Pearl Izumi Men's Elite Thermal Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey - Winter Bike Riding, Cold Weather Training & Outdoor Sports Apparel

I already own Pearl Izumi's Gavia jacket (circa 2007) and use that in my 32 - 45 degree rides. Once it gets that cold, I usually only ride for just over an hour and that jacket works great with a base layer. I was looking for something a little warmer for sub-freezing days and to augment the Gavia jacket on those mid-30s rides. The shell material on the Elite Softshell jacket is slightly thicker than what is used for the Gavia. Both have a fleece lining. Construction is similar in that the underside of the sleeves is a more breathable fabric. This model differs in that there is a larger area under the armpits and down the sides that is breathable. Also, the Gavia jacket has an oval area in the upper part of the back that uses the more breathable fabric. This jacket uses the same heavier softshell material for the entire back. The Elite Softshell jacket also has the three back pockets conceiled inside a large, sleekly designed zipper compartment in the back. It makes it more streamlined and less air resistant. A nice feature. The tail of the jacket is extended and has a grippy band around the hem that keeps the jacket from creeping up while in the drops.I went out for my first ride with it on a sunny 22 degree day with 14 mph wind and 30 mph gusts. A real test for sure. I had two light baselayers under it and a balaclava. My arms were cool in the headwinds, but fine otherwise. My body was mostly fine. Gusts seem to cut right through the breathable side panels, but that also helped vent perspiration. With a tailwind, everything was fine. This was definitely colder than any ride I had been on in a long time, so I have to say the jacket did well on balance. (BTW, the remaining water in my water bottle was partly frozen when I got home) Where the jacket could have used some help was ventilation in the back. Once I returned home, I realized how much sweat there was on my back. I think the Gavia jacket permits that moisture to evaporate better. It may have been caused by the two base layers. I'll try it again with just one the next time.I have to give this jacket an "A plus" for fit and function, but only a "B plus" for moisture management. On balance I am very happy with the jacket and would recommend it to anyone who rides in cold temperatures. Like any cold weather gear, sometimes you have to tweak your layering to get the right level of performance, and I'm sure this will do fine.I've had a chance to ride with temperatures from 32 to 65 degrees and this jacket is fine with the right layering depending on your level of exertion. Riding hard at the upper end of this range it does get pretty warm, I have to unzip it some to cool off.At 32 for a 2 hour ride, it was a tad chilly for the first few minutes but then warmed up perfectly, I was never cold by any means. This was with a light and a heavy layer under it. Speeds between 20 and 35 mph it does fine blocking the wind adequately while providing enough ventilation for moisture to dissipate. Using this with my lobster gloves, AMFib Bibs, and neoprene shoe covers and the layering is very comfortable.Sizing was true to the PI norm. I'm 6'1 185lbs with 34 waist and it has enough room for layering but not so much that it's loose or flapping while riding. Very comfortable in the drops or on the hoods etc.I wish more jackets / jerseys had the zip front pocket - perfect place for a cell phone / snack bar etc. The contents of the pockets will get a bid damp from sweating if you work hard, but nothing that's a problem. Putting your cell phone in a sandwich bag if you are worried about moisture would be a good idea.I have not ridden in a hard rain with it so I can't speak to it's water repellant capabilities in those conditions, however it does keep me dry in a light drizzle and water doesn't penetrate when riding on wet roads and the front and/or rear tire sprays my front and backside.I would definitely recommend this jacket for both quality and function.Not all Pearl Izumi Thermal Jerseys are the same weight and construction so beware. I bought 2 jerseys from 2 different sellers which had essentially the same description (but different colors). This version (non LTD) is more of a 'jacket' than a standard thermal jersey. I appreciate the quality and will be great for colder weather but was a bit heavier than I had expected based on the other Elite Thermal Jersey that I had received and was more of a standard heavy weight jersey.This jersey I would classify for sub 40 degree rides with a thin base layer. (almost like their soft shell jacket but perhaps with less wind resistance). Fabric is softer and reminds me more of a knitted or sweatshirt type feel.The PI Elite Thermal LTD jersey I purchased elsewhere would be more suited to 40-50 degree weather with a thin base layer. The LTD version was more of a typical slick jersey feel and lighter weight (although heavy in terms of typical jersey)I have never been disappointed with Pearl Izumi and am a loyal consumer. I just wanted to provide a word of caution that they are many variants even within the same product line, family and description.Pearl Izumi sizes are always a guessing game for me. Club, Semi-Form Fit, Form-Fit... all seem to be a very nuanced fit. This size large jersey is a bit longer in the arms(even beyond stretching out in the drops) and a bit more generous in the midsection than I needed, but the medium was so tight I would be hard-pressed to fit a base layer under it. I guess I need a 'medarge'. Quality is excellent as always from Pearl and this is most likely the warmest non-wool item in my wardrobe. I waited patiently for the price to drop to an amazingly low amount on Amazon before I pulled the trigger. The color is a bit bolder than I usually go with (the petrol blue has a hint of green to it) but I liked the combination from the first time I noticed it. I feel like I got a screaming deal on something that I have been eyeballing since last winter.