Any recommendations for cool weather long sleeve jerseys?
Something good for maybe up to 50 degrees and if cold I can add layers. I typically don’t ride if it’s below 40 although I will start in temps like 35 if it’s going to warm up a bit. I have a winter jersey from neopro cycling which is nice but it’s very warm so I start roasting.
I’m considering something like this wool jersey from Voler. Breathable. Reasonably warm but not too warm.
You’re going to get a huge variation in recommendations based on temperatures. Everyone has a different baseline so unless you are certain that your recommender’s is similar to yours then it’s hard to know if their suggestions will suit you.
I like the Pactimo Ascent Aero Long Sleeve jersey and the Rapha Aero Long Sleeve jersey for the fact that neither is insulated. These are my least-warm (or warmest weather) long sleeve jerseys. Basically just a summer jersey with long sleeves. Not sure if other lines from Pactimo offer non-insulated options as I’ve only seen the one I own.
Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve or dhb Merino Long Sleeve are the next level of insulation in my drawer. A bit fleecy but not heavy on the warmth. Breathe well with no windproofing.
The next tier starts getting into jacket territory where you’re not really going to find anything that’s not at least partially windproof or waterproof, and that starts to change the thermal considerations significantly. I’ve started moving over to Castelli for most of these garments lately - their wind/water fabrics and the way they use them is just a cut above the rest IMO.
Castelli Beta ROS is a completely uninsulated jacket/jersey with a windproof front and a summer-weight back, I’d say it’s between the Rapha Aero and Pro Team longsleeves in terms of warmth, but your body has to generate the heat - the windproof just keeps it in (and makes it friendlier for a bit of moisture too). It’s also great for days when the wind bites but it’s not actually cold. I’ve not really found anything like it from other brands.
Castelli Alpha ROS Light adds a bit of insulation in the form of a kind of extra zip-up baselayer panel inside the front of the jacket but is very similar to the Beta ROS otherwise (don’t confuse Alpha ROS Light with the regular Alpha ROS - that’s a full winter jacket). This will be in the same realm as ‘hybrid jackets’ from other brands which are generally windproof and water resistant on the front with a fleecy back and minimal insulation.
Depending on your baseline any of the above might be appropriate for what you’re looking for. They can also all be made to stretch to quite a wide temperature range by changing baselayer (none/summer/insulating/merino short sleeve/merino long sleeve) or adding an insulated gilet (Rapha Brevet Insulated Gilet is the single most versatile item of cycling clothing I have ever owned). Can also add a windproof or waterproof jacket over certain combinations for cold starts etc.
I bought the Rapha Classic Long Sleeve Jersey on a great sale (more than half off) and it’s probably my favorite kit. It’s some sort of wool blend and its soft and warm but not hot.
Most of my riding is in a Pactimo Alpine thermal long sleeve jersey, rated for 40-65F. Its a little warm at 60+F but perfect done to 30F with layering.
For rainy weather I’ve got an Assos fall/spring jacket.
I picked up the Borah Wear jersey from the Iceman Cometh Challenge race and it is my favorite one. Not sure where else you can get them but I love those Jerseys (I bought two)
I honestly only wear long-sleeve jerseys when it is really cold. Sleeves and a vest are enough for me below 50 and if it warms up, you can take either off. A base layer under the jersey is probably the most important part.
I hear you, brother. I am 6-4. some of the Rapha LS jerseys fit me OK though they kind of shortened the arm length lately. You can wear them with gloves that have long cuffs if you don’t want any skin to show.
I just purchased one of the Voler long sleeve wool jerseys. I haven’t worn it yet and probably won’t for a while (I live in Texas, still 95 degrees here) but I think it will be perfect for me.
Partial wind blocking is the way to fly here. You want to block the wind in front and a fleece back (or something) to let the excess heat out. That or one of the semi-windproof fabrics.
For 50f, sunny or going to warm up, I like castellis Mid Thermal and Pro SL. Otherwise, any of castellis partial windstopper jerseys or my Ornot microclimate
Also, with the changing seasons, 50 isn’t 50. 50 in the spring, with the colder ground and lakes, is way cooler than 50 in the fall.
Personally, I gave up on long-sleeve jerseys, and go for either a short-sleeve jersey + arm warmers, or a jacket.
If it’s particularly cold ( < 8° C, ~45° F), I’ll wear a jacket over bib tights and a thermal base layer. I’ve tried several (Gore, Castelli, …), but the Rapha jacket and tights work best for me. If I get too warm I’ll unzip to cool off.
If it’s any warmer than that, I’ll just use a medium weight jersey and arm warmers I can take off if I get too warm during the ride. I find this combo much more flexible than a long-sleeve jersey.
YMMV, however, as I deal with being a bit chilly much better than I do being hot.
My most worn jersey for the past year is the Ornot grid thermal jersey. For me and my body, it hits just what the OP was looking for.
Also, for the other posters who mentioned height, I’m 6’5, weigh about 195, size 32 pants. Size large in Ornot fits me just how I want for long sleeves in both jerseys and jackets.
My most used piece of kit this year has been my Castelli Sun sleeves, makes every light summer weight jersey into a light LS. They don’t make you overly hot in the heat and sun but also keep the wind off you in the cooler temps. Right now with my commute its like 8 C in the morning when I leave and 21 in the afternoon when I’m heading home. Will wear a light SL or SS base under a normal SS jersey and on the way in wear arm and leg warmers, and merino glove liners. On the way home switch to sun sleeves, ditch the leg warmers and merino glove liners.
Went on a ~5 hour road ride on Sunday in similar conditions, chose to be cold from the start (~12 C) bare legs, sun sleeves and no glove liners but by mid ride it was ~ 20 C and all the guys with LS and bib tights were melting.
I generally run cold hands and feet but centrally warm, have the Endura Pro SL light gilet and it will melt me at pretty low temps even at commuting speeds.
I would say this is highly depending on how hot or cold you run. A good way to go with to just get a Castelli jacket for the temperature range you’ll be riding in. I have a few different ones for various temperature ranges, the big thing to look out for with any brand is something on the front of your body and arms to block the wind and it needs to also be very breathable
The castelli Transition 2 Jacket is really good for me in 40°F range. It’s not a race cut coat so I can add layers if it’s colder out. The only thing missing is a double zipper. Zipping up from bottom works much better for regulating heat for me than zipping a coat down in cold weather