General Cycling Discussion - Cycling shorts and jersey sizes...

So finally got a road bike after riding mountain bikes. Never needed or got into cycling shorts. After riding a while on my roadbike I might want to get myself some shorts and maybe a jersey. So what have you guys found to be true about sizes? I wear around a 31-32 waist, and probably in between a large and medium shirt so I could wear both...right at 6ft tall. I'm not sure if a large wouldn't be snug enough or if a medium would be to tight...any help is appreciated, thanks in advance!

All brands are different. Try them on to be sure.

^^^

Yeah, every brand is different.

If I had to choose, I'd say bike stuff runs a size small. For you, I'd get the M jersey before I got the L.

This is a huge problem IMO with online retail stuff. The return shipping can kill you if you get the size wrong. It's a shame that Zappos doesn't have an even half-decent section.

Unfortunatley, I've found a difference of at least 1 size is common across brands. Also, look out for "race fit" stuff , which will be even smaller. Best way is to be able to try stuff on and/or return it.

I personnally like a little extra size in the jersey, especially for group, training rides. It's just more comfortable and doesn't really cost much in terms of aerodynamics, etc.... On the other hand, shorts that are too big can bunch up and be problematic.... but there is a lot of preference involved here.

Most websites have size charts for shorts, jerseys, vests, arm warmers, etc.

Was wanting to get something off like ebay, so wouldn't be able to try on anything...Anyone have experience with any ebay stores?

Go to LBS and try stuff on. Even if you don't purchase, it will give you an idea about how they fit. Me? I'm exactly between a med and lg for most jerseys. Even though I can fit into it, med tends to be a little too uncomfortable, so I bump it up one size. Even shirts of the same brand fit differently. I have 2 L-G shirts and one fits well and the other is slightly big. IMO it's always better to try it on before you buy.

Was wanting to get something off like ebay, so wouldn't be able to try on anything...Anyone have experience with any ebay stores?

You can send stuff back if it doesn't fit. Check return policy but most legit web retailers do this regularly.Leave all the labels on when you try it. To cut down on time, you can order two sizes and keep the one that fits. Once you figure out what sizes in what brands work, you can stick with it.

Many ebay sellers give measurements of their jerseys, usually armpit to armpit, collar to hem.
Measure one of your t-shirts that you like and compare.
Sizes seem to run small, even in "Club Cut" - but there are some great deals.

I'm the same size waist, 175lbs. I wear a medium in Pearl Izumi for both shorts and jerseys. For Giordana and Sugoi I'm a large in shorts/bibs. I'm a medium in every jersey I've tried (Hincapie, Giordana, Garneau, Izumi.) European companies generally run small, hence the term "euro-cut." Before buying something that I can't try on I search for reviews to see what people say about sizing. It usually gets me right where I need to be.

As far as eBay is concerned, just be careful about buying knock-off team gear. It's often cheaply made by no-name manufacturers.