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Thanks for this, i had heard from a friend that the jerseys come up very small so sizing up is needed, is that your experience? Quite interested in a LS jersey.
Agreed about the burner and musette, such great items. My burner is almost always with me.
stelfox-
I don't know what to say about sizing up. Clothing sizes are guides, not definitions - another reason women's clothes are a minefield with 'I am a size 8 in this shop but a 12 at H&M' etc etc and it's very easy to fall into a body image trap. Anyway the LS jersey is lovely and the sleeves are long but not a barrier to fitting really well I think.
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I got a medium LS and it was a bit too tight / making me look bit pop-eye in the arms/shoulder. The L fits well other than bit long on the arms, but as YAL said you can roll them up -- they are also so soft its quite crazy.
youramericanlover
jmg412
Here is my kit review. I wore most of this stuff over the last 6/8 months and through some hot ass days and some truly fucking freezing disgusting wet miserable days (which I obviously loved).
Lightweight musette
Effectively weightless, and packs down so small that it doesn’t exclude me from putting whatever else I want in that jersey pocket. It has been perfect for throwing hat, gloves, device, extra layer(s), food in one bag and dashing to a train and then sorting all my shit out once I have a moment. Also great for overloading at food stops and disappears when the food’s gone. I just need to tie a knot in the chest strap to get the tension right.
Burner
Turn your normal / average jersey into a £190 hi tech insulated thingy with this. Goes back in the pocket in 5 seconds. Any threat of cool/coldness and it goes with me as there is no weight or space penalty to taking it along. The genius is the idea and the execution as the material is mad light and surprising but not overwhelming warmth. As essential as an accessory gets imo.
LS and SS Jerseys
The second softest jerseys I have - I have this Rapha USA CX champs jersey that is super thin but also magically fleecy - but the Albion jerseys are more comfortable and works in a larger range of temps. The LS sleeves have 2/3 extra inches of materials, but I turn them up and it feels the same as other jerseys where the sleeves stop at my wrists. Best thing I can say is that it disappears on my when I ride, I totally forget about it. SS jersey is thinner, feels like it’s a spring / summer lightweight jersey but has worked in a lot of different temps. Also mad comfy. I’ve seen riders with lots of different body types wearing it and fits them well (with obviously good reviews from them). I am going to raise but not delve into what kind of body types companies select when they market their stuff as it's thorny and complex. All I'll say is that the jerseys fit a wide range of bodytypes than models on the website.
Only weird thing is a I have a forest green one which is like chefs kiss and then a sky blue one which fits more like an XS and it’s like I have to scratch my shoulderblades to get into the pocket (same sizes). It was bought from the archive so I don’t know if they’ve updated the sizing.
Insulated gilet
This has somehow dethroned the hallowed old style Rapha PTJ burnt orange jacket. Rip in peace. With a baselayer(s) (or not) underneath with a LS jersey it’s been warmer and more flexible through warmer days and sub zero temps. I put it down to serious front and back insulation, thin sides, and two way zip. Any longer climb and generally the zip goes up so I’m less sweaty at the top, and stay drier and so cool down less ie it let’s me regulate my temp better than any full jacket. It’s worked very for me from 12 down to -3.
LS Insulated Jacket
This thing is fucking warm, like really fucking warm. It’s the same as the insulated gilet but with insulated shoulders down to about the elbows. I’ve had a few rides in it but unless it’s below 4 I would get too warm with just a SS jersey underneath. Don’t know if it’s my “higher tempo” rides but insulated gilet / LS jersey betters it. Fit is great but struggled to make it work in light of the previous combo.
Zoa Insulated Jacket
It so soft and comfy and the fit is spot on and I know it’s called a jacket but I have to respect the insulation like it’s a coat. Jacket, coat, what’s the difference? I dunno but when I’ve worn this on the bike and cycled more than 7 mph in the winter I got so hot I got angry, like ‘what the fuck who is doing this to me’ type angry hot. I'd say it's mostly for off the bike or pootles or when it’s like studded ice tyres cold. It’s poofy but fitted, the chest pocket is mad handy, I just have nothing bad to say about it and I’m almost always the right temp. It's basically the most comfortable, warmest, nicest jacket but that require Coat Respect. Dries out quickly after the rain. I live in SE England so the temps and weather I experience are in line with the georaphy. I lived in it in over the last two winters.
Youramericanlover has been a low-tier chopper posting on LFGSS since 2011. He divides his time between his family, talking about riding fixed, and riding fixed (70/20/10).