MONSERAT Winter Jersey put to the test: Never feel the cold on the trail again

Conclusion by Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

That’s exactly how a jersey should perform on chilly days between seasons. When a standard jersey is too chilly and a jacket is too warm, the MONSERAT Winter Jersey really comes into its own. It keeps you warm where the wind blows, whilst still allowing enough air to circulate where heat would otherwise build up. The sporty cut fits comfortably without feeling restrictive. The only thing that detracts from what is otherwise a strong impression is that, for my taste, the sleeves are a little short and too wide at the wrists.

Highly recommended for anyone who’s out and about all year round and can’t be bothered to keep changing layers of clothing whilst on the move.

Key facts

• Product: MONSERAT Winter Jersey
• Price: 79.95 euros
• Use: Winter / Transition periods
• Material: 100 per cent recycled material
• Production: Portugal
• Design: Different material thicknesses for targeted warmth and ventilation
• Heat: Chest, upper arms and upper back
• Breathing: Stomach, forearms and lower back
• Collar: pulled up, replaces the neckerchief
• Size tested: M
• Special feature: Drop-down shoulder seam for a cycling-friendly fit

Smart protection against the cold

The MONSERAT Winter Jersey takes a rather clever approach: rather than wrapping the entire upper body in lined fabric, MONSERAT distributes the warmth in a targeted manner.

The chest, upper back and upper arms are made from the thicker, warmer material – exactly where the wind whistles past the body most fiercely. The stomach, lower back and forearms, on the other hand, are made from a lighter fabric. This still provides more warmth than a classic jersey, but allows more moisture and heat to escape than the lined layer.

MONSERAT calls this concept ‘2A Fabric Placement’ and, according to the company, it is based on the design of winter wetsuits.

The result is impressive on the bike: You don’t overheat straight away on the climb, whilst your upper body stays pleasantly warm on the descent that follows.

Just right for the change of season

On really freezing winter days, I still reach for an extra jacket. The winter jersey really comes into its own when the temperatures are somewhere in between.

In other words, exactly when a normal jersey is too thin and a winter jacket is too thick.

This makes it the ideal companion for cold autumn days, mild winter rides or those first rides in spring. The blend of materials really comes into its own, particularly when the intensity of the ride varies.

Get dressed, set off and don’t have to keep thinking about what to wear next – that’s exactly what this jersey is for.

The collar keeps the wind out

A small but important detail sits right at the top: the raised collar protects the neck from the cold wind whilst riding and keeps out splashes and light rain. MONSERAT has designed it to fit snugly enough to keep you warm, yet without being uncomfortable.

You can safely leave the scarf at home when wearing the winter jersey.

The fit is almost perfect

I really like the cut. The jersey is just tight enough that it doesn’t start flapping about too much when going downhill, but not so close-fitting that it feels restrictive. It offers plenty of freedom of movement.

This is aided by the so-called drop-down shoulder seam, which adapts the cut to the riding position on the bike.

I do have one criticism, however: The sleeves are a bit too short for my liking and are much too loose around the wrists.

This is particularly noticeable when the fabric gets damp. This happens quickly, especially in the transitional seasons – whether from sweat or a brief shower. The sleeves then hang heavily at the wrists and flap about in the wind.

It’s annoying and costs points in an otherwise successful game.

Italian fabric, made in Portugal

When it comes to the fabric, MONSERAT uses a material sourced from Italy and then manufactures the jersey in Portugal. According to the manufacturer, the fabric is made entirely from recycled fibres.

This is in keeping with the brand’s philosophy, which focuses on European manufacturing and fair working conditions when producing its clothing.

MONSERAT also keeps things simple when it comes to packaging: paper is used instead of plastic.

Editorial commentary

The MONSERAT Winter Jersey offers a rather elegant solution to the classic dilemma of feeling too cold or too hot. Rather than wrapping up your entire upper body in thick layers, it protects your chest, upper arms and upper back from the cold, whilst allowing your stomach, forearms and lower back a little more room to breathe.

This ensures a comfortable temperature balance and makes the jersey particularly suitable for changeable weather.

I like the sporty cut, as well as the high collar. The sleeves, on the other hand, could be a bit longer and fit more snugly at the wrists.

With 79.95 euros Given its clever design and the functionality it offers, the winter jersey is fairly priced.

For me, that’s exactly why it’s the perfect item of clothing for days when my summer jersey has to stay in the wardrobe, but a thick winter jacket is a bit too much.

Advantages and disadvantages

Plus

• A clever blend of materials with targeted heat distribution
• Chest, upper arms and upper back feel pleasantly warm
• A slimmer waist, triceps and lower back
• A high collar protects against the cold wind whilst cycling
• sporty, comfortable fit
• good range of motion
• Drop-down shoulder seam for the riding position on the bike
• 100 per cent recycled material
• Italian fabric, made in Portugal
• a fair price of 79.95 euros

Minus

• The sleeves are a bit too short for my taste
• The cuffs are too wide at the wrists
• Too thin for really cold winter days on its own

Our verdict

A well-designed long-sleeved top for exactly those days when choosing what to wear would otherwise turn into a real headache. The MONSERAT Winter Jersey keeps you warm without completely sealing off your upper body; it’s comfortable to wear and, thanks to its high collar, provides reliable protection against the cold wind whilst cycling.

The slightly short and baggy sleeves prevent it from achieving top marks. Otherwise, MONSERAT has produced a thoroughly well-balanced winter and mid-season jersey here.