Recommendations for Long Sleeved Jerseys & Tights for Sun Protection

[Calum]

Ginger Scotsman with freckles planning to cycle across the USA in summer.  Would appreciate your recommendations for long-sleeved jerseys and tights that cover as much skin as possible, but that are comfortable cycling in hot weather.  Everything I've found so far seems intended for cool weather cycling.
Tapadh leat/Thanks!

[DanE]

I think you just need a set of sun sleeves. These are just arm and leg warmer like things but designed to protect you from the sun rather than to keep you warm. All the clothing companies have them and most bike shops will carry them in sun intense areas. They can be ordered online as well. I imagine there is not much need for these in a place like Scotland so that probably isn't the place to shop for them.

Here is a link to the ones Pearl Izumi makes: http://shop.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&pc_id=50&product_id=2328452&outlet=&color_code=508

[SlowAndSlower]

There are several sources for long sleeve jerseys (REI, Performance Bike) but somewhat limited for leggings.
I like https://www.desotosport.com/category/cycling

BTW I also like the Da Brim for the helmet.

[Calum]

Thanks very much.  Great recommendations!

[Pat Lamb]

FWIW, I find sun sleeves are OK up to about 85-90F.  Above that, I prefer to baste myself with sunscreen and sweat, because the sun sleeves are so much hotter.  I suppose if you're carrying adequate water, you could douse the sleeves, but even with that I reach a point that I'm already dripping sweat and can't tolerate the extra layer.  Again IME, that's usually around 95-100F with 70-90% humidity that's normal in the eastern US.

[cburnett1981]

I don't benefit from a jersey when touring.   It is too much a uni-tasker,  IMHO.    When I tour I'm not in a rush so drag doesn't matter to me.   

I swear by my exoffiio long sleeve shirt.   Really thin &  cool.   Dries fast  (in dry heat I often soak it for evaporation cooling).   The buttons  make for lots of combos of ventilation ( just  top for vent but collar popped neck shade / none / ever other).. Appears like a shirt in town when I am taking a zero.   

Fwiw.   Last summer through eastern Washington state I had multiple days above 100 while touring.   

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[Calum]

Thanks Casey.  That's the perfect solution.  Why didn't I think of that?!  That's what I'll do.
Ceud taing / Many thanks!

[pptouring]

Our suggestion would be to go with a long sleeve made from Merino wool. Wear a Buff made from Merino wool around your neck and on dusty days you also use it to cover your nose and mouth. Get yourself a thin lose fitting pair of 3/4 pants and you're set. :-)

The Merino stuff (i.e. Smartwool, Ibex, Ice Breaker, etc...) is great because you can wear it for several days and it will not stink, unlike that silly made for bicycle clothing that stinks to high heaven after one use. Plus Merino wool absorbs a lot and dries really fast. Been wearing this stuff for commuting and touring for several years and swear by it. :-)

[Calum]

Thanks very much. That's great advice. (Thanks for mentioning the dust too. Good to be prepared for that as well.)
Lachlan

[pptouring]

You're welcome Lachlan. I picked up a pair of Scottish made Endura Hummer 3/4 shorts while cycling through Avimore back in Oct 2014 and have only been wearing them since. The pair I have are a little thick for extreme hot weather, but I see Endura makes a thin pair so they are on my want list. The inner shorts are ok if you wear padded shorts, I personally find it more comfortable to just wear plain old underwear than cycling shorts.

Cheers!

[LongTallEandM]

I found a long-sleeve summerweight jersey to be perfect for riding the TransAm.  Here's a source for them in Colorado:
www.boure.com/

Canari is another brand that makes such jerseys.

[pptouring]

I found a long-sleeve summerweight jersey to be perfect for riding the TransAm.  Here's a source for them in Colorado:
www.boure.com/

Canari is another brand that makes such jerseys.

To heck with that synthetic crap! You wear it once and it stinks to high heaven. Seriously!

I just ordered over the weekend from Sierra Trading Post two long sleeve shirts that were on clearance. Normally costing close to $100 each I got them both for about $30 each.

    
Icebreaker Oasis Shirt - UPF 30+, Merino Wool, Long Sleeve (For Men) $27.66
Icebreaker Tech Shirt - UPF 30+, Merino Wool, Midweight, Long Sleeve (For Men) $30.77

Clothing made from Merino wool is the bomb! This stuff is truly amazing and we love it, but be careful with nylon to merino wool mixture. The more nylon (i.e. in socks) the faster it stinks.

Over 3 years ago we were already touted the benefits of Merino wool products. It's soft, does not stink even after a week of wearing it, it dries super fast, and most importantly you look good off the bike when you roll into a town and not like a cycling dork. ;-)
 
http://pedalpowertouring.com/gear/gear-reviews/merino-wool/

Ron

[2Trikes]

Thanks Ron!

Are you recommending the 200gm Icebreaker products? I live in Central Florida (aka - hot, humid), and I am finding it hard to believe this could work, but I may have to try it out.

Cheers,
Mike

[pptouring]

Thanks Ron!

Are you recommending the 200gm Icebreaker products? I live in Central Florida (aka - hot, humid), and I am finding it hard to believe this could work, but I may have to try it out.

Cheers,
Mike

Hello Mike, until these two Icebreaker shirts most of mine have been the 150 weight long sleeves and yes this is what I normally cycle in even when it's hot out.

This was yesterday. Temp was 87F (feels like 99F according to the News) over here on the Gulf Coast.

[staehpj1]

I'll just add that not everyone sings the praises of wool even if it is Merino.   I have not found that it works all that well for me.  The no stink claim has not proven to be true for me and in fact when I used Merino on tour it was the stinkiest garment I had along.  I find it soaks up more moisture and takes forever to dry if it ever does in humid weather.  Also I find the synthetics more comfortable.

Of the synthetic fabric items that I own a few tend to get that nasty funk, but the majority do not.  The ones that do stay home.

I am sure that Merino works fine for some folks, but it didn't impress me.  I wouldn't choose it even if it were the same price, but when tees are $60 and up...