Lusso Terrain L/S Jersey

The Lusso Terrain L/S Jersey is a useful spring/autumn top that wicks well and provides decent breathability. It can be worn as an outer layer on mild days, and is slim enough to fit under a jacket in colder conditions.

• Pros: Warm, decent breathability and wicking
• Cons: Not windproof or waterproof

The jersey has two main materials in the construction, with the main body being a mix of 85% polyester and 15% elastane, and the semi-mesh side panels being 100% polyester. Inside there is a semi-fleece-like material that Lusso calls an 'MT1 moisture transfer yarn' designed to wick moisture away from the body, and it does so well.

> Buy this online here

I used the jersey in a number of conditions, from sub-zero up to around 8°C and I found that it was usable with either a lighter baselayer underneath for warmer conditions or a winter baselayer and windproof layer in colder conditions. For instance, I used it with a short-sleeve autumn baselayer and windproof layer in 3°C during my last ride without any issues.

Several key qualities lie behind this ability to work in a multitude of conditions. One is its breathability and wicking prowess. Throughout testing, I found I wasn't really overheating during intense efforts and when I was really pushing the cranks and sweating, the moisture was being quickly moved away from my skin. So when I got over the top of a climb, for instance, I wasn't frozen during the descent on the other side.

The breathability is helped by the full-length zip, allowing you to simply unzip if you get too hot.

It also has good thermal qualities, so using it with just a light baselayer underneath worked perfectly well down to around 5°C and could potentially go even lower if it was a still day.

As I said earlier, I used this not only as an outer layer but also within different layering systems, whether that was under a lightweight windproof layer or thicker softshell jacket, and thanks to its thermal qualities, combined with its breathability, it performed well in both.

It also has some decent features like three good sized pockets on the back, alongside a zippable valuables pocket on the right hand pocket. These are easily large enough for autumn/spring riding essentials such as a waterproof, gels, mini pump and so on, and I could fit my iPhone into the zippable pocket without any issues. There is also a silicone gripper that runs across the bottom of the back and stops it riding up, a chin guard at the top of the zip, and high visibility material around the zip on the rear pockets for being seen in low visibility.

The jersey isn't water resistant, which isn't unusual, and although it offers a little wind resistance, it is best to have a windproof layer over the top in lower temperatures or if there is a bite to the breeze. However, thanks to its decent breathability it performs well under jackets, so this isn't an issue.

An RRP of £69.99 is pretty good for a breathable and warm long-sleeve jersey of this quality. It's cheaper than some, such as the Santini Origine at £99.99 and the Kalf Club Thermal Mens Long Sleeve Jersey at £75, though you can pay less for jerseys from dhb and Altura.

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

Overall, the Lusso is a good autumn-through-to-spring jersey. It wicks and breathes well, while also providing a welcome amount of warmth. It sits comfortably under a jacket in colder, wetter or windier conditions while also being warm enough to wear as an outer layer on milder rides.

Verdict

A really good autumn/spring jersey that kept me warm without boiling alive