Difference between replica and team issue cycling jerseys

[rliu]

I've got a couple of replica jerseys myself and have been enjoying getting in the fan boy mentality, but just wondered if anybody has splashed out a bit extra for the team issue jerseys, that is the ones that are supposed to be exactly the same as the ones worn by the pros and cost about £90 RRP as opposed to 60-65, and whether they noticed any superiority for their extra cash spent.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I have team edition kit which was given to me by the team in question, its colours are different to the replica kits as its designed to show up well on TV.
It also has a vastly better fit and a high quality pad in the shorts than what I have seen on some replica kits

 

[rliu]

By better fit do you mean more flexible materials? Because I certainly can't see fitting 6 bottles into the back of my replica jersey for ferrying from the team car to the peloton

 

[Nearly there]

Do football fans get the same kit their idols wear?

 

[Accy cyclist]

Do football fans get the same kit their idols wear?

They do but the kits vary in quality depending on who makes them.

 

[Drago]

They've one thing in common - unless you're a team member you look like a bit of a berk wearing them.

 

[dellzeqq]

They've one thing in common - unless you're a team member you look like a bit of a berk wearing them.

don't the words 'piss on chips' mean anything to you?

 

[Deleted member 26715]

don't the words '**** on chips' mean anything to you?

Can you explain the relevance of 'Salt on chips' in relation to cycling jersey's?

Alan...

 

[zizou]

The most noticeable difference is that the team issue jerseys have full length zips whereas most replica only have the short zip.
Material wise then team issue jerseys vary from brand to brand. Usually they all have a normal weight one but also a summer weight one and also different fit and materials (i have a highroad one and the material on the arms is lycra for a closer fit). The summer weight one are thin and mesh like and wont last long.

IMO they are nice to have but not really so suitable for regular riding (whereas the replica tops, despite it not being so nice could be worn day in day out). For the price of pro issue jerseys you are getting to Assos or Rapha levels and the Assos / Rapha gear is much better in quality and will last longer.

(the garmin team issue clothes are a bit of an exception to this - going for last years kit can be a cheaper way to get the high end Castelli shorts)

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

By better fit do you mean more flexible materials?

For example the team kit i have fits round the thigh exceptionally well, its not tight and has a reasonable amount of grip (rubber strip, not sure how else to descibe it) to stop it from moving up the leg. The replica kit I have by contrast is tighter round the leg with less grip on it. it uses pressure of the tight fit to prevent it from moving.
The materials also simply have a different feel to them to touch and I find my body heat is regulated better in the real kit, where in my replica kit I find that I can get a little cold at times

 

[on the road]

don't the words '**** on chips' mean anything to you?

I think you mean chip on shoulder.

 

[Lanzecki]

You pay a massive price for clothing that's got a sponsors logo splattered all over it. That's free advertising for the company.

Once someone pays me and gives me the kit for free, then I'll wear it.

Drago's very right though.

 

[Rob3rt]

By better fit do you mean more flexible materials?

Not really no, although the materials may be better (not necessarily more flexible), the pro kit (and non team livery high end clothing) is generally a better cut (shaped to fit your body), i.e. snug around the arm's, short and narrow in the front to avoid bunching when in the cycling position, minimal seams on shorts, a good pad that had been placed in the right place in the shorts, a good leg gripper that relies on a good design and materials rather than excessive tightness etc.

It is hard to describe the difference between budget and high end clothing without just sounding like a snob or a sissy, you really need to try it on to understand.

 

[gambatte]

I hope the replica kit is longer lasting than the team kit. I remember watching Lizzie Armistead get her Olympic Silver for Team GB, crossing the line in the rain. The logos on her kit had definitely run

 

[Muguruki]

You also get an extra pocket half way up yer back in the bib shorts to put your race radio in.