rugerben

I'm looking to get a long sleeved jersey. I'm just wondering what I should be looking for?

Edit to add:
I don't know if it makes a difference but, I'm not a competatve cycler, but I do ride fast and hard on my own. I don't usually ride long distances (more than ~30 miles) but would like to be able to. Also, i'd like something that will knock down a bit of hte wind chill now that it's getting cooler out.

urodacus

tighter fitting is easier and more aero to ride in, with less flapping in the breeze.

sleeves that can be rolled or pushed up past your elbows can be good for those times you get too hot and need to shed some heat.

thicker windproof material of some kind on the front cuts down wind chill, without being too hot if the back is thinner or a wicking fabric. high collar that can be fully zipped up is also handy for fast descents in the cold, but make sure that the fastener used does not bite your neck or you'll regret it.

i like my Gore Windstopper sleeveless jacket and a choice of armwarmers. more versatility.


also, do you need pockets in the back? some non-cycling jackets can be had for much less than cycling specific jackets or jerseys.

Bob Dopolina 

Do you be have'n arm warmers? Another option be a vest with a windproof front. Then you can wear the short sleeve jersey, arm warmers and a vest. If you be gettin' warm you can unzip the vest or, roll it up and bury it in yer jersey packet next to yer map and compass. Arrgg!

Layers, me mattie, layers.

v1k1ng1001

This man speaks truly. Great idea for long rides where the temp is apt to change.

Also, you can just throw a base layer under a jersey. I like this option because I can use the base layers for other sports.

botto 

gcl8a

A well-chiseled man who can't dance?

(sorry to be following you around, today, but I couldn't help it on this one...)

urodacus

Hey Botto, I think you've got something Danish stuck to the bottom of your shoe.

Assos are great. Twice as good as any other brand. and the price shows it to be true.

Aargh, me hearties. Avast there.

gcl8a

Aargh! Prepare to be boarded!

<er, no, wait, that can't be right>

Psimet2001 

+1 - Arrrrr, me almost be forgettin it's "Pirate Day!"

rugerben

Arrrrrr...Thank ye all vary much ar th'advice. Good tailwinds and fortune to you all maties.

edit to add:
Arrrrrrrrrr...

Hobartlemagne 

Its extremely important for a jersey to have a hole for your torso, neck, and arms.
Dont be fooled into buying one with the wrong amount of holes.

rugerben

I heard that these days in chernobyl, they don't all have the same number of holes.
(low blow)

MKahrl

Wool.

johnny99

Yes, fit matters a lot, especially for winter jerseys. A loose jersey will let cold air in underneath and will not wick well.

v1k1ng1001

if you can afford it and find it in your size

botto 

and happen to be a luddite.

MIN 

Sportswool. Rapha.

botto 

a classic case of marketing over substance.

v1k1ng1001

A luddite is someone who stands in opposition to technological advance. Synthetics have their place in outdoor apparel, but wool is still the most advanced fabric in relation to certain circumstances.

mollusk

+1

I have one old Giordana long-sleeved wool jersey from the 1980's and it gets lots of use in the North Central Florida Winter. It is fabulous when conditions warrant its use. I don't think that I have worn it since last February, though. It's like those 25 year old Cannondale shoe covers I have. They are a godsend for those half dozen times per year when I really need them.

Since most of the year where I ride cooling is much more important than warmth and I often like to go fast what I look for in a jersey is a tight fit, good moisture wicking (sweat transport), and minimal nipple irritation, especially for longer rides. I also try to get at least a few jerseys in the rotation that have high visibility in fog or at dawn or dusk because I do ride both early and late. Long or full-length zippers are a very nice feature because of the heat/humidity around here.

I also prefer a plain jersey. I'm not into riding in team kit for teams that I am not on. One the other hand I am a bit of a cheapskate, so if PBK has a super-blowout sale on some high quality team kit I might buy it and wear it. I did come pretty close to buying a Gerolsteiner jersey from them when it got uber-cheap. It wasn't hideous, it was of reasonable quality, and it was CHEAP!

kuan

The most important thing is to find a jersey that matches your bike. For example, don't buy a Discovery jersey if you ride a Bianchi.

Homebrew01

What to look for in a jersey ?? An attractive woman .... but I live in the wrong place I think

v1k1ng1001

You missed out, those pro level nalini jerseys are miraculous.

One of my favorite things about wool is that it doesn't stink as badly as most synthetics.

v1k1ng1001

LOL, so my Caisse D'Epargne Jersey doesn't belong on my Lemond?