Retro Vs Modern: How Clothing Has Changed Cycling Forever!
Вставка
- Опубліковано 25 лис 2022
- Cycling clothing has come a long way since people started riding bikes as fast as they could. Back in the day it was cotton jerseys with no attention put on aerodynamics, and not to mention a leather chamois! Now though, skinsuits like the Santini Viper, are at the forefront of modern aero. But how did we progress to this modern kit, and just how much faster is modern clothing? Manon is in Mallorca to find out!
In association with:
@SantiniCycling 👉 gcn.eu/SantiniSMS
@MallorcaTourism 👉 gcn.eu/MallorcaTourism
Useful Links:
Adventure Documentaries, Exclusive Shows & Live Racing on GCN+: gcn.eu/plus
Download the GCN App for free: gcn.eu/app
Visit the GCN Shop: gcn.eu/BlackFriday2022
Join the GCN Club: www.gcnclub.com/
Do you prefer the retro or modern look? Let us know in the comments!👇
Watch more on GCN Tech...
📹 The Cutting Edge Tech Making Cycling Faster! 👉 gcn.eu/7QV
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gcntech.co/EditorsChoice
📹 Watch the latest GCN Tech Show 👉 gcntech.co/GCNTechShow
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
Beauty in Chaos - This Other Space
Disco Trouble - Barbatula
Flex Complex - Aleph One
I'm Exactly Where I Need to Be (Instrumental Version) - Vincent Vega
Its in the House - Pableno
La La La La La La La La - Def Lev
Psycho Sloth - Truvio
Rate 44 - Lukas Got Lucky
Schhh - Bonkers Beat Club
Space Waves - Ben Elson
This Is How I Feel Inside - Ruzer
#gcntech #gcn #cycling #roadbike #trackcycling #velodrome #aerodynamics #biketech
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
Brought to you by the world’s biggest cycling channel, the Global Cycling Network (GCN), GCN Tech is the only channel you need for all things bike tech - past, present and future.
Simply put, we’re obsessed with tech: we seek out and showcase the best in bikes, components, tech, accessories, upgrades and more from races and events, tech shows and product launches across the globe to bring you the best in road bike technology.
We’ve also got great maintenance videos to help you get the most from your bike; pro-bike tours from all the biggest races; special features and the weekly GCN Tech Show. We also take a deeper look into the future of cycling, apps, smart tech and virtual riding.
Join us on the channel and the GCN App to submit your content, vote on the latest tech and keep abreast of exciting new trends.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Castelli Clothing: gcn.eu/Castelli
Giro Helmets: gcn.eu/Giro
Pinarello Bikes: gcn.eu/Pinarello
Zipp Wheels: gcn.eu/Zipp
Topeak Tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Pirelli Tyres: gcn.eu/Pirelli
Orbea Bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Vision Wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Elite Bottles: gcn.eu/EliteBottles
Whoop Fitness: gcn.eu/Whoop
Komoot: gcn.eu/komoot
Selle Italia: gcn.eu/SelleItalia
SIS: gcn.eu/ScienceInSport
Zwift: gcn.eu/Zwift
Shimano Wheels: gcn.eu/Shimano
Shadow Stand: gcn.eu/ShadowStand
DMT Shoes: gcn.eu/DMT
Muc-Off: gcn.eu/MucOff
Watch our sister channels:
Global Cycling Network - / gcn
GCN Racing - / gcnracing
Global Triathlon Network - / gtn
GCN Italia - / gcnitalia
GCN en Español - / gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Français - / gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / gcnjapan
GCN Training - / gcntraining
Global Mountain Bike Network - / gmbn
GMBN Tech - / gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / embn - Спорт
Do you prefer the retro or modern look? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Depends on who's wearing it
Our favorite cycling lady looks gorgeous in any kind of equipment. 🥰🤩❤️😊👌
Retro please!
I actually prefer modern shorts, yes Manon, for padding, and retro style tops for loose fit. Comfort is the key for me being I'm a ye olde velocipedist.
The retro look looks better.. but I'm turning to technology!
Where did you find such a beautiful model 🥰
I'm old so I like the 80s and 90s look. I also like GCN for having the sense to use Manon in this video.
I am old as well but prefer the skin suits. And I will stay away from these suits myself as I might look like a 'Presswurst' in them. Though sporty and athletic people look great in skin suits. So there should be a Hank Edition™of this video. 😉
We also love a retro kit 👌 Manon is great isn't she! Really knows her stuff 🤯
Manon is a total smokeshow!
You've answered my question on Manons purpose that I feared my have been taken in the wrong context. I guess as I am retro it is reason I am slow.
Well she is the best track rider
The old velodrome looks like something built during the roman empire 😊
I love the color scheme of the "modern" kit the only thing ruining it is the solid black crotch panel which is so out of place: it looks like it was tacked on because they forgot to make one for the specific kit and didn't realize it until it was almost done.
Obviously done to preserve the riders modesty. Unless you are a pervert, nobody wants to see sports stars displaying any camel toe or their wangers!
Wool - specifically merino which that old kit is not made from - has evolved massively in the last 50 years as well. It can be skin tight, with a modern chamois, and it looks great!
Yeah, ultrafine merino is a whole different beast. Use it for my winter baselines.
How ever - the job is choosing the gear..... I think as well, merino is much better for the every day use - maybe even for training - but for the race - lykra is at the moment the best you can get.....
Very true, Wool ain't dead 🙌
@@gcntech Also it's more sustainable because in the end, all these new clothes made from high-tech materials will eventually become micro-plastic. I don't want to be the party pooper here, but that's just how it is.
@@marctestarossamany companies only use plastic that's already been in circulation which delays the inevitable until we figure something else out.
Santini - the kit suppliers "back in the day" ahh - that lovely (now retro) GCN original kit ;-)
Great video, Manon is such a professional! I really like the sit down debrief, sometimes in the boys videos they just debrief on their bikes and it always feels rushed and like the video has just suddenly ended!
Very cool video. Good job presenting Manon!
Very interesting! Always wondered how much of a difference it really makes. Thanks Manon!
Great to hear you enjoyed it 🙌 Fancy taking a deep dive into the Jersey, GCN+ has got you covered 👉 gcn.eu/TheJersey
How much difference does Manon make 🤔.
Ooh that may taken in the wrong context.
Not sure you'll learn it from this video. 10 seconds over 3 minutes is well within the range of what you would expect amateur riders such as this one to vary from run to run. A real comparison would have been to measure power input at identical speeds (not sure how one would go about measuring this).
What a fun video! I forgot the old kits were FULL WOOL! I couldn't imagine riding in wool shorts. I do have a wool Swobo jersey from the 90's and I still love it... but only for winter riding. Not scratchy, but also nothing I would want to wear during warm rides, or indoors like a velodrome.
Superb video Manon. Great explanation love the fact that you sat at the ending. No rush just great content.
Great video Manon. Thanks for that.❤😃👍
Cool segment especially for those of us who are newer to cycling. Blast to the past and learned a bit of history.
Glad you enjoyed it. If you fancy furthering your kit knowledge check out this GCN+ doc 👉 gcn.eu/TheJersey
Manon, you are a rock star. Such a fun (and informative!) video.
I love Manon...such a pleasant voice 😍
@@k.e.reidfitness3032 So true. I am usually quite sensitive to the quality of a person's speaking voice, but somehow, it hadn't occurred to me that Manon's dulcet tones were a big part of her appeal. Now that you point it out, it's immediately obvious. Quality content and soothing content: what a combo.
Thanks. I prefer the technology and fit of modern kit but I prefer the look of the retro kits.
Can't disagree with that!
What an enjoyable video to watch. Thank you.
I was actually just talking to someone today wondering how much of a difference it makes wearing a skin suit vs a jersey and shorts. I think this video more or less answers that question for me, so thanks!
Great vid Manon very interesting 👍🤩🚴🏅 ride on 😊
Thanks Pete! Glad you enjoyed it
Love the 2022 suit and specially the little dance 😍
Nice job Manon !! What an enjoyable and informative video.
Ken, on the Hudson River 🙂
Loved seeing Manon on the track!!! Lots of fun :)
Her happy place 🙌
She looked so awesome/fast in the modern kit!
I was used to compete with these (now considered) retro outfit back in the 80s and still keep my old school jerseys from my former teams. But I'm quite comfortable with modern outfit now and I wouldn't go back unless for L'eroica's riding once in a while.
Totally agree. I wore wool in the 70s and do so now in the winter but wool today is way better. And wool shorts were never good. Ever. Modern kit is so much better in warm weather (and cold too, but hey, I do love my jerseys)
I Raced on those Old Jerseys & Shorts for years. A Lot of Riders would get Saddle Sores. Most would use a Special Gel in the Shami. It did help but the Comfort was never there.
Since the skinsuits are tailored to each rider, I'm honestly surprised that the numbers aren't printed directly onto the jerseys.
They don't necessarily have the same number from race to race.
3:05 oh baby, those arm sleeve close-ups. Perfect little grid rows of threads and the label there, wrapping that girl arm up. Too nice.
Thanks for sharing this information 😁✌️❤️
No worries 🙌 If you fancy going a bit deeper into the history of kit then check out this GCN+ doc 👉 gcn.eu/TheJersey
Manon is so watchable - thanks!
LOVE the look of the retro stuff. Something I could actually see myself wearing when just riding (although...maybe not *wool*).
I do love the look of the modern stuff in its own way though, even if I wouldn't wear it - I vastly prefer 2-piece if nothing else, since I don't race. It's amazing to me that it's even lighter and thinner than the unisuits I USED to wear when rowing
Back when I was around 16 yo in 1968, (now 70+) I was in a cycling team and my mum thought it a good idea to knit me a cycling jersey with normal every day wool. As you can imagine it was quite itchy and not really suited for riding.
sweet of her though
Hope you've still got it somewhere! 🙌 Sounds amazing!
That old velodrome and its history, let's hear more about it--did it evolve into a motorcycle velodrome, too, the sort that eventually were banned and replaced by flat track motorcycle racing here in the States? And nice presentation here by Manon on the differences between classic wool jerseys and shorts and the latest one-piece skinsuits. But what about splitting the difference and showing us the times for modern jerseys and shorts, too? One-piece suits have their place, no knock, just more for racing and specialty applications, I'd imagine.
Velòdrom del Tirador
You have Google?
@@johnnunn8688 I do, yet here I am, slouched on a couch for GCN to entertain us.
Manson would look awesome in overalls ❤
That leathery helmet looks friggin' glorious! Just wow
I was only thinking about my old kit a few days back. Back in the late 70s my jersey has the high collar like that shown, nice and scratchy round the neck. My shorts were wool and ended up becoming baggies. The chamois was some form of animal skin which, as I did not know about treating it, became like a poppadom only less comfortable. I had a nice winter jacket which was nylon at the front; wool at the back, it weighed a ton but went for £40 on eBay a few years ago, way more than what I paid for it. Mits were string and eventually rotted away!
Oh yeah, I haven't thought about those old crocheted bike gloves in forever! I remember having the crochet pattern in the tan lines on the tops of my hands. Surely somebody still makes them?
Neil deGrasse Tyson (of Star Talk podcast fame) had an episode recently with a group of scientists who had sensors woven into clothing. They could measure body temp, oxygen saturation and heart rate. All things we can do now, but they added measuring angles. They started with following a baseball pitcher. To measure their form. Much better than with high speed cameras. Data like this for a track cyclist could help them hold the ideal position using feedback from their shirt!
Banned by the UCI in 5... 4... 3...
I've still got some of my 1970s clothing. I've still got some of my 1970s bikes :-)
Must admit. I have 1950s kit for my 1950s bikes. :-) Front chest pockets :-)
Oh my! That would be cool to see. Would you consider posting some videos talking about your bikes and jerseys?
I've got a Raleigh wool jersey with front and rear pockets for riding my 1974 Raleigh International, and some Raleigh Team jerseys for riding my 1982 Raleigh Team bike (with Reynolds 753 tubing). The wool or wool/poly blend jerseys are too warm for a hot day, but they are wonderful for cool weather! Look good too! No wool shorts, though, and I'm okay with that!
Still have some of my early 80's Protogs kit. Couple of jerseys and a pair of wool tights. A few souvenir jerseys including a TI Raleigh jersey my dad picked up for me in France. Good selection of old cycling caps too that were tres stylish in the day.
I love you GCN
Judging by your profile pic, you prefer retro suit?
Lol
Get video Manon, love you experience and love your presentation style
Nice one Manon. The old kit brings back many fond memories...miss the loose fit of the old stuff.
There are companies doing amazing reproductions of the old kit. Looks really good, and feels good too.
I've even become a fan of having the old front-2-pockets, that jerseys up to the sixties had. They're actually really practical for unsupported cycling (i.e. everyone outside of higher level racing).
@@PaulJakma Paul, can you give me their names?
@@hondasaurusrex6998 check out magliamo and 2velo. My favourite jerseys now. 2velo are slightly less expensive but very good. 2 front pockets are very retro but *really* useful for gels and stuff.
Are you still rocking the retro look? 👀
@@gcntech I've got a bunch of old jerseys, yeah. Reproductions and originals. ;) Mostly 70s to 80s. Wool, wool-acrylic, and a few of the early polyester from 80s - when they still did striking designs.
Modern jerseys are either bland and boring, or dog's breakfasts. ;)
I've got jerseys from St. Raphael and Groene Leeuw (repros) through to the cool 80s triangle based Sammontana jersey. (That I wear).
In the 70's I wore Hind wool everything, and it was so much better than everything else, hail rain wind cold, (sorry no snow) it was great.
I still have most of my retro kits from the 70s 80s and 90s. I don't wear my wool shorts anymore but I do wear my jersey's and everybody comments how much cooler they look.
Can't beat that old school look 👀
Really interesting video. Tech has come a long way, but I do still wish I had my old, itchy woollen jersey that was Campag branded that I bought from a proper old school bike cavern back in the late 80’s! It was in a bargain bin and looked like it had been there since the early 60’s!
Bet it looked cool though 😎
@@gcntech it did! But a tad itchy!
The thing is that today it would be made out of Merino wool and if you know anything about the subject you would know that it's not itchy in the slightest. To the point you can buy Merino wool underwear.
Looking at thin skinsuit became I'm worried that in ten years it's going to be sprayed on.
As a Tourer & Audax rider who doesn't race. I miss the old cycle gear. The gear was warmer, the clothing didn't stretch out of shape & pockets could be filled without splitting. Knicks had removable Chamois & on extended over night rides you could stay clean by carrying spare chamois. Mildly overweight riders look terrible in the modern racefit clothing & Manon looks great in the retro clothing, as well as in the modern clothing.
"Mildly overweight riders look terrible in the modern racefit clothing..." C'mon dude, I'm sitting right here. Geez.
@@iammarkstewart Yep. I took that one personally also.
On the money comment.
Guys are just more insecure now
Manon seem have more power but a little bit less aero nowadays. Like you video!
I love Manon...such a pleasant voice 😍
Interesting and maybe more relevant comparison for road as retro track kits had silk jerseys and would have been custom made at that level. My cousin was the 1924 US National track champion and his father at the turn of the 19th century toured the US with Major Taylor in head to head competitions - Willie Fenn Sr and Jr.
I think Santini has found a new magazine model for their product line.
Even 10 years ago, Manon where you ever issued the red white and blue Sky BC kit from Adidas, I've still got mine from nearly 10 years ago the jerseys were kind of tight but not like the razor fabric now and the skinsuit was tight with long sleeves but non of the aero trip contouring on the arm, it was like something Mr Motivator would wear lol
great vid Manon! The skin suits of the future will be thin and made of synthetic spider silk
Spider silk! Sounds interesting 👀
Man, I love track bikes.
Hebden Cord underpants: those were the days!
be it in retro or in modern clothing Manon still🥰
3:27 Inside that skinsuit she is completely naked! She even mentioned in previous videos that she is not wearing underwear inside bike clothing!
Very Nice Video ❤😊
The old school look is cool in my book. It can be updated with the new tech too though.
For the future, I think we should go for sculpted aero, where the body is integrated and shaped into the most aero shape possible.
But then again, a part of me wants it to be about the rider only, everyone should be on the same playing field, so the strongest rider is the winner.
I wear a ton of merino wool when biking, but wool has also come a long way in 50yrs
Loved my old woolen stuff but don't miss having to try and keep real chamois soft. Modern stuff really is easier to care for.
Great point, Makes all the difference if the Kit is easy to look after 🙌
Manon...you crashing @ a velodrome...you crack me up!!!!!
when i raced as a junior in the 1971-1978 or so period i believe most (or all) of my shorts were wool. Jerseys mainly thick cotton. we word tshirts underneath... when you crashed it really saved the skin. I did have one fast nylon track jersey. Also got one fine Italian wool long sleeve top. Omg I though things were so expensive then (vs my ability to buy they certainly were!!!). How the heck ordinary folks afford kit and bikes now is beyond me!!
I'm old school and prefer retro... I love the modern look, but my heart and soul will always go with retro. Plus, I don't compete so I feel no need to go with skinsuits. I probably look a bit odd riding down the road on a Canyon Aeroad, an Abus helmet, and a kit from the early 2000's. Haha!
Best looking skin suit I’ve ever seen!! Think I May go buy one now 😉😉
Go do it 🙌
@@gcntech obv question, but where from ? or is it 2023 kit ?
I have raced in seventies for time trial and track we had the shorts that you have presented but the jersey was different it was made of silk (or artificial silk) without any pockets
The look on Manon’s face when she says she never wants to use deer skin again, classic!
sick dubstep beats @7:06 takin me back
retro for sure . I ride wool jerseys toe clips and leather shoes with tiny black cuts outs all over .
An odd perspective here. In 2018 I bought a modern bicycle. I can say this year I have finally gotten close to comfortable with saddles and cycling kit. The saddle shape and coverings were very different (I still have a bike with one on it) so the deer skin was very different. I must say I learned what a saddle sore is, something I never experienced before.
I feel the kit and saddle are systems. For casual riding the old system would be preferred by me. For modern racing the aero gains would win hands down.
Another note I am procrastinating about going for a ride at this moment. In my head I can’t seem to figure out the best way to dress. Wool just works. I can very easily get it wrong today. 10-15’ C. Oh well just kit and go!
Sounds like you need a deep dive into cycling kit! GCN+ has you covered 👉 gcn.eu/TheJersey
I feel like the chest mount camera likely affected the skinsuit more than the retro kit too. It's not letting it do its full work.
As a tech outfit junkie (i began skiing in 70's.. trekking.. motorbikes... bikes..) i can say that modern material..design...sewing...are far better than old. But the combination from wool (merino) underwear and modern fit are a bingo.
Ah.. you are cute!
Used to wear the woolen kit in the 70's. The chomois in the shorts was basically the same as what dried your car off with, more for absorbing sweat than a bit of cushioning. After a wash, they would take a couple of kilometres to soften up with the sweat... maybe dear skin chamois didn't have that problem...
In swimming there was a transition to full cover to reduce drag. I think this could also happen in cycling if the material allow for proper cooling of the body
That retro jersey is cool
😍😍😍Mannon....and the aerodinamic glamour😎🌼
The wool had a MUCH wider comfortable temperature range; snuggy when it's chilly and cool when it's damp with sweat. On the other hand, hand washing after every ride did get old.
We did usw silk track jerseys which must have had a more aerodynamic effect.
I started racing in 1977 in full wool with leather chamois. I rode through all the changes since and even if merino has come a long way since, there's not a snowball's chance in hell I'd ever go back to it. Modern fabrics and cuts are SO much more comfortable and easier to care for. Wool may have kept you somewhat warm in the wet but I have nightmares of racing with my jersey stretched so long it was riding below my saddle and I won't mention the shorts. While I'm a dinosaur in terms of riding mechanical gears and 23mm tires, the one place I will not be stuck in the past is in kit design. Love the cuts, love the vivid colours and ability to sublimate fantastic, loud designs. One thing though... manufacturers should STOP MAKING BLACK WINTER JACKETS/JERSEYS!!!... Colour to be seen is paramount to not being hit by cars in the dark or low light rides.
Great insight John! How do you feel about modern kin in the style of the old retro jerseys?
@@gcntech I think retro jersey/bib designs with modern fabrics is fine enough, particularly if you're doing a vintage/steel ride with friends. For sure those vintage designs in modern fabrics have a place and purpose.
Retro does not have to be loose and fluffy. One piece cat suit, with low-cut neck, puts guys in Victoria Secret!
Rossi made beautiful bicycle frames, Columbus SL and Cinelli investment case lugs and chrome plating,,,,,,,,lovely. God I must be old I remember racing in those old hats as a school boy and junior.
Sounds like you had some great fun! Do you prefer the new modern kit? Or still kicking it old school? 🔎
If your out for a Sunday cycle to a mountain café, the wool would probably by warmer if the weather changed. Lycra is probably not recyclable but defiantly faster. Saddles were more comfortable in older bikes, but then again comfort wasn't a thing in the old days. The only way to test the efficiency would be to maintain a power level on the crank and measure the relative speed. Maybe a battery bike would do the trick?
Manon is a track pro, she knows her way around!
Yeah,just like Joey Logano,keep turning left!
Talking about tech - I have just thought of an idea for a presenter challenge - for GCN, GTN and your European presenters too.
You know Rouvy, right? Well do you remember a few years ago when Si and Matt suffered at the Taiwan KOM challenge?
Rouvy is currently hosting the same challenge for the next 22 days (today is Saturday 26th Nov) - however it is split over 3 or 4 routes (I forget which).
so the challenge ..
teams of 3 riders
1 person per team on each route.
All routes to be completed on the same day
Each team can choose their own route order. Do you do the easiest route first to get an overall head start or start with the hardest to give yourself a way to catch up.
Teams are picked by putting everyone's name in a hat.
(gonna copy this over to GTN too - for their records)
Bet that retro kit itched like crazy
Not the comfiest 😬
Manon need her own UA-cam channel
As I'm not riding any world cups or elite events, merino wool is plenty enough upgrade for this #retrogrouch
PS yeah Manon, the track is very nearly as much fun as you can have on a bike!
Nothing wrong with Retro 🙌
I think as these suits develop in the future the material will be groomed even more for the direction of the airflow. Maybe even shaped to compensate for the "imperfections" of the human body.
Got 5 advertisements, whilst I am already watching an ad 😢
Wool stops itching once you get used to it. Really great material for colder days, just add wind protection and you will never be cold, even when wet.
Was that leather helmet from Gusti leder? They make really nice leather bags for bikes, but that "helmet" is absurd, a bit dangerous that they sell it, some one might think it will protect their head, then crash and just die.
I saw that leather helmet online: so cool! I would have bought it even knowing I would have never used it 😂
Always ride in wool on top. Base layer and mid layer in winter and merino T-Shirts from decathlon are great for the summer. Merino socks from smartwool too come to think of it. Bottoms though have to be synthetic until someone finds a way of incorporating merino. I even have a wind jacket from Ortovox which is about 50% merino wool but you would never know as it looks and feels like a synthetic wind top. Suits me but then I ride slow and not that far anyway with a couple of commutes a week.
Shows a lot more than it should 😀
I like my ebike motorbike style kit. Aerodynamic functional and protection all rolled into one.
La mas preciosa del ciclismo.
Imagine 20 years from now how today's 'modern look' will look and feel then...I guess quite retro 😄
I wish. Unfortunately we are in the real modern era. The only level up is a type of "body paint" a one time race only application type thing. The real speed gains these days come from designer drugs not yet regulated.
It all goes full circle ... Will we be back in Merino wool before we know it ? 🤔
Great video!
I am wondering, i noticed you were wearing a gopro on your chest. This will conflict with the test results I think right? Because they catch a lot of wind
Looking fit, Manon!
wonder what times would have been if the old kit was worn on the first run?
Moment of silence for all the deer who had to be sacrificed for the highest dishonor of becoming a chamois pad
This video should have featured Ollie and Hank in white cycling kits w lots of full length shots standing up.
Wowza.
What make/model of handlebars are on Manon’s bike? I like the “brake lever” grips for alternate hand positions.
Wool is way better for day to day cycling. Works much better across a range of temperatures. Wicks sweat away much better to keep you comfortable when it's warm out; and keeps you warmer when it is cold, even when damp with sweat or rain. Wool is a wonder material, and we should be moving back to it. Woollen base layers are absolutely great all your round, for comfort and warmth - you can get different weights of wool for different times of year. Woollen long-sleeve jersey-jackets are great for autumn through to spring. Merino arm warmers are great, and merino leg warmers are _essential_ in my book for the winter. You can get merino bib shorts, which are great when it's really cold.
Also, the old school jerseys just had much better designs. They couldn't just slap some patterns, textures and text into a computer and print it out. They had to stitch together different coloured panels, and embroider text on - which had to be done much more sparingly, so they had to think a lot harder about making a good design. There are a couple of companies out there making really good modern reproduction woollen jerseys of old race designs, and they look and work _great_.
The big down side to wool is it is more fragile. It tears and breaks more easily. Especially light weight jerseys. They may not last as long. However, when you throw them away, they become food for bugs and microbes - which you can't say for "modern", oil-based synthetics, which are terrible for the environment (shedding microfibres into water courses when you wash them; and not degrading when thrown away).
We really need to go back to natural, biodegradable, plant and animal fibres, inculding wool, if we want to consider our cycling to be environmentally friendly.
Wool... wonder material.
A previous version of this comment, I mentioned some of the brands selling merino gear and reproduction jerseys, but it seems GCN don't like that - comment got deleted.
Btw, some wool can be scratchy, and some people are more sensitive to wool than others, but good quality merino is super-fine and not itchy at all. Even old jerseys, the good quality ones were not itchy (and I have a few jersey from the 70s).