spdoran

I'm not above buying a Rapha jersey if it means highest quality. I need something that I won't have to buy a new jersey for a while, which means I will need to be happy with my buy. So, what's the best one to buy? Preferably something to keep cool in the Mississippi summer.

gc3

Shirtless in the southern summer... is the only way to go

spdoran

Sounds appealing. Need some pockets to stash my snacks in, though.

rpenmanparker 

This blows me away. Just find the most expensive jersey you can. Pay more than is being asked if you need to just to be sure you will get the best. After all you don't want to have to do this again for another 30-50 years. I'm sure you will like it. In all likelihood it will serve you, your children and grandchildren. Just be sure to wash it with llama spit and a ultra-soft toothbrush. Then hang it in a dark closet away from all heat and light. Be sure to apply sunscreen to the jersey as well as your skin. Makes sense to me.

lsberrios1 

I think it's better to have more and cheaper than fewer and more expensive. Washing constantly can become a huge pain. I have what I consider high end to what I consider OK. High end being Giordanna & Castelli Rosso Corsa vs. OK being Specialized brand to generic brands. Best bibs are the specialized branded bibs. Favorite shirts are two le cock sportif yellow jersey and KOM jersey. Those are $80 bucks each and the bib was $60 I think. Better quality and more comfortable than my $350 speed suit which has holes and is becoming undone.

texbiker

Take a look at Solo jerseys. They are no the cheapest but I like them. I live in Houston where the humidity and temperature are linked.

clausen

Washing a kit only takes a few minutes, I know a few rider who buy the best and wash there kit after every ride. What you are describing might be pricey but not high end. Try some Rapha or Assos if you want high end.

clausen

I've worn allot of brands through various clubs and teams. If I am buying a generic kit it's Assos or Rapha. I find no other brands last as long and are as comfortable.

Bahnzo

Since I've bought two of these and no longer need another:

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Produc...mmaryOnly=true

Buy them out. For $7 it's fine for most uses. Visible, comfortable, no indication of any "seconds" problems, pocket is good, etc.

Machka 

Get whatever you like ... whatever fits and feels comfortable.

I've got heaps of jerseys ... many of which are nearing 20 years old now ... most of which I got on sale at Nashbar, and all of which I machine wash and dry.

Lazyass

All of mine last me for years, any brand. I hand wash in the shower after every ride.

diphthong

i swear by the rapha-super lightweight jersey (full-zip!) with their short sleeved (or long-sleeved if i'm not feeling the sunscreen vibe) merino underliner on the hottest days here in socal.

previously rocked some full-zip castelli stuff. not as temp comfy.

and yah. hand wash it because it's thinner than andy schleck after a nasty bout of food poisoning.

surgeonstone

I have only 2 short sleeve jerseys and 2 long sleeve jerseys. Have had them for years. They are Ibex merino wool Giro full Zipp jerseys and are the best jersey made. Good in all weather from 0-100 F, comfortable and warm or cool whether wet or dry. I wash them 1 time a week, sometimes every other week. They never smell. Best stuff made. I don't need dozens of jerseys, 4 is actually 2 too many.

spdoran

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the help (except for the one jerk). I have one long sleeve and one short sleeve right now, but I bought the short sleeve Garneau off backcountry.com (great deals by the way) for like 25 bucks and it ended up being more 'relaxed' fitting and improved my aero as much as a bead sheet parachute would, so I'm trying to avoid that problem again. The rapha super light weight already mentioned has my attention, but it is a lot of money to spend on a jersey. The good thing is I really only need one because my girlfriend has a rule that I'm not allowed to come in from a ride until I've stripped down at the door for her to wash my clothes, which is nice. I'm thinking about snagging a specialized SL maybe unless someone can talk me into spending the extra money on something else. When I said i wanted something to last I didn't mean not wear or break in, but something that wouldn't be worth my money like the current Garneau jersey.

rpenmanparker 

What, no fun allowed here anymore? I'm offended.

gsa103

Whatever decently high-end jersey you can get at 50+% off.

Cheap jerseys work fine if you're looking for a mid-weight jersey. Basically, they're a synthetic shirt with pockets. For a ride on a moderate day, they work great.

My "best" jersey is one of the LG pro carbon jerseys that I got for $55 from AeroTech Designs. Its by far the lightest & coolest jersey I have, I so lightweight it feels like you're riding without a shirt. Definitely my favorite jersey for riding in 80+F.
For example (S in orange is $64, the others are $160): Louis Garneau Elite Carbon Jersey | Competitive Cyclist

I use "best" in quotes because I have an assortment of jerseys.
1 lightweight (LG pro carbon)
2 midweight (Descente & cheap ebay)
1 long-sleeve thermal

I wear them all about equally. They're all comfortable, its just a matter of matching the jersey to the weather.

I'm all for spending $$ on cycling clothing. My Assos bibs are dramatically better than my cheaper bibs. Jersey's aren't as critical an item. The main differences are in jersey's designed for temperature extremes. Buy one that fits you, and fits your needs.

surgeonstone

He's not a jerk, when you have been around here awhile you sometimes get tired of seeing the same posts and inject a little sarcasm/humor/snark , you get used to it. Just assume that the other person, no matter what the response sounds like, is typing with a smile on their face. Also I try and remember that we all here love cycling and if we stumbled upon each other at work or a party, would have a great time sharing our enthusiasm of this great activity. It lessons the venom.

surgeonstone

On the other hand maybe he is a real jerk. He could be! I mean I really don't know him so he could very well be, a jerk that is. Naw, he cycles, gotta be alright.

rpenmanparker 

I appreciate your confidence. Really!...No, I really mean it.

Seriously, I could have been a PITA pedant and lectured OP about jerseys not being the same big deal that shorts are. That as long as they are made from a decent technical fabric, fit comfortably, and aren't awful to look at, you can't do much better than that. That great closeout deals can be had on really fine jerseys nearly every day at Nashbar at prices way under $80, et. al. That Rapha charges about twice what their goods are worth, even though they may be the best out there. That the more you spend on cycling clothes, the more (it seems) you have to obsess about caring for them in a way that will prolong their useful lifetimes ad infinitum. And so on. I just thought a little sarcasm to get across the same messages would be more creative. Sorry if anyone got offended.

Jakedatc

Other than my free Cadillac Giordana jersey, my hammer nutrition one is my favorite (and becomes my favorite in the summer since the Cadillac one is black). Light weight, fits snug, pockets are nice, full zip.
Cycling Jerseys - High Quality Voler Jerseys | Hammer Nutrition

gc3

I've got a bunch of fugly jerseys from rides that are brand new. Can sell them cheap.

spdoran

Here's the issue I have with self proclaimed forum veterans:You all get sick and tired of hearing the same questions again and again, but the questions seem to all vastly different answers based on when they were asked. I'm sure each and every one of you suggested someone buy the brown and white Molteni jersey back in 1970 and have been largely upset that anyone could move on from there. Unfortunately for the easily bothered, new gear comes out at least once a year from every major company, so the jerseys that have been suggested in the past to my question are now suitable for cleaning my shoes (except maybe the Rapha ones[got ya]). If an every changing world is what makes you upset, then probably best to get off the forums where most of us come for up-to-date, level-headed information about current topics. If I just went out and bought a jersey that costs more than 15 bucks off nashbar you people would be just as quick to make a comment about being spoiled or quick to waste money, but instead I tried to reach out to others to see if they knew of a superior product that would be cost worthy. Now, I see some stupid, and I mean STUPID, stuff on the forums everyday and somehow I manage to avoid clicking on topics that I find useless. I know it is harder for some than it has been for myself, but come on. If you don't like it then just don't comment on it.

spdoran

The hammer jersey looks pretty good the for price I might snag one of those at some point. Not looking for an fugly jerseys though...

rpenmanparker 

What makes you think I don't like your topic?

TranceLov3

Go shirtless yeaaah!!