From lightweight coverage to near-winter layers, these are our four favorite long sleeve jerseys - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
The Castelli Alpha Wind Jersey FZ lines the front and sleeves with Windstopper 150 fabric - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
The Alpha has a built-in front liner that has its own zipper - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
The idea behind the liner is that you'll heat up when climbing and want to unzip. Instead of exposing your sweaty baselayer, the Prosecco Stratus liner will offer some protection - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
With breathable Nano Warm fabric on the back and a tall but sculpted neck panel, the Alpha is comfortable on the bike - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Three standard pockets plus a little hooded security pocket for your keys or other valuables - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
The Alpha's long tail gets some branded grip - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
We found the front pocket a good place for a smartphone - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Rapha's Long Sleeve jersey doesn’t come in this color this year, but the style and Sportwool construction carry over - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Sportwool is a merino/polyester blend that is soft, breathable and wicking — and machine washable - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
The rear pockets are internally supported so they don't sag, despite the material's stretchy properties - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Curve's Proline Super Roubaix JT-1 Thermal Aero Jersey might not look flashy, but it's very warm and comfortable - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Super Roubaix fabric throughout keeps you warm and dry - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Two side-zip waterproof pockets keep your phone and other valuables safe - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Pactimo's Ascent Long Sleeve Jersey is a lightweight option for cool days - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Lightweight polyester in long sleeves is a welcome alternative to a short sleeve and arm warmers - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Stretchy mesh side panels make for a conforming but non-restrictive fit - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
As the leaves change and the temperature drops, we change our road cycling wardrobe, with the long sleeve jersey being a critical staple. Although the fleece-lined jersey available from many companies is a solid solution, this season, four long sleeve jerseys stand out to us: Pactimo's Ascent, Curve's Proline Super Roubaix, Rapha's Long Sleeve and Castelli's new Alpha Wind Jersey FZ with Gore Windstopper.
Lightweight - Ascent Long Sleeve Jersey US$90 / £70
Made with wicking Quattro-Lite polyester, the Ascent offers similar insulation to wearing arm warmers with a short sleeve jersey, but without any constriction on your arms. Mesh side panels allow for a conforming fit, and there is an earphone hole in the rear pocket and loop at the collar if you like to ride with music. The blast of 'Manic Yellow' on the left shoulder and reflective trim keep you visible to drivers as the light dims. The Ascent can be ordered with your own graphics, as custom is Pactimo's specialty.
Pactimo's ascent long sleeve jersey is a lightweight option for cool days: pactimo's ascent long sleeve jersey is a lightweight option for cool days - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Midweight - Rapha Long Sleeve Jersey US$200 / £140
Sportwool is a user-friendly blend of Merino wool and polyester. It has the bacteria- and thus odor-fighting properties of wool, with the wicking ability of polyester. Plus, you can just through it in the wash like a normal jersey. Please note the Long Sleeve no longer comes in color shown. Also note that we certainly aren't about to get rid of our 'old' Rapha Long Sleeve.
Rapha's long sleeve jersey doesn’t come in this color this year, but the style and sportwool construction carries over: rapha's long sleeve jersey doesn’t come in this color this year, but the style and sportwool construction carries over - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Heavyweight - Curve Proline Super Roubaix JT-1 Thermal Aero Jersey US$225 / £200
Imagine the thickest, warmest, softest arm warmers you've ever had, then imagine a jersey made completely from that material and you have the Curve Proline Super Roubaix. Made by MOA in Italy, the Curve Roubaix is all about warm function, with heavy wicking insulation, a tall, rich collar to keep your neck warm, and two waterproof side-zip pockets in addition to the traditional three rear pockets. The jersey can also be ordered with custom graphics.
Two side-zip waterproof pockets keep your phone and other valuables safe: two side-zip waterproof pockets keep your phone and other valuables safe - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Jersey/Jacket Hybrid - Castelli Alpha Wind Jersey FZ US$249
Similar to Rapha Pro Team Jacket that offers jacket-like protection with jersey-like comfort, the Alpha Wind Jersey FZ lines the front and sleeves with Windstopper 150 fabric, while the back is Castelli's breathable Nano Warm fabric. Uniquely, the Alpha has a built in front liner that has its own zipper. The idea is that the Alpha will be worn with a baselayer, and even when it's cold you'll heat up when climbing and want to unzip. So, instead of exposing your sweaty baselayer, the Alpha has a snug Prosecco Stratus liner sewn into the front. As with all Castelli pieces, the Alpha fits snugly, but it's cut for an on-bike fit so the shoulders never bind, even on broad-shouldered riders.
The castelli alpha wind jersey fz lines the front and sleeves with windstopper 150 fabric: the castelli alpha wind jersey fz lines the front and sleeves with windstopper 150 fabric - Ben Delaney / Immediate Media
Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
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