Jerseys

[Crankin]

NY, you and I are exactly alike when it comes to bike jerseys! I can't imagine having 2, or 5, or even 7. Mine last for years, but styles and fit have changed, so I cull the herd every year. I generally buy one new short sleeved jersey a year and 1-2 sleeveless. I am happy with my heavy thermal long sleeved jerseys, but I'd like another mid weight one and maybe another regular LS one. Of course, I love to shop (on-line), so a lot of my shopping has transferred over to cycling and other athletic apparel. Plus, I never do laundry more than 2X a week, and that is only because of all of the cycling and worse, winter sports stuff, that has to be cleaned. Otherwise, it would be 1X a week. The best part is, when we go on cycling trips, when everyone else is washing their stuff in the sink, DH and I have enough pairs of shorts and clean jerseys for the whole tour.

[shootingstar]

During the lst 10 years of cycling, I swore I would not wear a jersey.

Now I prefer for last 15 years, to wear a jersey unless I'm cycling a super short distance somewhere close to home. I have quite a number of jerseys --some more frequently worn than others. But I have not thrown out a jersey yet. I still wear jerseys 15 yrs. old. I choose fabrics that aren't too thin and durable for washing machine.

I keep cycling jerseys, tights, shorts, gloves and helmet in 2 different cities where we live. That's what you can do with too much cycling clothing. I haven't bought a cycling jersey in the past 18 months. Some years, no clothing. I never have to pack such clothing when I travel between the 2 cities.

On cycling stuff annually, I spend money on repair, occasional bike parts that wear out after several years of use. So honestly, cost-wise, cycling has become cheaper for me.

I tend to wear walking shorts if I choose something non-cycling oriented.

[Sky King]

long sleeve jersey in the cooler months but once it gets hot I wear long-sleeve sun shirts. I put a wicking camisole type top on over my sports bra and then my long sleeve sun shirt. I have 3 different ones - all bright colors, love the venting and the air flow. As I don't race I have found them to be extremely comfortable for both day rides and touring. I have a front rack bag so I don't need the pockets a jersey provides.

[salsabike]

Sky King, can you show us the long-sleeve sun shirts or tell us what brand? I'd like to look into those. Thanks.

[Blueberry]

I'm not Sky King, but I have a few of these. I wear them all summer - riding, at the beach, walking around - they really do protect nicely from the sun.

[OakLeaf]

I'm not Sky King, but I have a few of these. I wear them all summer - riding, at the beach, walking around - they really do protect nicely from the sun.

I'm a big fan of the Zoot arm coolers. Right now they're on sale for $12! and I might just grab another pair in case the ones I have wear out. I've heard good things about Craft's cooling garments too, though I've never even seen them in person.

I haven't actually worn a Columbia shirt, but last year I was at an event where they were giving out half sleeve swatches made of their cooling fabric. I wore one on one arm and my Zoot sleeve on the other and I thought the Zoot sleeve was noticeably cooler and more comfortable.

Since I always wear short sleeved jerseys (or T-shirts when I'm just hanging out spectating), I don't need to cover my shoulders with anything extra, though some people here have said good things about the DeSoto Cool Wings bolero. I don't recommend the DeSoto standalone sleeves - they're just as effective as the Zoots against sunburn and heat, but the fit is weird, and since the fabric has very little stretch, if they don't fit exactly right they won't stay up.

Do be aware that any cooling garment has to fit like a second skin, like pantyhose, since they work by increasing evaporation, and if the fabric isn't in contact with the skin, they'll just trap a layer of air which will insulate and make you even hotter. That's one reason I prefer a short sleeved jersey plus sleeves rather than a full-on skin-tight cooling shirt.

[Sky King]

Yes, have arm sleeves as well but for some reason it is just easier for me to do the sun shirt. My photo on this response shows me in my all time favorite one It is from a company called Stillwater Supply. 100 % poly but it doesn't stink, has holes in the armpits for vent and a nice vent across the shoulders. I have a columbia that is heavier weight than the Stillwater. Then I scored an extremely awesome one at a 2nd hand outdoor store by a company called ExOfficio is 85%Nylon 15% poly. It has wonderful venting down the sides plus the venting across the shoulder plus it is a great bright salmon color