Part of Le Col’s new ARC (Adaptable, Reliable, Capable) gravel range, the ARC Merino LS Jersey makes use of 67% Merino, with the remaining being polyamide and elastane, the same as most cycling kits. It's aimed at those who enjoy long days in the saddle so let's see how it performed, and whether it might warrant inclusion in our best long sleeve cycling jerseys buyers guide.
Construction
The use of Merino is due to the fabric having natural high moisture wicking, quick drying properties, highly breathable and anti-bacterial, which it decided was ideal for gravel and adventure riding where conditions can be quite variable and it may need cleaning day to day. The synthetic fibres used alongside the Merino are designed to enhance durability and stretch retention over time and use.
Le Col includes a repair patch with the jersey, something the design team thought was needed given the intended use. There are also reflective details on the chest, arm, back and rear shoulder, which are designed to give a 360˚visibility.
The ARC jersey uses a more relaxed fit designed to aid freedom of movement yet still sit close to the body; it's what the brand calls its Relaxed Performance fit. Other features include three large rear cargo pockets and a zip up valuables pockets with a pull tab to make it easier to open and close. The jersey comes in sizes XS to 3XL and three colour options with a recommended temperature range of 5-15˚C from the brand.
The ride
I’ve always been a big fan of the use of Merino in cycling clothing. It’s an interesting material in that it remains very breathable up to quite high temperatures while being nicely insulating, giving it a wide operating temperature range. As discussed, Le Col has decided to base this jersey, and the other jerseys in its ARC range, on predominantly Merino wool. It still uses polyamide and elastane to assist with fit and durability, but the benefits of the Merino shine though.
Using the jersey across a range of wintery conditions in the UK and Spain, I found that it performed well between 7-18˚C. The only thing that affected that was the wind, as the jersey offers zero wind chill protection. As a result on blustery days or long descents I did get chilly.
I loved just how breathable the jersey was; it's exceptionally good at moisture wicking so that after hard efforts where sweat builds up, it evaporates quickly, which reduces chill when the intensity level drops.
I ended up using this for two rides in a single day when I didn’t have a clean alternative jersey. The antimicrobial properties of Merino did mean it was far more pleasant than wearing a used lycra jersey. As a jersey with a designated gravel focus it's an appealing feature. It should make for a garment that can handle multi-day adventure rides, especially as it also drys quickly meaning that it can be water washed before being worn again.
One thing that didn’t work quite so well for me was the fit, specifically around the waist. The arm and body length were perfect in the size medium on my 190cm frame, but I have quite a narrow waist. When I had the pockets full at the back, especially when one side was unevenly weighted, I found that out of the saddle the jersey jumped around a bit. Additionally, even with the elastic gripper at the rear hem, the jersey could twist on my body. It’s likely a combination of unevenly loading the pockets and an unusually narrow waist, although the more relaxed fit does lend itself to some give. This fit however is not overly flappy, so riding at speed on the road it was still suitable, it just means it’s a bit more comfortable for layering and big days on the bike.
I did like the pockets as they were spacious enough for spare kit, tools, food, phone and even a pump. A zip-up valuable pocket works well for stashing keys; all the zips, including the main jersey one, feature a useful pull tab to make them easy to operate. A few reflective details are also appreciated for winter weather and long days on the bike; the green particularly popping against the purple jersey.
Something I really like, which is a theme of the ARC range, is the inclusion of a repair patch. The jersey has been designed to be tear resistant, but in the event of damage, a repair patch is a great addition and I commend the design team as I have not seen this very often in many of the mainstream brand offerings, even with gravel focus.
Value & conclusion
The ARC jersey generally delivers good value. The wide temperature range it's comfortable in makes it incredibly versatile, while the Merino fabric is extremely practical, especially for adventure riding. However, it does lack any form of wind or weather proofing, and even with the fast moisture wicking it’s not a jersey to be used in rain while windchill can bite.
The ability to repair tears and also the fact it features some more durable complimentary fabrics does help boost the longevity, which goes a long way in helping its 'value for money' status. But at the end of the day £180 for a long sleeved jersey is a lot. It’s comparable to other Merino jersey offerings, and although the Rapha Classic LS Jersey is £30 cheaper, it uses half the Merino fabric. The fit on that is better suited to road riding though or those with a narrower waist.
Overall, I think for those who are looking to do long adventure rides, and needing clothing that will work well across a wide range of temperatures, stay fresh on big days or even multi-day events, and have added durability, then the Le Col ARC jersey is a superb option. For road riders who want something perhaps better suited to colder weather, there are better value options. However, this is a gravel and adventure jersey, and to that end it really does nail the design brief.
