Long sleeve vs. short sleeve jersey Does a long sleeve jersey add a lot of warmth for riding during the winter months, or does a short sleeve jersey suffice during the cold. I want a jersey for my commute to work and back and I can't decide if I should get a long sleeve or short sleeve. I am in Seattle, WA so the weather goes down to around 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. My commute is all down hill going there (I hit around 35 mph), and all up hill going back. So I do not want a jersey that will get me too hot on the ride back, but will keep my warm riding to work. Any tips or recommendations?
Start with short sleeves, arm warmers and a light jacket and layer.

Everybody has different tolerance for temperature changes, but here is what I normally wear on my upper body.


65&deg;F (18&deg;C) or higher: Short Sleeve Jersey
55-65&deg;F (13-18&deg;C) Short Sleeve Jersey with Arm Warmers
45-55&deg;F (7-13&deg;C) Short Sleeve Jersey and a Jacket/Windbreaker
35-45&deg;F (2-7&deg;C) Short Sleeve Jersey, Arm Warmers and Jacket - or Long Sleeve Jersey (see below)
Below 35&deg;F (2&deg;C) PolyPro Base Layer T-shirt and a combination of the top layers...


My primary decision on whether to use arm warmers or a long sleeve jersey is what the temperature it is forecast to be when I head home.  If I think it's borderline or will be warm enough I pick the arm warmers in the morning so I can ride in the short sleeve on the way home.  I have about 25 short sleeve jerseys, 2 lighter and 2 heavier thermal fleece long sleeve jerseys. I rarely wear the LS above 35-40&deg;F.

Also - for flexibility you may want to look at a convertible cycling jacket where the sleeves can be removed.  That gives you additional options like using the full jacket in the morning, and using it as a vest on the ride home.