What to Look for When Buying a Cycling Jersey
You’re in the market for a cycling jersey, but you’re not quite sure what you want. There are words like ‘athletic,’ ‘fitted,’ and ‘comfort.’ Shouldn’t you want all three?—and UPF?—And—And—And they all claim to be breathable, but you disagree with that last jersey you had. Cycling apparel is an important investment in any sport. When you’re cycling, a good jersey should feel comfortable, be easy to move in, and be breathable-wicking fabrics will keep you dry, even when you’re going hard. The fabric also protects you from UV radiation (cyclists spend a lot of time outside in the sun) in case you fall off the bike.
Additionally, good cycling jerseys make you look professional, make you feel great when you’re out on the bike, and help you fit into the cycling community. Whether you’re new to cycling or have been looking for the perfect jersey for years, here are some guidelines on what you can expect to encounter in your search for the perfect cycling jersey.
WHICH KIND OF CYCLING JERSEY DO I NEED?
A good cycling jersey is defined by a number of factors, including fabric, fit, features, and design. The ideal jersey should fit you well, wick sweat, and keep you ventilated when it’s hot. When it comes to performance, aerodynamics is essential. In addition, cycle jerseys will feature an ergonomic cut to reflect the position of the body on the bike – particularly with tighter-fitting road and MTB race jerseys, while gravity MTB jerseys will have a looser cut to allow for armor to be worn under the jersey.
Cycling jerseys also feature features such as rear pockets (for food storage and spare tubes) in road/XC jerseys and reinforced sleeves on trail MTB jerseys. Race jerseys must reflect the position of the body on the bike – more so with road and MTB race jerseys with a tighter fit, as gravity MTB jerseys are cut looser to allow armor to be worn underneath. There are also additional features on cycling jerseys, such as rear pockets (for your food stash and spare tubes) in road/cross country jerseys and reinforced sleeves in mountain bike jerseys.
Jersey – Long Sleeves – MTB
Short sleeves are for summer, long sleeves for winter. But it isn’t quite that simple. In summer, very lightweight long-sleeve cycling jerseys provide an extra layer of sun protection for pale-skinned riders. A mid-layer MTB jersey with long sleeves (or ‘baggies’) differs from a road cycling jersey in its looser fit, which reflects the more upright riding position, the need to shift weight more on the bike, and the lower priority of aerodynamic efficiency. Most trail riders wear them during the cooler months from autumn to spring, often as part of a layered clothing system (with a base layer and outer layers).In contrast, Downhill (DH) and Freeride (FR) jerseys are typically long-sleeved, loose-fitting, and pocket-free, with riders choosing a size larger than normal so that body armor can be worn underneath.
Mountain bike jerseys
Clothing for MTB clothing should be extra durable, reflecting the rough and ready nature of this restyle.MTB jerseys are looser so you can move freely. In disciplines such as downhill mountain biking, body armor can be accommodated with a looser fit. Long sleeves are worn by some riders year-round as they provide protection from overgrown trails and branches. These jerseys also include a goggle wipe in the zippered rear pocket. Additionally, some of these jerseys come with hoods to keep you warm before, between, or after your run.
Many cross-country mountain biking jerseys take their style cues and fit from road cycling jerseys with their tight-fitting lycra for high speeds. The MTB jerseys come in a Signature Profit. This style uses the latest fabric technology and has been designed for racing. The jerseys were developed with the Canyon Factory Racing Enduro team.
MTB – Short Sleeve
MTB short sleeve jerseys can be casual or more aerodynamic, similar to road jerseys. In fact, ‘racing’ MTB short sleeves and road short sleeves are fundamentally the same, with the only difference being the prevalence of pro team logos on road jerseys.MTB jerseys are often made from activewear fabrics such as t-shirts. For the summer season, lightweight garments should offer excellent breathability, good wicking properties, and excellent ventilation. Often used by gravel riders due to their loose fit and flexibility when shifting on the bike, unlike tighter, more aerodynamic road jerseys.
Road cycling jerseys
Most road jerseys are designed with ergonomics in mind, taking into account how the body shape of a road cyclist changes when he or she is crouched over the handlebars. In this position, the rear and sleeves of the garment will be pulled up so the arms are longer to ensure complete coverage. It is common for road jerseys to feature an extended back or ‘drop tail’ at the rear to prevent the jersey from riding up and exposing your back (useful for preventing wheel-spray). Due to their history, jerseys are most commonly associated with road cycling. Professional road cyclists have worn jerseys adorned with the logos and/or sponsors of their teams for decades. In some races, such as the Tour de France, a jersey is presented to the winner.
A cycling jersey’s fit is the most important factor. When you reach for the drops of your road bike, your skin won’t be exposed. They might even be a little tighter across the shoulders. Adopt the riding position and feel how it feels. Long-sleeve road jerseys are generally worn during the colder autumn-to-spring months, usually layered under a base layer, jersey, gilet, or jacket, or on their own when the weather warms up. Due to their intended use in cool weather, they might feature more insulation. Then short sleeve jerseys and less ventilation (mesh panels, etc.).
Technical t-shirts
If you’re riding at 7am but meeting friends for lunch at 12, we have just the solution. If you prefer a more casual look, a technical t-shirt is perfect. They have a lot of technical features like quick-drying fabrics, but with the classic fit of a t-shirt. They’re especially popular with mountain bikers going to the bike park and urban cyclists who don’t want to wear their best clothes while commuting. Jerseys are available in a variety of colors and with long or short sleeves for year-round riding.
Gravel cycling jersey
With gravel cycling on the rise, we’ve got you covered with a variety of gravel-specific apparel. Gravel-specific apparel combines elements of both road cycling and mountain biking. Although gravel jerseys are tighter than most mountain biking jerseys, they are not as tight as road jerseys. They’re made of the same durable fabrics as their mountain bike counterparts. But is still lightweight enough to keep your speed up. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Jersey for cycling bagsThese lightweight, airy jerseys are designed to accommodate body armor when downhill mountain biking. In the event of a crash, elbows and sleeves may be reinforced.
Jackets for bicycles
Wearing outerwear designed specifically for mountain biking is less common. Outerwear designed specifically for mountain biking is generally made of more durable materials. In order to get better wind protection, it is best to go for a cycling-specific design, as it will be tailored to provide comfort on your shoulders and coverage when you lean forward in your saddle. The hood should be compatible with helmets as well.
Athletic Road Jersey
The most common cycling jersey you’ll see is the athletic road jersey. It falls somewhere between a pro-level road bike jersey and a recreational/comfort jersey. The jerseys often have a form-fitting cut, storage pockets, and are generally inexpensive compared to professional garments. Sleeves often have grips to hold them in place while moving, and the material is stretchy. A quality road bike jersey will provide comfort, efficiency, and performance to any rider.
