If you're planning any early morning excursions or even a late evening spin, the temperatures are still cool enough to require a little more cover, and that's where the Lusso Carbon Thermal Jacket comes in.

We're not talking a full weight winter jacket but more of a windchill thermal layer. The Carbon Thermal Jacket is something of a misnomer in so much as it's actually a jersey, so don't be put off by this. The thinking behind its design is to speed up the evaporation of any sweat through the Resistex Carbon fabric which keeps the rider cooler. The idea is that this in turn lowers the chance of lactic acid build up and improves circulation.

As a result the jersey is breathable but designed to keep the chill out at the same time. The Lusso Carbon Jacket is not the lightest but then it isn't a pure jersey, is it?

Besides a full length zip you get the usual raft of pockets on the rear, three decent sized pockets and a zipped security pocket that is ample for a phone. There is also some reflective trim on the reverse for safety.

It is fitted but not overly tight so there is room for additional layers underneath. The inside has a brushed fleece touch to aid warmth but the chest panels don't quite cut it in keeping the chest area warm. The sleeves and shoulders are adequately protected but the chest is the key area. Don't get us wrong, Lusso don't claim that these areas are windproof, we'd just prefer them to keep out more cold air when zipping down fast descents.

The other area that caused some concern was the front zip. The inner flap that is designed to prevent air coming through the zip itself is liable to get caught in it when you try to remove the jersey. Not a huge problem but annoying despite whatever you try to prevent it happening.

Given the price, £64.99 you'd expect a little more in the way of performance. Unfortunately it falls short in providing warmth in the right areas.

Verdict

We'd prefer it to keep more cold air off the chest, but it's well made.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Lusso Carbon Thermal Jacket

Size tested: Black, Large

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Designed with warding off the chill of an early morning or late evening ride in mind. This mid weight jersey, which is actually called a jacket, ticks most of the boxes although we'd prefer it to keep more cold air off the chest.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

The jersey is made from resistex Carbon fabric which keeps the cold out and still allows the body to breathe by removing sweat efficiently.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

The Carbon Thermal Jacket is a mid weight garment, decent zips although a little fussy to undo. The pockets on the rear are generous and well stitched.

Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10

We'd expect something described as a thermal jacket to deliver more warmth.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The deep stitching suggests there will be no problems with durability.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

The Carbon Thermal Jacket is a reasonable weight and doesn't feel heavy when you're riding.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

It is comfortable and whilst fitted you can still wear a layer or two underneath to boost warmth if you feel you need the additional protection.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Whilst having several redeeming features the deciding factor is the lack of protection in the chest area that lets it down given the £65 price tag. As we said, Lusso don't claim that it is windproof.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Generally the performance is good but considering it is offering a thermal layer it falls short in this department.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The deep pockets and the extra zipped pocket make for plenty of storage.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The front zip continually caught on the inner flap that sits behind it and the lack of thickness on the chest panels.

Did you enjoy using the product? Mostly but not on chilly descents.

Would you consider buying the product? Not really given the array of choice in this area.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Not really.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

On the whole this is a decent garment but the fact that it lacks windproofing affects the thermal performance.

Overall rating: 6/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT