EastTennesseeBP

HI Guys,

I have been riding for quite sometime now, but never really rode with very orthadox clothing for the job. I recently bought a Bianchi Volope road bike instead of using my older Cannondale MTB on paved roads. I traded in my heavy jeans and cargo shorts for a pair of black padded spandex riding shorts. I recieved a bright pearl izumi jacket, and now have a 100oz camelbak for those longer rides.

Thats about where I am right now. The warm season is fast approaching in East Tennessee, and I want to be ready for the rest of my outfit you could say. What would be my next step as far as a shirt goes. There seems so to be so much to choose from as far as rider tops/jerseys go. I dont want to spend a $100+ but I would like something that is adequate though. Any kind of recomendations would be aprecieted, and any online stores would be great as well.

Thanks.

bbattle

Check out Performance Bike's jerseys. I've got a red one and like it just fine. $20.

More expensive ones by Descente, Louis Garneau, etc. are a bit nicer but you can always buy one when they are on sale; the differences may or may not be worth the extra cost to you.

My chest is 38-39" and I wear mediums in most brands; If the jersey is too loose it'll flap a bit but that's probably better than it being too tight. European jerseys run smaller; a medium Performance jersey is a large or extra large in Europe so check chest sizes before ordering.

A lot of people recommend Voler and their website has a lot of info. on how they make their jerseys, the differences between raglan and set-in sleeves, etc. www.voler.com

Other sites are nashbar, supergo, bikesomewhere.com, www.bikejerseys.com

Keith99

Sorry I don't have any site suggestions. Look for closeouts. Last years hot seller is this years closeout. To me there are two important things. I always want a jersey bright enough that no one will ever believe the guy who hit me did not see me. He might claim he was blinded by the jersey however. The second is having a least a couple of jerseys with at least a 3/4 length zipper.

Oh and if you find affordable shorts that you really like buy some spares. If you wait until the ones you use are getting old you will find they have been discontinued.

here and there

I don't wear jerseys because I find poly-dri/wicking shirts at the "five dollar store" we have around here. I've never paid more than $10 for a wicking shirt. I would suggest looking at discount stores and Target. Discount stores often get the bright colors that don't sell in the big stores and I know at target they have some bright wicking shirts for $10. I recently bought a bright blue one and like it a lot.

chromedome

Theres another thread just like this in this forum.
A little loose and flappy is more comfy in hot weather than too tight. Here and There said they find wicking shirts at dollar stores, and those can be a little more stylish to wear off the bike than true bike shirts.

stapfam

Lots of clothing out there- some not as good as others. If you are prone to colder weather- look for a long sleeve top made of "Roubaix" material. Then I would get a Showerproof that packs down small. this also acts as a windproof aswell and they need not be that expensive. Then there is the helmet that you have not mentioned but I presume you have one of these.

Over the years I have aquired quite a bit of clothing like 4 short sleeve tops- two long sleeve, 5 pairs of shorts, a Goretex waterproof top, A showerproof riding Smock, two thick overtops that I rarely wear, and the final is a Pertex top. The ultimate in windproofing that packs into a fist sized ball and goes on every ride. Clothing is personal and I always try before I buy. A bad fiiting pair of shorts or flappy shirt is not comfortable.

oilfreeandhappy

I looked up cycling jerseys on E-Bay, and there are a ton of them. A lot depends on whether you want to advertise for one of the Manufacturers, or just wear something fun, functional, and colorful.

Sluggo

I a a wool fan. You can buy nice functional wool jerseys from Rivendell, Kucharik, Ibex, and other places.

When east Tennessee summer comes rolling around and it gets hot and humid, I go for plain old cotton t-shirts, though I miss the jersey back pocket.

EastTennesseeBP

Thanks guys for all the good suggestions. I will have to check out some of those sites Bbattle, that gives me a good starting point, thanks alot.

I can see clothing is pretty much a matter of preference. I was thinking that a jersey that had wicking properties might do better than regular cotton, I have always worn normal t-shirts/tanktops, and I was hoping to find something that despersed sweat a little bit better or didnt trap my heat in.

I probably will have to try some on at a LBS, because sizing seems to vary, and I know I dont want anything oversized or too snug. Thanks for all the suggestions guys, much apprecieted.