Eleven cycling jerseys put to the test: The test winner is from Maap

The transition period presents road cyclists with a recurring dilemma: which layer will keep you dry in the morning when it’s five degrees and the air is damp, without making you too hot on the first climb? A rain jacket reliably keeps out the wet, but is often too waterproof for high-intensity riding. A standard long-sleeved jersey remains breathable, but often offers insufficient protection against wind, mist and spray.

These are our eleven test candidates

• ​Alé Defence 2.0
• ​Bioracer Speedwear Concept Tempest Protect Jersey
• ​Castelli Do.Di.Ci. Jacket
• ​Gobik Element
• ​Gonso Stivio Jersey Therm M
• ​GripGrab Pacr Thermal Long-Sleeve Jersey
• ​Maap Pro Race Jacket
• ​Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Thermal Long-Sleeve Jersey 2.0
• ​Q 36.5 Rain Shell Aero Jersey
• ​Santini Redux Power Wool Thermo Jacket
• ​Sportful Fiandre Shift Jacket

Castelli came up with it

Weather jerseys are designed to bridge this gap. Castelli pioneered the category with its Gabba range; today, many manufacturers opt for a similar design: a windproof front, a water-repellent outer layer and a breathable back. Unlike a classic softshell jacket, these tops fit snugly against the body and are designed for the hunched riding position on a road bike. At the front, the fabric must not bunch up around the stomach; at the back, the jersey must be long enough to keep the back and bottom covered and prevent the pockets from riding up.

TOUR weighed eleven models in size L, tested their water-repellency in a spray test and assessed their wind protection in practical use. Other factors assessed included fit, fabric feel, zips, collars, cuffs, pockets and reflective details. The overall mark is made up of weather protection, fit and comfort (30 per cent each), weight and pack size (20 per cent), and features and functionality (a further 20 per cent).

Wind protection and the water-repellent effect make all the difference

A cycling jersey doesn’t need to be waterproof. If you’re cycling for two hours in continuous rain, you’ll still need a rain jacket. For a typical training ride in temperatures of between five and 15 degrees, what matters more is how well the top blocks the wind, how long it takes for raindrops to roll off, and whether the fabric wicks moisture away effectively.

In the TOUR spray test, Bioracer, Castelli, Gobik, Maap and Sportful achieved top marks for weather protection. Water beads off these garments most reliably, and their front panels remain watertight even on fast descents. This makes a noticeable difference, particularly on wet roads, in damp fog and during short showers: the jerseys stay dry for longer, absorb less water and thus provide better protection against getting cold.

The Maap Pro Race Jacket strikes this balance most effectively. It offers excellent protection against wind and rain without feeling like a stiff jacket. The lined collar fits snugly, whilst the double zip makes it easy to regulate your temperature on the mountain. If you want to let some heat out, you can open it from the bottom without the jersey gaping at the neck. A zipped pocket and highly visible reflective details round off the extensive features. Weighing 255 grams, the Maap is no lightweight, but the balance between weather protection, fit and functionality is spot on. An overall score of 1.3 means it’s the test winner. At 285 euros, however, it’s also the most expensive model in the field.

Sportful follows closely behind with the Fiandre Shift Jacket. This model also offers very good protection against wind and brief showers, but at 225 grams it is significantly lighter than the Maap. The two-way zip works well in practice and makes ventilation easier. The regular, sporty fit appeals to cyclists who do not want an extremely tight race cut. Points are deducted for the lack of reflective details. Nevertheless, Sportful takes second place with an overall score of 1.4.

Castelli takes third place, just behind, with the Do.Di.Ci. Jacket. Weighing just 240 grams, this model combines good protection against the elements with a sporty yet not overly tight fit. The covered zip effectively keeps out draughts, whilst the back remains breathable enough for intense sessions. More reflective material would round off what is otherwise a very well-balanced design.

With the Speedwear Concept Tempest Protect, Bioracer offers the best weather protection at the lowest price. At 130 euros, this model is the most affordable option in the test. It provides impressive protection against wind, cold and drizzle, but it runs small and has a close-fitting cut. Anyone who is between two sizes or wants to wear a thicker base layer underneath should try it on before buying.

Fit and features are key to practical use

The way you sit on the bike is crucial. When you’re hunched over, your back stretches out, your shoulders roll forwards, and your bags are loaded with tools, food or a smartphone. If the jersey is too short at the back, it rides up. If it’s too long at the front, the fabric bunches up around your stomach. Both of these issues can significantly reduce comfort in cold and wet conditions.

In our test, the Maap Pro Race Jacket performed best in this respect. It fits snugly around the waist and at the back, barely flaps about and stays in place even with full pockets. The collar fits snugly without feeling tight, and the sleeves extend far enough past the wrists. Castelli and Sportful come very close to this standard. Both models are suitable for riders who set off wearing a thin technical base layer and do not want to have to put on or take off an extra layer every time the temperature changes.

GripGrab really stands out for its features. The Pacr Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey costs 140 euros and has been awarded the ‘best value for money’ accolade. The collar is lined, the zip is covered and features a zip garage. It also features a zipped pocket and plenty of reflective material. When it comes to weather protection, GripGrab doesn’t quite match the top performers such as Maap, Sportful or Castelli, but for normal autumn days and changeable training conditions, it offers plenty of practical features at a comparatively low price.

The Alé impresses with its road bike-specific fit and a wide range of sizes from 2XS to 4XL. The Defence 2.0 has a regular fit, making it ideal for riders who aren’t keen on extremely tight race-cut jerseys. The collar, cuffs and covered zip reliably prevent cold air from getting in. The weather protection and features are solid, but it lacks the extra protection of a rain jacket for prolonged rain.

Q36.5 takes a different approach with the Rain Shell Aero Jersey. This short-sleeved top is worn with arm warmers and weighs just 205 grams in total. This makes it the lightest model in the test. The design enhances flexibility but requires careful consideration when choosing layers. For long, cold or rainy rides, full-length long-sleeved jerseys are the more suitable option.

There’s a suitable model for every type of journey

For the best balance of fit, weather protection and features, the Maap Pro Race Jacket is the top choice. It is expensive, but offers the most comprehensive package of all those tested. Sportful stands out as a lighter alternative, offering very good protection and a comfortable fit. Castelli also remains a well-balanced choice for ambitious cyclists who want to train intensively in windy conditions and during short showers.

GripGrab offers the best features at a comparatively low price. Bioracer is even cheaper and offers particularly good protection against wind and drizzle, but its slim fit means you need to choose your size carefully. With its lightweight design and combination of a short-sleeved jersey and arm warmers, Q36.5 is aimed at performance-oriented cyclists who want flexibility when layering.

Gonso and Santini are on the drier, warmer side of the test field. The Gonso Stivio Jersey Therm M feels soft and comfortable to wear, but without a membrane it offers only limited protection against wind and rain. It is therefore particularly suitable for cool, dry days or as a warm layer under a gilet. The Santini Redux Power Wool Thermo Jacket impresses with its soft merino fabric and excellent comfort, but at 380 grams it is the heaviest model in the test. The all-black design also compromises visibility in low light.

All eleven options are suitable for the transitional season. Whilst they are no substitute for a rain jacket, they do make choosing what to wear in changeable weather considerably easier. Their advantage over a softshell jacket lies in their close-fitting cut, greater freedom of movement and higher breathability. Ultimately, the model that suits you best depends less on the brand logo than on the intended use, your preferred fit and your personal sensitivity to the cold.