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.
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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
Make and model: Lusso Terrain L/S Jersey
Tell us what the product is for
An autumn/spring long-sleeve jersey designed to be breathable and offer a decent amount of warmth.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Lusso:
* Thermal Roubaix Fabric (body)
* Full Front YKK zip
* Laser Cut hem (Front)
* 4 Rear pockets 1 zipped )
* 50+ UV Ray protection
* Anatomically shaped
* Reflective element at rear
* Chin guard
* Machine Washable
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Seems very well made with strong stitching throughout, combined with a good material choice.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Does exactly what it sets out to do, providing warmth, wicking, and breathability.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Sturdy zips, strong material, and stitching throughout. All good so far.
Rate the product for fit:
7/10
Not especially aero, but not particularly casual, offering a comfortable degree of movement without excess material.
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
The medium size I reviewed fitted like I would expect a British brand medium to fit.
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Nice touches like soft collar and sleeves, combined with a fleecy inner and chin guard, make it very comfortable to wear.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
Slightly cheaper than some competitors, it is about where I would expect it to be in terms of price. And currently on sale at £62.99.
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
Very easy, just chucked in the washing machine at 30 degrees without any issue.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well. It kept me warm while also removing excess heat and sweat, and performed equally well under a jacket as it did as an outer layer.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The breathability is good, so I never felt like I was overheating while wearing it.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Not a dislike, but it would be nice to have a little more windproofing, so it could be used as an outer layer over a wider range of conditions.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your overall score
The jersey brings together most of the things you want from a colder weather jersey, including a decent amount of insulation and breathability. It's a good, versatile option at a decent price; if it was a bit more windproof it would be an 8.
Age: 29 Height: 6 ft Weight:
I usually ride: Mercian King of Mercia or Cinelli Gazzetta My best bike is: Cannondale Supersix Evo
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mountain biking
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