What To Look For
Qualities of cycling jerseys make them unique to cycling. Look for a long back, with elastic around the waist and arms. This design is to keep the jersey from pulling up your back and arms and minimize drag when you're bent forward riding. Hold the jersey up in your hands and look at it; the back of the jersey should hang down in back about two inches longer than the front. The jersey should also have three large pockets in the back for storing gear and snacks. Cyling jerseys should also have a zipper that runs down the front to open for ventilation when it's hot, or close to conserve heat when it's cool. Jerseys should be soft and silky against your skin and colorful so motorists see you on the highway.
Common Pitfalls
Jersey makers often have miscalculated sizing charts. Jerseys always differ in their sizing. A man's jersey that is sized extra large is sometimes barely big enough to fit an average sized man with a 42-inch chest. An average sized woman with a 36-inch chest will usually need large or extra large. The most common pitfall of cycling jerseys is buying them too small.
Where To Buy
Your local cycling shop is the best place to buy cycling jerseys. The salesmen there are also cyclists and can tell you the benefits of one jersey over another.The best place to buy jerseys is REI. They have great selections and you get to try them on in a dressing room. The next best place to buy a jersey is online through Bike Nashbar, or Performance cycling. But be aware of the odd sizing charts and make sure you order the right size. If you do order the wrong size, they will gladly exchange the jersey for the next size up or down. These two stores have the best selections available. Look for frequent close-out sales with drastically low prices.
Cost
Top of the line Moisture Transfer fabric used by Primal Wear in their jerseys is good for all weather conditions and runs about $60. Pearl Azumi is another top-rated jersey. They use a product called Select Transfer fabric that runs about 80 bucks. For more economic pricing, buy a Nashbar or Performance brand jersey made from polyester for about $25 when they go on sale, which happens often. Sugoi jerseys run $30 to $60, Bellweather about $50, Cannondale about $60, and De Marchi jerseys cost $40 to $80.
Comparison Shopping
Jerseys are made from different types of Lycra, nylon, polyester and other composite materials specific to their manufacturer. The great thing about brand-name jerseys is their hip designs. If you are into art, or having the coolest logos, a brand name is for you. If you want economy, buy a Nashbar or Performance for half the price. Other comparisons are fabric. With all the different blends of nylon and polyester, its really hard to tell the difference between coolmax, goretex, and plain old polyester except for the price.
Accessories
Accessories for cycling jerseys might include under-armor, which is a sleeveless tank-top that fits under your jersey. Under-armor is fabric that wicks away moisture from your skin and used when its cold, but thin cotton underwear tank tops work almost just as well for a fraction of the cost. Some jerseys come with a thin nylon hood sewn into the jersey and tucks away in the back.
Insider Tips
First-time buyers of cycling jerseys should be aware of a certain fit of cycling jerseys. Cycling jerseys hide nothing. They are designed to fit snug and with the silky fabric of cycling jerseys, every bump, bulge or body contour will show. If you have something you don't want advertised to the world when you're riding, buy your jersey a size bigger than recommended. Many cyclists don't like the tight fit of cycling jerseys, and a bit of a breeze rippling loose fabric as you ride can be quite pleasant anyway.
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