Ride in Style: Everything You Need to Know About Cycling Jerseys
For some people, cycling is a favoured mode of transport, and for others it’s a beloved hobby that pushes them to their limits. Regardless of why you love riding your bike, it’s safe to say that cycling is more than just a means of transport or a pastime. It’s a lifestyle that builds endurance and character.
Out of all the equipment for cyclists to choose from, one of the first items many tend to reach for is a cycling jersey, and for good reasons. These jerseys are engineered from lightweight fabrics that wick away moisture and keep you comfortable during long rides.
Cycling jerseys are one of the most versatile types of cycling apparel available. From materials that keep you warm in the cold to fabrics that help release trapped body heat, there are numerous factors to consider when buying cycling jerseys. Let’s look at some important facts to consider before heading to the store.
Why Wear a Cycling Jersey?
Most people think that all you need for cycling is a trusty bike, and at times that’s true. If you’re just commuting to work or taking a short ride to the store, the chances are your bike is just enough. However, as you start cycling more often, you notice the need for additional gear and accessories. When it comes to cycling gear, there is no better place to start than with a high-quality jersey to elevate your ride.
Here are some benefits of wearing a cycling jersey to look forward to for your next ride!
Elevated Comfort: Cycling jerseys offer superior comfort. Unlike your regular clothes, they are made of lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics. These jerseys allow trapped moisture to escape, keeping you dry and comfortable for your entire ride.
Sun Protection: Because cycling in summer can be dangerous for your skin, many cycling shirts offer excellent UV protection. This feature is extremely beneficial for long summer rides. Instead of slathering your entire body in sunscreen and feeling sticky all day, a cycling jersey offers the sun protection you need without any inconveniences.
Enhanced Visibility: Cycling in traffic or along a busy freeway can be dangerous for your life, especially if you’re wearing dark clothing. Most cycling apparel comes in bright, visible colours. This way, the cars driving past you can spot you from further away and know when to slow down.
Temperature Regulation: Cycling apparel is made from specific fabrics meant to withstand activity in any weather. Their breathable material composition allows trapped moisture to escape, keeping you cool in summer and dry and warm in winter. This allows you to cycle all year round with minimal worries about the weather.
Features That Matter Most
When choosing a new cycling jersey, you can’t just buy the first thing you see. There is a wide range of cycling apparel available, and what is right for someone else doesn’t mean it will also be right for you.
When selecting new endurance apparel, there are a few factors you must consider first!
Fit
The first thing you notice when you try a cycling shirt is how snug it feels around your torso. This isn’t just a design choice. It serves a specific purpose. Loose shirts easily catch wind, causing the fabric to flap around. Not only is this impractical, but it can also cause illness when exposing your skin for long periods.
There are many styles and fits available, the most popular being the relaxed and aero fits. Relaxed fits are perfect for recreational cyclists and city commutes, while aero fits are best for professional rides, as they offer superior aerodynamics.
Material
You should always look for jerseys made of technical fabrics such as nylon, polyester, or elastane. These fabrics are most commonly used to design sportswear. They are extremely lightweight, breathable, and don’t retain moisture. They dry fast, letting any excess moisture slip away through the thin fabrics. They also don’t retain odours, which makes them ideal for high-intensity activities.
Regular cotton shirts dry slower and retain odours, making them problematic for dynamic activities.
UV protection
If you like riding on the open road, then you probably know how dangerous the summer sun can be. Not only is harsh sunlight bad for your skin, but it can also be harmful for your health in the long run. The best way to protect yourself while cycling in summer is by buying a cycling shirt that has built-in UV protection. This is a practical feature to consider. Wearing sunscreen all over your body may reduce your ability to sweat, making it dangerous to ride in extreme heat.
Additional Features
Most cycling shirts have additional compartments and features, designed to make your journey lighter and that much easier. You should look for jerseys with sturdy, full-length zippers for easy ventilation, rear pockets to store your phone or other necessities, and, most importantly, reflective or bright accents to enhance your visibility.
How to Choose the Perfect One
Selecting the right cycling jersey can be tricky, especially for beginners. With so many options, styles and features to choose from, it’s common to be overwhelmed at first glance. But when you know what to look for, everything becomes significantly simpler.
If you’re buying your first cycling jersey, here are some important things you should consider!
Experience Level
It might be surprising to hear, but the type of cycling shirt you wear heavily depends on your experience level. If you're still a beginner, you should consider getting a more relaxed fit, but still made of high-performance fabrics. These shirts are easier to get used to and offer great comfort for beginners. If you are more experienced, consider upgrading to a technical jersey. These shirts fit snugly and offer superior aerodynamics.
Weather Conditions
The type of jersey you need also heavily depends on the weather outside. In summer, you should ideally wear short-sleeved jerseys made of lightweight fabrics that dry quickly and release excess heat. This helps you stay cool in dangerous heat. On the other hand, in winter you should opt for long-sleeved jerseys made from insulating materials to keep you warm.
Type of Cycling
For riding on smooth, even terrain, it’s recommended you wear a tight jersey that offers premium aerodynamics. Certain features such as full-length zippers and specific cuts for wind insulation are also ideal for quick adjustments and intense rides.
If your preferred riding terrain is a mountain trail, looser fabrics with a softer fit usually prove to be more durable in these conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when riding, you should always be prepared to the best of your abilities. The best way to control your riding speed, precision, and endurance is with proper apparel. Cycling shirts are extremely versatile clothes that allow you to ride for longer periods with minimal strain on your body.
For every beginner out there, good luck on this new journey, and for every professional, keep your head up and enjoy the view with your newest cycling jersey!
