Wool, basically, if it is done right, is a fabulous material for cycling in a wide variety of weather conditions.  It can be soft to the touch, not scratchy, it can get wet and still keep most of it's insulative qualities, it does not readliy pick up body odor, it has a look that is not like the typical synthetic cycling clothing (that may be good or bad, depending!) and it will last a long time.  The bad?  It does not pack very light, it is not too wind resistant (although that depends on the weave, etc), and if you just toss it in the hot water along with all your other clothing during wash day, you can nearly guarantee that your young children will inherit your jersey in short order.  Shrinkage happens.  I wonder how sheep avoid that?  Well, I digress.

It had been years since I had a wool long sleeve jersey, but it is a great layering item for So Cal fall into winter riding.  The last one I had weathered several Moab and Crested Butte trips, tons of frosty mornings, and a few rain rides before my lack of proper care shrunk it to itty bitty size.

So I was stoked to see a surprise package from Salsa Cycles that contained this piece of well loomed goodness.

The Salsa long sleeve wool jersey is made for them by Earth, Wind, and Rider (EWR)

They have a lot to say about why wool is a better performing material to have next to you when you are cycling, so if you want to know why they say that "Wool is like a thermos bottle for your body.", then read about it here.

So far I have worn the jersey in light rain(at night), a few 40 to 50 degree mornings, and in the wind.  Usually I have a suitable VBL underneath like a mesh tank top or a Capilene LS undershirt.  Over that I have added at times a wind vest, but that combo, and the ability to unzip the jersey completely if I want to, has been very usable.  I am not a large person, though fairly tall with long arms and the XL is a bit loose of a fit in the torso, but the sleeve length is spot on.  Allowing for some shrinkage over time, the XL is likely a reasonable choice.  If I wanted a tighter fitting jersey, the large would be the deal.  It is a long sucker and it typically extends a ways past any windbreaker or vest/jacket combo I have to ride in.  Three back pockets, a unique look...think bowling sweater...yep.  I like it.