Boleros

[VeloVT]

I'm thinking I want to try a bolero. Can anyone give comparisons of the Terry, Sheila Moon and the new Shebeest Bolero (with a zip!)?

Thanks!!!

[emily_in_nc]

The only one I've tried is the Terry, but my biking partner has a couple of the Sheila Moon. Her SM boleros have very long sleeves, which she is thrilled with because she's tall and has really long arms. It's cute (she got a couple of different colors) but rather thin, no warmer than a standard long-sleeve jersey fabric. Best for temps no lower than 60F, I'd say, unless you're more cold-tolerant than we are here in NC!

The Terry is warmer than the typical l/s jersey, with a fleecy inner layer that feels great next to the skin. The sleeves are also very long -- a bit too long on me since I'm petite, but better than too short. I really like it. Mine is several years old, so they may have changed them since then, but hopefully not as it's a very nice item. Perfect over a sleeveless jersey in the morning when it's going to warm up, or after a rest stop when starting back out.

Emily

[Cheryl SF]

I have the Shebeest bolero and love it! I tend to get too hot in a full jacket in moderate fall/spring weather (I live in San Francisco), so this is perfect and warmer than just arm-warmers. You can zip it up for extra warmth in the chest, and there are thumb loops to keep the sleeves in place. There is also reflective detailing, and, hey, I got tons of compliments on it from gals and guys alike!

[GLC1968]

I have two different Terry boleros. I have the thicker original one that I wear pretty much all winter. It turns any short sleeve or sleeveless jersey into an all season one (because of it, I only own one ls jersey!). Like Emily said, it's a little thicker with a fleecy inside. It's also a little long in the sleeves for me, but I've got short arms.

I also have Terry's new lighter bolero. This one I bought this summer when I needed extra layers when biking in the NC mountains. My original bolero was a bit too warm and it didn't roll up as small as I would have liked when my storage/pocket options were minimal. This one is more like the long sleeve jersey material without the fleecy lining. It's definitely lighter and breathes a bit more...probably too light for real winter temps.

I love both and they both have gotten tons of use. I've been tempted by some of the others just because they are cute colors/prints, but these two (both black) have really suited my needs 100%.

Oh, and the zip one didn't appeal to me AT ALL. The part I like best about my boleros is that they are open on the chest. My chest rarely gets cold and once I'm warmed up from biking, I swear that's where most of my heat needs to vent. Even biking in the 30's, I can't wear anything thick on my neck/upper chest without broiling! I'm weird that way, though. I had the same problem with xc skiing and ice skating too.

[Zen]

I'm thinking I want to try a bolero. Can anyone give comparisons of the Terry, Sheila Moon and the new Shebeest Bolero (with a zip!)?

Thanks!!!

I would love to.
Please send one of each and I will post a comprehensive review and comparison.

[Crankin]

I have a Sheila Moon one because I liked the different colors. I found it made me sweat more than wearing a wind jacket! It's not fleecy or heavy, but the lycra is kind of thick. I thought it would be great, but I hardly use it.

[Jaclyn]

I have two Terry's - the original and new. The original is black, slightly heavy/fleecy, and warm. But the back is not as wide as the others and this makes it a little less comfortable for me to wear. It has a tendency to "bind" across my shoulders unless I wear it underneath my jersey. I bought a new silver one which is lighter weight and is wide enough to be comfortable.

I also own the Sheila Moon (in pink) and it is my favorite (and not just because of the great color). It fits me the best, and the fabric feels soft, sleek, and slinky.

I rarely go anywhere without throwing one of these in a pocket or at least in the car. They get a great deal of use (and I almost never bother with arm warmers). They also get a lot of compliments.