[jmitch offline]

I bought a mtb jersey so I'd have some pockets in the back but this "wicking" material drives me crazy! To me, it's not only uncomfortable but feels hot and I can't tell that it's BREATHING at all! I went through the same thing with golf shirts, but luckily there are still companies that make 100% cotton golf shirts. Looked on Ebay for cotton jerseys and found ONE ugly one (tie dyed ain't my thing....anymore). I'd rather drench a cotton shirt... Can someone's momma make me one or two?

[schwim offline]

I just wear t-shirts. I like the relaxed fit better and I don't have to take out a loan to purchase one.

[uekiya offline]

I agree Scwimm t-shirts are the way to go.

[steve32300]

Yep,,T-shirts...

[fleetwood offline]

Yes, Schwim's t-shirts are very comfortable, but I typically wear "technical" t-shirts from Target. They are lightweight, breathable, and at a fraction of the cost of cycling brand wear. When it is colder I'll wear a base layer and put a couple layers on top.

I'm a big fan of whatever works for you. I'm not into full kits, spandex shorts, etc., but if that is how roll, so be it. Likewise, if you are more comfortable in cotton t-shirts, go for it. The biggest downside to cotton might be sweating or getting rained on in cold weather. Once cotton gets wet, it is not easy to get dry. I imagine it could get cumbersome even in warmer temps if soaked with sweat. But again, if it works for you, that's what matters.

[Jared13 offline]

I haven't worn a jersey yet, I go with the 'active wear' items everyone else is talking about.

I have a few from different manufacturers, the only one I know by name is dri-fit by Nike. I have both SS and LS versions of the dri-fit (bought through my paintball team) and those seem to work quite well.

I wear a camelbak on pretty much all my rides so I don't need the back pockets. As an added bonus I can wear them while running/working out and I don't look completely out of place!

[jmitch offline]

Thanks for the input. I usually wear a camel bak but thought that on rides of 15 miles or so it would be nice to just carry a bottle and phone in a couple of back pockets. I just love me some cotton! Maybe my on line of cotton jerseys with a couple of rear pockets...
I guess I could always put the water cages and "bag" back under the seat but was hoping to keep as much weight off of the steel bike as possible. Thanks again!

[oneeyeredeye offline]

can not stand cycling jerseys on me either. cant stand the feeling of them on my skin while sweating. so it is cotton for me.

[Bonsai-CP offline]

I cannot stand a cycling jersey, but I do like the DH and FR jersey's though. They are far more comfortable and fit better, plus they are breathable and still wick sweat away quickly. I also like them because they dry quickly, even while wearing it, whereas regular T's do not, they stay soaked. I do wear T's when it gets chilly enough though, usually with under armor beneath to wick sweat away.

[maddslacker offline]

cotton: absorb sweat and chafe
t-shirts: absorb sweat, flap in the breeze, and chafe

cycling jerseys: wick away sweat, don't chafe, and pockets for FOOD!

[dgaddis offline]

cotton: absorb sweat and chafe
t-shirts: absorb sweat, flap in the breeze, and chafe

cycling jerseys: wick away sweat, don't chafe, and pockets for FOOD!

+1

Jerseys are a lot like lycra bike shorts...there's a reason you see experienced riders wearing them, because they're better. Most folks reach that conclusion eventually, if they try 'em.

Fit/cut is all personal preference of course. They're not all skin tight. I like the club cut, tightish, but not too tight.

Full zip + 3 rear pockets = ideal (for me)

I like being able to carry stuff in the pockets, and the zipper lets you open it up for better airflow, and makes taking it off WAY easier.

[jtorlando25 offline]

Jerseys are a lot like lycra bike shorts...there's a reason you see experienced riders wearing them, because they're better. Most folks reach that conclusion eventually, if they try 'em.

Or because they just want to look experienced.

My crew of mtb friends are fully decked out in jerseys, spandex, and clipless pedals. They ride 2-3 times a month and make fun of my gear. I ride flats and wear whatever is comfortable and ride 100+ miles per month.

Just because it's "better" for you, doesn't mean it is for every rider.

[maddslacker offline]

I merely stated facts, I didn't claim anything was better than anything else. And of course there are weekend warriors/posers in every sport...

Before I got into mountain biking I did a lot of hiking and xc skiing. That is where I first learned how much of a difference it makes to wear appropriate clothing.

[dgaddis offline]

Jerseys are a lot like lycra bike shorts...there's a reason you see experienced riders wearing them, because they're better. Most folks reach that conclusion eventually, if they try 'em.

Or because they just want to look experienced.

True, we've all meet folks like that

But, when most people use something, there's generally a good reason. Whether it's jerseys, lycra shorts, suspension, gears, etc.

[jtorlando25 offline]

But, when most people use something, there's generally a good reason. Whether it's jerseys, lycra shorts, suspension, gears, etc.

Gears!? nawwww
Your quote reminds me of that Surly blog post: http://surlybikes.com/blog/post/some_answers_to_just_about_any_bike_forum_post_ive_ever_read