Recommendations for Long Sleeved Jerseys & Tights for Sun Protection

[pptouring]

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. 

Really? Were these 100% Merino or did you have a mix? You are the first person that we've heard this from. Our daughter, my brother, and several friends also swear by their Merino stuff, but I guess wear what works for you. As for costing $60 and up... just look for them on clearance.

Some fun stuff -

https://youtu.be/0FxiuRu1PLc  <--I haven't gone this long without washing, but I have gone a few weeks. ;-)
http://www.woolrevolution.com/virtues.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merino

[paulsinbc]

Like Churnett1981, I also use an ex-officio long sleeve shirt for all the reasons s/he outlined.  Many years ago, I read an article in AC about someone who road the perimeter of Texas and wore a men's dress shirt.  Ever since then I always bring mine on a tour.  It breathes well when it's hot and helps keep me warm when it's cool.  I used mine on a 10 month tour in Australia and Fiji about 14 years ago and it's still going strong.  I know it's a personal thing but I avoid wearing tights when I ride and especially when I tour.  Too stinky, hot and I feel silly when I am off the bike. 

[2Trikes]

Okay,

I have to give it up to pptouring! Merino wool is a winner!

My wife bought an Icebreaker 100% Merino wool long-sleeved top for me. I have been wearing it on every ride and just hanging it up afterwards.

I have been cooler than in any synthetic top ever.

The shirt doesn't smell (although it did go into the wash last week after a particularly hot ride).

I am riding tomorrow, starting in cooler, mid-60F (18C)  temps, so I will see how warm I am.

Cheers!

[litespeed]

I was in the local West Marine store when I spotted some long sleeve jerseys. I bought one and have been using them ever since for bicycling. I usually have to buy extra large to get the length even though they hang off me like a tent but the size large West Marine jerseys are plenty long enough and fit just fine.

I did my early touring in tee shirts and baked the skin on my forearms. Now I wear long sleeves to keep it from getting worse.

[Capt Chuck]

Columbia makes fishing guide shirts that I use fishing and biking in Key West (lots of Sun all the time). The long sleeve PFG series is excellent.