Cycling Jerseys

You don't have to be Lance Armstrong to get some benefit from wearing a bicycle jersey. Whether you are a beginning recreational rider or a hardcore rider, a jersey will offer several benefits.

FABRIC
The fabric used in bicycle jerseys is designed to wick moisture away from your skin keeping you cooler and more comfortable in warm weather. This wicking effect also helps prevent getting chilled during cold weather rides.

The fabric in most bike jerseys is made from polyester and the fibers/fabric are designed in such a way to help pull moisture from the skin.

The three main methods are :

1. Increasing the surface area of the individual fibers increasing evaporation.
2. Constructing the fabric so there is a "waffle-like" texture that exposes more of the fibers to air and thus increasing evaporation of perspiration.
3. Creating a fabric where the fibers that are against the skin are ‘hydrophobic’ or don’t like absorbing moisture and the fibers on the outside of the jersey are ‘hydrophilic’ or like holding moisture. What happens is that when you perspire, the fabric creates a ‘push-pull’ effect where the moisture is pulled away from your skin to the outer surface of the jersey where it can evaporate more quickly.

Will wearing a bike jersey prevent all perspiration buildup? No...but a cycling jersey works much better than a garment made out of cotton or many other "performance enhanced" fabrics.

I have worn jerseys from most manufacturers and the fabrics have improved so much in the last 10 years that I cannot see any significant difference in effectiveness between different manufacturer’s offerings. Some of the better known fabrics are Euromesh, DryCore

OTHER FEATURES
Some of the other features to look for in a good cycling jersey are:

1. A long zipper in front, for increased ventilation on hot days
2. Pockets in the rear for carrying small items such as a snack, wallet, spare tube or even a lightweight rain jacket. Some jerseys have three elasticized pockets and some have a smaller zippered pocket. Personal preference determines your choice.
3. A good jersey should be cut slightly longer in the back so that when you are in the slightly bent over ‘cycling position’ you are not treating the people behind you with the cycling version of ‘plumber’s crack’

FIT
The fit of jerseys can be split into three general categories.

1. Racer fit-snug fitting like you see the riders using in the Tour de France. Elasticsized waist and arms and tapers from the shoulders to the waist to fit a more athletic build. Many European-made jerseys fit into this category.
2. Club fit-slightly looser fit that fits a broader range of cylists.
3. Casual fit-is fuller cut and fits more like a t-shirt. Usually doesn’t have elasticized waist and is the loosest fitting of jersey styles. Also called "recreational fit".

How a jersey should fit is personal preference. There is no consistent standardization among manufacturers on their sizing, but most manufacturers list a chest measurement that is recommended for each size. This is just a guideline and is usually accurate, but personal preference (if you prefer a snug or loose fit) can determine what size you choose.

Be sure if you are buying online or through a catalog, that the seller allows returns and exchanges just in case you prefer a different size or style.

If you currently have a bike jersey (or even a polo shirt or t-shirt) in which you are happy with the fit, what I recommend is to lay the garment flat and measure across the chest at armpit level, from armpit seam to armpit seam and compare this measurement with the measurement of the garment you are interested in buying.  This should help you narrow down the right size choice.

Jerseys come in a variety of designs from low-key to extravagant. Some of the popular ones today are replicas of jerseys that the pro teams wear, ones that feature a nostalgic product, your favorite rock band or another creative design.

If you ride in traffic frequently, consider getting a color that the cars will easily notice.

Click on the following link to view our large selection of short sleeve jerseys: CLICK HERE for Shortsleeve

Besides the traditional short sleeve jersey, there are sleeveless jerseys for the hottest days.

Click on the following link to view our selection of sleeveless jerseys: CLICK HERE for sleeveless

And longsleeve jerseys made in a variety of materials that are suitable for riding in temperatures from the low 60s down into the 30s.

Click on the following link to view our longsleeve jerseys: CLICK HERE for longsleeve

Jerseys come in a variety of great designs

Click on the following link to view our great-looking Primal jerseys: CLICK HERE for Primal Wear jerseys

Happy Cycling!

LOVE2PEDAL