Band of Climbers Empire LS Thermal Jersey

Tell us what the product is for

From Band of Climbers:

The ultimate long-sleeve jersey for training rides in milder temperatures through winter and spring. The Empire LS Thermal Jersey is a midweight jersey that can be worn on its own in milder temperatures, or as a mid-layer under a gilet or jacket in colder conditions.

Produced with our finest materials yet, a pre-dyed luxury Italian brushed-back fabric with 4 way stretch to get the perfect fit. A deep cut silicon gripper ensures the jersey stays in place throughout the entire ride.

Carefully crafted rear pockets with entirely hidden stitching provides a classy touch and gives a unique look to the rear of the jersey. 3 open pockets plus a 4th zipped essentials pockets keep your essentials secure.

A low profile neckline, zip guard and full length YKK cam lock zipper combine for comfort and durability.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Midweight thermal jersey with Italian Pre Dyed brushed stretch fabrics

Close fitting for optional position on the bike

Breathable, highly wicking fabrics

Bonded cuffs for a close fit

Hidden Pocket Stitching

Full-length Cam Lock YKK Zipper

3 rear pockets + 4th Zipped Pocket

Deep-cut silicon rear gripper

The Empire Jersey is a close-fitting jersey that shares a similar fit to our Helix Pro, PXL and Apex Thermal Jerseys.

The inclusion of the YKK Cam lock is a nice touch. Flick it one way and the zipper stays put; flick it the other and you can drag the zipper undone by tugging on the jersey's fabric. Elsewhere, the jersey feels thoroughly well-made in every department.

While recommended for milder conditions, I also managed a good day of riding on a warmer spring day where the hugging arms excelled on descents. Repels a good amount of wind chill but does soak up sweat, and I didn't find that it dried out particularly well, though I was giving it a decent test.

Well made and solid thus far.

As with other Band of Climbers long-sleeved tops I have worn, the designers favour a tapering arm that bunches towards the wrists and feels clinging and grippy in that area. Imagine an archetypal climber's frame and that's what this seems made for.

No issues with sizing here except the slightly longer-than-expected arms which do aid with arm extension when in different positions on the bike. Available in seven sizes, though Band of Climbers advises you only measure your chest, when measuring your arms might be more important.

It's good going to weigh in at 245g for a jersey that offers decent protection from the chill – despite being billed as a mid-weight.

Velvety inners ensure that you can feel the well-selected Italian fabrics. Might be a little tight and clingy for some around the wrists and arms.

Compares favourably with the competition which often strays beyond £150 for jerseys that perform less well.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washed half a dozen times and no noticeable deterioration.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The Empire LS Thermal Jersey stood up to conditions of a varying nature. Setting out in high single digits without a base layer was where it was in its element - the heat of my body soon bringing me to perfect riding temperature. I found it pretty easy to sweat through the entire thing once the days warmed up and I started climbing, but I think I was wearing it beyond its intended range.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The fit is glove-like and while I'm a big advocate of bright colours on the bike, there's no denying the suaveness afforded by deep navy. Also, I'm a sucker for a zipped pocket – especially when it's YKK and positioned so wisely near the front of the body.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Made me question how I've come through life with such short arms.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's extremely easy to spend more than £100 on a long sleeved jersey, but the Empire Thermal performs very well against the three-digit competition. The Lusso Long Sleeve Jersey + is a notable sub £100 option that Steve Scott found little fault with and offers a DWR coating for showers.

The Albion Long Sleeve Jersey is slightly heavier and costs a fiver less, and it has similar qualities – though its breathability seems superior to the Empire. It also goes to war in the colour stakes.

You could spend £160 on the Le Col Pro Long Sleeve Jersey but Ben didn't find it very warm despite its comparable fit and comfort.

Use this box to explain your overall score

The shoulder months are probably the most fraught season for cyclists and the Empire LS Thermal Jersey is a versatile solution that, coupled with the swapping in of baselayers and gilets, will make your life easier (and warmer) for a competitive price. Great materials, smart design, aero fit, carefully thought-out detailing and understated aesthetics made it a winner for me.