Modern short sleeve jerseys
Discussion
As well as buying a pile of nice bits for my incoming bike, I thought I would treat myself a new jersey.
I have 3 old jerseys from about 20 years ago, which I'm pleased to say still fit me now as I rapidly approach 50.
They are all versions on what I would best describe as sort of normal technical t-shirt material with lycra stretch added.
My favourite is a Gore Bike Wear one which has done countless miles and still looks good now.
But this week, I have ordered 4 new jerseys, and returned them all... it doesn't help that I'm tall, and 2 of them were Italian so came up way too short, just like 20 years ago (I hoped sizing might have changed a little... I remember thinking I must be about XXXXXXXL in Castelli back in the day)...
...but what's with the material they're made of? It's like some weird blend of extra-lycra-magic mixed with clingfilm. They are the size of a postage stamp when you got them out of the bag, hang back/up by the side of my ribs, yet somehow do do up at the front and "fit" - in the way that pallet wrap fits a pallet! And I've been choosing ones described as "relaxed fit"!!
I know you don't want cloth flapping around, but this stuff is ludicrous.
The Gore C5 I ordered was the least bad - it was long enough, but the sleeves were oddly loose given how fitted the rest was, and I just didn't like it 80 quid's worth. I nearly kept it, then went and tried on my old Gore one again, and knew immediately that I would still reach for the old one first, every time.
Are all modern jerseys made of this stuff?
Is there a version that is a little more flattering to the not-totally-fit 50 year old figure? (My old ones manage this!)
Or do I just have to get used to the new fabric and keep looking for the best fit?
I have 3 old jerseys from about 20 years ago, which I'm pleased to say still fit me now as I rapidly approach 50.
They are all versions on what I would best describe as sort of normal technical t-shirt material with lycra stretch added.
My favourite is a Gore Bike Wear one which has done countless miles and still looks good now.
But this week, I have ordered 4 new jerseys, and returned them all... it doesn't help that I'm tall, and 2 of them were Italian so came up way too short, just like 20 years ago (I hoped sizing might have changed a little... I remember thinking I must be about XXXXXXXL in Castelli back in the day)...
...but what's with the material they're made of? It's like some weird blend of extra-lycra-magic mixed with clingfilm. They are the size of a postage stamp when you got them out of the bag, hang back/up by the side of my ribs, yet somehow do do up at the front and "fit" - in the way that pallet wrap fits a pallet! And I've been choosing ones described as "relaxed fit"!!
I know you don't want cloth flapping around, but this stuff is ludicrous.
The Gore C5 I ordered was the least bad - it was long enough, but the sleeves were oddly loose given how fitted the rest was, and I just didn't like it 80 quid's worth. I nearly kept it, then went and tried on my old Gore one again, and knew immediately that I would still reach for the old one first, every time.
Are all modern jerseys made of this stuff?
Is there a version that is a little more flattering to the not-totally-fit 50 year old figure? (My old ones manage this!)
Or do I just have to get used to the new fabric and keep looking for the best fit?
You have my sympathy.
I'm a reasonably fit but chunky 50 year old with a 42 inch chest and have various jerseys from different manufacturers.
Most cycling gear seems to be made for men who have a 36 inch chest and the physique of a praying mantis.
I've often thought there must be a market for the larger cyclist, the 2 or 3 times a month guy who just wants to keep the grim reaper at bay and not compete in the next Olympics.
I came home one day with an Attaquer jersey in xl, I had reservations in the shop but the assistant was a fantastic salesman / liar) and the wife, once she had stopped rolling around on the floor in hysterics told me to make sure that I wore a jacket over ot until I was at least 10miles from the house in case anyone she knew saw me.
Maybe try Dnb, I've found they make some decent larger relaxed fit sizes and they are also reasonably priced on wiggle.
I'm a reasonably fit but chunky 50 year old with a 42 inch chest and have various jerseys from different manufacturers.
Most cycling gear seems to be made for men who have a 36 inch chest and the physique of a praying mantis.
I've often thought there must be a market for the larger cyclist, the 2 or 3 times a month guy who just wants to keep the grim reaper at bay and not compete in the next Olympics.
I came home one day with an Attaquer jersey in xl, I had reservations in the shop but the assistant was a fantastic salesman / liar) and the wife, once she had stopped rolling around on the floor in hysterics told me to make sure that I wore a jacket over ot until I was at least 10miles from the house in case anyone she knew saw me.
Maybe try Dnb, I've found they make some decent larger relaxed fit sizes and they are also reasonably priced on wiggle.
gradeA said:
Ok, so I clicked on that... and it brought up a big banner saying "camo collection" and another question in my head:When did it become a good idea to actually try NOT to be seen on the road? Cycling tops have enough problems already with mixed blocks of colour - anything that breaks up your outline makes it harder for other people to notice you as a person (see naval dazzle camouflage). This can be lessened somewhat with brighter colours in the daytime and reflective at night...
...but deliberately wearing camouflage???!!!
outnumbered said:
slk 32 said:
Most cycling gear seems to be made for men who have a 36 inch chest and the physique of a praying mantis.
As someone with that exact physique.... If only that were true I have enormous trouble finding kit that's long enough !I have a lovely jersey I got with my Enigma. I'm suitably tosser like to wear a matching jersey to the bike. Have a few boardmen 'leisure' type cycling tops that are fine/cheap/useful.
Should probably check out whoever made the Enigma kit - or see if my love of Lusso shorts translates to their top half offerings.
slk 32 said:
Maybe try Dnb, I've found they make some decent larger relaxed fit sizes and they are also reasonably priced on wiggle.
Plus one for DHB (if what you meant!). Classic and Blok have less aggressive fitting. Merino mixes typically fit and look less tight too, particularly hiding bibstraps. Rapha Classic II has some.
Adidas had a pretty loose range (Radtricot?) That I use for commuting. Their others are so tight that fitting in them is more of an objective for the end of season...
gradeA said:
Got some of their kit both new & S/H from Ebay where people have changed size. Great fit & good range. Also some BXIO from either Aliexpress or Amazon.co.uk, Good range of sizes from tiny to huge, well made & fits & washes well.
OP - have a look at Torm. Merino smartwool rather than cling-film, sensible sizing, top quality IMHO and you're supporting a small bike shop. Downside is as they have small production runs, stock goes quickly. Follow them on social media so you can get an order in quickly when stock lands. I've got a T17 reflective short-sleeve and a T18 reflective long-sleeve. Sensible money at £72/75.
https://www.torm.cc
As a side note, I've been becoming more & more bemused by the prices being charged for clothing. A quick look on Sigma Sports shows plenty of choice in summer, short-sleeve jerseys which are £130, £150 or more
https://www.torm.cc
As a side note, I've been becoming more & more bemused by the prices being charged for clothing. A quick look on Sigma Sports shows plenty of choice in summer, short-sleeve jerseys which are £130, £150 or more
Dnlm said:
slk 32 said:
Maybe try Dnb, I've found they make some decent larger relaxed fit sizes and they are also reasonably priced on wiggle.
Plus one for DHB (if what you meant!). Classic and Blok have less aggressive fitting. Merino mixes typically fit and look less tight too, particularly hiding bibstraps. Rapha Classic II has some.
Adidas had a pretty loose range (Radtricot?) That I use for commuting. Their others are so tight that fitting in them is more of an objective for the end of season...
I'm 6` 3" & nudging 70 so the slimness has gone a bit I'm afraid due to fewer miles & the same appetite.
I recognise exactly the issue you have! I've got quite a few tops from years back but have found that there are some sellers on Ebay with stocks of `retro` kit & some of it is either new or as good as.
Look for some size 7 stuff or XXXL - most give a `pit to pit` & length measurement to help. Some are so naff they are now trendy but a lot still look quite smart to me. e.g.
Maybe the designers think anyone on a bike has the same physique as Chris Froome ...
I recognise exactly the issue you have! I've got quite a few tops from years back but have found that there are some sellers on Ebay with stocks of `retro` kit & some of it is either new or as good as.
Look for some size 7 stuff or XXXL - most give a `pit to pit` & length measurement to help. Some are so naff they are now trendy but a lot still look quite smart to me. e.g.
Maybe the designers think anyone on a bike has the same physique as Chris Froome ...
Harpoon said:
OP - have a look at Torm. Merino smartwool rather than cling-film, sensible sizing, top quality IMHO and you're supporting a small bike shop. Downside is as they have small production runs, stock goes quickly. Follow them on social media so you can get an order in quickly when stock lands. I've got a T17 reflective short-sleeve and a T18 reflective long-sleeve. Sensible money at £72/75.
https://www.torm.cc
As a side note, I've been becoming more & more bemused by the prices being charged for clothing. A quick look on Sigma Sports shows plenty of choice in summer, short-sleeve jerseys which are £130, £150 or more
Sssshhh don't tell everyone!https://www.torm.cc
As a side note, I've been becoming more & more bemused by the prices being charged for clothing. A quick look on Sigma Sports shows plenty of choice in summer, short-sleeve jerseys which are £130, £150 or more
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff