Rapha Classic Long Sleeve Jersey II

Rapha's Classic Long Sleeve Jersey II is better than ever, with an improved fit and better breathability ensuring it's still a solid choice for winter cycling. Here is a well-designed, comfortable, warm and soft-next-to-the-skin jersey that is ideal for winter rides, either worn as a top layer over a baselayer or underneath a jacket.

• Pros: Comfortable, warm and fits well
• Cons: No integrated wind protection

A long-sleeve jersey was one of Rapha's first garments when it launched over a decade ago. It was made from Sportwool, a hybrid material combining merino wool and polyester that I remember causing a bit of a stir among cyclists. It worked and provided luxurious comfort, good insulation and anti-bacterial and odour resistant properties.

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There's now a new version of this long-running staple, the Classic Long Sleeve Jersey II. Like the Classic Short Sleeve II, which was similarly updated earlier this year, this latest incarnation has a whole host of improvements, but underneath this change there's still the fundamental appeal of a solid winter workhorse that should be a staple in any cyclist's wardrobe.

Of the many changes, the revised fit is the most notable when you first pull on the new jersey. It's a lot more fitted now, snug around the body and less relaxed than the old jersey. Sizing is good, with XS to XXL, and the sleeves are sufficient length on the size small I tested to ensure proper wrist coverage, unlike some jerseys that I find are not generous enough in the arm length.

It's a more streamlined jersey as well, with new bonded seams for the full-length zipper and collar, which is also thinner and less bulky thanks to improved stitching. The waistband combines a flat and non-stretchy hem around the front, while the rear section is elasticated and silicone lined, helping the jersey to stay comfortably in place. There are drawcord adjusters either side of the elasticated section for tuning the fit, but I found it perfect as is.

It's still made from a merino wool-based material but the new RPM 190 (Rapha Performance Merino) is said to be lighter, softer and more breathable than the original Sportwool. It's certainly lighter, and feels thinner between the fingers too; that much you notice immediately. After a whole bunch of hours in the saddle in a range of conditions, it's clear the material is more breathable. It has a higher operating temperature than before and works well on brisk tempo rides.

A highlight of the fabric is how soft it feels against the skin. It's ideal for wearing over a short-sleeve baselayer on warmer days and is just a lovely thing to head out in for a ride. What the jersey doesn't do is provide any form of windproofing, so if it's really windy you'll need to think about adding a gilet for a little extra protection.

That's probably the only complaint that can be levelled at this jersey. If you do want wind protection there are a wide range of jerseys that offer similar levels of warmth with added windproofing: Gore's Power Windstopper, for example, though it costs another £30, or the new Sportful R&D Strato, which has an integrated baselayer, also for £120.

You're likely to wear a long-sleeve jersey a lot at this time of year, and if you're riding every day and commuting, the odour resistant and quick drying properties are welcome, especially if riding twice a day, morning and night.

There's ample storage for long training rides with three large pockets for all the food and tools you need. The outer pockets are angled to provide easier access. There's a small zipped pocket with large ring-pull zipper, ideally sized for safely storing house keys. You can load the pockets up and they are stable enough to prevent sagging.

Small details add up to contribute to this jersey's overall loveliness: angled wrist cuffs, reflective tape around the rear zipped pocket, a small garage for the full-length zipper, a larger puller on the zipped pocket, a headphone cable port on the rear pocket... And an obligatory story is hidden inside the pocket. Totally unnecessary, of course, but a nice little detail.

> Buyer's Guide: 10 of the best winter cycling jerseys

It's early days for durability but I'll look to update this review in a couple of months once it's been through the hard winter months that lie ahead. Based on my experience of the first long-sleeve jersey I tested in about 2006 or 2007, which is still going strong and still gets used from time to time, there's no reason why this new Classic II won't also be providing good service in 10 years' time.

The new Rapha Classic Long Sleeve II jersey is comfortable, functional, fitted and stylish (especially if you go for one of the brighter colours) and the attention to detail is high. Yes, there are cheaper long-sleeve jerseys that offer similar performance, but few that tie up that performance with as much style and attention to detail.

Verdict

Rapha's long sleeve merino-based jersey is better than ever, with improved fit and breathability