DenDen06

Do cycling jerseys and cycling socks really make a difference?

I have riding shorts, but I do not have the jerseys with the pockets on the back. I have a saddle bag with all the essentials (CO2, Tube, Tire Levers, Gu), and when I need a Gu or a Shot Block, I stop and take a break since I am not super hardcore yet. Is a jersey just for easy storage, fashion, a sign of affluence, or all?

Currently, I wear running shirts and socks since they are cheaper and wick away sweat just as cycling gear would.

Are cycling socks really that different from running socks?

Since I am a noob.... I would like to know what dedicated cyclists think about people that do not have the jerseys, but still ride the roads.

Not that negative opinons or impressions would affect my clothing choices, I am just curious.

lhorn

I resisted the cycling clothes for a while but the pockets are nice. The fact that the jersey is longer in the back is nice (so it doesn't ride up). Other than this, I don't think there is much difference. You can get jerseys on sale at Nashbar etc pretty cheap so there really isn't a good reason not to use them unless you are well stocked with running shirts already.
I just use any old ankle length socks so couldn't tell you about that.

panamapete

jerseys definitely make you faster... at least 7-10 mph faster.... at least.......... i think they just make the "whole look" complete, but you can open them up and get more air to cool off and the storage is nice, as for socks if im gonna ride to the gym i either go barefoot (no sock), or just wear my gym socks and have my gym shoes in a bag.

DenDen06

I am a woman, so I wouldn't really want to ride with my jersey open. My husband might get jealous.

grwoolf

Jersey's are nice if you are carrying stuff or riding in a group and can't stop to grab something. Not needed though.

Socks aren't anything special, but I like thicker socks for running vs. thin socks for cycling.

I also would recommend gloves, mostly because they will protect your hands in a fall.

Glasses are also a must have for eye protection from bugs and flying rocks, etc., particularly if you start riding in groups. $7 safety glasses do the trick and actually look a lot like cycling glasses.

AlexZ

Why use jerseys that are made for biking and don't rise up in the back?
Why do I need pockets when I can carry a suit case under the seat?
Why wear socks which wick away moisture from my feet? The fungus grows so much better in damp sweat!
Why wear socks without seams and miss out on the scraped-up toes from the seams?

Hell, if I buy the proper clothes for the sport someone might think me a snob.....

panamapete

uhhhh at least youll always have a riding partner duhhh... lol my bad ahahah, well you can always vent it open a bit, not exactly sure what women would/do wear underneath, maybe some other ladies could give some ideas but really the storage is the biggest plus to riding with a jersey

KiuBWhy

In comparison with Running gear, assuming its tight fitting, I would say that it doesn't make huge differences. However, mind over matter...whatever makes you feel more comfortable/confident, will probably assist in the overall performance area.

dstrong 

Do you have running shirts and socks because you run or just because they are cheaper?

Jerseys not only provide useful storage (I keep my cell phone/money clip in one pocket, nutrition in another and my cleat covers in the other) but as previously mentioned, they're cut to be comfortable in the riding position and also are tight fitting so as not to flap around at speed.

As far as socks are concerned, some are designed so that the seam across the toe is actually on the outside of the sock, instead of on the inside where it can rub and cause blisters. Lately I've become a fan of Wooleators by DeFeet...they make an XL (some companies don't make XLs and they're too tight on my feet) and the wool wicks away the sweat quite nicely.

panamapete

and you forgot about

Why go to starbucks to get my venti double macchiato, soy milk, non fat non dairy whipping, with chocolate sprinkles!! when you can just go to 711

dstrong 

It helps to keep you cool.

c_mack9

i rode all summer in a running tank. it is lighter and has less material touching my skin which is nice when its really hot out. jerseys are cut for you to be with your arms forward in your riding position which makes them comfortable but i hate the zippers in the front and how high they come up on my neck. running gear works great but def get some good bibs with a nice chamois. they are worth the money and make you ride longer without stops.

dcvelo

I was expecting the classic Liz Hatch shot, but this works...

DenDen06

I wouldn't think someone is a snob with all the proper gear, but I have been stared down by people dressed for the sport.
Just saying....

riderlife

what iv noticed is that jerseys are nice for long rides Because you can put your snacks in them, they are extremely breathable and can control the ventilation if you have a zipper and they are just all around more comfortable. After riding with cycling socks or extremely thin non-padded running socks i will never go back, they give you way better breathability, shoe fit, and most importantly better blood circulation. regular socks at least for me make my toes go numb.

DenDen06

that makes sense.

the storage is tempting ...

jeepseahawk

I don't mind wearing a jersey and the shorts but I refuse to be a companies billboard unless they give me half off or royalties. That is what I don't understand, why the kits for a training ride, seems one who was training would wear something heavier to gain an advantage on game day. I just wish there was a better variety of bicycle attire with just solid colors, no advertising.

hhnngg1

The only advantage whatsoever that I've noticed with jerseys (and I have a very high quality one) is the rear-facing pockets that you don't find on any other type of clothing. It's remarkable how reliable those pockets are - despite seeming like you'd lose change, keys, etc., I've yet to lose a single item - even after going down 3 times on my bike. I even carried 2 water bottles back there for awhile when I was doing regular 4+ hr rides on the weekends and didn't want to add a rear rack to my aero framed bike and I didn't even notice them.

Aside from the pockets, though, it's the same exact material as running shirts - polyester/lycra blends. Running shirts work perfectly well, and if they're tighter, they're more aero and will actually work better than a loose fitting cycling jersey. I sporadically put on my 'fred' running gear outfit from time to time to match my fredly entry level road bike, and then hammer the hillclimb with the local competitive roadie crews and it's always funny how I get a bunch of 'good jobs!' (I take it at they expected me to be a beginner noob) at the end whereas if I wear my Cervelo kit, nobody gives a ### because they expect you to ride fast.

I don't think cycling socks are worth it at all - I don't even notice them after 2 minutes in the shoes, but I also have never gotten blisters riding.

The clothing that I think is actually very useful and bike-specific:

- Bike shorts. If you're riding over an hour, you should invest in these, as your butt will get rubbed raw with loose clothing down there. You don't need the best, but you definitely shouldn't skimp on these - there's a very big difference betwen $30 shorts and $80-100 shorts. Thicker pads also do not mean better - a lot has to do with how snug the fit is on you without being constricting.

- Windproof shell for cooler days. You can wear one of these in temps from 30F to 80F and be more or less ok if you wear a baselayer if it's <55. Wind chill can be rough on a bike.

- If you're riding in cold areas, booties or at least toe covers. I used to think those things were excessive, until I rode in LA in a 48F day (not bad at all for riding) into a bunch of dark canyons in the Santa monica mts where temps dropped to mid30s. My upper body was warm, but I nearly got frostbite in my toes due to the extreme cold from wind chill -had to bail the ride early as a result. Ever since, I've been diligent about wearing the booties on cold days.

I routinely do 90-120 minute solo bike rides at a moderate pace wearing a running top, as I don't need the pocket storage, and I like how my compression running shirt fits. I often wear that same shirt as a baselayer under a windproof jacket for cold days. I've been very underwhelmed with my bike jersey compared with cheapo running poly shirts that fit snugly.

AlexZ

Saying what?

Advertising? I have none on my clothes......But I know some people like that sort of thing.
It's OK....keeps us all individuals instead of wearing Mao suits.

Diegomayra

I love kits, even if its my Bikeforums kit, hammer gear, or anything else I can get a hold of. Gives me a mental psyke boost to look good while suffering.

DenDen you will get all kinds of cyclists out there. Those that are snobbish, elitist, and take the sport very seriously, however this shouldn't deter you from doing anything. I am absolutely happy to anyone cycling, period. Its a healthy way to live and the more cyclists out there, the more people inspired.

caloso

The main thing about a proper cycling jersey (other than the zipper, pockets, and wicking) is that it fits correctly while you are in the cycling posture.

DenDen06

Thanks Diegomayra. : )

billyb0b115

I believe cycling jersey's make you go maybe 3-4mph fast being that it's more fitted and wind would effect your speed as much. As for socks, i don't think this makes a difference at all.

Carloswithac

I ride in running shorts and moisture wicking gym shirts. I've been using those for the longest time. I do get looks from fully-kitted cyclists, but you know what, I'm still having fun!

hhnngg1

If you show up on a nontrivial ride or a 'hammerhead' ride without dedicating cycling gear, it shows a few things:

- Odds are significant that if it's a fast hammerhead ride of competitive roadies, that you're going to get dropped. Not always, but this is usually true.

- It does pretty much scream 'I don't bike a LOT.' For a recreational ride of nonracers, they almost definitely couldn't care less, as they're not riding a lot as well, but for racers or long-distance specialists, they pretty much know they're going to make you suffer at some point, and odds are high that they're right.

- Most of these same guys will be hella impressed if you drop them on that hammerhead ride despite your platform pedals, mtn bike, or even running shirt, as they'll assume you have talent on the bike to outride them despite your 'limited' experience.

I once visited my GF (now wife) at her place in Norcal while I was in socal, and it was 38F out but eminently rideable, so I wore a REI hooded mountaineering jacket as my shell over a pair of compression generic running shorts with no pad. (I had just bought a bike to leave at her place that wknd.) Rode with the fast 'noon ride' in Palo Alto (google it) which is nearly 100% competitive roadies. Fortunately winter is off-season for them, so they're not anywhere near as fast as summer, so I easily hung on and even did some breakaway sprints with some guys in the flat sections. It was funny that in the end, I got a LOT of 'good jobs' and 'you did great!' from 5-6 guys after the ride - I've ridden with them before with normal bike roadie gear, and nobody even bothers to glance my way. It's almost definitely because they didnt expect Mr. Dressed-like-noob to actually keep up; I would feel the same way. I did feel very guilty about that though since I'm not a noob (total sandbag would be more appropriate), and I made sure not to wear noob clothing on that ride again!