Choosing the Right Cycling Jersey for You
Trust us when we say there are many really convincing reasons why cycling jerseys are above and beyond superior to a standard sports top. This is true no matter what style of riding you do and what level of rider you are. Why?
Breathability
Working up a sweat can be inevitable on the bike, even if it’s just the result of a quick dash to make the lights. Good cycling tops will come with mesh panels or are made from breathable material such as Lycra.
Wind and water-resistant
You’re not just a fair-weather cyclist! Well, even if you are, you can still get caught in the rain and wind. As we often say, there is no such thing as bad weather - just bad gear! Not here at BikeChain. We stock plenty of wind and water-proof cycling tops to keep you as warm and dry as possible year-round.
High-visibility
We’re all about staying as safe as possible out on the bike. Whether you’re talking bike jerseys with hi-vis reflective strips or simply super colourful jerseys that ‘pop’, you want to be visible to all traffic out on the road. A high visibility bike jersey is just what you need for peace of mind!
Practical
Your bike jersey is like your packhorse! The handy, deep pockets are made specifically to carry anything from snacks and water bidons to puncture repair kits, rolled-up jackets, gilets or cycling accessories such as warmers. You might feel like a donkey, but all these bits and bobs are vital for a safe and enjoyable time out on the bike, and, frankly, there are very few other places to store them!
Types of Bike Riding Jerseys
The type of riding you do will have a big influence on the best bike jersey for you. For off-road adventures, you’ll look for mountain bike or cross-country bike jerseys. This type of bike jersey offers a loose fit, giving you plenty of room to manoeuvre yourself and the bike. In contrast, a road bike jersey or even a triathlon jersey will sit very snug on the body and be as aerodynamic as possible.
What to Think About When Buying a Cycling Jersey
Keep these questions top of mind to help inform your bike jersey buying decisions!
Is the top for hot weather or cold weather? A short sleeve may be ideal for summer and a long sleeve for winter. But not always! Some cyclists deliberately wear highly breathable long-sleeve bike jerseys in summer so as to protect their arms from scratches and sunburn.
How snug a fit are you after? Many brands, including Santini, will offer different designs depending on how aero or form-fitting you like your bike riding jerseys.
Do you have to carry a lot when you’re out riding? If you’re training for an endurance event or if you’re a bicycle purist who doesn’t like anything attached to the frame, then you carry a lot on your rides. Remember those deep pockets we mentioned earlier? Make sure your bike-riding jersey offers plenty of them!
Is branding important? Many brands make a big deal about badging their jerseys with eye-catching logos or instantly recognisable styling. Equally, major events such as the World Championships result in iconic, special release jerseys. If branding is going to motivate you or make you feel particularly good out on the bike, then keep this in mind.
What’s the Difference Between Cycling Jerseys and a Normal Jersey?
We go into this in more detail in an earlier question above, but key factors differentiating one from the other include:
Material - specific breathable fabric.
Form-fitting - road riding jerseys, in particular, will be tight to very tight-fitting, whilst a mountain bike jersey is a lot more forgiving.
Water and wind-resistant - essential, even if you try to go out only when the sun is shining!
Pockets - you want somewhere to store your stuff and make it easy to get hold of items.
Visibility - you can never make yourself too visible to other road users.
How Should Cycling Jerseys Fit?
Suppose you’re a road cyclist or triathlete. In that case, you will gravitate to a very form-fitting bike jersey that will be as aerodynamic as possible whilst still keeping your body breathing and feeling comfortable. Our handy bike jersey size chart will help you find the best bike jersey for you. However, to err on the side of caution, you probably would choose a dress size up rather than down if you are unsure, as road-riding jerseys are typically such a snug fit. In contrast, a mountain biking jersey or a cross-country mountain bike jersey has more give. Indeed, this style of bike jersey offers a loose fit, allowing you plenty of room to move your body and guide your bike along the line.
Contact Us About a Bike Jersey Today
Do you have questions about cycling jerseys that remain unanswered? We’re here to help you! Contact our friendly team with any questions you have about cycling jerseys. We’d be delighted to hear from you. Indeed, the sooner you’re on your bike, in a fantastic-fitting riding top and feeling great, the happier we are!
