Cycling jerseys

[b0redom]

When I first bought my current bike I bought a pair of Altura cycling shorts. Prior to that I was using a 10 year old mountain bike, and just wearing compression shorts under some knee length shorts.

I started getting more into the cycling, and bought a couple more pairs of Tesco shorts. Within about 10 mins of cycling I noticed the difference and have since binned them in favour of Endura FS260 pro bib shorts.

It seems that you get what you pay for in terms of shorts - fit, padding etc.

When it comes to cycling jerseys, are they all pretty much of a muchness, or is there something specific I should be looking for? They don't have any padding etc so as long as the fit is good, I should be able to wear anything right?

I seem to be spending a fortune on bits and pieces, but if it's worth the extra (like the shorts were) it is false economy to buy cheap...

 

[Will1985]

There is a big difference in jersey fabrics - some wick sweat a lot better than others. There are times when you will appreciate having a decent breathable wicking jersey which isn't much heavier than when you put it on. Compare that to a jersey which holds all the sweat and weighs several times as much as when dry.

I avoid Cofides/Carvalho for this reason. Stick with some of the big names like Endura, Santini or Nalini for decent jersey fabrics (I'm sure more can be added to these, but I haven't tried them).

 

[HJ]

And if you talk to Will1985 (the CC quartermaster) very nicely, he might even sell you a CycleChat jersey, very stylish...

 

[Will1985]

Thanks HJ My supplies are down to 1 now. Time to start working on a new order soon methinks.

 

[Theseus]

Do they come in fat boy sizes?

I just got a new XL one from the Embra Co-Op (own brand) and it's a bit snug.

 

[MacB]

I've got cheapo ones which I'm using for commuting but want to get a decent one for social rides. I'm afraid the nicest I've seen is the Rapha Classic. I want a merino wool one, the CTC one is £75 but ugly, the Rapha £125, but you get complimentary arm warmers thrown in(woohoo). Looked at the merino stuff from chocolate fish, didn't like, Ground Effect, again didn't like their shirts. Also looking at velo something or other a newish UK place that does traditional styles in merino blends.

I have a Rapha long sleeved one and it really is comfy, though I don't like the prices. But I'm getting round to justifying it on the grounds that I want something nice for the one or two soical rides I do each month.

 

[Wigsie]

Ingnore MacB he is a bit of a flash harry! I recently bought a couple of these bad boys http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=14939&categoryID=856 and they are great. No need to spend mega bucks on them really, just get them when they have a sale on.

 

[MacB]

Ingnore MacB he is a bit of a flash harry! I recently bought a couple of these bad boys http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=14939&categoryID=856 and they are great. No need to spend mega bucks on them really, just get them when they have a sale on.

at £20 they'd be fine for commuting but they are pretty ugly, okay for the likes of you, but maybe the OP has a little more style.

 

[dhague]

MacBludgeon,

Let me know how you get on with your search for the perfect merino jersey - I'm in the market for a couple as well (preferably in black). I love my Howies jersey, the only two problems being (a) no pockets, and ( Howies don't sell merino any more.

Cheers,
Darren

 

[ChrisKH]

I've got cheapo ones which I'm using for commuting but want to get a decent one for social rides. I'm afraid the nicest I've seen is the Rapha Classic. I want a merino wool one, the CTC one is £75 but ugly, the Rapha £125, but you get complimentary arm warmers thrown in(woohoo). Looked at the merino stuff from chocolate fish, didn't like, Ground Effect, again didn't like their shirts. Also looking at velo something or other a newish UK place that does traditional styles in merino blends.

I have a Rapha long sleeved one and it really is comfy, though I don't like the prices. But I'm getting round to justifying it on the grounds that I want something nice for the one or two soical rides I do each month.

It would appear that some of us are on a different salary bracket.

I'd love to buy Rapha but keep thinking I might get 'found out'.

 

[Wigsie]

at £20 they'd be fine for commuting but they are pretty ugly, okay for the likes of you, but maybe the OP has a little more style.

How very dare you!

I shall leave Aperitif to question your taste with your penis handle bars 'extensions'.

They actually look better than in the pics (i would upload a pic of me in my natty red one but for fear of exciting too many of the laydeees ), I used one on Sunday for a 60 mile 'Event' and it was great, kept me dry and cool, whipped sweat away nicely and has the venting in all the right places.

 

[MacB]

It would appear that some of us are on a different salary bracket.

I'd love to buy Rapha but keep thinking I might get 'found out'.

Chris, there are two reasons the Rapha purchase hasn't been made yet:-

1. I was convinced I could find something nice at a better price - failing so far

2. Jane is unlikely to agree with me on the requirement for a £125 cycling jersey. Some careful planning is required and will probably include the purchase of some fancy shoes for her So it's not just the price of the Rapha I have to consider. A fair amount of 'priming' has already occurred, mutterings about how you pay £70-80 for a decent nylon jersey. How much nicer, less whiffy and longer lasting wool is. Then there's the fact of just how ugly the SS jerseys I've already bought are, all part of the plan.

 

[Aperitif]

Buy 'Raph-ish' instead then Chris...how apt!
Specialized do stylish without too much ornament for the wider load. For me it's all a bit hit and miss (like my gear changing, direction finding etc ye yeh...)
Lusso are reasonable items form Spa Cycles. I agree with Willmilleneufcentquatrevingtcinq re: wicking ability - makes a tremendous difference - especially to those who radiate profusely. Far more comfortable.
Incidentally, does anyone remember the Rapha 'Tour de France' jersey that was commemorating the kick off of the TdF from London?
I was bought one of these - very kind...an XXL which, if it was stretched sleeve to sleeve, would span my back. Wearing was not an option! At 175 squids, it went back pronto!

Good padded bibs, and the rest will fall into place... (That sounds rubbish but you know what I mean

 

[jimboalee]

Cheapskate.
http://www.cycle-clothing.co.uk/Products/93/ccuk-enviro-red-rapidry-cycle-jersey-08.aspx

Proper job.
http://catalogs.giordanaforum.com/giordana_summer_2009/

 

[GinsbergBeard]

When I realised that was enjoying a daily commute, I quickly realised that wearing t-shirts every day was a pia. I paid a whopping £20 for a bog standard cycling top. After 2 years of commuting, i occasionally find a new jeresy to add to my collection, I now have a 'Marmite' & a 'Grateful Dead Steal your face'. Many comments on the Marmite top, the Dead gets less generalcomments, but enough to bring a smile to all concerned. Treat yourself occasionally, you are worth it!