The world of cycling clothes sizing is a minefield - I've touched on this before when talking about bib shorts - but jersey selection is fraught with even more dangers. For those amongst us who are "jolly", "built for luxury" or "just a bit overweight", the concept of a "race fit" is not unknown. Every jersey I seem to don these days feels like it's race fit - it's just a shame I'm not. The only race I'm fit for these days is the one they hold in Gloucestershire which involves a large cheese and generous doses of gravity and broken bones. I am, however, convinced that I could catch and eat the cheese before I got to the bottom.
I digress, as I often do when cheese is mentioned.
The arrival of my latest winter investment, the Stolen Goat Long Sleeve Thermal Jersey, meant I had to brave the elements I'd been avoiding due to a combination of inclement weather, family socials and the fact I was in the middle of rebuilding my bike. As soon as I pulled it on I regretted my love of cheese and envisioned an epic struggle between me and the full-length zip. However, there was enough give in the fabric for the zipper to reach the lower of the two chins, and the arms were close without being restrictive.
Had I squeezed into my first, proper race-fit jersey without my eyeballs popping out?
Sideways on, the look (of me) wasn't as disturbing as I'd feared, the cut of the fabric keeping the worst excesses of undulations under control. There are some nice touches in the under-arm ventillation panels and the overall feel is lighter than my other winter jerseys. The jersey even has a fleecy roubaix lining, which lends it a soft feel against the skin.
On the bike, the fit is excellent for me, although a longer back with more grippy hem wouldn't go amiss. It's tight enough, however, for it to stay in place and not ride up. Stolen Goat claim that the jersey fabric "has an insulating effect that protects you from temperature fluctuations keeping you warm but not hot." Despite the lightness, it kept me comfortably warm on fast descents and I didn't overheat on climbs, just as promised.
It's not a Gabba, and the lightness and feel of the fabric suggests that it wouldn't be particularly water repellent, but in combination with a wind- or shower-proof jacket or gilet it would suit you well on most fresh winter or early spring rides.
Take Stolen Goat's advice and go up a size if you want a more generous fit, although I wouldn't want the sleeves any looser. I'm happy to endure the touch of "body control" it gives me, while contemplating the weight loss campaign I never quite get round to starting.
Long Sleeve Thermal Cycling Jersey, £59.00 from www.stolengoat.com.
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