Gone are the days when a short-sleeve cycling jersey was not much more than a t-shirt with a quarter-zip, collar and some handy pockets sewn into the back to keep your tools and snacks.
Cycle clothing companies have since invested a lot of research and design into perfecting fit and sourcing highly technical materials so that your jersey will help you perform at your best. Whether it’s material that stretches to provide the optimal fit and aerodynamics, wicking moisture away from the body keeping you cool and dry when it’s hot or to work as part of a layering system to protect against inclement conditions.
- 10 best road bike helmets 2019
- 9 best road cycling shoes for 2019
- Best Oakley cycling sunglasses of 2019
What to look for in a short sleeve jersey?
Most performance jerseys will be constructed from a synthetic material such as nylon or polyester. These materials offer superb wicking and breathability to move sweat away from the body so it quickly evaporates leaving you dry and comfortable when you are working hard. Thin mesh style materials are incorporated to maximise breathability where it is needed the most, such as under the arms, which further helps with cooling. High levels of stretch both two-way and four-way can be engineered into synthetics for a perfect close fit to reduce bunching and maximise aerodynamic properties.
ADVERTISEMENT
That's not to say natural materials such as merino don’t have their advantages and companies like Rapha have been developing high-performance merino-based materials that are still extremely breathable and well-fitting. Both soft and hardwearing, merino will keep you warm even when soaked and the natural material resists odour build-up. Thanks to these properties, natural fibres lend themselves well for long days in the saddle where comfort trumps super aggressive aero designs.
Fit is key so it is important to choose a jersey that suits your intended style of riding. An aggressive race fit is designed to be ridden in the drops and to cut through the air with maximum efficiency. They feature shorter torsos and longer arms to optimise fit while in a more aggressive position. Slim-fit jerseys are a little looser and longer to improve comfort for longer rides or relaxed coffee runs.
Almost all jerseys use a full-length zip so when it’s very warm the front can be unzipped to help regulate temperature. To reduce irritation a flap on the collar houses the zip so it doesn’t rub while riding.
The 10 best short sleeve jerseys you can buy today
Assos Equipe Evo8
- Fit: Race
- Available colour options: 5
- Material: 19% Polyamide (Nylon), 66% Polyester, 15% Elastane
- Pockets: 3
- Reflective details: Yes
Assos Cento Evo8
- Fit: Slim
- Available colour options: 3
- Material: 63% Polyamide (Nylon), 20% Polyester, 17% Elastane (Spandex)
- Pockets: 4
- Reflective details: Yes
Castelli Gabba 3
- Fit: Slim
- Available colour options: 4
- Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane(Spandex)
- Pockets: 3
- Reflective details: Yes
Castelli Aero Race 6.0
- Fit: Race
- Available colour options: 3
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Pockets: 3
- Reflective details: Yes
Rapha Classic II
- Fit: Slim
- Available colour options: 5
- Material: 64% Polyester, 36% Merino wool
- Pockets: 4
- Reflective details: Yes
Rapha Pro Team Aero
- Fit: Race
- Available colour options: 4
- Material: 86% Polyester, 14% Elastane
- Pockets: 4
- Reflective details: Yes
Sportful Bodyfit Pro 2.0 Evo
- Fit: Race
- Available colour options: 5
- Material: 85% Polyester, 15% Elastane
- Pockets: 3
- Reflective details: Yes
Endura D2Z Aero
- Fit: Race
- Available colour options: 1
- Material: 72% Polyamide (Nylon), 18% Polyester, 10% Elastane (Spandex)
- Pockets: 1
- Reflective details: No
Le Col Pro
- Fit: Race
- Available colour options: 3
- Material: 81% Polyester, 19% Elastane (Spandex)
- Pockets: 4
- Reflective details: Yes
Le Col Pro Air
- Fit: Race
- Available colour options: 2
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Pockets: 4
- Reflective details: No
Chapeau! Club Pro Jersey
- Fit: Race
- Available colour options: 12
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Pockets: 4
- Reflective details: Yes
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/best-cycling-jerseys-for-2019
No comments:
Post a Comment