Rapha’s cold-weather Pro Team jersey keeps the chill at bay on all but the coldest days, says cycling expert Charlie Allenby…
Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Training Jersey
$152 / £125, rapha.cc
Pros:
- Three large pockets for riding essentials
- Super soft material
- Manages body temperature well
Cons:
- No zipped security pocket
- Fit might be restrictive for larger riders
Fit: 4.5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Breathability: 4/5
OVERALL: 4.5/5
The Rapha Pro Team range offers you professionally tried and tested kit in a premium package, and on the surface its AW23 long-sleeve training jersey looks like the perfect layer for those cooler autumn, winter and spring rides that don’t require a dedicated cycling jacket. It’s an ideal jersey to pair with the best cycling shoes.
It appears quite lightweight in comparison to a full-on thermal jersey, but Rapha claims that the non-perforated fabric on the front provides wind resistance, while the rear’s gridded fabric wicks sweat away and keeps things comfortable.
Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Training Jersey performance
The word ‘pro’ in its name should be a bit of a giveaway, but this long-sleeve jersey has been crafted with cycling’s elite in mind. Minimalist in structure (no zipped pocket or cargo pouches here) and using a relatively thin technical material, its focus is on performance and keeping you fast and comfortable, mile after mile.
It manages this by using a mixture of fabrics across the jersey. On the front, that non-perforated fabric really did keep the cold at arm’s length and stopped any gusts of wind chilling me to the core. I wasn’t left a hot mess either and it managed to wick sweat away quickly and efficiently – ideal when between seasons and it’s warmer than it looked when setting off all togged up.
Jersey fabric and fit
One thing to flag is its fit is on the snug side, but the soft nature of the fabric means it’s more of a warm embrace than squeezing your body into position like with an aero jersey or skin suit. There’s just enough room for a base layer underneath if looking to add some extra warmth to your core, but it might be worth going up a size if you like a bit of breathing room.
The jersey doesn’t assume that you have a support vehicle, and its three rear pockets were surprisingly roomy. I managed to store all mid-ride maintenance essentials, a cycling jacket, some food, another bottle, and phone and wallet, and didn’t worry that anything would fall out mid-ride.
Jersey value
Like all of Rapha’s ranges, it’s by no means cheap (RRP $152 / £125), but you get what you pay for. Durable and reliable, it hasn’t lost any shape after a couple of cycles through the washing machine, and I’m confident it’s a jersey that I’ll be reaching for from my vacuum-packed winter wardrobe for many years to come.
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