Originally Posted by TimothyH

Nothing comes close to the Rapha Pro Team Flyweight jersey. It wicks and evaporates so fast that it actually feels cool against your skin as you perspire and ride through the air.

Originally Posted by bruce19

Having cycled for about 40 years and having tried most kit, I can recommend without hesitation anything Assos. I will advise though that their kit tends to be race fit, aka: body paint.

Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest

Have you used any Arc'teryx Phasic SL base layers? That sounds like a good description of them, plus they feel like silk. There isn't a cycling one, but for hiking or trail running, they're fantastic. Until recently I thought hot weather coughing required mesh.

Originally Posted by TimothyH

I'll bite.

I'm in North Georgia.

Nothing comes close to the Rapha Pro Team Flyweight jersey. It wicks and evaporates so fast that it actually feels cool against your skin as you perspire and ride through the air. The downside is that the fabric is light so the pockets lack structure and can't really be stuffed full of junk for an all day ride. The zipper is a little bit delicate but not as bad as some.

I've also purchased the Chapter III 1.25 Forbici jersey. It was on clearance at Sigma Sports for $89 so I snatched on. I love the fit - right between club and race cut. Not too tight but not loose at all. The zippers are metal and substantial. The fabric is really nice against the skin and the collar is higher than some lightweight jerseys which helps keep the Georgia sun off the neck a little. I love wearing this and reach for it most often.

The Castelli Free AR 4.1 is another nice piece. I got this because it was on sale and looked half way decent but it has worked out very well. Zippers, like the Chapter III, are metal and don't feel like they are going to break. Fit is articulated ike Assos, a little weird when first put on but nice when on the bike.

All three have zippered security pockets and are always worn with a Craft or Castelli summer base layer.

I didn't like the Le Col HC and some others which are really tight and have almost a V neck.


-Tim-

Originally Posted by TimothyH

Nothing comes close to the Rapha Pro Team Flyweight jersey. It wicks and evaporates so fast that it actually feels cool against your skin as you perspire and ride through the air. The downside is that the fabric is light so the pockets lack structure and can't really be stuffed full of junk for an all day ride. The zipper is a little bit delicate but not as bad as some.

-Tim-

Originally Posted by jadocs

Donkey Label - Another favorite, quality, fit and materials also top notch

Originally Posted by WhyFi

It's funny - they're *very* local to me but I didn't know about them until a couple months ago, when one of the group ride regulars started sporting their kit (not sure if he's sponsored). Really good looking stuff that'll be on the short list the next time I need something.

Originally Posted by jadocs

The Team Cross Jersey is actually one of my favorites. Lots of attention to detail, even around the collar, it's reinforced to stay in shape.

Originally Posted by elquien

Newbie here. Can someone explain why in hot humid weather one would wear a base layer? I wear an undershirt with regular clothing for appearances (sweat stains on outer shirt). During extraneous exercise, it seems counter-intuitive.

Thanks

Originally Posted by NoWhammies

I have one 7 Mesh jersey that was given to me as a birthday present. I didn't like the fit or the material of the jersey at first, but after a couple of wears the jersey has grown on me. In hot weather the jersey seems to do a good job of wicking away sweat yet in windy conditions (such as on long descents) the jersey seems to be wind-resistant. One thing though, the jersey is what I would call a race fit. So it's definitely tight.

Originally Posted by TimothyH

Well, the word "Summer" means different things depending on where one lives. It isn't so much the heat as the sun which is formidable in the south. Some summer garments designed in England and Canada just don't cut it in The South.

With that in mind however, no, I was not aware of the Arc'teryx product and will look out for one in the stores.


-Tim-

Originally Posted by shelbyfv

I like to see folks riding in nice kit. I think it's just another way to show commitment to the sport. Like sunglasses over the helmet straps, it doesn't really matter but it shows someone is paying attention. IF I can ever lose 20 pounds, I'll treat myself

Originally Posted by shelbyfv

Like sunglasses over the helmet straps, it doesn't really matter but it shows someone is paying attention.

Originally Posted by Shimagnolo

Dumbest practice ever.
Take off your helmet, and the sunglasses going flying.
.

Originally Posted by Sy Reene

Nice rundown.. Couple questions or clarifications though please? You wear them all with a base layer, but also mention how they feel on the skin?

I'd also be curious, with or without the baselayer, how do you think these perform for UV protection? Would I have to slather my whole torso with sunscreen before using any of these? Of course a base layer might offer some minor addt'l protection though.

Originally Posted by shelbyfv

I like to see folks riding in nice kit. I think it's just another way to show commitment to the sport. Like sunglasses over the helmet straps, it doesn't really matter but it shows someone is paying attention...

Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest

Have you used any Arc'teryx Phasic SL base layers? That sounds like a good description of them, plus they feel like silk. There isn't a cycling one, but for hiking or trail running, they're fantastic. Until recently I thought hot weather coughing required mesh.

Originally Posted by elquien

Newbie here. Can someone explain why in hot humid weather one would wear a base layer? I wear an undershirt with regular clothing for appearances (sweat stains on outer shirt). During extraneous exercise, it seems counter-intuitive.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy

I certainly can't. I've tried them and they don't work for me, not at all. The whole idea of cooling on the bike is that one moves sweat to the surface of one's outer garment as quickly as possible and that outer garment is thin so as not to provide insulation. Obviously a base layer does not have wind blowing on it, so the moisture in it cannot evaporate until it reaches the surface of the outer layer. Thus this inner, sweat-soaked layer insulates to some extent. When I ride long distances in the rain, my inner layers are soaked, all the way to the skin. They still insulate just fine. Modern fabrics, like base layers, insulate quite well while wet.

I sweat a lot more in hot weather while wearing a base layer, which perhaps is the purpose of it for some people, but they dehydrate me very quickly. One sees riders with full-zip jerseys, riding with them flying completely unzipped, trying to get some air to that base layer. Any base layer, mesh, waffle, or whatever, holds the outer garment away from the skin and slows the movement of moisture to the surface.

Originally Posted by Princess_Allez

In theory, this makes sense. In practice, a base layer can still evaporate sweat thru a thin summer jersey, easily. I wear a compression, under armour, base layer with a Castelli Climbers jersey. When I take off the jersey, I can feel it's moist all over, especially in the sweaty areas. I never need to unzip for it to breathe. Modern synthetic fabrics are truly amazing (expensive).