Road bike jerseys for all weathers: Eight models for women and men in the TOUR test

Matthias Borchers

· 29.10.2022

Road bike jerseys for all weathers: eight models for women and men in the TOUR test

Photo: Skyshot/Greber

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All-weather road cycling jerseys are the first choice for those who want to train intensively during the transition period. Eight models for men and women in the TOUR test.

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All-weather jerseys particularly popular in November & April

The range of flexible, warmer road cycling jerseys without a membrane is growing steadily, with a large selection for men and women. Positive: The cuts are all suitable for road cycling. However, there are differences and criticisms in terms of price, weather protection and features. The Isadore jersey, for example, soaks up water too quickly, while the bright POC jersey loses its lustre in terms of features. Castelli and Maap achieve top marks; Bioracer has the cheapest all-weather jersey in its programme. Best equipment: Alé K-Idro Jersey, Isadore Echelon LS Jersey, Q36,5 Jersey Long Sleeve WoolF.

Autumnal November can be just as moody as April in spring: rain follows sun, sun follows rain; strong gusts of wind whistle around the corner, and occasionally sleet or snow falls from dark clouds. Accordingly, November presents you with the same challenge as April: choosing clothes for a road bike tour - i.e. an outfit in which you won't freeze, sweat or get soaked in a small shower - remains a bet on the weather.

Road bike jerseys: all-rounder all-weather models

For some time now, all-weather jerseys have been gaining attention as versatile all-rounders. They are cut like road bike jerseys (not like jackets), have a water-repellent finish on the outside and do not have a membrane, which makes them more vapour permeable than multi-layer products. With features such as splash protection in the right places, a soft collar or sensibly and sufficiently placed reflective material, they can be a comfortable compromise between multi-layer membrane clothing and the effective but costly onion principle, where you wear several layers on top of each other.

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Professional cyclists have quickly recognised the benefits of all-weather road cycling jerseys for their needs and have even bypassed their traditional clothing sponsors to purchase them. Because the jerseys are so flexible, freedom of movement is hardly restricted, the weather protection is sufficient in most situations and they don't have to be taken off again immediately after a downpour like classic rain jackets, as the material dries relatively quickly and you don't sweat immediately underneath.

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There are currently a good dozen manufacturers of these road bike jerseys for all weathers, almost all models are available for men and women, only a few in unisex cuts in very small to very large sizes. The average price is around 150 euros. The WoolF jersey from Q36.5 is regularly priced at €194 and is expected to cost around €210 from 2023 due to sharply rising production costs. In contrast, the jerseys from Bioracer are comparatively cheap at 110 euros.

Photo: Matthias BorchersAll-weather jersey from Castelli: three spacious pockets with easy access for lots of small items

Chemistry or physics?

To make the jersey fabric water-repellent and keep it dry and vapour-permeable for as long as possible, it must be chemically treated with impregnating agents. Different processes and products are used, which can be divided into two classes: polyfluorinated chemicals (PFC) and PFC-free agents, such as elastomers. However, PFCs are controversial and are considered harmful to the environment.

Only a few manufacturers provide comprehensive information on exactly which impregnation method they use. The exceptions in the test are the all-weather jerseys from Isadore and POC, which explicitly do not use PFC. As the chemical finish only lasts for three to four washes and the beading effect gradually disappears, the finish must be regularly refreshed with suitable waterproofing agents. PFC-free, i.e. environmentally friendly, waterproofing agents from Fibertec, Nikwax or Toco, for example.

Photo: Matthias BorchersAll-weather road cycling jersey from Bioracer: the collar is high-necked and provides good protection

Bioracer, for example, uses a textile material instead of chemical impregnation, which is designed to repel water droplets due to its physical properties. Although the Belgian brand's process is more sustainable as it does not need to be refreshed, it does not work as well as the PFC-free impregnation of POC jerseys, for example, from which almost every drop of water rolls off as soon as it comes into contact with the material.

The good newsAll of the all-weather jerseys for road cyclists in the test were convincing with a good to very good cut for road cycling, especially Alé, Maap and Q36.5, for both men and women. Our testers noticed differences in the sizes: The Isadore jerseys are relatively small in the test sizes, while the POC jerseys tend to be larger.

There are clearer differences between the eight all-weather jersey candidates in the test in terms of weather protection and features. In terms of features, Alé, Isadore and Q36.5 are the top contenders: Examples of well thought-out details include the splash-proof centre pocket on the Alé jersey, the particularly fluffy collar on the Isadore and the generously placed reflective material on the Q36.5 jersey, which makes you safer on the road - whether it's November or April.

All-weather road bike jerseys - How TOUR tests

The overall rating of the all-weather road bike jerseys is made up of four criteria, which are weighted according to their relevance. We determined all the test results ourselves.

Weather protection (30 %)

The spray test (DIN-EN-ISO 4920) is used to determine how water droplets roll off the outer material of the all-weather jerseys. The road bike jerseys were washed once before the test. The best result is when the drops roll off the stretched fabric without leaving any residue; the worst result is when the fabric soaks up water quickly.

Wearing comfort (25 %)

Testers assess the feel of the fabric on the skin. In practice, it is sometimes the case that women rate a model more strictly than men due to more sensitive skin and an identical model receives different marks. The feeling of moisture and warmth is also included in the test judgement.

Handling (25 %)

When it comes to handling, what counts is how the zips can be operated. If they can be moved easily in both directions with one hand while riding, this is ideal. The same applies to the handling of the jersey pockets, which must allow easy access during the ride, even when wearing gloves.

Equipment (20 %)

Details such as the size and shape of jersey pockets, pockets with zips, zip garage, zip cover, the design of the jersey waistband, collar and sleeve cuffs are evaluated. Because road cycling jerseys are used in bad weather, a lot of reflective material is particularly important.

All-weather road bike jerseys in the test - overview

Alé K-Idro Jersey
Bioracer Tempest Light Jacket
Castelli Tutto Nano RoS Jersey
Isadore Echelon LS Jersey
Le Col Pro Aqua Zero
Maap Evade Thermal LS Jersey
Poc Radiant Jersey
Q36.5 Jersey Long Sleeve WoolF

The test results in detail

Alé K-Idro Jersey

Price/country of production155 Euro / Italy
Equipment (20%)3 pockets, centre pocket with splash guard, gel waistband, padded collar, zip garage, backed zip, contrasting cuffs, reflective material

Women's model

Colours women's jerseyRed, Blue, Black, Green
Weight women's jersey (size S)280 gram

2 Images

Photo: Matthias Borchers

Male model

Colours men's jerseyBlue, Yellow, Black, Red, Green
Weight men's jersey340 gram

2 Images

Photo: Matthias Borchers

Conclusion

The road bike jersey impresses with its full range of features; the integrated splash guard on the centre pocket keeps the bottom dry; top road bike cut, good fit even with full pockets; water does not run off completely, many sizes.

TOUR review Alé K-Idro Jersey

Weather protection (30 %) Note 2,5
Wearing comfort women (25 %) Note 1,7
Wearing comfort men (25 %) Note 1,7
Handling (25 %) Grade 1,7
Equipment (20 %) Grade 1,0
Women's jersey Overall score (100 %) 1,8
Men's jersey Overall grade (100 %) 1,8