folds.

Shorter jerseys do tend to come with a tradeoff of rear pockets that sit uncomfortably high. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case here. The OrbKnit’s pockets are well placed, nicely stretchy, and maintain the jersey’s sleek, compression-like fit, even when stuffed with the usual long-ride essentials.

Ultimately, I grew to like the small jersey after a few rides and kept it as the testing option. If I were to buy the jersey, perhaps I would have bumped up to a medium, but after a wash or two, I felt great in the kit. Personally, I am still a racer, and the idea of lining up for a gravel event in that jersey was pretty enticing, especially with the tight fit of the small.

Another clear win for the jersey is the cut of the sleeves and the collar. In my opinion, tall collars only belong on winter-specific or wet-riding gear. It makes no sense to add fabric to the neck, and too many premium brands have done that for too long. Fortunately, the OrbKnit keeps the collar nice and low and perfectly out of the way. Similarly, the kit doesn’t go out of its way to add grippers to the arms; instead, it uses a long cuff that doesn’t encroach on my elbow.

Despite the kit's multi-knit fabric and tight-fitting design, it offers a surprising amount of cooling. This is hugely important for racing or simply when living in Arizona, where it is hot more often than not. Much of this is due to the strategic mesh placements and the moisture-wicking fabric.

Bailey found this to be the distinct upside of the kit as well. She is sensitive to overheating, which is easy to do in Phoenix, and the knit's thickness belies its cooling abilities.

"[The jersey] feels a bit thicker than a normal jersey would, but I was pretty surprised when riding in it for three hours, how little it actually felt sweaty,” she said. “I'm a sweaty girl, so I feel like most of my other jerseys underneath my armpits feel sweaty all the time. And the same on my lower back. But in this jersey, I felt like I didn't have sweaty armpits at all, which is kind of nice.”

Frankly, I am generally better in the heat, but I would say the same: the kit breathes deceptively well, especially in a dry climate. I wouldn’t say it is my first pick for the summer days in Phoenix that stretch into the triple digits, but that is a very small selection of garments that can get that job done.

With its comfortable fit and all the right vents in the right places, the Orbknit jersey quickly earned its place at the top of both of our kit piles.

Value & Verdict

The Orbknit is a highly engineered, premium kit, and the $195 USD / £134 GBP / $240 AUD price tag reflects that. Still, the unique cut and quality of the jersey make the garment's cost feel justified. It undercuts the prices of several other race offerings from other high-end brands, such as Assos’ Equipe RS 11 or Maap's Pro Aero jersey, while still absolutely delivering on the product.

For me, the most exciting aspect of the kit is its versatility: it's suitable for warm afternoons, cool mornings, race day, and even the café line. What’s more, with the thicker fabric and the lack of obvious weak points in the jersey’s construction, I am wagering the kit will hold its form much longer than other race offerings. For me, and for Bailey, that’s all the ingredients needed for a five-star kit.

In cycling, it often feels like bike clothing is designed for just two weather conditions: sunny and warm, or cold and wet.

However, assuming you live in the Northern Hemisphere, between the heat of summer and the cold temperatures of winter, the shoulder seasons bring all kinds of weather, often within the same day.

This makes deciding what to wear for a ride very tricky. Even the best cycling jerseys can feel like overkill a few miles into a ride, while our favorite short-sleeved jersey, even with arm warmers, doesn't feel sturdy enough once the seasons change.

This seasonal challenge is what the Universal Colours Mono Long Sleeve Jersey aims to address.

Construction

Made in LTP's bluesign®-accredited Lithuanian factory, the predominant fabric in the Mono long-sleeved jersey is an 85% recycled nylon and 15% elastane blend. This fabric is known for delivering high stretch, sweat-wicking properties, and a soft, malleable feel.

The Mono features a classic long-sleeved jersey design, with a full-length zip at the front of the side panels to enhance the snug race-cut fit. At the rear, there are three top-opening pockets and one zip-secure waterproof pocket for valuables. There are no bells or whistles here, which in cycling jersey terms often translates into vents, mesh, or extra panels—just the same solid fabric throughout.

In a departure from current fashion, Universal Colours has declined to choose a raw cut finish, instead opting for a bonded hem at the front and silicone elastane at the rear on the torso, with a sewn hem on the cuffs.

Available in XS to XL sizes, in four colors, and in male and female fits. Worth noting here is that I was riding the women's size small, which hit just 202g on the kitchen scales.

Lightweight options like the Mono are rare, so it's not surprising that I have no real comparisons in terms of peer jerseys. To give a rough idea, the size medium long-sleeved Rapha Classic jersey weighed 268g—a 66g difference.

The fabric density and feel are closer to that of the Madison Flux short-sleeve jersey, which makes sense since they share the same fabric qualities.

However, there is a downside to the weight savings compared to a more traditional long-sleeved jersey: thermal properties.

The ride

When a cold snap hit the north of the UK just as I was testing it, I wondered how best to pair the Mono.

Ultimately, I teamed it with a tight-fitting long-sleeve thermal baselayer. I would have struggled to fit anything bulkier underneath; a combination of the tight fit and extreme stretch means it's a bit of a struggle pulling the extra-long arms on over anything at all.

With no wind protection, even stepping outside to get my bike made me realise that I would require an extra layer, so I pulled on the trusty Santini Alpha Pack Vest before heading out.

I was probably dressed for mile three and a long climb in the Peak District before my arms had warmed up enough at the low single digits of the outside temperature.

Although it would be somewhat unfair to blame Universal Colours for my inability to regulate temperature, it is worth being aware that, despite being a long-sleeved jersey, you'll need to plan your layers carefully depending on the wind chill.

The jersey's cut is excellent—no wind flap—and with a short front and lower back, it's ideal for anyone seeking a race-fit without the over-compression or bulk of a traditional long-sleeve.

The three rear pockets are voluminous enough to hold spares and tools, but thanks to the race cut and small fit, I found it tricky to get items in and out of the rear pocket on the move, and there's no way my phone would fit in the small zip-secure one, making me appreciate the Alpha Pack vest's multiple large storage spaces.

Value and conclusion

I really loved the stripped-back design of the Universal Colours Mono long-sleeved jersey. It would be perfect for late or early-season races, thanks to its fit.

Its ability to be layered up or down means it has the potential to become a super-versatile piece of your cycling wardrobe.

Comparing other long-sleeved jerseys on the market, the Mono price does seem somewhat reasonable.

However, while I appreciate that there are long arms, which add to the manufacturing cost, it really isn't any more fancy than the much-loved Madison Flux, which is about £100/$134 less.

I appreciate that Universal Colours' ethical manufacturing decisions may cost more than usual, but until the brand independently evidences and measures what makes it so, its ethical practices remain unclear. And until then, we only have its word for it.

Now in its second iteration, the MAAP Alt_Road LS jersey 2.0 looks to improve on the previous jersey's performance while maintaining its credentials as a reliable piece of kit for adventure and off-road riding. But will warrant a place as one of the best long sleeved cycling jerseys?

Construction

The Alt_Road jersey now uses 36% merino wool alongside the polyester. This is designed to enhance breathability, insulation, and moisture wicking to provide better temperature regulation across a wider range of temperatures. Merino also has antimicrobial properties. A gridded structure has also been used to further enhance breathability.

Interestingly MAAP suggests this jersey be used between 18-30˚C, which seems high for a long sleeved jersey even with greater breathability. MAAP has used the Core fit for this jersey, which is a bit looser than the Race fit found on jerseys such as the Pro Race previously tested. YKK zips have also been used on the main zipper as well as on the rear stash pocket.

Pockets wise, the standard three cargo pockets are used at the rear which are nicely deep enough to fit the largest of smartphones or packable waterproofs.

Something a bit more novel is the rear valuables pocket, which rather than being confined to the side of the rear right pocket, now extends at an angle across the rear covering the right and central pockets. This is more of a stash pocket now for larger items, while the angle has been chosen to make it easy to both open and close.

Four colour options are available, while sizes range from XS up to XXL.

The ride

Fit wise the MAAP Alt_Road LS jersey is ideal on my 190cm frame in a size medium. The sleeves are a good length so that they can meet gloves to keep the cool out, while also being loose enough to roll up slightly if you need a bit more ventilation. The rear stays nicely in place thanks to the waist gripper when the pockets are not full, but on my it doesn’t have quite enough grab to stop the rear moving when pockets are unevenly full.

The construction certainly is on the more relaxed size for fit and movement in the jersey, however it’s certainly not flappy and baggy. This makes it suitable for riding on the road at higher speeds, while a non-skin tight fit is preferable for off-road and adventuring. Another construction element that I like is the use of the aforementioned merino fibres. Firstly, this is a natural fibre rather than artificially made, so there are some ecological bonus points there. Secondly merino has a wonderful capability to be both breathable and insulating, making it highly effective for temperature control across a broad range of conditions.

Other components of merino that are helpful and work well on this jersey are the fast drying and antimicrobial properties. It’s certainly not weather proof in any capacity, but if it does get wet the jersey dries out quickly. This is also useful in warmer weather when sweating. Antimicrobial properties come mostly to the fore when multi-day adventures are undertaken. Frankly, it's difficult to clean kit well when doing ultra treks, and you don’t want kit to get stinky and full of bacteria. A very unscientific test with the Alt_Road was how it smelt the next day after some long rides in warmer temperatures. To put it bluntly, it smelt far better than kit normally does.

A big upgrade against the previous version in my books is the removal of the extra side panel material. This is still there in terms of aesthetics and stitching, but it is no longer a thicker panel of material that appeared to serve no real purpose. This aids the total breathability of the jersey, which means even in higher mid-teens Celsius temps it doesn’t get too hot versus a tighter fitting polyester option.

I do think MAAP could have been bolder on the aesthetic though. The muted natural tones are very on trend at the moment, and scream gravel and adventure riding, but I’m a big fan of MAAP’s bold aesthetic on its road kits, and wouldn’t mind seeing some similar options in the Alt_Road range.

My favourite feature though is the rear zip pocket. The three main cargo pockets are spacious enough and work well, but this zip pocket has a very different geometry to most. It goes across the rear right side and across to the centre, while the zip is slightly cambered down. This makes it easy to pull open with the left arm, or pull closed with the right due to the angle your arm is pulling from. It’s been perfect for stashing layers, gloves, or large food items, while the spaciousness and looser fit at the rear means there is no pulling or compressing against your back. For big adventure days, it’s far easier to use than bar bags or even frame bags when it comes to having layers readily available, and is honestly my favourite feature of this jersey. My only gripe with this area is the fit around the waist being looser meaning that pockets can shift around a fair bit. My waist is narrow though compared to my hips so my personal fit may likely exaggerate this problem.

Value & conclusion

At this price point, the Alt_Road 2.0 actually has a fair bit of competition within the same sort of price range. The Le Col ARC LS jersey uses merino construction and comes in at £180 / $250, with a similar focus on looser fit and all-day gravel adventure riding. The Café du Cycliste Claudette LS is another merino LS jersey but uses a lower amount of the material.

Merino does have a quantifiable benefit when it comes to moisture wicking, fast drying, and anti-bacterial properties, which is great for long days in the saddle or multi-day adventures where kit washing is not easily accessible. This does give it an advantage in this field ahead of more traditional polyester jerseys which are often cheaper. There are also certain environmental benefits to using natural fibres such as merino over polyester alternatives.

There are a few outliers that come in cheaper even with merino, the Rapha Classic LS is £150 /$220 and performs brilliantly across all the same areas with a bit more of a road fit. However the Alt_Road 2.0 does feature some great additions that really do help for adventure gravel riding. This looser fit around the waist also helps when wearing cargo shorts with rear pockets, giving more room without pressure. It’s certainly a specialist piece of kit, but for the purpose it is designed for, it is genuinely great. For more general riding, you can afford to go for a cheaper item to get many of the benefits.

Compared to other long sleeve cycling jerseys, the MAAP Alt_Road 2.0 LS jersey is a solid performer. In that category itself, it doesn’t really offer anything particularly special, save for the merino fibres used which make it versatile across a broad range of dry temperatures.

Where the Alt_Road starts to shine is when it is put to the test on longer adventure type rides in the saddle. For multi-day exploration the antimicrobial elements are fantastic, while the cargo storage is incredibly neat and effective to the point it really helps it stand out.

For road use only, there are likely better suited and better value options. But for adventure riding and wanting a jersey that is versatile in a range of conditions and allows storage for additional layers, it’s a really great performer boasting practicality and comfort.

Updated for 2025, the Pas Normal Studios (PNS) Mechanism jersey is part of the brand’s Mechanism line, aimed for fast paced riding at higher intensities. Let's see how it shakes down and warrants consideration as one of the best cycling jerseys.

Construction

The Mechanism jersey is largely made of polyester with the rest being elastane to create micro perforated panels of material for enhanced breathability. An update on this 2025 model is a lower collar to reduce chafing and also enhance breathability. There's also now an externally stitched in zip-up valuables pocket alongside the three main cargo pockets.

Fit wise the jersey has also had an update. Previously the cut of the jersey meant that it was quite short in the body and the pockets sat high up the back. The length has been increased and the pockets are now far more accessible, while still maintaining a tight and aerodynamic fit that is true to size. Elastic sleeve cuffs and waist hem keep the jersey in place while riding even with full pockets.

Style has also been a key focus with this jersey. All colour options save for the black, navy, and white options feature contrast white stitching patterns across the seams and are fully dyed. In total there are eight colour options in the updated design, with seventeen total as some of the colour options have not yet been updated. Sizes range from XXS up to XXL.

The ride

I have to admit that previously some of the PNS Mechanism line of kit has not been best suited to my fit preferences. Often the length of the jersey has been a bit short meaning the pockets end up being situated so high that they are difficult to get items in and out of when riding. In this 2025 update, PNS has improved this greatly, resulting in a Medium jersey that actually fits well on my 190cm frame.

Despite being aimed at fast paced training, it’s actually very comfortable for all day rides. Part of this is due to the silicone grippers on the hem of the jersey as well as the sleeves; everything stays very nicely in place even with heavily loaded pockets. This can get a bit warm on the hem of the jersey, but nothing uncomfortable in the mid to high 20s˚C.

A feature of the 2025 update that I’m very happy to see is an overhaul of the pockets. As mentioned, they were hard to access while riding. Now they are far easier to dig a hand into while riding, and they also have plenty of space. Also changed is the zip-up valuables pockets. Previously this was stitched into the inside meaning that keys for example could dig into your back, it was also not such a secure design. Now it is external to the cargo pocket but stitched fully into it, making it more practical and secure.

The only part of the fit that I am not so keen on is the fairly high neck. The PNS Mechanism Pro jersey and several other more race focussed options tend to have a lower cut neck, which I find is just more comfortable. However, for warm weather performance, the fabric used across the jersey, being more transparent and lightweight, makes for brilliant temperature regulation. Although not as perforated as the likes of the Castelli Aero Race 8S jersey, it’s comparable in hot weather performance in all but the highest intensity of efforts up steep climbs.

I’m a big fan of the array of colours on offer, and expect that list to grow over the season and into SS26. I think the contrast white stitching also looks great and is a little different to block colour jerseys that are generally available.

The logo printing is something that could potentially be a bit sharper, but by being dyed into the fabric it offers greater durability compared to transfers.

Value & conclusion

While £165 could never be described as cheap for a cycling jersey, when compared to jerseys from the likes of MAAP, Rapha and other designer cycling brands, it’s not unreasonable. Brand recognition and a wide selection of color choice all come at a price.

My only issue as such with the PNS Mechanism jersey is that it doesn’t feel like it does anything particularly stand out compared to similarly priced competition. It fits well and is comfortable, but it lacks any really specific breathability or aerodynamic features. Admittedly for training it is now one of my go-to options given it does the job well in warm weather, but the higher neck means for really hot weather I gravitate towards other options.

The Pas Normal Studios Mechanism jersey is an interesting one. It doesn’t have any real standout features in terms of performance that set it apart from the competition. What it does have though is a broad range of colour and size options to suit most people, as well as several highly practical features, which make it an ideal training jersey in the summer. If you want a comfortable jersey for long days in the saddle, and you want something that is more of a designer brand in the cycling world, the PNS Mechanism jersey is a great option.

Rapha has created the Ghost range of kit to perform in the hot temperatures experienced by racers in high summer events where 30-40˚C / 86-104 ˚F is not uncommon.

With the Pro Team Ghost jersey, Rapha went into climate chambers to develop and test a jersey that's created to improve heat transfer and temperature regulation in the pursuit of performance.

Construction

The entire jersey has been made specifically for improved moisture transfer, given that the primary way in which we lose heat is via sweat evaporation. Rapha claims that the new Ghost jersey has four times more airflow when dry, and eight times more when wet, is 25% faster drying, as well as 12% lighter than their previous lightest jersey, the Flyweight. The sleeves and the body are all made of a thin and perforated material, with even the hem being a thinner and more breathable material as well.

Despite the weight of the material, a level of compression has also been maintained, while the sleeves are cut to extend far down the arms. The neck has also been cut very low to enhance temperature regulation while a zip guard is present at the top to avoid irritation. Three cargo pockets are used at the rear but no valuables pocket is present.

Sizes are XS up to XXL, while there are three colour options of white, and then a faded white/pink and white/blue option. Rapha explicitly states that the jersey performs best when worn without a base layer.

The ride

The Ghost jersey fits just like a lot of the other Rapha Pro Team garments. This is a race focussed piece of equipment that hugs the body, although not with the level of compression that the Aero and Flaero jerseys have. Rather, the Ghost sits close but hovers over the silhouette of your body, a bit like a ghost. The sleeves sit long on the arms, and the waist pinches in, tell-tale signs that this jersey has been designed for racing and for fast paced rides.

This speed and lightweight focus do have some drawbacks to the jersey's practicality, however. There is no lower zip guard to protect the shorts, while a zip-up valuables pocket is a casualty of its lightness. I do, however, really like the low cut neck for comfort, and the pockets that are there are a decent size for stashing most items; given it's a hot weather only item you wouldn't need room for extra layers anyway.

The main focus of this jersey is temperature regulation. The Ghost range of kit has been designed by Rapha to be its most efficient piece of kit at cooling yet. It's lighter than the brand's Flyweight jersey, and according to climate controlled lab testing far more effective at cooling the body. This has been achieved by using a fabric knit that is not unique in the cycling kit industry, but it has been tuned to 11 by reducing the amount of material drastically. This does lead to a somewhat see-through element akin to mesh jerseys. However, whereas mesh jerseys just allow more airflow, the Ghost has another trick up its sleeve.

In dry, hot weather, airflow helps cooling dramatically, and that’s where mesh jerseys perform well thanks to more perforations. Indeed the Ghost also performs well here and in the mid-20˚C range it’s very effective. Where things start to change is when the temperature ramps up. The problem with mesh jerseys is they can get saturated in very hot conditions and then evaporation is not as effective. It’s most apparent at high intensity and low airflow conditions such as when you're climbing in the heat. Where the Ghost has an edge is that it appears to transfer moisture from the body to the top of the jersey fabric, which then evaporates very quickly even at low airflow speeds. The jersey seems to take moisture away from the surface of the skin enhancing the cooling effect relative to other jerseys quite dramatically.

I would say that in particularly hotter dry weather conditions, this is the most effective warm weather jersey that I have used. I’m a huge fan of the Castelli Aero Race 8S thanks to the combination of warm weather performance and aerodynamics, but in the warmest of conditions the Ghost outperforms it and makes higher intensity up climbs far more tolerable. It lacks any form of aero texturing or indeed aero claims, but the gains of not overheating in extreme conditions outweigh that.

But that does severely limit its use, especially in the UK, when you're likely to only need a specialist such as for a handful of days a year. That’s not a great cost per use at £225 / $300. But then if I was doing an event such as the Etape du Tour, which was mid 30˚C this year, and had spent a lot of money on travel, entry, and bike, then the cost of this jersey to make the event far more enjoyable and my performance likely a good level better would seem worth it.

Value & conclusion

It has become slightly worrisome in the last year that cycling clothing prices have increased quite dramatically. The Rapha Pro Team Ghost jersey is yet another example of jerseys breaking the £200 / $250 barrier, a price once reserved for high-end bib shorts, let alone jerseys.

At £225 / $300 this the most expensive short sleeve jersey that I have yet to encounter. The Castelli Premio Evo comes close at £205 / $250, while Rapha’s Flaero jersey is £200 / $280, the same price as the Q36.5 Dottore Clima jersey.

When looking specifically at hot weather focussed performance jerseys the Ghost still exceeds much of the competition. The aforementioned Q36.5 Dottore Clima sits high on that price list. However the PNS Mechanism Pro Zipless is £175 / $220 while the Assos Equipe RSR is just £140 / $170 along with LeCol’s Pro Air jersey. These latter ones however rely mainly on highly perforated fabrics for more airflow, whereas the fabric technology in the Ghost is more effective at faster moisture transfer and therefore evaporation rates.

The Rapha Ghost is admittedly the most effective jersey I have tested when it comes to proper hit weather performance. It wicks moisture away quickly and transfers heat at a rate that is noticeably quicker than even mesh jerseys. It’s just hard to recommend with a price this high.

For those who want a hot weather cycling jersey, there are effective alternatives for near half the price or £100 / $150 less. But if you’re competing in hot weather events, and cooling will have a significant impact on performance or enjoyment, then a specialist piece of kit like the Rapha Pro Team Ghost jersey might be worthwhile.

The Castelli Aero Race 8S jersey is the brand’s top jersey for racing, as used by the Soudal Quickstep and AG Insurance World Tour teams. This latest iteration ditches the dual later system of the Aero Race 7 and Bolero base layer in favour of a single material specifically to improve thermal regulation while keeping aerodynamic performance optimised.

Construction

The sleeves of the Aero Race 8S jersey feature raised strips in the fabric, designed to create turbulence of airflow going over the arms and reduce the wake, and pressure drag, that comes off the back of the arms. It’s a structure commonly used across World Tour level aero garments as often this material pattern is fastest around 40-45kph. Different strip spacings can impact that further and Castelli features slightly wider spacings, which can make it faster at relatively at lower speeds such as 35-40kph.

On the rear of the sleeves is a perforated material, while the sleeve is also compressive so as to keep it in place without the use of silicone grippers. This is also the methodology used on the body of the jersey, which is so thin and lightweight it looks partially see-through. Many of these features were a result of feedback from the Soudal Quickstep team who wanted an aero jersey that could be used in the hottest conditions.

At the rear are three cargo pockets, which sit just above the elasticated hem, aimed to keep the jersey in place even when pockets are full or the jersey partially unzipped. These pockets feature a folded stitch on the top so although they don’t lie flat they are very easy to open while on the fly. A lowered neck hem is also used again for temperature regulation purposes.

Four colours are available, with White, Black, Navy and Mocha. Sizes come in XS to 3XL and sizing is true to size albeit more race fit than some of the other jerseys in Castelli’s range, so a touch tighter.

The ride

This is certainly a hark back to the Castelli race kit of years gone by. By the brand’s own admission they have at times slipped into making a race kit that is a happy medium between absolute peak performance and more general comfort and usability. It’s an interesting one, as for most of us comfort and usability are important things, but for that end Castelli makes the Espresso and Premio Evo lines. The Aero Race is a dedicated piece of race kit.

The body is more compressive than recent Castelli aero jerseys, but not quite as corset-like as the jerseys of old. It’s a snug fit, but it is still true to size. Where Castelli has focussed compression is on the sleeves. But this actually improves comfort too, as no silicone grippers are used yet the sleeves stay well in place over the duration of rides.

Castelli has also made the hem of the jersey quite structured so as to work with the sleeves to keep the body of the jersey in place without being overly snug or compressive. I think this is a great balance personally, as although not shrink wrapping for that classic vacuum packed racer look, the jersey actually fits well without excessive pulling of any fabric. Given high intensity efforts require a lot of breathing, this makes the Aero Race 8S comfortable rather than constrictive, and I really like it for that. The hem can get quite warm, but it keeps everything securely in place, which is important from an aerodynamics perspective.

Another area that aims to keep the silhouette tight are the pockets. Even when full, they are a touch narrower than some of the competition, which keeps the frontal area a little smaller without any full pocket spill to the sides. It does compromise space slightly, but in keeping with the mandate for this jersey it focuses on speed and performance. Elastic tops that are folded over don’t lie flat, but are very easy to access and keep the contents secure.

In terms of aero performance, that is hard to judge without quantifiable testing. What I can do is assess the materials and patterns used. Castelli has used a raised strip fabric for this jersey, whereas the previous iteration used a Bolero base layer with raised strips to texture the smooth material on the sleeves of the jersey. That is still commonly used in time trial skinsuits due to working well at higher speeds in general. This new approach however is now commonplace in World Tour aero jerseys such as Santini, Kalas, Pissei, and Rule28. What’s interesting are the finer details, such as the spacing of the strips. Pissei, who supply Tadej Pogačar and his UAE Team, vary the spacing based on the speed the jersey is designed for. For faster speeds, a closer spacing works best, for lower speeds such as climbing, wider spacings are used. Castelli has opted for a slightly wider spacing here, which could suggest being optimised for more realistic road speeds of 30-40kph.

Where this jersey truly excels however is breathability. The body of the jersey is a slightly more open structure and near see-through as well. Where this is most impactful though is on the back of the sleeves. Rather than use an aero material all the way around them, Castelli has fitted a highly perforated material at the rear and around the arm pit. This does have a small impact on aerodynamic performance, but it is probably one of the most effective areas to enhance breathability with limited aerodynamic performance. Given the heatwaves in the UK over the 2025 summer, this jersey was more than comfortable in 30˚C+ temperatures, and actually became my go-to hot weather jersey. Given how important keeping cool is for performance in hot weather at high intensity, this jersey really does offer the best balance between aerodynamic performance and breathability for me. Unzipping a jersey ruins the aerodynamic performance, so if racing in hot weather, a jersey with reduced aerodynamic performance but enhanced cooling that negates the need to unzip, will be quicker than a ‘faster’ jersey that requires unzipping to manage thermal load.

It’s all about taking into consideration the full performance picture, and Castelli has done a superb job with the Aero Race 8S. A zip up valuables pocket and zip guard would aid practicality a touch, but would add extra material to a jersey that is near enough perfect for hot weather high intensity riding. It’s a trade-off that I’m willing to take.

Value & conclusion

Impressively, the Castelli Free Aero 8S jersey, even though a World Tour level piece of kit, is what I would call relatively good value when it comes to a well-ventilated aero jersey.

The likes of the Rapha Flaero jersey is £200 / $280, while the Santini Redux has an RRP of £190 / $249. In fact most dedicated aero jerseys with similar technologies and performance targets are more expensive, often £180-200 / $250-300. There are certainly some elements where different jerseys may have an edge such as the MAAP Pro Race jersey having a zip up pocket for keys, or the Santini Redux having zip guards to protect shorts. However, none of these balance fit, breathability, and promised aero performance quite so well as the Castelli does.

Obviously without wind tunnel testing we can’t really say which is fastest, but there are promising tech features on the Castelli which suggest that performance at 30-40kph should be reasonable. The quantifiable features such as breathability and fit are certainly great though, and for £169 / $200 I think that makes this jersey a pretty good value offering

The Castelli Aero Race 8S is a truly fantastic jersey. It uses up to date aerodynamic materials with a fit that is both comfortable but has aerodynamic considerations. On top of that, there have been some breathability features added in that work brilliantly while promising to have less of a negative impact on the aerodynamic performance. In terms of balancing all aspects of the overall performance spectrum; aerodynamics, comfort and temperature regulation, the Castelli Aero Race 8S jersey manages these superbly. The fact it does this at the lower end of the pricing range for high performance aero jerseys is an added bonus.

Castelli's new Perfetto RoS 3 Jacket launches today, and for a change from the usual 'stiffer, lighter, faster' stuff we see so often, it actually sounds pretty groundbreaking.

The EU introduced a raft of rule changes recently governing what materials companies can use in technical clothing, meaning PFAS or forever chemicals as they're known, can no longer be used.

That's caused a big problem for brands who loved using the treatments. And blown apart some of our advice on the very best waterproofs available for cycling.

This new range from Italian stalwart, Castelli, uses a completely new fabric from Polartec® called AirCore™. The garment is rather humbly called Perfetto which means perfect in Italian. The RoS in the name refers to rain or shine and Castelli claims it redefines what "breathable" means.

They also say "Performance cycling will never be the same again", which feels a bit ambitious, unless it's like wearing leathers, or perhaps a wetsuit. I suspect it's not.

It is however, they claim, highly windproof, breathable and water repellent, which are all good things for a lightweight winter jacket, and importantly the new construction and materials mean the garment is 100% free of PFAS-based chemicals and made from recycled polyester yarns.

The membrane, which is the business layer of the product, which gives it it's claimed magical qualities, is produced via a process called "electrospinning", where a "hydrophobic proprietary polymer" is pushed through a hypodermic needle and charged at 20,000 volts. Under pressure, we're told the needle then emits a thin jet of microscopic filaments, approximately 100 times smaller than a human hair - which "falls like snow to create an incredibly tight membrane that still allows air to permeate it".

This means, they say, that the Perfetto RoS 3 jacket performs as well in the dry as it does in the rain. It's designed for temperatures of 4-14°C (39-57°F) too, which should mean it's pretty handy for Autumn and a good chunk of winter even here in the UK.

Castelli points out that waterpoof gear that works too well at keeping you dry can get you plenty wet from sweat, defeating the object, and AirCore™ is were told, the answer to our boil in the bag prayers.

Where it differs Castelli says, is that whilst this is a windproof garment, some air can get in, creating a "microclimate" in the jacket, that helps ventilate the rider, getting rid of sweat.

It's also functionally waterproof, despite the "imperceptibly" tiny holes and they claim the new material is very stretchy too, which is no bad thing.

So far, so good. Even if slightly short of the claim that "Performance cycling will never be the same again".

We have a jacket in hand, and will be testing it shortly, so we'll report back in full on all these lofty claims. Jokes aside, it certainly sounds convincing, and it's a welcome move away from the toxic stuff.

We've spared you a lot of the word soup in the press release that went into quite a lot of good detail about just how and why this material is so good. We'll look past just now, but will give it a good test in the coming weeks, and see if it lives up to the claims and go into that science in a little more detail in a proper review.

If it does work as well as claimed, Castelli and Sportful are the only cycling garment brands licensed to use the material, so they could be onto a winner in a post PFAS world.

The Perfetto RoS jacket is available in men's and women's styles. The men’s jacket is available in the following four colourways:

Rich Red/Black

Reflex, Light Black/Silver Reflex,

Mocha/Black Reflex and

Pool Blue/Black Reflex.

Price is RRP €249,95 | $320,00 | £280,00

The women’s jacket is available in the following four colorways:

Hibiscus/Black Reflex

Pool Blue/Black Reflex

Mango Mojito/Black Reflex

Light Black/Silver Reflex.

Price is RRP €249,95 | $320,00 | £280,00

Summer has been somewhat unpredictable here in the North of England this year. When the rain finally subsides, temperatures often soar, leaving me too hot even in the best short-sleeve jerseys. So when the dhb Aeron Ultra Women's Short Sleeve Jersey arrived, promising excellent breathability and sun protection, it was about to become my hot summer days saviour.

Construction

Designed for endurance and multi-day cycling trips, the Aeron Ultra Women's Short Sleeve Jersey emphasizes practicality while aiming to keep riders at their optimal body temperature in all conditions.

Made from 'Revolutionary,' a patented fabric from Italian fabric house Carvico, the jersey has lightweight and breathable characteristics. The fabric itself is incredibly thin—about 155 g/m²—compared to traditional sports Lycra, which typically measures around 225 g/m².

This makes all three jersey sizes lightweight, as evidenced by my size 10 review, which weighs 126g. To put that in perspective, the similarly sized Madison Flux short sleeve jersey weighed 164g.

40grams is hardly going to impact your power-to-weight ratios, but will have an impact on fabric breathability. While thin, breathable fabric isn't anything new, the difference, according to dhb, is that the Aeron Ultra Women's jersey also offers an impressive UFP50+ rating and maintains its shape without overstretching.

It remains malleable thanks to the four-way 'bielastic' stretch fabric, designed to provide a performance fit, with features such as bonded arm grippers creating smooth transitions from jersey to skin and potentially improving aerodynamics.

At the back, there are three well-sized rear pockets, with one secured by a zipper, and a centrally placed reflective detail, while on each side, two 'drop-in' pockets offer additional storage for long rides.

The ride

While material data sheets might provide the theory, the proof is in the wearing, or in the case of the Aeron Ultra Women's Short Sleeve Jersey, the pulling on.

It was immediately apparent just how lightweight the jersey is. Incredibly soft in the hand, the jersey even feels cool to the touch.

The fit is undoubtedly performance-focused. I'm a UK size 10, and this was right on the edge of comfortable on my arms, especially as they are longer than average, finishing just above my elbows. While this does add to the impression of aerodynamics it does feel a little at odds with the cargo carrying capacity of the Aeron Ultra.

Fully loaded pockets would erase any airflow enhancement perks instantly. If you do decide to take advantage of this hauling space, you'll no doubt be as impressed as I was at how well the pockets stash items and hold them securely without either pulling the back of the jersey down or spinning to one side or the other.

The side pockets made for easy access and quickly became a handy location for ride snacks, although I personally prefer to store my phone at the rear as it feels more balanced. Wearing this in 25+ degrees/77°F+, I was instantly aware of its lightweight breathability, especially when tackling some challenging off-road pikes, which require a lot of sweat to summit.

I didn't once feel cold or wet, presumably a combination of the breathability and surface wicking doing their roles admirably. The other really noticeable aspect was the sunblocking aspect. I hadn't even thought about how vital it was until I was taking images of the jersey and noticed how see-through it actually was.

If I had needed suncream for protection on my back, I would have been burnt to a crisp; it was that sheer. I was also incredibly thankful I hadn't chosen to wear the Aeron Ultra on the ill-fated trip of the Velocio Women's One bibshorts when I forgot my bra top and had to go without.

Value and conclusion

The dhb Aeron Ultra Women's Short Sleeve Jersey is a remarkable piece of kit that the brand could promote more loudly. It's easy to assume that because dhb doesn't charge exorbitant prices, it doesn't use innovative fabrics or technology. However, with a recommended retail price tag of £150, it is likely one of the most expensive items in the dhb range.

Still, looking across the cycle clothing market, it's a close alternative to the new Rapha Ghost range, making the dhb Aeron Ultra seem like a bargain at £115/$155 cheaper. And that's before we even discuss the current 50 percent discount many in the dhb range seem to offer at the moment.

I've loved the functional features like extra pockets and sun protection, but why the brand chose the baby blue colourway for a 'multi-day and epic endurance' jersey is slightly lost on me. Surely there are many more practical colour options out there, but I guess it shows up well in low light levels.

My biggest gripe, though, is with the sizes on offer. With me just fitting into a UK size 10 (small), and only sizes 12 (medium) and 14 (large) available, it feels quite exclusive to smaller riders, which, as we know, is far from a true representation of our diverse and growing riding communities.

The dog days of summer are upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Pacific Northwest that means skies dusky with wildfire smoke, warm evenings and scorched dry earth. For these hot, lazy days, warm weather-specific clothing is a must and Velocio’s Concept Radiator Zipperless Jersey is designed for these very conditions. By foregoing the usual front zipper, the jersey is more comfortable and lighter. We dig in to see how it performs.

Design & Construction

The defining feature of the Velocio Concept Radiator Zipperless jersey is, of course, its lack of zipper. As such, it needs to be stretchy enough to pull on and remove without ripping or losing its shape. This stretch factor, along with the crew neck collar, gives the jersey the feel of a favorite T-shirt.

In order to achieve this fit, the construction is quite unique. A single piece of material is used across the chest, shoulders and upper arms, and instead of seams on the shoulders, the jersey has stitched in darts. The lack of seams across the shoulder is comfortable, and likely helps its aerodynamic performance as well.

The jersey uses Polartec’s Delta fabric, which is known for its weight, wicking and breathability. It also uses slightly more than 50% recycled material. Our test jersey arrived in the “Dusk” colour option, a very appealing lavender. The silhouette of the jersey and lack of zipper has a less technical vibe, and I received multiple compliments while wearing it.

At 104 grams for a size Small, this is an extremely lightweight jersey. Weight is typically not the first metric one looks at in regard to clothing, but it demonstrates the pared back approach Velocio took when designing it.

The Ride

I tested the Concept Radiator Zipperless jersey in a variety of different warm weather conditions, from sunny and dry to humid and overcast, over the course of the summer. It really shines on hot days when worn without a baselayer. The sleeve length brings the material down to the crook of the elbow, which seems to be the current trend for race-oriented jerseys.

The fabric is very soft and breathes exceptionally well. I liked the feel of the low-profile collar, but missed the extra material when layering with a vest on top. This truly is a race jersey and keeps the bells and whistles to a minimum—there is little in the way of reflectivity for low light conditions except for tiny tabs on the sleeve backs. Branding is similarly understated with a small logo on the chest and Velocio written out in full on one sleeve. The reinforced pockets are placed in the mid low back and are generously sized. It’s nice to have plenty of room for snacks. Often lightweight jerseys suffer from pocket sag, but Velocio has added in some additional structure to prevent this. A single zip pocket is located on the right side.

Really, my only qualm with the jersey is the sizing: it’s off. Not only is Velocio’s own sizing information conflicting, but the range is lacking at the smaller end. Velocio produces this jersey for men up to 4XL, which is commendable, however the smallest size available is the XS, which would fit me, at roughly 6 feet/182 cm and 150 lbs/68 kg, better than the size Small I tested out. And if someone my size can comfortably wear an XS, what about those shorter and lighter than me?

Helpfully, Velocio’s website includes the height of the model wearing each garment. The model for the zipperless jersey, Aaron (no last name listed), is 6’2” / 188 cm. He is wearing a size Small. Per Velocio’s own size chart, located on the same page just above this information, Aaron should be in a Medium, or possibly even a Large depending on his weight (also not listed). Something is amiss if someone that tall can comfortably fit into a Small jersey. It appears that the women’s equivalent goes down to a XXS, however this is not the case for the men’s jersey.

It would be great to see Velocio reconcile these discrepancies. With this particular piece, shifting the sizing down (L becomes M, etc.) and adding a smaller offering would bring it more in line with the offerings of other jerseys on the market.

Specifications

Name: Velocio Men’s Concept Radiator Zipperless Jersey
Weight: 104 grams, size Small
Size range: XS-4XL
Colours: Black, Sulphur, Dusk
Price: $179 USD

Value and conclusion

This is a phenomenal jersey. Velocio’s zipperless design is exceptionally comfortable, and the construction is excellent. For a top-of-the line jersey, the price is reasonable; for example, Pas Normal’s Mechanism Zipperless jersey retails for significantly more at $220. Assos makes a similar garment—so svelte that Assos explicitly recommends applying sunscreen underneath—is priced at $170. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more comparable products come onto the market, for both aesthetic and performance reasons.

My sole issue with this jersey is the confusion of Velocio’s sizing guidelines. It’s great that there are larger sizes available, but there don’t seem to be corresponding sizes for smaller folks. As a 6’ tall, 68 kg person I should not be swimming in a size Small jersey. I hope that Velocio updates its sizing, but in the meantime recommend purchasing a size (or two) smaller than you’re accustomed to.

MAAP states that the Pro Race jersey has been inspired by the brand’s collaboration with World Tour squad Team Jayco–AlUla and is born of a speed obsession. It's the Australian brand's first proper attempt at a dedicated aero jersey, so lets see how it fairs.

Construction

The Pro Race jersey uses a diamond-textured fabric across the sleeves and top of the shoulders with the aim of reducing turbulence around those areas and maintaining the attachment of airflow. This material and the body are made from a woven stretch fabric, which is designed to have a greater density to avoid friction drag when worn tight while also being moisture wicking for temperature control.

Additional details aimed to improve aerodynamics performance are the low cut and low-profile neck line, and bonded collar, sleeves and hem to reduce bulk and keep a secure fit.

A silicone gripper is used at the rear to provide extra security, while a zip guard at the top of the jersey aims to reduce any irritation around the neck. MAAP has also carried over its new pocket design from the Pro Air 3.0, with streamlined lie-flat pockets with a vastly slimmed down hem at the top for a sleeker fit. Along with the three main cargo pockets is a zip-up valuables pocket.

Across the rear, sides, arms, and front, reflective transfer logos have been placed to provide a 360˚reflective visibility. Some other near features are the use of recycled yarns in the jersey, between 75-85% depending on the fabric panel, and UPF 50+ protection for use in sunny weather. This Solar edition of the Pro Race jersey comes in two colour options, while the Eclipse option adds another three colours. Sizes range from XS up to XXL.

The ride

MAAP tends to excel in the style department and this jersey is no different. Of course this is subjective, but the Solar range of the Pro Race jersey has a great dripping paint aesthetic that I think looks superb. For those who want a more subtle styling, the Eclipse line offers block monochromatic colours.

The fit of the Pro Race is a great progression on MAAPs previous race fitted garments. I have found that the likes of the Pro Air 2.0 in a more race fit, sat too high up my back making pockets difficult to reach, while also being a bit tight around the chest. This updated fit is more accommodating without being at all loose, making the jersey far more comfortable. Raw cut fold-over sleeve cuffs, with the same treatment around the low cut neck, provide secure fitting while limiting any irritation. These fabric folds are partially glued over rather than stitched all the way, so it’s worth being careful with any jewellery which could catch the material. I say this after my watch snagged the cuff of a MAAP Aeon jersey and undid the glued seam, which I had to stitch back up.

Another practical feature are the 360˚hem grips, which use small silicone dots to ensure that the jersey stays in place even when the pockets are full. I really like this feature, as often with unevenly loaded pockets, I find jerseys have a tendency to twist around. The downside however is the hem has a tendency to get quite warm due to the thicker material used.

There are more useful features, often forgotten on aero jerseys, that I appreciate. MAAP has added reflective detailing around the jersey to create a 360˚ visibility feature. For early morning or late night fast paced group rides, I really like this addition.

Use of recycled materials and UPF 50+ protection are a nice touch and not often at the forefront of design in performance apparel. Also included is a zip-up valuables pocket, which for me is a must have feature for keys or emergency cash. This also sits externally to the main cargo pocket, whereas the older Pro Air 2.0 jersey fitted this internally, causing keys to dig into your back if positioned poorly. MAAP has also brought over the new flat pocket design introduced on the Pro Air 3.0 jersey, which results in pockets that lie flat with the back in an aim to smooth airflow over this area.

This is, of course, an aero jersey, so it’s a bit of a shame to see MAAP do not include any testing data about the performance of this jersey, even comparatively to its other offerings.

To give this jersey its aero credentials, MAAP has uses the aforementioned diamond dimple across the entire sleeve, also extending over the shoulders and upper back, which aims to reduce the turbulent airflow which comes off the back of the arms, while including it on the shoulders aims to reattach airflow so that it runs down the back. It is designed on sound aerodynamic principles. After all, at the speeds most riders go at, any texturing on the sleeves is better than a smooth surface. However interestingly, it is different to what the sponsored WorldTour squad or gravel privateers use; they use an externally placed rib pattern across the sleeves, which is often one of the fastest designs at speeds of 40-45kph. However, the use of the diamond pattern may result in a faster jersey relatively at lower speeds from 25-35kph. It's similar to what Assos do with its Equipe RSR jersey. It's different from the material used by its sponsored Tudor Pro Cycling team because it found that the pattern was faster at more real-world consumer level speeds.

Given the differences between aero jerseys at lower speeds are small and hard to test without using a wind tunnel, I can only provide subjective data and critical analysis based on the scientific application. As I said, the science behind the design is sound, but it’s a shame to not have any test data to support the theory.

One thing I can say is that the material on the body is a bit warmer than the mesh used on the Pro Air 3.0. It’s more akin to the Rapha Pro Team Aero jersey, which is similar to the new Flaero, but a bit warmer. Although MAAP uses a thin material for the body, so it’s a bit more breathable, it lags behind some other aero jersey competition. Potentially some mesh under the arms and down the sides could help here, but that often has a negative effect on aero performance.

Value and conclusion

When it comes to value, the MAAP Pro Race jersey presents an interesting dilemma. At £190 / $245, this is an expensive jersey with a lot of cheaper alternatives available on the market. However, when looking at the comparative aero jersey market, it is certainly not the most expensive, and if anything sits in the mid-range of price points.

The Rapha Flaero (£200 / $290), PNS Mechanism Pro (£195 / $240) and Santini Redux (£190) all match or exceed the price of the MAAP Pro Race while the Rule 28 One (£180), Castelli Aero Race 8S (£169.99 / $199.99) and Assos Equipe RS S11 (£175 / $220) are not far off in terms of price. The Assos Equipe RSR undercuts them all at £140 / $185, but in part by forgoing a front zip which greatly reduces material and manufacturing costs, but does impact some practical elements.

The issue with the MAAP Pro Race is that it lacks aero data to back up its aerodynamic performance unlike the Rule28 One, and the breathability is not as good as the likes of the Castelli Aero Race 8S or PNS Mech Pro and Rapha Flaero jerseys. Where it does make up some relative performance are the sleeve cuffs which stay nicely in place, a dedicated zip up valuables pocket, great levels of reflective detailing, secure hem, and a nice range of styles.

All told, the MAAP Pro Race is an impressive offering. Yes it's expensive, but is in line with the competition's pricing, and in some cases, undercutting it. The design uses some sound aerodynamic principles, but lack of test data to back up aero credentials is a shame. This jersey also suffers a bit in the high heat compared to some more breathable competition. Where the Pro Race shines though is the addition of several highly practical features. Because of this, it's an aero jersey that I would reach for even on days where speed was not the main focus.

With many premium cycling jerseys costing well north of £100/$150, it's always nice to find a product that costs less but still purports to offer good performance. Sportful’s SRK jersey is just such a piece.

SRK is a small collection for men and women that includes short-sleeved jerseys, shorts and a thermal jersey. Sportful says that it is designed for versatility, and will work both on and off-road with a slightly more relaxed fit than their aero options.

There are six colours available for men with sizes from S to 3XL and six for women from XS to 2XL.

Construction

The jersey is made up of two main fabrics; a very light, airy material on the arms and sides, with a less open weave on the main body. The arm hems are raw cut and elasticated but don’t use any silicone grippers and neither does the tonal elastic on the rear hem. The front hem is a simple Lycra edge.

At the front is a nice chunky YKK zip in matching green (although there is no zip garage/chin protector) whilst the rear security pocket zip is white. The three pockets are in the same lightweight material as the sleeves, again with simple Lycra edging.

Should you suddenly feel curious about the jersey’s origins before going for a ride, on the left pocket is printed ‘A jersey designed with a vision to create a product for all, embodying the essence of fun and the true testament to our love of cycling’. So now you know. Post-ride, you can use the hashtag on the right sleeve and inside the collar to upload images to Sportful’s Instagram should you wish to - #moregreatdays.

The ride

Despite Sportful’s intention that the SRK jersey has a slightly relaxed fit, I would say that it was still pretty racy. Sizing is more ‘Italian’ than some of Castelli’s more recent offerings for instance, and my usual size medium was certainly pretty snug on my 186cm/74kg body.

Out on the bike I found the SRK jersey short, even when worn with the appropriate SRK bib shorts, there was still a rather unsightly gap between the jersey and the bibs for my pale belly to make an appearance. Bent over on the bike I found myself frequently rearranging the jersey to help it sit better, and the lack of silicone gripper around the hem didn’t help as this allowed the jersey to ride up at the back too. On the flipside, I found the gripper-less sleeves worked very well, sitting nicely in place.

The pockets are both high and deep, with the tops sitting 4cm higher than the pockets on Castelli’s Espresso Jersey - good for storage, less so for access. In fact, while I admit my shoulders are not the most flexible, I could barely reach into the pockets whilst stationary, let alone when riding the bike or stiff after a few hours in the saddle.

Aesthetically, apart from its ability to cruelly expose my muffin top, I really liked the SRK. The green colour grew on me and I was impressed with the fabric’s ability to stay dry. Sleeve length was good and the jersey stayed taut around my shoulders and neck without bunching up and I liked the slightly higher collar which provided a little more protection against the wind than low-cut jerseys.

However, as well as the pockets being hard for me to access, they also went slightly against the slick look of the jersey as the lightweight fabric rucked and wrinkled easily - less of a problem if stuffed full though.

Value and conclusion

With the rather large caveat that you need to check the fit, then the SRK Jersey does offer good value with its £75/ $89.99 RRP. The fabrics work well, the colours look good and all the expected features are present and correct.

I would really like to have seen a gripper of some sort around the rear hem, and for my body shape I needed the jersey to be 3cm longer and for the pockets to sit commensurately lower too. I’ll knock one star off for the fit on me, but if it fits you well, then it has the potential be a worthwhile product.

Snowdrops are in bloom, the sun has some warmth to it finally and thoughts turn to rides that don’t involve getting dressed up for an Arctic expedition. A wardrobe update is a good way for some extra spring motivation but with many brands asking £100 or more for a new short-sleeved jersey, perhaps there is another season left in your old jersey after all you decide.

Madison’s cycling clothing range is pretty comprehensive and very reasonably priced, with their Flux Men's Short Sleeve Jersey costing less than £40 - so maybe a new jersey is justifiable after all? Flux-named products and components are fast and light according to Madison, so although they cover road and off-road users, the common theme is one of performance, as opposed to other categories such as Roam for versatility or Stellar for hi-viz urban riding.

The Flux Men's Short Sleeve Jersey is aimed squarely at the road rider and is available in red and black for men (S-XXL) or red and magenta pink for women (UK8-UK16).

Construction

The Flux jersey is made from a slightly heavier fabric than many summer jerseys are, which is no bad thing for the UK climate. The material is uniform throughout the garment, with long, modern-looking raw-cut sleeves that have a printed silicone grip, and a full-length tonal zip with a zip guard to protect the chin.

There are the usual three rear pockets, and it’s nice to see a zipped, valuables pocket at this lower-end price point. A couple of small reflective details on the left sleeve and beneath the pockets might help alert other road users to your presence and the black elasticated strip across the rear hem has more silicone print to keep it in place.

The stitching is all very neat and overall construction is impressive. There is nothing that screams budget or cheap.

The ride

Prancing around in front of the bedroom mirror in the Flux, things looked good. It was maybe a ¼ of a size bigger than I would expect from a medium, but the length was decent, the fabric felt nice and I had high hopes that forty quid was all you needed to spend for a decent jersey.

Unfortunately, once on the bike, the story was a little less rosy. Leaning forward in the riding position caused the rear hem to ride up as the elastic and silicone gripper didn’t keep the jersey in place. A bit like the issue I had with the Madison’s DTE Men’s Isoler Thermal Long Sleeve Jacket, the elastic simply wasn’t under enough tension to do its job, but I don’t think it was a size issue - a size small would not have fitted me, and at 74kg and 186cm I should not be a small anyway. Further, there was an excess of fabric across the chest and around the shoulders when riding, so there was lots of material rucked up behind my neck that flapped in the wind; it felt like I spent half the ride tugging the jersey back down again. Of course, my size and shape may be the issue, but this is the first jersey I have experienced anything like this with.

There were some good points - the pockets were nice and deep with the slightly heavier fabric supporting the contents well and the material was ideal for the mid-to-high-teens Spanish spring temperatures that I wore it in. The relatively high collar was also good for cooler weather compared with lighter, racier jerseys.

It would be nice if there was more of a colour choice though, or at least, some more modern colours - black, red and pink feel a bit basic.

Value and conclusion

I really wanted to like the Madison Flux Men's Short Sleeve Jersey. In a world of £100+ jerseys, the idea of a decent £40 option appeals a lot, but the execution is lacking. It’s hard to recommend a jersey that fits better stood upright than it does when riding a bike. I understand that at the price, there need to be certain cost-cutting exercises such as the limited colour choice or perhaps the materials used, but cutting the cloth more appropriately shouldn’t trouble the accountants.

If it does fit you well, or you are happy to accept the compromised cut, then there are some good points; modern style, decent pockets including one with a zip, a nice weight of fabric and of course, the excellent price.

The Espresso Jersey sits within Castelli’s Espresso collection. This sub-division of their cycling clothing has a self-proclaimed aim to be ‘the first kit you reach for any time you go to ride and not pinning on a number,’ according to Director of Brand Strategy Steve Chapin. It’s geared toward performance, but not for racing, so it should be suitable for most of us mortals.

The range covers pretty much all the spring, summer and autumn bases from arm warmers to bib tights, with the only exception being waterproof and windproof outerwear. I’ve tried several pieces from the Espresso collection, such as the Thermal Jersey, and so far, found them all to be excellent, with a running theme of a good fit, great performance and understated aesthetics. Sizing has been consistent and decidedly un-Italian, so my usual options of medium tops and large bottoms have been perfect.

There are currently 10 block colours in the range for men with sizes from XS to XXL and 8 for women with sizes from XS to XL. Minimal branding is a theme across all the Espresso products and this jersey just gets a small shoulder logo and another on the rear pockets.

Construction

The Espresso’s Air-O Stretch fabric is at the lighter end of jersey construction with plenty of stretch and breathability from tiny pores in the material, giving it a weight of around 100g depending on size. The same Air-O Stretch fabric is used throughout the garment.

The sleeves are, inevitably, raw cut for a modern look although there is no silicone for grip, and the collar is a nice, mid-height - not restrictive but not indecent either. Both the front zip and the rear security pocket zip are made by YKK, assuring quality and longevity whilst I particularly like the plasticised pull loop on the front zip that makes it easier to grab on the move. Additionally, there is a quarter-length placket behind the top of the zip, to make it simpler to operate when letting a bit of air in (and perhaps to stop chest hairs from getting caught?).

The bottom hem has an elasticated rear with a printed silicone gripper and at the front is a 3cm deep, stiffened elastic band which I think really helps the aesthetics of the jersey (and made a decent fist of containing my post-Christmas podge).

The ride

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I liked the Espresso Jersey as much as I’ve liked the rest of the Espresso range, which is to say, a lot. I think the colour palette is great, and with so many colours to choose from I’d imagine most riders could find something that they fancied, and the simple aesthetic of the range as a whole appeals to me.

For me, the fit is perfect. At 186cm/74kg the medium was snug without being at all restrictive in the riding position, helped no doubt by the very light, highly stretchy Air-O Stretch fabric. There was very little excess fabric anywhere and it was simply easy to forget about the jersey and concentrate on riding (unlike the experience I had with the Madison Flux Men's Short Sleeve Jersey). Castelli makes some vague aero claims for the jersey, which I certainly can’t verify, but a close-fitting, unrestrictive jersey that doesn’t have any excess flapping material certainly feels faster and better than looser alternatives.

The pockets were set at the right height for easy access without drooping down over my bum when stuffed full and I’m always pleased to see a zipped security pocket having once left some house keys somewhere along a route when furkling in my pockets for snacks.

Fabric-wise, the Air-O Stretch did its job very well. Although the mid-teens temperatures in Spain didn’t trouble it much in terms of breathability, I also used the Espresso Jersey on the turbo trainer a few times - a much sterner test of moisture management. I was very impressed at how dry it was after a session in Watopia. Castelli gives the jersey a suggested temperature range of 18° to 35° which I’d agree with, perhaps making it a jersey for the warmer British summer days or one to pair with a gilet and arm warmers for cooler rides.

Value and Conclusion

I’d say that the whole Espresso range is pitched at the sensible end of premium price-wise. £125 for a jersey is certainly no bargain, but it is possible to pay far more for a jersey as well as considerably less.

A phrase I’ve used before in relation to Espresso products is ‘doing the basics well’, and this applies here too. A full-zip, 3-pocket jersey with raw-cut sleeves is certainly not ground-breaking or innovative on paper, but it's all about the execution. For me, the combination of fit and fabric makes the Espresso jersey brilliant to wear and ride in. Add in the multiple colour choices and the potential to mix and match with other items from the range and I think that Castelli deserves a pat on the back for the Espresso Jersey.

Whilst skin-tight race jerseys with aero features certainly aid speed, they can be a little restrictive for leisurely outings, so many brands offer more relaxed options. These are often under the guise of gravel-riding or exploration styles and might typically feature more pockets, earthier colours and a cut that is better suited to all-day rides.

Madison uses its Roam category for such products, covering all bases from waterproof jackets to socks, with an emphasis on comfort and versatility, albeit from a cycling point of view. The Roam Men’s Short Sleeve Jersey adds a Roam twist to the staple cycling jersey.

Construction

The fabric used for the Roam jersey is a little heavier than you’d expect, with dense, stretchy material that is almost Lycra-esque. Down the spine is a black mesh panel to improve breathability, although this seems slightly at odds with the main fabric’s feel.

Along with the three standard rear pockets, there is a large zipped pocket on the left hip and a fifth, open mesh pocket on the right hip. This mesh pocket actually extends inward over the rear pocket to give lots of space for stashing larger items such as a windproof jacket.

The full-length locking zip is tonal and includes a guard at the top to prevent irritation, whilst the collar itself is of a reasonable height. The sleeves are hemmed rather than raw-cut, although they are of a decent, modern length, and all the stitching looks to be neat and accurate.

An elasticated hem with silicone grippers runs along the rear of the jersey, although there is no elastication at the front, just a bonded hem, so it should sit flat across the stomach. A small reflective patch on the central pocket and reflective branding on the left sleeve are the only nods to visibility.

It is available in Lake Blue, Moss Green and Mineral Red with sizes from S to XXL for men, whilst women’s sizes run from UK8 to UK 16 in Lake Blue or Moss Green.

The ride

The fit of the Roam is a touch more relaxed than the racier Madison Flux Men’s Short Sleeve Jersey, with the sleeves of the Roam slightly baggy on my admittedly skinny arms. The size medium, much like the Flux, is probably a bit more generous than brands like Castelli, Assos or Rapha, although I still don’t think that I could have squeezed into a size small.

The material used by Madison is very nice against the skin and has lots of easy stretch so that the jersey moves with you and doesn’t feel at all restrictive. Moisture management has seemed to be reasonable, although temperatures in the UK so far this year have not provided it with too much of a challenge, and the extra-breathable mesh panel has felt somewhat redundant.

Unfortunately, I had similar fit issues on the bike to those I experienced with the Madison Flux Short Sleeve Jersey. When in a riding position, the fabric over the shoulders rucks up and flaps about whilst the rear hem isn’t under enough tension for the elastic or silicone to do their jobs effectively. There also seems to be too much fabric across the chest. The hem issue may be a sizing thing, although I don’t believe so, but the excess material over the shoulders and chest, I’m sure, has to do with the cut. It is as if the jersey was designed for standing upright rather than bent-forward riding a bike.

Admittedly, it is slightly less of an issue for the more relaxed Roam than it was for the racier Flux, but nonetheless, it does seem odd. Of course, it may be that I am simply not a ‘Madison’ shape, but as I have not had this issue with Assos, Castelli, Rapha, etc, I don’t think that is the case.

It is a shame because the fabric and features are pretty decent, and the jersey is very versatile - as at home on gravel as it is on a big road ride.

Value and conclusion

These days, £60 is not bad for a quality short-sleeve jersey, so the Roam looks initially to be good value. However, I’m not sure where the extra 20 quid over the Flux has gone; I don’t know that a couple of extra pockets and a mesh panel should cost that.

The cut isn’t ideal either, although if you prefer your jerseys a little looser, then I doubt that the areas of seemingly excess fabric would bother you too much, and it isn’t supposed to be a race-fit jersey anyway.

If the Roam jersey fits you, then the five-pocket layout and nice fabric make it worth a look, but also consider the cheaper three-pocket Madison Flux.

As a cyclist, the warmer weather that the return of spring and summer brings is what we live for. As we begin to shed our thermal layers, it's always a feeling of celebration when we take our first ride outside in short sleeves each year.

It's tempting to mark this annual milestone with the purchase of new kit, the cyclist's equivalent of a Christmas Day outfit, but the cost of some of best women's short sleeve cycling jerseys is often triple digits, making it hard to justify.

That's why the Madison Flux short sleeve jersey really made me sit up and take notice. It looks sleek and smart, offers practical features, and is less than half the price of even the most wallet-friendly options already on the market.

Construction

Madison says the Flux is made from a premium soft-touch fabric, which consists of 85% Polyester and 15% Elastane. Known for its sweat-wicking and moisture transfer capabilities, this is pretty standard fare for most cycling jerseys, such as the Santini Ombra short sleeve jerseys.

The difference is that the Flux's five-panel design is entirely constructed with the same fabric, without any additional high-tech sections for enhanced breathability or aerodynamics.

That's not to say that the Madison Flux eliminates all performance features; the raw cut, silicone-backed sleeves, and rear hem are designed for a performance fit and a stay-put finish.

There are practical features as well, including three rear pockets and an additional zip-secure pocket for valuables, although it's not large enough for phone storage. It also has a full-length zip, which is often missing on cheaper jerseys, along with small reflective details.

Details like the soft-touch collar and articulated cut enhance both comfort and fit. All of this adds up to a jersey weighing 164g in a size small.

The ride

It was mid-ride when I truly became astounded by the Madison Flux short-sleeve cycling jersey. Pulling it on pre-ride, I was impressed with the body-skimming fit. It's perhaps a little looser than options that profess to be climbing or aero-specific fits but it's still tight enough not to look out of place on the road.

I was also happy to pair it with the more relaxed style of adventure-focused kit for my first ride. Being early April, I required an additional layer over the Flux, until I warmed up. Thirty minutes and one hill ticked off, I was able to go with the Flux jersey alone. I stuffed my long-sleeved jersey into the ample rear pocket of the Flux and continued my ride.

Even with the rear pockets now bulging, the jersey stayed firmly in place, with no twisting even when climbing out of the saddle. It's super comfortable, and even though it doesn't claim to use any specific technical fabric, it really does have a soft-touch finish. Elsewhere details such as the hot pink strengthening tape on the pocket inner haven't gone unnoticed; it's a minor feature, but it added a touch of class that could easily be left out.

I've been lucky enough to experience an early spring mini-heatwave and bask in high teen temperatures, and pairing the Madison Flux jersey with a mid-weight short-sleeve baselayer has been ideal.

Since the first ride, I've combined it with baggy shorts for a gravel ride, hit a mountain bike trail center, and simply rolled around on the road wearing it. It is looser than most 'performance' cycling jerseys, but not flappy by any means—just not super-tight in the torso. I was testing a size small, UK size 8, which indicates that sizes run large since I tend to be a UK size 10 these days in civilian clothes.

The arm length makes it easy to team with arm warmers, and adding a vest makes it a great in-between-season jersey.

Without breathable underarm panels, I do wonder how it will perform in high summer, but living on the edge of the Peak District in the north of England, those days are few and far between, so I suspect I'll be looking to wear it more often than not.

The one element that could be improved is the lack of reflective elements. I wish brands would either leave them off rather than include small versions or make them a decent size that is visible to other road users. Otherwise, it merely draws my attention to how pointless it is.

Value and conclusion

I've honestly been astonished by the value of the Madison Flux short-sleeved cycling jersey. It punches well above its weight in terms of fit, comfort, and performance. I do think that it would be impossible to pick it out as a budget option in a lineup of much more expensive offerings.

Clothing this good, at this price can be a red flag. So, being curious, I've dug a little into Madison's Corporate Social Responsibility. You'll have to take its word for it, but reading through the information, there appears to be a strong commitment to responsible and ethical business practices; it's even part of the Freewheel Network, which supports local bike shops.

There are three colors on offer and five sizes to choose from, which means there's lots to consider, although if you are petite, you may find even the smallest size too big. All told, it's a great buy, will suit all riding styles, and has the potential to become a go-to jersey between spring and autumn. Other than the minute reflective details, there's nothing not to like about the impressive £39.99 price tag.

Melbourne-based cycling brand MAAP has long been associated with premium kit and coffee-bar cool. With the launch of its new Aeon collection, MAAP has taken aim at the endurance market - riders logging long miles who still want a sharp silhouette. The Aeon Short Sleeve Jersey leads the charge here, blending technical fabric with a comfort-focused fit.

I've been testing the jersey over the last few weeks as the UK finally begins to thaw out, and while the Aeon carries a hefty price tag, it’s an impressive piece of kit. Here's how it stacks up against the best short sleeve jerseys for long summer rides.

MAAP Aeon Jersey: Construction

MAAP says the Aeon jersey is designed to "get out of your way and let you ride," and to be fair, they’ve done a good job of making it feel that way. The main fabric is Polartec® Delta™ - a high-tech, evaporative cooling material that supposedly enhances your body's natural temperature control. According to MAAP, its 3D knit structure lifts the jersey slightly off the skin to promote airflow. Marketing aside, I’ve found it breathes exceptionally well, particularly when the sun breaks through the clouds and things warm up.

The fabric has a slightly retro look at first glance - almost old school in texture - but once on the body, it’s a different story. It’s soft, subtly elasticated, and molds nicely without ever feeling clingy. I’m 6'0, 69kg with broad shoulders and a slim waist, and the fit was absolutely spot on. No pulling across the chest, no sag around the stomach - just a well-balanced, close fit.

MAAP’s design ethos leans toward minimalism here, with clean lines, a low-profile collar, and a wide front hem that stays put without relying on grippy silicone. I do think the 4-way stretch fabric plays a big part in the comfort - more on that later.

At the rear, you’ve got three nicely-sized pockets made from a different, more structured material. I really like this from both an aesthetic and practical standpoint. They're deep enough to handle everything I usually stuff in - a pump, tools, phone, and snacks. The zip pocket is a welcome inclusion, though the opening is a little tight - something to consider if you’re trying to fish out a key or card mid-ride.

As for the sleeves, they’re finished without rubber grippers, and instead rely on a sewn-in construction that sits flat and stays in place. It’s subtle, sleek, and - most importantly - very comfortable.

MAAP Aeon Jersey: The ride

After a long winter spent layering up, it's been a treat to get out in short sleeves again. The Aeon jersey has slotted into my regular rotation with ease. From the first ride, it felt built for distance - unfussy, breathable, and reassuringly stable even with loaded pockets.

The fit is perhaps what surprised me most. This isn’t an aero jersey, but it wears like one - snug through the shoulders and arms, but with a slightly more relaxed body that makes it ideal for those chasing all-day comfort over all-out speed. It’s a rare blend that works well for riders like me, who appreciate a race cut but don’t want to feel like they’re wearing a skinsuit at the café stop.

The wide, fabric-only hem at the front means no digging in at the waist, and the collar sits low and unobtrusive, even on warmer rides. The sleeves are nice and long, and never once rode up, even on longer stints in the drops.

MAAP Aeon Jersey: Value and conculsion

At £170, the Aeon is firmly planted in the upper tier of the jersey market. That’s £30 more than Pas Normal’s Mechanism jersey and a full £50 more than Rapha’s Pro Team. It’s a big ask, particularly given how competitive the premium segment has become in recent years.

That said, this is a seriously well-executed jersey. It’s comfortable, sharp-looking, and packed with technical detail that doesn’t get in your face. The fit will suit riders who want something performance-oriented without the hyper-compression of true aero gear.

Is it the best value option out there? No. But if you’re chasing long, hot miles and want kit that’ll go the distance without fuss - or if you're simply looking to treat yourself - it’s a compelling option.

Just maybe wait for a sale if you’re budget-conscious...

Part of Le Col’s new ARC (Adaptable, Reliable, Capable) gravel range, the ARC Merino LS Jersey makes use of 67% Merino, with the remaining being polyamide and elastane, the same as most cycling kits. It's aimed at those who enjoy long days in the saddle so let's see how it performed, and whether it might warrant inclusion in our best long sleeve cycling jerseys buyers guide.

Construction

The use of Merino is due to the fabric having natural high moisture wicking, quick drying properties, highly breathable and anti-bacterial, which it decided was ideal for gravel and adventure riding where conditions can be quite variable and it may need cleaning day to day. The synthetic fibres used alongside the Merino are designed to enhance durability and stretch retention over time and use.

Le Col includes a repair patch with the jersey, something the design team thought was needed given the intended use. There are also reflective details on the chest, arm, back and rear shoulder, which are designed to give a 360˚visibility.

The ARC jersey uses a more relaxed fit designed to aid freedom of movement yet still sit close to the body; it's what the brand calls its Relaxed Performance fit. Other features include three large rear cargo pockets and a zip up valuables pockets with a pull tab to make it easier to open and close. The jersey comes in sizes XS to 3XL and three colour options with a recommended temperature range of 5-15˚C from the brand.

The ride

I’ve always been a big fan of the use of Merino in cycling clothing. It’s an interesting material in that it remains very breathable up to quite high temperatures while being nicely insulating, giving it a wide operating temperature range. As discussed, Le Col has decided to base this jersey, and the other jerseys in its ARC range, on predominantly Merino wool. It still uses polyamide and elastane to assist with fit and durability, but the benefits of the Merino shine though.

Using the jersey across a range of wintery conditions in the UK and Spain, I found that it performed well between 7-18˚C. The only thing that affected that was the wind, as the jersey offers zero wind chill protection. As a result on blustery days or long descents I did get chilly.

I loved just how breathable the jersey was; it's exceptionally good at moisture wicking so that after hard efforts where sweat builds up, it evaporates quickly, which reduces chill when the intensity level drops.

I ended up using this for two rides in a single day when I didn’t have a clean alternative jersey. The antimicrobial properties of Merino did mean it was far more pleasant than wearing a used lycra jersey. As a jersey with a designated gravel focus it's an appealing feature. It should make for a garment that can handle multi-day adventure rides, especially as it also drys quickly meaning that it can be water washed before being worn again.

One thing that didn’t work quite so well for me was the fit, specifically around the waist. The arm and body length were perfect in the size medium on my 190cm frame, but I have quite a narrow waist. When I had the pockets full at the back, especially when one side was unevenly weighted, I found that out of the saddle the jersey jumped around a bit. Additionally, even with the elastic gripper at the rear hem, the jersey could twist on my body. It’s likely a combination of unevenly loading the pockets and an unusually narrow waist, although the more relaxed fit does lend itself to some give. This fit however is not overly flappy, so riding at speed on the road it was still suitable, it just means it’s a bit more comfortable for layering and big days on the bike.

I did like the pockets as they were spacious enough for spare kit, tools, food, phone and even a pump. A zip-up valuable pocket works well for stashing keys; all the zips, including the main jersey one, feature a useful pull tab to make them easy to operate. A few reflective details are also appreciated for winter weather and long days on the bike; the green particularly popping against the purple jersey.

Something I really like, which is a theme of the ARC range, is the inclusion of a repair patch. The jersey has been designed to be tear resistant, but in the event of damage, a repair patch is a great addition and I commend the design team as I have not seen this very often in many of the mainstream brand offerings, even with gravel focus.

Value & conclusion

The ARC jersey generally delivers good value. The wide temperature range it's comfortable in makes it incredibly versatile, while the Merino fabric is extremely practical, especially for adventure riding. However, it does lack any form of wind or weather proofing, and even with the fast moisture wicking it’s not a jersey to be used in rain while windchill can bite.

The ability to repair tears and also the fact it features some more durable complimentary fabrics does help boost the longevity, which goes a long way in helping its 'value for money' status. But at the end of the day £180 for a long sleeved jersey is a lot. It’s comparable to other Merino jersey offerings, and although the Rapha Classic LS Jersey is £30 cheaper, it uses half the Merino fabric. The fit on that is better suited to road riding though or those with a narrower waist.

Overall, I think for those who are looking to do long adventure rides, and needing clothing that will work well across a wide range of temperatures, stay fresh on big days or even multi-day events, and have added durability, then the Le Col ARC jersey is a superb option. For road riders who want something perhaps better suited to colder weather, there are better value options. However, this is a gravel and adventure jersey, and to that end it really does nail the design brief.

The Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que Long Sleeve jersey implements the use of several different specific materials to achieve the optimal body temperature of 36.5˚C, as is the brand's prerogative across its range. The Hybrid name comes from the fact this jersey is designed to fall between a jacket and jersey with weather proofing and flexibility. Let's see how it faired.

The construction

Three main fabrics are used in the construction. UF Hybrid is the brand's key weather proof material offering windproofing along with water repellency. This is used across the front panels around the chest and arms where the wind impacts. It provides water repellency via its high-density weave, rather than additional treatments or membranes being applied. Meanwhile at the rear Q36.5 uses its Pinstripe material for ventilation and heat expulsion. This includes silver thread, which has a higher heat transfer rate for aiding temperature regulation. Finally, across the stomach and forearms a lightweight fleece material is used to keep these areas warmer, something we see in some of the best long sleeve cycling jerseys.

Fit wise, Q36.5 has used its own Body Mapping process to design and attach the panels in a way that aims to keep the freedom of movement while still achieving a close and secure fit when in a cycling position. For storage there are three main cargo pockets along with a zip up valuables pocket. Sizes available are XS up to XXXL, while three colour options are available. All feature reflective detailing on the sleeves, and on the front zip guard.

The ride

The Dottore jersey is a blend of a long sleeved jersey and a winter jacket. The fabric feels comfortable against the skin, but more sturdy than traditional jersey materials. This is likely due to the fabric being higher density so feels to have just a little less stretch than polyamide and elastane mixes. It still fits comfortably though, and I’ll get on to how this fabric performs in terms of weather proofing later.

What’s particularly impressive here is the body mapped fitting. The jersey conforms to your body, be it in a more upright position, or hunched over the handlebars. The body is long enough, the sleeves don’t leave gaps with light weight gloves on at the wrists, and the pocket placement makes them easy to access.

Another of its attributes is just how well it performs across a wide range of temperatures. Despite being in Spain during the testing period, the weather swung between 18˚C and 4˚C. In the colder temperatures with a bit of sun, the black material, which there are three areas of, absorbed the sun nicely while the fleece front made a noticeable difference in lower temperatures. I wore it with only a sleeveless mesh base layer and this was perfect for down to around 8-10˚C. Any cooler and a gilet or heavier base layer was required.

However, as the temperature warmed up the jersey still felt comfortable. Its rear uses a lighter construction down the centre to allow for excess heat dissipation, while silver thread is used for faster heat transfer so that in 15˚C it was still a good temperature. The brand’s aim is to keep the body in the optimal working temperature of 36.5˚C, and I have to say this philosophy does seem to be strongly adhered to in the performance of the Dottore LS jersey.

Weatherproofing is another area where the jersey performs impressively. Often, when cycling in Spain in the winter, you warm up climbing the mountains, then have 10-15 minutes of low effort, high speed, and big windchill. Here the Dottore balanced the thermoregulation and insulation brilliantly with the wind proofing performance of the high density material doing wonders. When it needs to be, it does perform more like a winter jacket, with water repellency added to that list of attributes.

Other features I really enjoy with this jersey are the raw cut sleeves, which means no seams that can dig in on the wrist when worn underneath gloves. The rear cargo pockets are also nicely spacious for cramming with food and tools. I like the little security flap of material over the top of the pockets which makes them easy to access while preventing items from coming out over rough roads. The slightly higher neck is useful for insulation, while the zips are sturdy and easy to use. Overall, the jersey just performs exceptionally well.

Value & conclusion

This is the area where the jersey does need to be carefully considered, as at £238 it is one of the most expensive long sleeve jersey options that I’ve seen available. Jerseys from the likes of Castelli Espresso Thermal and Rapha Pro Team Midweight are far cheaper at £140 and £165. It puts it in the same price bracket as the PNS Mechanism Thermal jersey at £240, or the Assos Mille GTO LS at £245.

Where the Q36.5 Dottore does excel though is what it offers for that price. It really does fill the gap between a long sleeved jersey and a winter jacket, without much compromise on either side. With a thicker base layer it can perform in 5˚C, while it is also capable in 15˚C and sunny weather. It may be that this single item can be used instead of two separate ones. The level of performance does go quite a way to justifying the value of this jersey.

The Q36.5 Dottore Hybrid Que LS jersey makes a good case for not needing to buy both a long sleeve jersey and a winter jacket, and instead combine the two into this one item. It’s effective at insulating down to quite low temperatures, yet also impressively breathable. It’s not cheap, but it goes a long way to justifying that price with the levels of performance and versatility.

While generally when the weather is wintery I favour an all-in-one style winter jersey like the Castelli Espresso Air jacket, sometimes it’s too mild for a heavy, membraned top layer yet too chilly for a short-sleeved jersey, even if paired with arm warmers.

This is where products like Madison’s DTE Men’s Isoler Thermal Long Sleeve Jacket come into their own. Worn over a suitable base layer, it provides warmth and, just as importantly, breathability, on those ‘shoulder season’ days. Thermal-style long-sleeved jerseys also work brilliantly under an outer garment, such as a waterproof or windproof, especially if you know that the forecast suggests the barrier layer won’t be coming off at any point during the ride.

The DTE Men’s Isoler Thermal Long Sleeve Jacket is part of Madison’s comprehensive range of cycle clothing, which covers mountain, road, trail and urban riding. They also divide their products into five categories ranging from ‘Stellar’ for low-light conditions to ‘Flux’ for high-performance riding, whether that is on or off-road. So for instance, the road range includes some Stellar products and some Flux pieces. The DTE Isoler Thermal Long Sleeve Jacket is from the ‘Defy the Elements’ part of the road range, hence the ‘DTE’ in the name; the Isoler part of the product name is taken from the French word to insulate or protect, so that gives you an idea as to where the jersey is aimed.

Construction

Madison lists the jersey as being made from ‘Brushed Isoler thermal Roubaix fabric’, but this is only half true. The shoulders, chest, stomach and front of the arms are indeed made from a stretchy, brushed material, but the back of the arms and rear of the jersey features a much lighter, Lycra-esque fabric, presumably for a better fit and improved breathability. The whole jersey has a DWR (durable water repellent) treatment to ward off light showers.

Despite its relatively modest £70 price, most of the other features that you might expect and hope for on a long-sleeved jersey are present and correct too. The full-length zip has a placket behind it to better keep out the breeze and there is a ‘garage’ over the top of the zip to prevent chin irritation. There are three rear pockets plus a vertical security pocket with a locker zip so that it can’t come undone inadvertently and the tail of the jersey has a slim elasticated hem with gripper fabric.

As someone with a slightly lanky physique, I was particularly interested in the ‘adjustable’ length cuffs. The sleeve is finished with a black Lycra hem, as you might expect, but then there is another couple of centimetres of fabric tacked into it. This fabric can either be extended to provide wrist coverage if required or tucked up inside the sleeve for those with shorter arms.

The ride

By and large, the jersey fitted well. I originally received a size large, but it seemed a little big so I requested a medium to try too, and this fitted me (186cm/75kg) better with room for a long-sleeved base layer, although there didn’t seem to be a huge amount of difference between the two sizes, to be honest.

Sleeve length was adequate with the extra cuff deployed and the jersey was nice and snug across the chest, shoulders and sleeves. The only area that was less impressive was the tail below the pockets. The elasticated hem was under no tension, and, despite the silicone grippers, immediately rode up so that the fabric sat rucked up on top of my bum. This had no impact on performance or comfort, but looked and felt a bit strange.

The three pockets were easy to reach while riding but they weren’t particularly substantial either in terms of size or material (they are made from the same Lycra as the rear of the jersey) - similar to a normal summer top really.

Warmth is highly subjective, but I would certainly say that the Isoler is at the cooler end of thermal thanks to the areas of thinner, non-brushed fabric. Castelli’s Espresso Thermal Long Sleeve jersey is warmer (and a lot more expensive), for example. For me to wear the Isoler on its own with just a short-sleeved base layer, I’d want the thermometer getting pretty close to double digits - spring or autumn rather than deep winter. Of course, under a gilet, windproof or waterproof jacket then its viable operating window becomes greatly extended. I wore it over a base layer under a Gore-Tex jacket on a gravel ride that didn’t see the temperature much above zero and the Isoler was fine.

Breathability and moisture movement were also perfectly reasonable - with no membrane to interfere, the passage of any sweat to the outside of the jersey is unimpeded, although I did think that the lighter, Lycra-type fabric felt a little clammy when damp.

The sample jersey was in a solid blue colour called Ultramarine, which had a bit of a retro vibe to it, with the alternative being black. Both options are fine, but it would be nice to have a bit more choice and perhaps a brighter colour more suitable for visibility in gloomy winter conditions. Ladies are also limited to these two colours in sizes UK8 to UK16 whilst men can choose between S to XXL.

Value and conclusion

With the exception of the slightly odd rear hem and limited colour choice, the DTE Men’s Isoler Thermal Long Sleeve Jacket performed well. At £70 it offers a good fit, decent fabrics and plenty of features whilst undercutting many of its rivals on price. On days that I would expect to have to keep my arm warmers and gilet on all ride long, it would make lots of sense to reach for the Isoler instead. However, if the temperature was likely to dip below 8° I’d probably be digging out a warmer jersey or at least be adding an outer layer to it.

The Mille GTO LS Jersey C2 sits in Assos' top-of-the-range GTO line, a pinnacle of quality. The Mille line is Assos’ focussed endurance performance and comfort line. As with all Assos products, it is made from an array of proprietary fabrics, in this case, to make a jersey that optimises temperature regulation during spring and autumn rides.

On the body section of the jersey, a Sens S fabric is used, which is the brand's lightest, softest and most breathable textile. It’s UPF 50+ rated for added sun protection on long days in the saddle. Stabilizator V9 material is used at the rear around the pockets to reduce sag even when they're full. Finally, Push Pull fabric is used on the neck and sleeves, to ensure comfort against the skin with zero added pressure. These areas are finished with Schoeller's Cold Black technology, which the brand says helps cool the body in warmer temperatures.

Additional details include high-vis reflective strips across the rear of the jersey, just above the trio of large pockets. There's a smaller zip-up valuables pocket too.

At the base of the jersey, at the front, is a guard to prevent the zip from damaging your shorts. Sizes available are XS up to 3XL, while there are four colour options.

The Ride

The Assos Mille GTO LS jersey C2 is an interesting one, as it’s definitely a more transitional season piece. Testing it in Spain in January there was a nice range of temperatures, ranging from 2-18˚C to put it through its paces. Being part of the brand’s Mille line, comfort is the primary focus of this jersey, and to that end, it really excels. The brand’s Sens S fabric is incredibly supple and comfortable against the skin while being exceptionally light. Sleeves are raw cut, which means no thick seams near the cuff to dig in when a snug fit is achieved. The jersey is thin, so it can be chilly as the temperatures drop below 10˚C, but pairing it with a long-sleeved base layer solves that.

Assos use its c2 AEPD regularFit which results in zero spare material when in a riding position but no strain across any part of the body when more upright. Additionally it is cut lower at the front of the neck and higher at the rear, which aids UV protection and enhances breathability.

This close fit also likely helps when riding at speed to be that bit more aero. I can’t comment on fabric friction when it comes to drag, but the limited bunching or flapping of material does help.

A particularly interesting feature of the jersey is the Cold Black treated material used on the back, sleeves and neck. It’s designed to dissipate heat more effectively, and when riding more intense efforts at lower speeds up climbs was greatly appreciated and highly effective. To combat excess heat loss when it came to the descents a packable gilet kept me warm as the effective temperature dropped from mid-teens down to high single figures.

Another super feature is the pockets or rather the construction of them. I do find a common issue with some jerseys is that once the pockets are stuffed full, there can be a fair bit of movement in them especially when out of the saddle. There was no such issue here, with the Stabilizator V9 feature working wonders to keep pocket content in place with no sagging under load. The pockets also use Assos’ Triple Ramp feature, which has a fabric flap over the top to prevent anything from falling out of the pockets over rougher surfaces. Despite this feature, it remains very easy to remove items from the pockets.

The final small smart addition is the lower zip guard. A problem I have with some jerseys is that the base of the zip causes fabric pilling on my shorts. The small fabric zip guard on the Mille GTO prevents this, especially nice if you happen to have the nearly £300 Mille GTO bib shorts to match. It’s a small feature, but one that should boost kit longevity.

Value and conclusion

Value is where the Mille GTO jersey begins to falter. The fact of the matter is that £245/$325 for a long-sleeved jersey is a lot of money. The Rapha Pro Team Windstopper Jersey, for example, is £220 with great breathability and high levels of weatherproofing, while the Castelli Espresso Thermal Jersey is a far cheaper £140. Even the comfort-focused Le Col Hors Catergorie LS Jersey is £180.

What the Assos Mille GTO does have are lots of small but brilliantly effective features that make it a more rounded and comfortable performer for long days in the saddle. The question is whether those features are worth the cost. For some that answer will be yes, and they won’t be disappointed. But if you are shopping on a budget, there are more cost-effective options that still do a fantastic job. Even Assos’ own Mille GT LS or Mille GT Spring Fall jerseys benefit from a lot of trickle-down features. The reality is that the GTO line is the brand’s super-premium option, much like Dura-Ace ranks above Ultegra.

To sum up, the Assos Mille GTO LS Jersey C2 is an expensive garment, but one that packs some impressive tech. It’s not the best value, and there are cheaper alternatives that will do almost as good a job. But those who want supreme comfort for spring/fall weather, will not be disappointed. Just ensure you bring a packable jacket or gilet with you for changing temperatures.

When it comes to riding in the colder months, keeping yourself warm enough without overheating is key to an enjoyable bike ride. To that end, one of the most important pieces of attire to own is one of the best winter cycling jackets.

However, with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to work out how to decide on what to choose.

While promising protection and breathability simultaneously is standard fair when it comes to cycling jackets, what makes the Santini RTR Winter Jacket stand out from the crowd is its unique approach to sustainability.

Construction

Santini says the 'primary goal of the Ready To Ride [RTR] line is to offer customers a broad variety of colours to choose from.' However, the brand is keen to press that while this extensive colour range allows all riders to reflect their personalities and style it also meets sustainability and environmental values.

This is delivered by constructing the entire RTR range in white fabric, which is then dyed to the desired colour.

Speaking with Paola Santini, Santini Cycling Marketing Manager, she confirmed that the technique allows the brand to save energy and water while minimising waste.

"Instead of dyeing each component of a garment separately (such as fabric, zippers, elastics, and threads)," Santini explained, "we dye all the components together in a single process after the garment is fully assembled.

"Additionally, Santini only dyes the colours that are actually sold, avoiding waste and overproduction."

The theory makes sense, with colourways meeting demand and no over-stocking, but when I asked for more information on the true impact of textile dyes on water systems, Santini told me that the brand "is currently collaborating with the dyeing partner to finalise a report detailing the energy and water savings achieved through this method."

It is expected that the report will be published on Santini's website in the spring.

Moving on to the fit and function, Santini say that the jacket has been designed for temperatures ranging between -5 to +5°C/ 23 to 41 F.

Made from a wind-resistant stretch woven fabric, Santini has again kept sustainability in mind by opting for a 'classic' cut. This allows the RTR Winter Jacket to be worn season after season.

A slim-fitting torso keeps the core protected, while a high collar should prevent the wind from going down the neck, and at the rear sits a triple pocket.

I was testing the women's version, in a size small, but both male and female versions are available in eight colours in sizes XS to 3XL.

The ride

With manufacturing advances, winter cycling jackets have become so technical, that I had forgotten how useful having a regular thermal cycling jacket can be.

The fit of the Santini RTR Winter Jacket was indeed 'classic', neither overly tight nor wind-flappingly baggy. I could layer up or down underneath according to the outside temperature.

The jacket's inner is reminiscent of Roubaix thermal fabric with its soft lofty fleece capturing warm air, and acting as a natural insulator. Its wind-blocking capabilities performed well, protecting me from the chilled air when descending the exposed hills of the Peak District in North West England. Even at the 5°C/ 41F temperatures, I was fine teaming with just a thermal base layer.

On the flip side, climbing back up the hills, I found that the jacket was adequately breathable, preventing me from becoming a sweaty, soggy mess by the top of the assent.

When winter conditions bit harder, or when a ride required less than usual exertion, I simply teamed the RTR Winter Jacket with the Santini Alpha Pack Vest for an extra snug setup, and again found myself warm and protected from the cold air.

It really was a 'ready-to-ride' piece of winter kit, as long as it wasn't wet. With lots of cycling rain jackets now slimmer in fit, pairing the jacket with a waterproof layer will require some consideration. Although it's far from bulky, it's still significantly thicker than a long-sleeved jersey. This meant I wasn't able to fit the Santini Guard Neos or Castelli Idro 3 rain jacket over the top.

I'm either going to have to raid my other half's cycling kit for a slightly bigger rain cape, especially if I'm hoping to carry anything in the rear pockets of the RTR Winter Jacket, or accept it's for cold dry days on the bike only.

On the topic of pockets, the three rear ones on the RTR Winter Jacket are all a decent depth, so there's no worry of anything inadvertently bouncing out mid-ride. However, this means that they also sit high, and I found the access points slightly too small, especially when wearing bulky winter gloves. Even if I managed to shove my hand in to retrieve an item, I'd be worried I wouldn't be so lucky in getting it out.

My only other request is for reflective detailing. I appreciate that I could have selected a brighter colour to improve my visibility to other road users, but a few strips or dots of reflective fabric at the rear wouldn't go amiss.

Value and Conclusion

While I'm unable to verify the environmentally friendly features of the Santini RTR Winter Jacket, I've often found that these tend to add a premium to a price tag. Discovering a modest price of £140/ $119 is refreshing. I believe that consumers need much more evidence to back up the brand's claim, or it risks being accused of greenwashing.

Even without environmentally beneficial features, I'm aware that some winter cycling jackets cost a fortune, making this feel like great value. However, you do need to consider that you aren't getting loads of technical features and probably need to factor in an additional waterproof layer.

There are a couple of improvements I would like to see in the pocket shape and the addition of reflective details, but if you're in the market for a warm and breathable jacket to keep out the winter chill then the Santini RTR Winter Jacket is a great option.

Spec

• Fabric:  Wind-resistant stretch woven, sustainably dyed (claimed)
• Temperatures: -5 to +5°C/ 23 to 41 F
• Sizes: XS to 3XL
• Colour: Eight
• Weight: XX
• Gender: Male/ Female

Castelli’s Espresso range could mostly be summed up in a few words; ‘simple things done well’, and the Espresso Thermal Jersey continues the trend. It is a long-sleeved jersey designed for use when a jersey and arm warmers aren’t sufficient but it's not yet time to drag the big jackets out of their summer hibernation. It can be used as a single, next-to-skin piece or as part of a layering system over a base layer and/or under a gilet, windproof or waterproof.

Castelli clearly has faith in the product as it is available in seven colours for men and four for women in XS to 3XL and XS to XL respectively.

Construction

Only one fabric is used throughout the jersey, a Powerstretch type material that has a light fleece interior with a more densely woven outer. This provides a slight element of wind resistance and is extremely breathable. All the available colourways are a single tone (other than the rear hem elastic), giving them a simple but classy aesthetic. I was particularly impressed with the Winter Sky colour of the test jersey.

There are three open rear pockets and a vertically zipped security pocket on the right-hand side for keys and cash, all of which are easy to access, with a small Castelli Scorpion logo on the centre pocket. I’m not convinced that the tiny reflective tab under the pockets is going to do much to increase road safety, but the YKK zip feels substantial and durable whilst the short, branded placket behind the top of the zip is a premium touch.

The Ride

The Espresso Thermal Jersey, paired with the Espresso Vest and Bibtight quickly became my go-to autumn garb. The flexibility in terms of temperature range and weather conditions made them an easy choice and they kept me warm and happy from about 6°C to 15°C, much cooler than Castelli’s suggested usage window.

The fabric is cosy against the skin if worn on its own, but didn’t cause any drag when worn over a long-sleeved base layer, and breathability was very good - even in combination with the Espresso Vest there was no discernable moisture on the inside of either piece.

For me (186cm/73kg), the cut of the size large was ideal, with room for a base layer but no bagginess anywhere. I could have worn a medium without anything underneath, but I think that the versatility of the larger size is a more sensible option. The broad elastic gripper band at the rear worked well to keep the jersey in place without riding up.

It has been worn and washed a lot in the last couple of months, having rarely made it off the drying rack before being pressed back into service, and shows no signs of shrinking, pilling or fading which suggests that it should be pretty durable.

Value and conclusion

It’d be easy to raise half an eyebrow at the £140 price tag, but given the excellent cut, quality materials and general fit-for-purposeness of the Espresso I think it is excellent value. Sure, there are cheaper options but few will offer the same technical and aesthetic qualities as the Espresso and given the amount of wear it has had already I can’t level its price at it as a criticism.

The UK’s ever-changing weather makes it ideal for the versatility of layering systems, and at the heart of every such system should be a functional, warm jersey. The Espresso Thermal makes a very good case for itself to be that centrepiece with undergarments and over jackets to be added or subtracted as needed.

Bioracer has been a long-time maker of Speedwear, a line of performance apparel for which every watt counts. The brand has been seen in the WorldTour peloton over the years, and it’s been worn by National teams in World Championships and Olympic events. 

The brand is based in Belgium, where all its products are tested in its Protolab as well as out on the roads by its athletes. It produces all of its garments in-house to reduce its ecological footprint. Here I review its Graphene jersey to see how it compares to the best cycling jerseys for summer and indoor riding.

Construction

The Bioracer Graphene jersey is designed primarily to help dissipate body heat quickly during indoor training or hot weather racing. This is thanks to the incorporation of a criss-cross of black graphene webbing across the front and back of the jersey. The idea is that Graphene, as a brilliant temperature conductor, will transfer the heat from your body to the outside of the jersey, which, with adequate airflow, will increase the rate of cooling.

The jersey also features a full length zip, aero ribbed fabrics on the sleeves for fast-paced racing and riding, and three rear pockets made of mesh so they don’t hinder the cooling effect of the primary fabric. Blue Azure and Grey are the colour options available, and sizes come in a range from XS to XXL.

The ride

Given the mild outdoor temperature this spring and early summer, and that the jersey is part of Bioracer’s new Indoor Cycling range, I tested the jersey exclusively on the turbo to thoroughly challenge its cooling capabilities. 

The experience with the jersey was a very interesting one. Normally when I train on the turbo it’s just a case of a mesh base layer and shorts, never a jersey, mainly because I generate a lot of heat and usually need at least one fan, an open window, and a dehumidifier. Initially, with the Graphene jersey, I did feel warmer for having a jersey on. Part of this is that the sleeves are constructed from an aero-profiled fabric that is not as breathable, and the body of the jersey is not mesh, unlike other apparel in its line as well jerseys from brands such as Le Col. However, Bioracer says this jersey is exclusively to use WITH a fan, rather than without - they have a mesh jersey for that. 

With the fan on, I did not initially feel a huge difference in temperature, so I started to do some efforts to get my core temperature up. Curiously, during some threshold efforts, the heat levels felt higher than normal. Part of this, I think, was down to the sleeve material impeding my ability to lose much heat around the armpits or across my back. Unzipping the jersey felt substantially cooler, with the airflow hitting my skin directly. However, when I dropped the intensity for the recovery periods and wasn’t generating as much heat, the jersey did feel like it cooled down very quickly. It almost felt like the graphene gridding was sapping away the heat from me, and dissipating it quickly, which felt similar to being doused in water. It was a very strange experience but it did work very well. Some of this could be that heat transfers faster the steeper the temperature gradient, so if the body is 20 degrees warmer than the surrounding environment, it will cool at a faster rate than if it was just 10 degrees warmer. 

Another interesting experiment I did was to leave the jersey out in the sun for a period. The reason heat dissipates is because the external temperature is cooler than the internal temperature, which is how graphene conduction occurs. But, if you leave that graphene in the sun and it heats up more than your body, can it actually increase your temperature? In my very unscientific test, 20 minutes in the sun (on a day when the temperature was 8 degrees) did make the black graphene parts of the jersey warm to the touch. Obviously, this is with zero airflow, but I wonder how effective the material would be in direct sunlight on a hot and calm day when going low speeds and producing a lot of heat such as when climbing?

I can confirm that when you do heat up a lot, such as during efforts, this jersey does cool you down quicker in the recovery periods than a mesh jersey, provided you have a fan running. And, if the sleeves weren’t there I suspect it could be even more effective as a vest. As a jersey to use outside in warmer conditions, I can see it working well provided the temperature didn’t exceed 35+ degrees and airflow remained consistent. It will be interesting to add an update about outdoor performance when the weather gets warmer.

Value and conclusion

In terms of value there appears to only be one other Graphene cooling jersey on the market, the Q36.5 Dottore Clima Jersey, but that comes in at £190. At £118.72 the Bioracer jersey certainly isn’t at the high-end price-wise for a warm-weather jersey, especially as it boasts some aero elements. 

The Bioracer Graphene jersey presents an interesting piece of kit. For indoor riding, it can cool you down very quickly, but can also contribute to heat buildup in the first place. Outside, it has the potential to be very good in temperatures below 35 degrees provided you maintain airflow and you aren’t riding in direct sunlight

Reflective detailing on cycling jerseys tends be a tick-box feature for some manufacturers; a token half centimetre of reflective tape (that fades after a few washes) is never excessively striking. If you’re embarking on a multi-day event, long Audax, winter commute or after-work training ride, Apidura’s Visibility Vest is probably the most effective piece of kit you can wear (in addition to your bike lights) to help make you more visible to other road users.

Apidura Packable Visibility Vest: construction

Apidura’s 106g (S/M) vest is made from a lightweight, mesh fabric. 360-degree graphics have been designed around an on-the-bike position and night-time reflectivity.

There’s an integrated pouch for storage, meaning it can be easily stowed away in a a jersey pocket, handlebar bag, frame pack or similar. Stuffed into the pouch, the vest is no bigger than a clenched fist.

Two adjustable, narrow webbing straps feature simple buckles. It’s possible to move the straps’ positions using any one of seven different openings that have been incorporated into the hem.

The vest is available in two different sizes: S/M and L/XL. Apidura say that the S/M is ‘designed for riders with a 90-105cm chest measurement and the large/extra large will fit riders that measure from 106-122cm’. Both have the same sized integrated pouch and the L/XL is a claimed 107g.

Apidura Packable Visibility Vest: the ride

The first thing that strikes you about Apidura’s Visibility Vest is its minimalistic design. It defies the conventional oversized, construction-site high-vis jacket that flaps about in the wind. However, despite the rather skimpy design, the reflective trims and patterning is exceptionally effective, with noticeably dense areas over the shoulders, and at the mid- and lower-back. When headlights fall on the vest, it really packs a punch. 

Versatility is a big plus. It’s ideal for low-light and dark commutes, long distance rides and ride-through-the-night adventures. The adjustable design means it can be tightened to hug a conventional cycling jersey, or loosened to accommodate a cycling backpack for commuting. While Apidura offer two sizes, it’s feasible that the S/M I’ve been testing could easily be used by my much taller and broader partner, not to mention my much smaller niece - it’s very adaptable due to the generous strap length. Indeed the latter might actually feel that she was pulling on something remotely acceptable to teenage fashion standards! In short, while the majority of testing has been done on the bike, the vest is perfect for any activity when you want to increase your visibility.

Straps are very easy to adjust and the buckles are just large enough to handle effectively with winter gloves on.

Packing the vest into the integrated pouch presents no problems, even on the move. It’s then so small (and squidgy) that it fits into the most modest bar or top tube bag. I’d certainly say the pouch is a simple but ingenious addition… Pulling the vest out of a bike bag while it’s stored in the pouch means no other gear gets dragged out with it (huge potential for this with loose straps and buckles). In addition to this, the pouch material is free to get grubby, while the main body of fabric (on show when you’re wearing the vest) is saved from mingling a little too closely with whatever is sitting at the bottom of your bag!

It’s not surprising that a sprinkling of these vests lit up the Transcontinental Race this year. With certification to the European EN 17353 standard, it ticks the boxes for such events (by meeting EN 17353:2020 Type B3 the vest is certified for use at night). This standard incorporates the older EN 1150 and EN 20471 standards sometimes referred to by event organisers. 

While my long distance accolades don’t quite stretch as far as TCR, the vest I have been testing did make it out on a 230km Audax with me. Nineteen degrees in October is pretty balmy, consequently I found myself a little warm at times! Realistically I’d have peeled off the vest during the warmest part of the day, when light conditions were good, however, in the name of testing, I kept it on for the entire ride. Did it cause me to heat up more than I would have done without it…? I’d say my back might have been a touch sweatier than normal. Arguably, wearing the vest before the sun starts to do its job, and then again when its day shift is nearing an end, actually adds a thin layer of protection for the back.

Apidura Packable Visibility Vest: value and conclusion

Apidura's Packable Visibility Vest has an RRP of $58 / £45. Its effectiveness is as striking as bike lights, but it comes without the repeated cost of recharging! No, it’s not a replacement for a set of quality lights, but it’s definitely a superb way of making yourself stand out when lighting conditions are poor. Undoubtedly, there are cheaper options. Decathlon has its Van Rysel 520 Insulated and High Visibility Winter Cycling Vest for $39.99 in the US and the Van Rysel Men's Hi-Viz Cycling Jacket EN17353 for £29.99 in the UK. However, I’d say Apidura haven’t over-priced the vest when you consider Craft's ADV Lumen Short Vest will set you back $84.99 / £50.

Overall, Apidura’s Packable Visibility Vest is a great investment for anyone wanting to make themselves more visible when outdoors. It’s practically designed, well-made and will get plenty of use if you regularly venture out in low-light conditions, or at night. In my opinion, all of this fully justifies the $58 / £45 price tag.

With heatwaves becoming seemingly a less and less rare occurrence, making sure you have the right summer kit is more important than ever. Clothing choices can really affect performance in the hotter weather, so it is essential to make sure you are staying cool, which can be achieved with one of the best summer cycling jerseys.

Endura's SL Pro Race jersey is a pretty good option - it provides impressive build quality, and premium fabrics through and through all at a price that undercuts the likes of Le Col and Rapha. It does size up on the small side, however, and the sleeve grippers won't be to everyone's taste - here's how I got on with the new jersey.

Endura Pro SL race jersey: Construction

The Pro SL clothing line is Endura's range-topping clothing family. I tested these in conjunction with the matching Pro SL EGM bib shorts, which impressed me with the quality offered at a lower price point than the competition. The same can nearly be said for the jersey, but I feel the top half of this kit set may be slightly more polarizing than the bottom.

Fabrics for the Pro SL race jersey are a mixed affair. For the front and rear body panels, Endura has used a lightweight flat knit fabric which it says is extremely fine. This gives the body panels great breathability and sweat-wicking properties which should help to keep you cool on hotter rides. For the sleeves, 3D knitted fabric is used. This is much lighter mesh, which I found did a great job of staying cool, as and was a good length too.

A 1.5cm hem at the bottom of each sleeve is responsible for making sure the jersey doesn't ride up. Made of the same fabric as the rest of the sleeves, the design, due to the stitching pattern means that there is a lack of stretch to the grippers - more on that later. To supplement the tight hem, Endura has also opted for a lightweight silicon pattern to keep the jersey firmly on your arms.

A point of praise for Endura is that this jersey is made from recycled fabrics in an attempt to minimize the impact on the environment. Though there isn't any further information on how much of the fabrics are used, it is good to see a step in the right direction from Endura here. There are many eco-conscious clothing brands on the market now, and with an increasingly eco-conscious market, brands will only have to keep pushing to stay competitive in this space.

Endura also offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee with the new SL race jersey. This means that if you are not entirely satisfied, a 'quibble-free' full refund or replacement will be offered.

Endura Pro SL race jersey: The ride

Overall I was impressed with the Endura Pro SL race jersey. I was able to test out the new threads in a particularly hot couple of weeks (for the UK...), which meant I got to put the lightweight fabrics to full effect in humid 30-degree weather.

In the heat, the lightweight fabrics certainly did a good job of wicking sweat away. The main front panel in particular feels great and is flexible enough not to be constricting whilst still offering a tight race fit. The sleeve material too felt great, offering a healthy amount of breathability - although I just couldn't get on with the sleeve grippers, more on that later.

As far as pockets are concerned, the three rear pockets are about right for summer riding. A healthy size, they easily swallow up my larger smartphone, and still left room for plenty of food, though they are not as pouchy as what you would get on a winter jersey. The tighter fitting pockets do somewhat hinder storage space, but on balance, this is probably about right for a race-fit jersey, as you don't want the pockets to be cumbersome and cause unwanted drag. One thing I would say is that some elastic wouldn't go a miss on the top of the pocket lining - I never had anything fall out of the pockets while using the Pro SL race jersey, but they weren't quite as secure as others I have tested.

Let's get into the fit - I already mentioned that the jersey comes up on the small side (just like the Pro SL EGM bib shorts), but how exactly does it fit?

As a 6ft rider who normally sits between 65-67kg, the main issue I had was in the torso length. As a slighter build rider, I always opt for an XS, which in Le Col and Rapha's sizing has served me well, but here I found myself wishing I had got a size Small.

Other than the torso length, however, I was impressed with the fit. The jersey is cut much shorter on the front panel allowing for an aerodynamic close fit when adopting a more aggressive riding position. The sleeves too offered plenty of length and didn't ride up, though that did come at a slight cost to comfort.

The double thickness hem, coupled with a seam cover that runs down the length of the sleeve meant that I always felt a slight hard spot on the jersey's gripper. Take this away, and I would have been able to forget it - but due to the position of this stitching, I just found myself noticing each movement of my arm more than I would have liked.

Endura Pro SL race jersey: Value

Sitting at $139.99 / £99.99, the Endura Pro SL race is very much at the premium end of the jersey market. That said though, Endura has still managed to significantly undercut the likes of Le Col and Rapha, with the formers Hors Categorie summer jersey coming in at $220.00 / £165.00. A closer comparison is the dhb Aeron-Lab summer jersey which retails for $150.00 / £120.00.

There is, for me at least, a comfort disparity here though, and not having gotten on with the fit, I don't think this alone is enough for me to recommend the Pro SL over other premium jerseys. 

With a 90-day comfort guarantee however, the new threads from Endura are still very much worth considering if KOM hunting and average speed chasing is your game.

Endura Pro SL race jersey: Specs

Attaquer’s Erosion collection jersey paired with the Race bib short make for a luxurious - and expensive - combination when gearing up for a long ride on the road or gravel trail.

While the bibs fit true to size, Attaquer’s tops all run a size smaller than advertised, limiting size-inclusivity with their XXS-XL jersey sizes and making purchasing a bit of a guessing game. Is fussing with Attaquer’s sizes and prices worth the hassle? Our thoughts below.

Attaquer Erosion Jersey

The newly-released Erosion collection from Attaquer brings earth colors and gritty themes with pops of color. The women’s Race Jersey in Erosion Shale/Lime feels like you’re slipping on a pajama top — a pajama top complete with fabric that has 50 SPF woven right into it, according to Attaquer. The sleeves are super soft with tiny fabric perforations to allow for maximum breathing. The body is tight to the skin, but silky and stays in place thanks to grips along the lower hem of the jersey - attributes you'd hope to find in any of the best women's cycling jerseys.

The jersey was lightweight and wicking during the ride and as an athlete with broader shoulders and bigger arms, I appreciated that I didn’t feel constricted on my biceps or pinched in the shoulders with this jersey. The jersey is quite tight by design, so if you prefer to unzip and feel the breeze down your top, this isn’t the jersey for you. This top is designed to stay zipped up and in place for many miles. 

For me, the Attaquer women’s tops felt small, even when using Attaquer’s online fit calculator. I am 180cm tall, weight approximately 77kg, and a size medium usually fits me well. I sized up to a large for this top, which was still skin-tight.

Race Bib Short

Attaquer’s bibs are where, in my opinion, the brand really shines. I’ve gotten to wear both their All Day bib shorts, which are a tad longer in the thighs and made using recycled materials, and now their Race bib short and both bring the word “luxe” to mind. 

The Race bib short is definitely compressive in the thighs but leaves a nice amount of flex in the shoulders and lower torso area - the stomach does not feel constricted by the upper part of the bibs and the straps do not dig into the shoulders. Plus, the part of the bibs that rests on the back is highly breathable and stretchy to allow for max comfort when moving from the drops to the hoods —an important component of the best women's cycling shorts.

The chamois is excellent; the stitching and edges are smooth and do not cause chafing. The padding itself is very thick, but for either an all-day ride or race (as the clothing articles’ names suggest), the last thing you want is to be wiggling around on your saddle to avoid a chamois hotspot. 

The bibs fit more accurately than the Attaquer tops - I am usually a medium in bibs and was a medium in Attaquer women’s bibs, as well. 

A-Line Lightweight Gilet

The A-Line Lightweight Gilet is, hand’s down, one of the best I’ve worn. The fabric is slightly thicker than a typical gilet, so it actually retains heat and keeps the cyclist warm. The fabric is water-resistant while still being breathable. In fact, the back contains a mesh strip on the spine which is solid enough to protect against moisture but allows for wicking and breathability. Plus, this gilet is made from recycled fabrics. Again, riders should note that the gilet also runs small and it is advisable to size up. 

Value

For $155 USD the Erosion certainly isn’t the cheapest jersey on the market, but in line with higher-end brands like Velocio or Rapha. So if the colors and fit speak to you, this could be a good buy.

Value-wise the bibs are tough to make a case for as they are $225 USD. Many other excellent women’s bibs, such as the Rapha Core shorts and Velocio's Foundation shorts, are in the $130-200 range. However, for those who struggle to find chamois that is truly comfortable over hundreds of miles, an investment in the Race bibs from Attaquer may just be what the doctor ordered. 

Equally, at $130 USD there are cheaper gilets out there, but this one is high-quality and does what the best cycling gilets should do: retains heat in the core, keeps out water while breathing out sweat, and feels durable enough to last more than a couple of seasons. 

It should also be noted that Attaquer offers free shipping on any order over $100. Duties and taxes included as well. 

Velocio’s Signature Jersey is probably the most versatile jersey in their range, designed to meet the needs of those who prioritise comfort but don’t want to compromise on performance.

With no less than eleven colors to chose from and sizes ranging from XXS to 3XL, it will appeal to a huge number of riders. But how does it perform when compared to the best women's cycling jerseys? Read on to find out...

Velocio Women's Signature jersey: construction

The Signature falls well in-line with Velocio’s ethos of sustainability. The exceptionally soft and stretchy jersey is made from recycled high gauge fabric (82% recycled polyester, 12% elastane). It’s perforated form makes it breathable and quick drying but, encouragingly, it still offers UPF30 sun protection. Velocio claim that the jersey uses ‘size-specific patterning to provide an excellent fit to a broader range of body types’.

The Signature doesn’t boast any kind of laser cut finishing or bonded hems, just conventional stitched seams and edges. These are professional and clean looking. The baseline hem is elasticated and lined with silicone for extra stability.

The three rear pockets feature an anti-sag design and there’s a zipped valuables pocket too.

Branding is subtle, as is reflective detailing on the sleeves and right side. The jersey closes using a lightweight YKK CamLock zipper with double zipper garage.

Velocio Women's Signature jersey: the ride

Pulling on the Signature is a pleasure; its soft fabrics stretch to accommodate you. It feels cosy against bare skin but goes happily over a base layer and arm warmers too. The zipper is certainly stiffer than most: lowering it while riding (with just one hand) is not possible… it’s a two handed job. For sure this is something that would be good to see improved in the future.

There’s decent length in both the body and sleeve, no one should be left wanting here. The neckline strikes a good balance: it’s low enough for you to feel airflow at the front, but substantial enough at the rear for you to sense protection from chill.

I’ve been able to use the jersey in a variety of temperatures, on long, short, steady and intense rides. It has performed well in every scenario. In warm weather, without a base layer, the fabric wicks well and dries out quickly. In milder conditions, it offers protection with a minimal base layer while retaining it’s breathability. I’d say it would also stretch to performing as a mid-layer: it’s thin enough to sit under a long sleeve jersey.

The pockets have stretched to accommodate anything I’ve thrown at them. Whilst they don’t sag, I’d be a little sceptical about the durability of the fabric at the attachment points if they pockets were being regularly heavily loaded: there’s no reinforcement here, just a small amount of stitching.

I’d put the Signature into an ‘all-rounder’ category: it performs on every kind of ride and a good range of temperatures, with fabrics that strike the perfect balance between being racey and comfortable. However, after several weeks of testing, it’s apparent that the fabrics aren’t ‘perfect’… The jersey is indeed very soft and lightweight, but this makes it somewhat vulnerable to abrasion: the piling you can see below has been caused by a protruding banana (on one single ride). It hasn’t affected performance and can only be seen on very close inspection.

Sadly, the recycled polyester holds odours. If you work up a sweat while out riding, the jersey will need a wash before you head out again (unless you don’t mind the whiff of your own body odour). Ride alone and this might not be an issue, ride with a group and you might get yourself a reputation!

Velocio Women's Signature jersey: value and conclusion

Velocio is premium kit with a price tag to match. That said, the $179 / £148 RRP of the Signature Jersey is still less than the eyewatering $219.00 Jelenew’s Glider Short Sleeve Jersey. Velocio is one of the only premium brands committed to sustainability across the vast majority of its range, so investment is worthy. The Signature’s versatility also goes some way to justifying the expenditure. However, there are undeniably cheaper options out there, with some even boasting recycled fabrics. For example, Lusso claim to use ‘sustainable fabrics’ for its $88 / £80 Lightweight Aero Jersey.

The Signature Jersey is a super option for those who want a close fitting jersey that doesn’t feel uncomfortably compressive. Its versatility and eco-credentials go a long way to justify the price but watch out for the delicate, odour-clinging fabric.

Velocio Women's Signature jersey: specs

• Sizes: XXS-3XL
• Colors: Oxide Red, Pine, Moonrock, Peri, Black Cherry, Sky, Navy, Light Olive, White, Black. Mango.
• Weight (M): 113g

If circuit racing, TT’s or local chain gangs are your bag, then dhb’s Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0 might make it on your wanted jerseys short-list! It’s brimming with advanced fabrics and boasts construction designed to make you as streamline as possible.

Wiggle’s first dhb Aeron Jersey was launched over six years ago. Back then, the top of the range (90 gram) Speed Jersey would have set you back £55. Fast forward to 2023 and the Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0 Jersey sits at the top of the Wiggle’s in-house performance range. The fabrics have inevitably evolved and the cut has undergone several modifications intended to make it offer ‘a second-skin fit, body-mapped for optimal comfort’ - we take a look at how it stacks up against the best women's cycling jerseys...

dhb Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0: construction

The main fabric is a polyester-elastane combination. The elastane content is significantly lower than many jerseys and this makes a fabric with limited stretch: expect a very different feel to many jerseys. It's not what I'd call cosy against the skin, that said it's by no means itchy or irritating, just rather paper-like.

The shoulder area and sleeves are a ‘honeycomb-textured, aerodynamic weave which is designed to disrupt airflow’.

The jersey closes up with a smooth running Vislon zip and has three modest rear pockets.

The finishing enhances the Aeron Lab Raceline’s aerodynamics and feather-like weight. It’s also remarkably tidy and professional looking. Raw cut sleeves and hem keep weight to a minimum, whilst modest printed grippers here further minimize bulk. Encouragingly, pocket openings and darts are bonded to help support the fabric and add durability.

dhb Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0: the ride

I’ve donned my fair share of skinsuits and race jerseys in days gone by. In my opinion, the Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0 falls squarely into a ‘racing kit’ category. It’s perfect for anyone dabbling in TT’s and circuit racing, who might not be fully on-board with a skinsuit for cycling.

Despite the fabric being rather paper-like, once on, it’s comfortable enough. The medium size I tested offers a tight fit which is optimised on the bike; it stretches to hug the body with only one noticeable area of concern: the single panel at the shoulders doesn’t conform like the rest of the jersey. Riding at speed, I could sense this loose fabric rippling as air flowed over it. This might not be a problem for others with differing body shapes. That said, I’m not significantly above (or below) average in the upper body/shoulders and, given the specific aerodynamic boasts of the jersey, I found the misfit a little surprising. Reading around, it would appear that previous versions haven’t had this oddity.

The neckline itself sits relatively low and snug. The sleeves reach a good way down the upper arm and offer a seamless transition to the skin. In short, when you first pull on the jersey and zip it up, you know you’ve donned some race specific gear. I’d say it’s longer than average at the rear (certainly by comparison to many race-orientated jerseys I’ve tested), but this will appeal to those who prefer good lower back coverage, and/or waist shorts. Both sleeves and baseline hem stay put when riding; the printed silicon grippers look rather modest but they are effective.

Naturally, the aerodynamic benefits are optimal when you wear the Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0 without a base layer, arm warmers or gilet. However, for versatility purposes, it’s good to know that all these can be combined with it if you wanted to.

The recent weather has allowed me do a good chunk of testing in warm conditions and really get a feel for the jersey’s capabilities when you’re pushing hard under sunny skies. I’ve never once felt like I was over-heating; the fabric is exceptionally thin and breathable. Indeed, if I did happen to stop, I found myself feeling the chill rather quickly; a paper-like fabric dampened with sweat, combined with a cool wind is never going to be comfortable. The fact that you don’t stop mid-race or part way through a TT means that this shouldn’t go against the jerseys credentials.

The pockets reinforce the jerseys intended use: despite being deep, the tight fabric means that they won’t accommodate much more than a few gels and an energy bar. I could only just get my cased (5.8 inch) smart phone in the central one, stretching the fabric enough to make it a little awkward to extract! Indeed there is a positive here: any contents are cocooned in the fabric so well that they won’t be escaping. Just don’t expect to be able to load up as you might normally; these pockets aren’t intended for capes, pumps or spares.

dhb Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0: value and conclusion

The Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0 has an RRP of $150 / £120, though at the time of writing, it’s heavily discounted. Considering the RRP, I’d say you need to be racing pretty frequently to get your money’s worth. If you’re investing for training use, as well as competition, then this might not be an issue.

For me, the fit at the shoulders is a bit of a let down and I’d personally struggle to justify the expense because of this.

The quality is as good as any I’ve come across, so I’d be giving it top marks here. Taking that into account, the RRP is in-line with something of similar standards: Castelli’s Aero Pro W Jersey is $149.99 / £125.00, CHPT3’s Aero Road Jersey also has an RRP of $179.99 / £125.00.

If aerodynamics are important to you, or you simply appreciate technical fabrics designed for speed, the Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0 is worth considering… but I’d strongly advise checking the fit around the shoulders before investing.

dhb Aeron Lab Raceline 3.0: specs

• Sizes: 8-16
• Colors: Teal
• Weight: 86g (size 12)

The Castelli Aero Race 6.0 Jersey is a fast aero jersey at heart, the 6.0 representing this being the 6th generation of the original aero jersey from 2006. Its aim is to save you watts and reduce your drag, but this jersey isn't just an item of kit you save for race day. From deep pockets to a meshed back, it's the little details which make this jersey stand out from the crowd - and might possibly become a summer staple of your wardrobe.

Castelli Aero Race 6.0: construction

An 82% polyester, 18% elastane blend helps the jersey to stretch and mold to your body shape. There are three deep pockets in the rear which sit comfortably against your back even when full of snacks and spares for the road. Up above, there is a meshed back which helps to keep you cool and fresh when out under the summer sun. 

Thought and research has gone into the construction of this jersey, the mesh panel on the back transitions to a Velocity Rev2 fabric on the front of the jersey as well as the shoulder area and arms, which provides little stretch but still feels smooth and soft to touch. 

Many companies opt for a rubber seal around the sleeve openings, but in this instance the opening has been left raw cut. This allows the jersey to sit closer to the skin and provide a more fluid and comfortable transition.  

Castelli Aero Race 6.0: the ride

The first thing to note is the wide range of color options, with there likely to be one to match the taste of every rider. The jersey features a modern fade pattern, blending from a Pro Red to Savile Blue, but with other options including Military Green, Light Grey and Maize Yellow, there are plenty other choices on offer. 

It’s a jersey that certainly provides a talking point. None of the colour options are particularly subtle, yet they stand out in a way that makes you look like a pro and not just a fluorescent traffic cone.

It's immediately clear when zipping up this jersey it's designed for speed. The clue is in the name, really. Although I wouldn't identify as a 'marginal gains' obsessive, I was still impressed by how the jersey stacked up on the road.

It is hard to really tell the difference in between the aero performance of a singular piece of clothing when riding in un-controlled conditions - it’s easy to a placebo effect to come into play and to feel as if  you are going faster just because the has been marketed in that way. That said, my average speeds in the jersey certainly were not slow!

The choice of materials were picked for their aero qualities, but jersey is also user-friendly away from the wind tunnel or a racing circuit. 'Velocity Rv2' is the primary material of the jersey, providing a snug, comfortable fit that doesn't flap around in the wind or become disoriented or wonky on the shoulders or neck line. 

The seamless neckline allows for a smooth transition from skin to jersey, with no irritation on what can be a sensitive part of the body really does provide all day comfort, even when the temperature does start to rise things will not become itchy or annoying.

The sleeves follow a similar design, with a seamless, raw cut finish that provides a silky, secure fit. The sleeves are longer than your traditional jersey, this is to provide an aero advantage but also a better fit. The seamless finish is tight enough so that it snugly fits around the bottom of your bicep without the tendency of rolling up into your arm pit. 

For some this cut may be too long, sitting just above the elbow crease can be uncomfortable at first, but once out riding and tucked onto the hoods it proved very comfortable. 

The 3D mesh along the back does well to keep you cool and provides effective moisture wicking capabilities, even when tested on the turbo never did the jersey become too sodden or sticky with sweat. This allows the focus to be kept on turning the pedals and maintaining the effort. 

A higher than standard gripper running along the rear of the jersey helps to keep the jersey, snug and in place along the back. Even with the jersey half unzipped and pockets empty, when tucking down into an aero position the jersey never curled or started to roll up the back.

Castelli Aero Race 6.0: value and conclusion

Compared to the Rapha Men's Pro Team Aero jersey which retails for $210 / £170 and the Le Col Pro Aero Jersey at $205 / £160 the Castelli Aero Race 6.0 jersey ($159.99 / £125.00) is a pretty reasonably priced top of the range cycling jersey. With a comfortable, sleek fit even after multiple washes and rides the fabric still had kept its elasticity and shape with no signs of wear to the stitching or arm grippers. This aerodynamically advanced jersey not only proved to be quick, but also a practicable, well made piece of kit.

The Altura Endurance Short Sleeve Jersey has been designed for long days out riding. With its semi-fitted cut and single color style it has enhanced levels of comfort that will help with days with changeable weather.

Altura Endurance Short Sleeve Jersey: construction

This Altura Endurance Short Sleeve Jersey features a high wicking merino mix fabric in the main body zones, with the arm and underarm areas being made from a knitted mesh fabric. It uses a Polartec Delta fabric, which targets wicking and fast drying, but doesn't actively cool the body, which in turn reduces wet-cling. 

It features a full length zip, three top entry pockets plus a fourth side entry zipped pocket. There is a silicone hem gripper to keep the jersey in place as well as reflective detailing.

Altura Endurance Short Sleeve Jersey: the ride

I found the medium size, which is my normal top size, to fit well. The semi-fitted description was accurate, and that it felt akin to a nicely fitting T-shirt. Close but not too close! The looser cut was certainly comfortable and allowed a base layer to be worn underneath on cooler days without becoming overly tight. In fact, while this top has been on long term test, I have found that it has been a versatile layer, particularly through the winter. It can fit over a thicker long sleeve merino thermal top and bib tights very easily without constricting the torso, as well as keeping you snug when riding with a lighter layer underneath. In the heat of last summer it was worn as a single layer and the semi-fitted nature suited more relaxed rides. It was still a good cut. The wider sleeves do allow a little air up them and the looser cut in the front panel flutters in the wind a little, albeit silently.

The knitted mesh underarm panels use Polartec Delta fabric which allows wicking and fast drying but doesn't overly cool the body down. The Delta does this through elevated touch points (the mesh) for increased airflow, faster moisture dispersal which reduces wet-cling. This is when a fabric becomes damp and causes that unpleasant cool feeling on the skin. This certainly felt that it worked well, and would suit long day rides, especially touring, where a degree of stop-start means that you don't want to stop with a damp garment which then excessively cools you down.

The fabric was nice to the touch and it had a matt finish. I've liked other garments with a merino wool mix as often their 'temperature window' feels wider than solely man-made fabrics. The man-made fibres do allow technical functions possibly more than natural fibres, so by combining the two types you arrive at a good mix.

I thought that the style, using a single block of colour, was suited to people wanting a cycling garment with technical functionality but didn't want to look like a 'Pro' in team kit.

I've washed it some 30 times now, at 30 degrees C. using a gentle detergent, and there has been no discernible wear or bobbling of the fabric. This makes it highly likely to be a long lasting and hard wearing jersey.

Altura Endurance Short Sleeve Jersey: value and conclusion

The jersey comes in a range of colors, including (but not limited to): Red, Black, and Teal. The sizes range from Small to XXL and, at full price, the Altura Endurance Short Sleeve Jersey comes in at £80 / €100, but we have seen regular discounts up to as much as 60% off.

Given that it has proved to be a hard wearing, good looking and versatile garment, the Endurance Short Sleeved Jersey comes recommended for those who want the performance of modern fabrics but don't want to be an advertising hoarding for racing cycling's sponsors!

The RBX Expert Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey is Specialized’s cold weather contribution to the clothing market. The RBX holds up brand-anticipated high quality and performance, but it’s not the best long sleeve jersey for those who prefer race cut threads. 

Specialized RBX Expert Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey: construction

Specialized is a brand carrying quite the reputation for cutting edge tech and high quality products. This jersey at least partially lives up to the billing: quality, yes; cutting edge... maybe not. 

The mix of Polyester (94 per cent) and Elastane (six per cent) is pretty commonplace for winter jerseys at this price point ($125.00 / £80.00) - and the material does feel great to wear. 

Although not windproof, the RBX Expert is very comfy, suitably warm and felt at home even down into frigid morning single figures (in conjunction with a warmer under layer). 

Base layer dependent, I was able to use the jersey in a variety of temperatures. 17 degrees Celsius for a café spin was a little toasty – but still just about doable with a thinner base layer and half zipped up.

This is not a waterproof garment, though, so not quite the one-jersey-fits-all-weathers solution that softshells such as the Castelli Perfetto ROS Long Sleeve Jersey can claim.

But in conjunction with a rain cape stowed in the generously sized pockets, you should be good to go in a wide range of conditions. It’s this versatility that is so important during fall / autumn, to prevent the need for endless combinations of kit.

One element that is missing here is any advertisement of a greener future. Whereas others we've had on test recently (such as the dhb Aeron) boast verified sustainable fabrics, Specialized – from what I can research – doesn't have such a focus on this aspect. 

It won’t bother everyone, but in an increasingly eco-centric society, it’s worth thinking about.

In terms of practicality, Specialized has opted for a rather simple approach. The three large pockets on the back are strong, elastic lined with hi viz stripes and plenty deep enough for a long ride's feeding – although the placement doesn’t feel quite right.

The opening sits slightly higher than competitors' garments and while this does stop the jersey sagging at the rear, I can’t help but imagine this being a hindrance when reaching for food when you're soaked through with thick winter gloves on. 

Having not yet reached the darkest depths of winter, this isn't an experience I've yet had with this jersey. For now, it's just a bit of a strange feeling – but I'll update this review later on in the season, once the weather has gotten a bit worse.

The other gripe I have is the lack of a zipped pocket. By all means this won’t bother everyone, but for me it is something I really value. Having a secure space for house keys or emergency cash is really something I would expect at this price point. Still though, all the more relief that the main pockets are secure.

Specialized RBX Expert Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey: fit

Given the huge variety of shapes and sizes that people come in, unless a jersey is offered with specific tailoring, there will always be someone for whom it doesn't quite fit.

But the RBX Expert Thermal Long Sleeve flips that on its head and poses the question of is there anyone that this will actually fit?

To be fair, that is a little overblown – but nevertheless, the lack of length in the arms was concerning. 

I'll admit that I am quite lanky, being 6ft tall and only 65kg. But even accounting for that, the jersey was short in the arms yet big on the body. My broad shoulders fit the jersey well, but the waist also had a tendency to ride up along with the sleeves. 

The addition of arm grippers would really go a long way here, and once again it just seems like a bit of a missed trick coming from a company with the calibre of Specialized. In spite of that, however, this may be just right for some users on the stockier side.

My advice is to try before you buy to make sure it doesn't come up short of expectations. There's also the option to take advantage of Specialized's 30 day free returns policy. 

Specialized RBX Expert Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey: value and conclusion

Quality materials and build quality really save the Specialized RBX Expert Long Sleeve Jersey when considering the value. 

$125.00 / £80.0 is not a small amount of money and I think, really, the lack of a rear zipped pocket and perplexing sizing makes it tricky to recommend over competitors on the market. 

Still, it does deserve consideration given its style and build quality. Plus the fit might well suit those with a stocky build and shorter arms, and those who prefer a relaxed fit.

For comparison, the Rapha Brevet Long Sleeve Jersey does have a zipped pocket, has a similar high quality feel, a more 'normal' fit – and the brand has a lot to say on its sustainability efforts. The jersey does come in at $168.00 / £124.00, though, which is significantly more expensive.

dhb has delivered a high quality autumnal offering to the market – and at a solid price point – with its Aeron Thermal Jersey. A warm, yet breathable, so-called ‘Italian Roubaix’ fabric has brought pleasant comfort to my autumnal riding during the testing period, and in a variety of weathers. It performs well in a competitive market and can easily be considered one of the best long sleeve cycling jerseys.

Depending on where you live, autumn can be defined with anything from strong sun and 20 degrees all the way down to a freezing wet misery which leaves us questioning why we even ride. As such, it’s important to have clothing that offers versatility – and this is something dhb has done particularly well with its Aeron Thermal Jersey.

dhb Aeron Thermal Jersey: construction

In a more eco-conscious era, it’s good to see dhb getting involved in a more sustainable approach to new 'garms'. It claims that now 10 per cent of its sportswear is created completely from natural or recycled fabrics. 

Although the Aeron Thermal Jersey is a 100 per cent polyester based material, it is at least a Bluesign approved fabric - meaning there is control on the manufacturing standards from an environmental viewpoint. While this isn’t quite the net zero target of a company like Rapha, it is still important to see a market focus on sustainability.

All that said, though, the Italian Roubaix fabric dhb has chosen for this long sleeve is great. On first impression the jersey did seem to be on the lighter side, but really this was just a testament to its breathability. After a few minutes of riding you really feel a snug blanket of warm air forming and I found it to be wearable in temperatures as high as 17 degrees Celsius (unzipped), all the way down to around 5 degrees. 

The Aeron Thermal excels in combination with a rain cape or gilet - which can really extend the temperature range for very little pocket real estate. In short, it did a great job of temperature regulation for a midweight jersey - tipping the scales at 296 grams for my size small. 

Okay, so this is still inferior to something like Rapha’s Classic Long Sleeve Jersey which is lighter and – with a merino wool integrated to the fabric – warmer too, but dhb's offering is $100 / £85.00 rather than $185 / £135 jersey, which is also important to consider.

One thing dhb has gotten spot on with the new Aeron Thermal Jersey is the grippers. These are great from both a stylistic point of view with thick black accent bands, and in how they feel. The grippers sit close to the wrist and the jersey doesn't ride up at the waist. I am not the stockiest build, so sleeves that stay put without feeling constricting is always a priority for me. 

The size small fit well on me, with a healthy amount of room in the length and shoulder department, and thankfully without too much bunching up. For reference, I am 6’0” and weigh 66kg on a good day! There was room for some layering underneath, which again bodes well for all weather conditions.

dhb Aeron Thermal Jersey: pockets / practicality

dhb has incorporated a sweat resistant barrier between jersey and pocket, which was found to be genuinely effective - only on the middle pocket, though. That said, the middle pocket is where I would normally stow my phone, and therefore I found no issue with the lack of sweat protection elsewhere.

The pockets themselves are more than adequate. Deep, built with solid stitching and a hi-viz lining up top left me with no complaints in our test period. They distributed weight well on the back and of course include the customary zip side pockets for keys and valuables on the left hand side. No complaints!

dhb Aeron Thermal Jersey: value and conclusion

With a retail cost of $100.00 / £85.00, dhb has pushed the quality expected at this price point with its Aeron Thermal Jersey. Rapha's Classic Long Sleeve Jersey does boast a better performance, being both lighter and warmer due to its blend of merino wool in the fabric, but this jersey comes in at $185 / £135 – which is a significant hike in price. 

That leaves me with my only negative being the styling. And it’s really only a personal gripe - but to me the design just lacks some character. It must be said the tan colour on test isn’t quite my cup of tea - but plenty of options are available including red, green and blue options. 

That said, though, you can’t argue with the on point materials and construction, and a nice close cut for those used to race cut kit. It’s definitely worth a look going into the depths of winter.

The story goes that the Castelli Perfetto long sleeve gained its name because so many people kept calling the Gabba, its predecessor, 'perfect'. Now, this might sound like the Castelli marketing machine in action, but through all my rides testing this jacket, I have been very impressed. 

The Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jacket comes in a range of different colourways with a variety of far-out patterned designs. The one on test here is the simple navy and red option, but you can look through the others on Castelli's website.

Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jacket: construction

As soon as you hold the jacket in your hands, it's immediately clear that this is a very high-end garment. The stitching was impeccable and the materials used feel like a blend between a standard long-sleeve jersey and that of a rain jacket.

Initially, I was slightly concerned that it may have a slightly synthetic feeling on bare skin, but after putting in some rides with just a short sleeve base layer underneath, it soon became apparent that the inside of the jacket is soft, warm and comfortable on the arms.

The soft liner material of the collar makes for a comfortable fit when fully closed and helps prevent draughts from shooting down your front – without the need of committing to a buff. 

To further boost the breathability beyond just what the fabric itself is able to shift, there are additional vents down the sides of the jacket. These are lined with the same fleecy material as is in the collar, enabling moisture o escape whilst also isolating you from the direct wind chill. 

Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jacket: the ride

The Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jacket is self-proclaimed “foul weather racing equipment” with that message emblazoned on the rear corner of the jacket. Putting a message like that on a piece of kit is a bold move, and something you would only do if you know it would live up to that message. 

Despite the rolling West Oxfordshire fog and persistent drizzly rain, my upper body remained completely dry and warm as the water stayed firmly on the outside of the of the jacket, before rolling off or evaporating. 

Castelli says that the jacket only has a water resistant treatment added to it but I found it to be on a par with some rain jackets I've previously owned. In heavier, sustained rain, the Castelli Perfetto ROS ends up eventually getting overwhelmed. 

But with the wind resistance and breathability of the fabric, you at least stay warm and free from clamminess – which is often preferable to the alterative offered by traditional hard-shell jackets. That said, hardshell jackets do still have a place for low-intensity riding in the  driving rain (and also their capacity for being made packable) – but for a large chunk of wet weather riding, the Perfetto is, well, perfect.

Once the rain began to stop and the temperature rose slightly, I was able to simply unzip the side panels on the jacket to cool down a little as I upped my efforts. The fleecy lining did indeed do a good job at taking the edge off cold breezes, too. 

Whilst the Le Col Aqua Zero long sleeve jacket, for example, is another excellent product, it doesn't possess the same side ventilation panels like the Castelli Perfetto ROS equivalent. Similarly the Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey also lacks this feature.

The storm flap in front of the zip, as well as the high collar, helps to ensure that the wind is kept well and truly at bay.

In comparison to other products that I’ve previously owned, the elasticated waist featured in the Castelli Perfetto ROS means that the jacket doesn’t ride up and stays firmly in place – the fit is so good it almost feels as though it's been tailor made. 

If, like me, you prefer to have the cuffs of your gloves over your jacket sleeves, then you’ll also find that the cut and finish of the sleeves is also excellent. For those who prefer their sleeves over their gloves, I'm sorry but this one for you.

One important aspect to note with Castelli products is that their jerseys and jackets are always a closely-cut, race-style fit. With that in mind, I have previously found with their products that I need to size up from my usual size medium to a large. 

I did just that with the Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jacket and found that the fit was absolutely spot on. 

Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jacket: value and conclusion

All in all, the Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jacket is an outstanding product that I would struggle to pick faults with. 

The use of Gore-Tex means that it’s fantastically waterproof, dry and snug – which when put together means that it sets itself apart from its competitors on the market. 

Le Col says that their AquaZero long sleeve jersey ($200.00 / £170.00) will perform a similar duty, although I would argue that you do stay drier in the Castelli Perfetto ROS.

Due to the close, aero fit, the product is best suited to riders looking to push the pace during the winter months, if you’re looking to hit the ground running in the new year. 

If you’re tackling a longer endurance ride where a more comfortable fit is important then you may want to consider the Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey instead of this one – although it would need pairing with a hardshell jacket in inclement conditions.

The price is high, with $249.99 / £220.00 being a lot to spend on a long sleeve jersey or jacket. However if you plan on getting out on your bike whatever the weather this winter, it becomes a small price to pay for staying warm, dry and visible during your winter training. 

Le Col has done a great job with its Pro Aqua Zero range. When we put it through some challenging conditions it did what we needed and more. It is comfortable, warm and well fitting, what more do you need from a jersey? 

It isn’t always super cold during the winter and often keeping warm in wet weather when you have training rides planned requires something a little different from your clothing. 

A generic long sleeve jersey won’t quite cut it. Instead Le Col have put together a high quality jersey in a range of colours that not only provides warmth, it also looks smart and stylish too. 

Here's what we thought after a few rides in the jersey.

Le Col Pro Aqua Zero long sleeve jersey: construction

When handling the jersey, it’s easy to see straight away that it is very much a three-season jersey capable of doing just what you need in early spring, fall and throughout the colder, harsher weather you might encounter in winter. 

It’s made from a soft but thick lycra material which is lined with a thermal fleece fabric and feels extremely comfortable against any exposed skin. 

Despite its thickness, the material isn’t so bulky that it isn’t breathable and the zip has a storm flap at the top to protect your chin. 

It’s cut for an aerodynamic, racing fit with a dropped tail to protect your rear from the elements. Its three deep pockets provide more than enough room for any spare food or gels as well as your phone. The middle pocket also features a reflective strip to boost  visibility – there is also a bright orange and a bright yellow option to further assist with this, you're not limited to only black and navy colourways. 

The big selling point with the jersey is that it is made with Aqua Zero fabric with hydrophobic rain protection added to it to help with water repellency. Together, these two components make up a great combination, especially as the Aqua Zero fabric (which is a tightly woven Italian fabric) is stretchy and water repellent in itself.

Topped with a gilet or light jacket, you’ll be able to take this further into the colder parts of the winter without much issue.

Le Col Pro Aqua Zero long sleeve jersey: the ride

I tested out the Le Col Pro Aqua Zero long sleeve jersey in the recent cool autumnal mornings, and with a heavy helping of fog, mist and rain. It instantly put the jersey's water repellent qualities through its paces. 

Unlike the Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey, any dampness whatsoever was kept firmly at bay, with the moisture in the air gathering on the outside of the jersey and began to bead before simply evaporating as I lifted the tempo of the ride. 

The temperature was around seven degrees on my Wahoo when I set off each morning and the jersey was sufficiently warm that I didn’t need to add a gilet and was fine with just a long sleeve base layer underneath. 

As well as keeping out most moisture, any that gathered on the inside of my jersey through sweat quickly dried and evaporated too. I found that the jersey was also windproof, keeping me nice and toasty throughout the duration of my rides. 

The pockets are sufficiently deep enough that they easily provide enough space for plenty of food and other ride essentials as well as a spare pair of gloves if you need them during any longer training. 

I also received plenty of compliments from other riders who said that the jersey also looked as good as I told them it felt. 

When I found myself out in the middle of a downpour, I found that the water repellent qualities that were sufficient for the mist and drizzle started to become overwhelmed – to the extent that I needed to pull my rain jacket on over the top. 

With that said, once again I noticed that the jersey was extremely quick drying and when the sun came out I was then more than warm enough and didn't find myself struggling in a damp jersey.

This is just to underline that although this jersey is water resistant, it isn't actually waterproof. To be fair, Le Col doesn't claim that it is, but if you misread the "Aqua Zero" part of the product name and think that you are getting hold of a completely waterproof jersey, you might be disappointed.

During most autumnal rides, you'll probably be just fine with the jersey and a base layer underneath. But once winter hits it will be worth taking a packable rain jacket in your back pocket.

That's where I found that the jersey slightly faltered compared to a product like the Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jersey – which had much superior water resisting qualities, despite also not being a hardshell jacket.

Whilst there is no doubt that the Le Col Pro Aqua Zero long sleeve jersey is an outstanding product, I would be ranked behind the Castelli Perfetto for that reason. 

Le Col Pro Aqua Zero long sleeve jersey: value and conclusion

The jersey is incredibly warm and well-fitting, ensuring that the wind-chill doesn’t sneak in and bother you during autumnal and winter training rides. 

It both looks and feels excellent and is by a longshot one of the best winter jerseys I have ever seen or owned. Whilst it won’t keep you completely dry in a heavy downpour, you will find that the quick drying qualities of the product will ensure that once the sun comes back out you will be dry in no time. 

Like all Le Col jerseys I've used, the sizing is spot on and something they deserve a lot of credit for. 

If you’re looking for an excellent three-season jersey, then this is is certainly a contender. Although just bare in mind that like I’ve already mentioned, once you’re into the deepest darkest parts of winter, you will need a jacket over the top. 

The jersey will cost you £170.000 from Le Col’s website if you’re based in the UK or $200.00 in the USA. That may seem steep for a long sleeve jersey, but it does pack some good tech and has a very comfortable fit. As mentioned, the Castelli Perfetto ROS long sleeve jersey does perform a little better in the wet, but this comes in at $249.99 / £220.00.

The Rapha Brevet Long Sleeve Jersey is the Swiss Army Knife of Rapha’s range of long sleeve jerseys. It's designed to be breathable enough for sustained efforts up long climbs, whilst also being warm and comfortable enough to keep you cosy on long, cool rides. 

Similar to some of the other best long sleeve cycling jerseys, the Brevet is full of pockets and comes stacked with zips and pull cords, making it enormously versatile for a wide range of riding and adventuring.

Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey: construction

Rapha's Brevet range is for all-day epics and multi-day bikpacking trips, boasting a total of four pockets on the rear – three normal and one zipped. On my regular rides, I only used the three standard pockets – but it was nice to have the option to stuff more in the back if I needed to. 

On the front, the Brevet Long Sleeve has another zipped pocket plus two draw chords around the waist to cinch it in tight.

Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey: the ride

On the cool autumnal mornings, which have so far made up the bulk of the testing, the Brevet Long Sleeve hit just the right balance of breathability and warmth. With the slightly relaxed fit – in contrast to the more aerodynamic and figure-hugging Pro Team jerseys – there was ample space for fitting in a Rapha Pro Team base layer.

This boosts the jersey's versatility and helps for economising on winter kit. Combining a mid-weight long-sleeve jersey with a base layer and waterproof jacket has much the same effect as a dedicated deep-winter jackets with thick insulation and water-repellent outer shells – but gives you alternative options for milder conditions on either side of the summer.

Certainly, when the weather gets even colder as winter arrives, the thick merino wool of the Rapha Pro Team should be more than enough for the jersey to retain its warmth. 

Fitting a jacket over the top isn't difficult either. Rapha has its own Core II rain jacket, but any of the best waterproof jackets we've tested will do the trick.

Another excellent quality of the jersey is its visibility in low light. The jersey has two coloured bands of reflective material around the upper torso as well as a signature Rapha armband on the left sleeve and a reflective grey tab at the base of the rear. I had the jersey in a dark navy colour but it is also available on Rapha’s website in a stone/dark beige colour if you want to improve your visibility even further. 

The draw cords on the jersey were also another added bonus. The elastic cord stayed nicely in place throughout each of my rides, ensuring no air came through any gaps in my layering. The merino material's relative thickness also meant that I stayed nice and warm throughout the duration of each ride. 

However there is one minor downside to the jersey although depending on your personal riding preferences, it may not be an issue for you. 

I found that the design of the cuffs meant that occasionally the sleeves would ride up and leave my wrists exposed between the jersey and my gloves. Perhaps an elasticated band on each cuff would help keep the jersey in place.

The jersey isn’t suited to riders looking for a close, aero fit. Although, if you like the jersey's features, it could be worth opting for a size down and seeing how it turns out on you. 

Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey: value and conclusion

All things considered, the Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey is an excellent piece of kit for long days on the bike and when speed and aerodynamics aren't the priority. 

The jersey is definitely more suited to riders looking for a solid and reliable piece of kit to provide warmth and visibility as they chalk off the kilometres on long haul rides. 

Currently priced at $168.00 / £124.00 ( reduced from $210.00 / £155.00), it's not the cheapest long sleeve jersey out there, but the build quality and materials means that it's an investment which will likely last you for many years to come. 

The Endura Pro SL Long Sleeve Jersey II comes in at $139.99 / £99.99 and uses recycled fabrics in its construction. We were very impressed by its performance, although it's not quite as warm as the Rapha Brevet long sleeve jersey.

All in all it is an excellent piece of kit which won't let you down in cooler autumnal and winter weather this year.

Rapha’s Brevet jersey personifies a product that does exactly what it says on the tin.

If purchasing the jersey, you’re doing so because you want to look stylish - and with a throwback to yesteryear’s old double-hooped style - on long-distance rides, possibly over multiple days. But in doing so, you don’t want to contend with fabrics of the 60s and 70s and want a modern take on a classic design.

To that end, Rapha has produced the best cycling jersey for the job: the consumer knows exactly what they’re getting. No messing around or hidden surprises: this Brevet jersey ticks everyone of the pre-buy expectant boxes.

The origin of the name would suggest that this jersey has a limited target market, focusing solely on randonneurs. Brevet is a French term used to describe timed, long-distance events with riders - or randonneurs - having to get a tick in their Brevet card at every checkpoint; rides typically last between 200 and 600km.

Rapha, however, has a wider catchment area than the name would indicate, appealing to those after the retro look but also those who want a reliable jersey on long days in the saddle, including outings that span a weekend.

In that regard, riders are blessed with five pockets at the rear. Three are your traditional normal sized ones, capable of holding an entire day’s stock, while there is also a mesh-lined cargo pocket to store a gilet or jacket, and a zip pocket to hide valuables like keys and cards. To the front, and there’s a small pocket on the right pectoral that is most definitely a stylish rather than a practical inclusion but could hold the odd item such as some headphones.

It looks like Rapha has thrown it back decades with the thicker, more robust material, but they've done so with a modern twist: the fabric is 64% recycled polyester and 34% merino wool. It’s true that, generally, the sweat was able to wick away, but on hot and humid days, the jersey felt like it stuck to me, and the weightier fabric just felt more heavy on me and almost like it was sagging. 

I have to agree with Rapha that this isn’t to be worn when the mercury rises into the 30s. There’s a reason, I suppose, that merino wool is more commonly seen in winter clothing.

That’s not to say, however, that the jersey wasn’t a quick drier, because it was - however much I sweated and however wet it was. Certainly after summer thunderstorms I was caught in I can attest to the jersey’s quick-drying, but I question how well it would cope after a torrential downpour.

The fit isn’t race-hugging tight, but then it’s not intended to be, the jersey sitting loosely but not baggy around the arms and the waist, 

It’s a great jersey for multi-day riding, or if completing an Eroica event, but there’s a clear temperature range in that it has to be ridden, one that would make it ideal on almost all British warm days and across the shoulder seasons in most places, but best kept at home if your riding takes you into the heat.

Specifications

Price: £140/€165/$190
Colours: Stone, dark yellow, black, dark navy
Sizes: XS - XXL
Website: rapha.cc

Testing and reviewing jerseys is certainly not as straightforward as it used to be; gone are the days when, at the start of each season, brands offered one or two new jerseys, possibly in a few different colours. Manufacturers now go out of their way to cater for several disciplines, varying levels of experience and ability, a wide range of tastes and any kind of weather condition that Mother Nature can throw at us.

Have a look at our guide to the best women's cycling jerseys and you'll see what I mean.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with descriptions and titles, particularly when there are several different jerseys from one manufacturer all with similar names. Velocio’s CONCEPT Radiator is a good example of this. Back in 2020, we reviewed the Velocio Radiator Mesh Jersey, designed for very warm conditions. This is still available on its website, so clearly a big hit. 

Then the Velocio CONCEPT Jersey arrived, with an aero cut and performance fabrics..

Fast forward to 2022 and Velocio has combined the traits of both jerseys to make its latest, most advanced, high performing jersey, the CONCEPT Radiator Jersey. I was keen to see what the fuss was about - both the Radiator Mesh and the CONCEPT got rave reviews with Colin stretching to 4.5/5.

Construction

The front torso and sleeve panels mimic the Radiator Mesh Jersey; they use the same textured, perforated Polartec Delta Mesh material. The tencel and recycled polyester yarns create a 3D mesh structure intended to wick and absorb moisture, then actively cool through evaporation as you ride. Unfortunately, Polartec Delta Mesh doesn’t boast UPF - not ideal for the upper arms.

The rear panel thankfully offers UPF 30+ protection. The fabric's open-knit structure is design to offer a degree of compression as well as breathability. It’s made by Italian brand M.I.T.I whose reputation for sustainability falls in line with Velocio’s.

A low-profile neckline, mimicking both the CONCEPT and the Radiator Mesh, is designed to reduce bulk and maximise airflow. Beyond that, the CONCEPT Radiator takes the same fit and patterning as the CONCEPT; it’s focused on aerodynamics - expect a close, streamlined fit with no wrinkles or bagging. 

Even with traditionally stitched hems in several places (rather than raw-cut), the jersey still only tips the scales at 125g (MEDIUM).

A lightweight YKK CamLock zipper is kept away from the skin with a soft, supple full-length zipper guard. This extends at both ends to create garages that protect the neck and shorts.

The well judged dropped rear is supported with a band of silicone-lined elastic. At the front edge, the hem is bonded for a smooth transition to shorts.

Four pockets, including a zipped one, have an elasticated top hem to help keep contents secure. It's lined with silicone on the underside, presumably to prevent anything ‘slipping’ out. The zipped pocket has a moisture resistant lining. 

A decent sized, well-placed reflective logo finishes off the pockets, helping to increase visibility in low-light conditions. 

I'd say following Velocio's size chart should give you the intended fit: snug and race-ready. The jersey is available in XXS-3XL - Velocio consistently caters for the full range of sizes. 

The ride

Pulling on the CONCEPT Radiator Jersey is akin to zipping up a skinsuit; the fit and cut is very much race orientated and the fabrics cope with deep, sweat-inducing efforts; they wick and dry out rapidly - certainly quick enough for you not to notice dampness. It's perfectly understandable that this would be the choice of those riding or racing in hot conditions  -  the endurance and adventure racers wanting all day comfort and performance. It's featherlight and lofty. I was genuinely surprised to see it was only 4g lighter than the Assos UMA GTV Jersey C2; it really does feel weightless. 

Without a base layer, the jersey's exceptionally soft against bare skin, the ribbon-like zipper guard is so compliant that you don't noticed this either. 

The pockets are roomy enough to be stuffed full of provisions and, should you want one, a lightweight layer. In addition to being spacious, they are considerately placed, making them easy to access while riding. 

I personally have some reservations about the durability of the rear panel where the pockets attach. If the pockets are regularly heavily loaded, the material will be repeatedly put under strain. There's no reinforcement or supporting panel where they're stitched to the main body of the jersey, so it's possible that the delicate fabric could be compromised in the long term. 

While we're talking fabric durability, it's worth noting that the Polartec Delta Mesh is very vulnerable; Velcro easily pulls out the textiles' yarns and off-road or gravel forays can lead to snags if you brush against branches or bushes. 

Given I've been testing this in the UK, it's been teamed with a base layer quite a bit. It works well like this but I'd say the fabrics perform optimally without one. In either case, as all the photos clearly show, the jersey really doesn’t hide anything. The transparent fabrics reveal every detail of your sports bra and bib shorts (if you’ve opted for them over waist shorts).

At the time of reviewing, the jersey was only available in black or white, so one extreme or the other. For me that’s the option of something that looks grubby after a few months, or something that makes you close to invisible in certain conditions. Thankfully, Velocio quickly replaced the black with navy and added three more options, giving a total of five colours. Hopefully most preferences are catered for. 

Value

At £154/$199, the CONCEPT Radiator is exactly the same price as the CONCEPT and £35/$40 more than the Radiator Mesh. It’s not an investment to be taken lightly. Velocio pride themselves on quality and sustainability. In my opinion this a huge incentive to chose it over other premium brands who haven’t yet made that step.

While I personally wouldn’t be able to justify the expense due to the fact that I rarely train or ride competitively in very warm conditions, I’d say that those who do will appreciate the performance and comfort of the CONCEPT Radiator.

Specifications

• RRP: £154/$199
• Sizes: XXS-3XL
• Weight: 125g (MEDIUM)