Cycling Jerseys

Welcome to CyclingJerseys.com

How to Recognize and Buy Quality Bike Clothing

Bike Jerseys:

Features to look for in quality cycling jerseys:

1.  Wicking material, ventilated fabric that breaths and pulls the sweat away from your body so you stay dry. *TIP: read the fabric content label.

2.  A good fit, cycling jerseys should be  form-fitting to reduce flapping. Cycling jerseys  should be comfortably snug, not loose.  If a jersey is too large the pockets will fall to the side when filled, if it is too small it will not vent or wick properly and may chaff. *TIP: try on the jersey and bend forward into a riding position to test the length, arm fit, collar feel, zipper, and size.

3.  Stand-up collar to seal in body heat in cool weather. *TIP: test that you are able to zip and unzip the collar easily and that the zipper is comfortable under your chin.

4.  Long front zipper for ventilation when your temperature rises. *TIP: zip up to stay warm, zip down to cool off.

5.  Shoulders cut wider for arms-forward comfort. *TIP: again test your position bending forward while trying on the jersey.

6.  Sleeves specially shaped for forward lean. Sleeves should also be long enough to overlap over arm warmers to avoid a gap. *TIP: sleeves are a personal choice, they are available with and without elastic or stitching.

7.  Conveniently placed pockets; 3 back pockets are highly recommended to hold gear.  *TIP: balance your pockets - Food bars / Jacket / Cell Phone & ID.

8.  Good Length. *TIP: jerseys length is different depending on the brand and design.  Generally the bottom of the pockets on the back of your jersey should fall just above the top of the waistline of your cycling shorts while bending forward in a ride position. 

9.  Waistline: jerseys are made with thin elastic, wide elastic and no elastic = this is a personal choice for comfort, although having a jersey that will not flap in the wind and will cover you completely without gaps is recommended.

10.  Buy a design you feel good wearing. If your clothing is comfortable and expresses your style you will feel good about wearing it and will be more inclined to ride your bike.

*Event Jersey Overload*

TIP: Before you buy a jersey from a bicycle event contact the event coordinators and ask WHO the custom maker of the event jerseys will be.  Over time you will know if custom bike jersey manufacturers such as Voler, Hincapie, Primal Wear will fit you. Don't buy the jersey if it doesn't fit you.  If the jersey is included in the event entry and you know the bike jersey will not fit you, ask if you can donate it instead of receiving the jersey.

Biking Shorts

Yes, it is important to wear cycling specific shorts for cycling.  Cycling shorts are made to wick away sweat keeping you more comfortable during your ride. Cycling Shorts provide more comfort encouraging more days of riding. The chamois is designed and intended to avoid chaffing and add padding between yourself and the bike saddle.

Features to look for in quality cycling shorts:

1.   Good wicking material

2.  Multi-panel construction for comfort

3.  No seams in sensitive areas or in areas that will contact the saddle.

4.  Smooth, soft saddle pad to minimize friction and cushion bumps

5.  Longer-cut legs and leg grippers to prevent saddle chafing and keep shorts in place

*Fit Varies*

TIP: brands vary greatly in fit and leg circumference.  It is important to try any shorts on before buying, bike shorts are a much more difficult fit than bike jerseys.

Cycling Jackets

Jackets are an essential but expensive item.  Buy wisely and you will only need to buy one.  A good Jacket is worth the price. A wicking, breathable, wind proof and water proof jacket is ideal. Buying a good quality cycling jacket will allow you to keep riding as the conditions vary, keeping you dry and warm.  A non-wicking non-breathable jacket will have you encapsulated in your own sweat, wet and cold in no time, making your ride experience very uncomfortable.

Features to look for in a quality cycling jacket:

1.  wicking

2.  breathable

3.  wind proof

4.  water proof

5. visible color

Bike Gloves

You may think of cycling gloves as an extra features, but gloves are an essential item. Gloves offer padding to avoid hand, arm and neck discomfort. They reportedly ward off possible nerve damage, protect against the elements, allow you to somewhat relax your grip on the handlebars, absorb sweat for a safer grip, allow you to wipe away sweat, and protect your skin from the sun, wind and cold.

Features to look for in quality cycling gloves:

1.  half gloves (without full fingers) for use in hot weather

2.  full gloves (with fingers) for use in cold weather.

3.  stretchable comfortable fabric.

4.  padding on the palm will not interfere with your ability to comfortably close your hand around the bike handlebar . The bike glove should not have any "annoying spots".

Cycling Socks

Socks are very important to keeping your feet dry and blister free. When you exercise heavily, your feet can produce as much as a cup of perspiration. In winter, this can lead to cold feet. In summer, it often means blisters unless you wear polyester or polypropylene socks that wick the perspiration away. Avoid cotton socks for all but light workouts.

Features to look for in cycling socks:

1.  wicking

2.  good fit; not too big or too small

*Size & Material Matters*

TIP: socks that are too large will cause blisters or bunching in your shoe.  Socks that are too small will interfere with foot function and the wicking ability of the sock material.