Rapha Pro Team Training Long Sleeve Jersey review

Billed as a top for “slightly mild conditions”, the Rapha Pro Team Training long sleeve jersey is made from the same lightweight fabric as the short sleeve version.

It’s a stylish, race-cut garment that works well as a mid-layer, but it isn’t hugely versatile in its own right.

Rapha Pro Team Training Long Sleeve Jersey features, sizing and construction

The Pro Team Training top is fully synthetic and made from a polyester/elastane blend that’s very stretchy and light, bordering on flimsy in feel.

Rapha calls this jersey “pro fit”, meaning it’s designed to be form-fitting and suited to a racy position on the bike. The cut is noticeably shorter at the front to help with this.

At 53kg with a 84cm/33in chest, the size XS fits me well, with no loose material flapping around and no annoying bunching in a tucked position.

This is notable because, at my size, it’s relatively difficult to find kit that isn’t either a little baggy somewhere (sleeves, in particular) or too short to fit properly at my height of 174cm.

Feature-wise, the Training jersey is relatively spartan, with the usual three rear pockets and a wide elasticated hem with a generous helping of gripper dots.

The collar is nice and low, and there’s a soft strip of fabric running around the inside of it to add a little luxury.

The Pro Team Training jersey is available in both men’s and women’s versions, with four designs for the former and two for the latter.

Rapha Pro Team Training Long Sleeve Jersey on the bike

The Pro Team Training jersey occupies a slightly odd niche in one’s wardrobe.

While it has long sleeves, it’s very light and doesn’t feature any additional insulation (fleecy brushed fabric etc.) compared to Rapha’s summer kit.

As a result, it works best as a mid-layer with a good jacket on top and a baselayer underneath in cold conditions, or with a gilet if you don’t tend to get chilly arms.

One could reasonably argue that this isn’t a very versatile garment. For mild-but-not-cold conditions, I’d typically opt for a short-sleeved summer top and arm warmers for flexibility, whereas with this top the sleeves are, obviously, not removable.

Given how tight the cuffs are, it’s not practical to roll up the sleeves when you get warm either, not that I’d ever commit such an egregious fashion faux pas, of course.

For genuinely cold conditions, I’d generally favour a jersey with insulation or wind protection of its own, plus an outer jacket, or a dedicated heavy-duty winter jacket.

Nevertheless, in the right conditions, the Pro Team training jersey is very comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement in the slightest.

Verdict: stylish and fair value, but not versatile

As part of a varied wardrobe where you mix and match layers to suit the changing seasons, the Pro Team Training top is a decent buy, but if you’re looking to get maximum versatility for your money, it’s probably not the best choice.

That said, it’s a nicely made, well-cut jersey and, while it’s not cheap, it’s not priced up in the stratosphere with some of Rapha’s more technical garments and their competitors.

• Buy the Pro Team Long Sleeve Jersey direct from Rapha