Alé PRR Ponente Jersey

The Alé PRR Ponente is a comfortable and smart looking long sleeve jersey ideal for the transition from summer to winter, ideal over a short sleeve base layer on warmer rides or paired with a windproof vest or jacket for chillier days.

There comes a point, and it's different for every cyclist, when the transition from short sleeves and arm warmers to long sleeve jerseys is made. That change happened a couple of weeks ago for me (I do feel the cold, though) and the Alé PRR Ponente has been the ideal accompaniment for brisk early morning training rides and longer club runs when the temperature isn't looking like it's going to go that high. (We tested the short-sleeve version last summer – read the review here.) 

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Temperature recommendations are best taken with a pinch of salt, but Alé's 10 to 15 degrees proved about right. It's breathable enough that you can wear it when the sun is out and it's unseasonably warm without fear of boiling, yet it provides adequate insulation to go into single digits quite comfortably.

It's made from a thermal and fleece fabric and is quite thin between the fingers. The high stretch factor contributes to the good fit and ensures it doesn't feel restrictive around the shoulders. Alé has developed a 'J-Stability System' comprising a double-layer fabric around the lower half of the jersey. It's intended to keep the jersey from moving about and rising up when riding, and it works well.

There are nice details like the angled cuffs, which don't come up short, and the raised collar to keep your neck snug. The full-length zipper has a little protective flap to stop it irritating your neck, and there's the typical dropped tail that ensures your behind is covered when you're in the drops.

Three rear pockets are joined by a fourth zippered one, and a smattering of reflective details gives a low-light boost.

You can tell this is an Italian jersey when you pull it on. The label says it's a medium, but the fit suggests it's closer in reality to a size small. It compares quite well actually to a small from two other Italian cycling brands, Castelli and Sportful. The size range does go up to an XXXL, but I'd definitely try it on before you buy if you possibly can. It's definitely a racer's jersey.

>> Check out our guide to the best cycling clothing to keep you warm in winter here

There's no shortage of choice in the long sleeve jersey market and the Alé PRR Ponente is at the pricier end, but the quality of construction, the very good fit, attention to detail and durability all help to make it a worthy choice if you're shopping for a warm and comfortable autumn jersey.

Verdict

A comfortable and smart looking jersey that provides a good fit, provided it fits