Liv Race Day Thermal Long Sleeve Jersey

The Liv Race Day Thermal Long Sleeve Women's Jersey is a stylish, functional top that doesn't cost an absolute fortune. It will keep you warm enough without a baselayer on cool days, and its low bulk means it fits well under a jacket too.

• Pros: Decent protection with low bulk, decent price
• Cons: Narrow upper arms

Liv's Race Day collection is for 'performance-minded' roadies. It's based on Team Liv pro rider kit specifications, so you can experience the functionality and comfort that the professionals do. I tested the Race Day Jersey alongside the bib shorts (review to come). The 'full kit' effect is bold and attractive. Unlike the shorts, the jersey is easier to match with kit from another manufacturer.

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The jersey doesn't boast any windproof properties, but don't let this put you off. It does an excellent job of protecting you against the cold without causing you to overheat. Even when working hard I never noticed moisture building up inside the jersey. Janine had a similar experience with the Flara Jersey; the Transtextura fabric just seems to be able to handle the moisture really well.

I rarely use a long sleeve jersey without a baselayer, but as the temperatures have climbed recently this jersey got several rides without one. It was outstanding. In fact it seems to work even better without an added layer between it and the skin. Admittedly I cooled down rather quickly if I stopped, the lack of a windproof shell perhaps not helping here.

The interior of the jersey is soft and fleecy so wearing it without a baselayer isn't an issue at all. This all just adds to the versatility of the jersey; it is certainly not confined to a small temperature range. It's not so versatile that it'll handle more than a bit of drizzle; it isn't marketed as water resistant so no surprises really.

Liv tells us that the 'race-fit' of the jersey equates to a 'second-skin effect to help reduce wind resistance, ideal for race conditions and the speed-conscious cyclist'. I personally found it to be a rather quirky fit. It is tight around the upper body, as you might expect from a race-fit, but it was generous around the midriff, almost loose. 

It is longer than most winter jerseys in the body – something I actually value: plenty of coverage for the lower back and abdomen.

The sleeves were the most unusual element; they were very narrow in the upper arm and rather long – think Froome. While the excess length is of little consequence – it tucks over or into a glove – the lack of space width-wise will be an issue for some. Janine mentioned 'slim' arms on the Flara too. Pulling on the jersey over even a thin baselayer is an art – you really have to hold onto the sleeve of the baselayer. No baselayer, no issue.

The fit at the collar is good – no excessive height and not too tight. As the material is so low bulk, the jersey fits under a winter jacket so it's not confined to spring and autumn months.

Three rear pockets are roomy, well placed and easily accessible. There are also some token reflective tabs incorporated; while they are effective, there could be some more central ones.

The base of the zip is protected by a tight seam which does a great job of protecting shorts from the zip, but I did find that it got in the way of joining the zipper, making it just a little more fiddly than some out there.

The jersey uses sublimated graphics to create colours that remain vibrant for longer. The material itself is silky smooth to the touch and hasn't lost any of its sheen or brightness during the test period. It is rather delicate, so don't lean on anything rough.

Liv claims that the jersey has UPV 50 sun protection, which I can't claim to have tested, but it's nice to have.

> How to protect your skin in the sun

Price-wise, the Race Day is significantly cheaper than many leading brands which have ranges modelled on pro kit. Santini and Ale both have plenty of experience of clothing the pros, and their ranges are generally more expensive than Liv's. The Santini Coral Jersey performs on a par with the Liv Race Day but will cost you £25 more. Alé has some striking designs, for example the Pulse Long Sleeve Jersey with the same RRP as Santini's Coral. If you step away from the leading brands then dhb has its Aeron Roubaix for exactly the same price as Liv. It seems that Liv really is setting the standard in female kit when it comes to quality that doesn't cost a fortune.

> Read more road.cc reviews of women's cycling jerseys here 

My one and only reservation about the Race Day Thermal Jersey is the cut; the arms and midriff just aren't for me. This aside, everything else about it is impressive: versatility, performance, comfort and a striking design, all for a price that won't have you sucking in air.

Verdict

Comfort, performance and versatility at a price that won't break the bank, but the cut won't suit everyone